We live in a world where the majority do much of the work while a minority does little or no work at all, where many go to bed hungry while tons and tons of food are left to rot in warehouses, and where millions are constantly stripped of their dignity while a small number get all the respect. What does it mean to think “sociologically” about this world? Why might we want to think sociologically at all? How might it help us understand our lives?
This course is a general introduction to sociology—its nature, its scope, some of its basic concepts, several of its main theoretical approaches, and its range of methods. We will talk about some of the core assumptions that set sociology apart from other disciplines. We will learn more about key sociological objects such as “social forces,” “structures,” “culture,” “institutions,” “capitalism,” “patriarchy,” etc.—and how sociologists have sought to explore them. To make our exploration more concrete, we will focus on one substantive topic that has been at the center of much sociological theorizing and research: inequality. In what ways are people in modern society stratified? Why is it that some have more wealth, exercise more power, or are accorded more esteem than others? What effect do these inequalities have on people? How are these inequalities maintained? Should they be maintained—or should they be abolished? How?
By the end of the semester, you should be able to
- identify basic sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives in the field of sociology;
- assess the ways through which social forces inform and shape our social environment;
- critically analyze social phenomena; and
- differentiate techniques in studying social events and realities
- Teacher: Herbert Docena