Introduction to Sociology

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the difference between ‘taken-for-granted thinking’ and ‘critical sociological thinking’.
2. Examine the ‘western’ tradition of classical sociological theorists (such as Marx, Weber, and Durkheim) and critically evaluate why non-western thinkers (such as Khaldūn) are usually excluded from the mainstream sociology canon.
3. Describe a sociological understanding of the contemporary world using a range of theoretical perspectives to locate people’s lived experiences in historical context.
4. Examine a range of sociological perspectives such as the sociological imagination, the social construction of reality, science as a way of knowing, and society as the product of human social interactions.
5. Use an intersectional approach to describe oppressions of class, race, gender, religion, and sexuality.
6. Evaluate how ‘digital sociology’ helps explain the social impact of the internet, ‘big data’ and surveillance.
7. Engage in a dialogue with peers to explain social phenomena from a sociological frame of reference.
8. Use a scaffolded approach to write a sociological research essay.