SOC 1103 - Introduction To Sociology*

3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the academic field of sociology. Sociology comprises the study of society, human groups, culture, and social interactions. The course will introduce students to the field by focusing on several important sociological topics, including socialization, social inequality, race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, deviance/social control, globalization, and religion. Students will develop critical thinking skills by employing sociological theories and research methods to understand the connection between self and society.

Course Level Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Employ the sociological imagination to address issues such as globalization, social inequality, race/ethnicity,gender, sexuality, deviance/social control, and religion. (GEO 1, 2, 3)
2. Summarize and apply the characteristics of the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective,
and the interactionist perspective to the various sociological topics studied throughout the semester.
(GEO 1, 2, 3)
3. Summarize the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of the major research designs in the field of sociology. (GEO 1, 3)
4. Explain the role of socialization in shaping human behavior, self-concepts, and moral codes. (GEO 1, 3, 4)
5. Recognize the role of social institutions (family, education, religion, criminal justice systems, political systems, and economic systems) in shaping human behavior. (GEO 2, 3)
6. Explain causes and effects of stratification/social inequality in both the United States and in the world system. (GEO 2, 3, 4)
7. Describe the impact of prejudice and discrimination on social relations. (GEO 2, 4)
8. Recognize and appreciate the complexity of multicultural/international diversity. (GEO 3, 4)

ACTS Equivalent Course Number: SOCI 1013