Sociology (Semester 2)
Course Description:
Sociology is about people – how they act, interact, and react with one another. Through this course, students will better understand the complexities of human societies. This senior-level class intends to better prepare students for life in a university setting. This course is to help students understand their place in the groups to which they belong and the function, influence, and interaction within institutions, neighborhoods, and societies. Sociology investigates human society, social relations, organization, and change. This course encourages critical analysis and fosters a deeper understanding of the social world by examining various principles, theories, and methods of sociology. Students will use surveys, case studies, experiments, and interviews to help them gain a better understanding of the people who make up the planet.
Essential Questions:
1. How do societal structures, norms, and institutions shape human behavior and interactions?
2. What are social inequality and injustice's root causes and consequences?
3. How can sociological insights inform our approach to addressing real-world social issues?
Key Topics:
1. Introduction to Sociology: Concepts, theories, and research methods.
2. Institutions: Family, education, religion, the media, etc.
3. Socialization and Identity: How individuals develop within society - how a society develops people.
4. Social Structures and ROles: Class, race, gender, etc.
5. Deviance and Social Control: Crime, conformity, and the criminal justice.
6. Social Change: Technology, globalization, and social movements.
7. Applied Sociology: Using Sociology theories and methods in society.
Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
The main objective of the Sociology course is to equip students with the essential tools to analyze and understand the complex web of human societies. By encouraging social-emotional growth and the development of critical thinking and executive functioning skills, this course will empower students to apply sociological insights to create positive change in the world.
1. Students will analyze and interpret social phenomena and perspectives.
2. Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing policies, decisions, and current events.
3. Students will develop critical thinking and research skills through sociological inquiry.
4. Students will discuss complex social issues and controversies.
5. Students will apply sociological knowledge to real-world problems and advocacy efforts.
Areas for Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning Growth:
1. Empathy: Students will develop empathy and perspective-taking by learning about various cultures, points of view, and diverse societies.
2. Effective Communication and teamwork: Learned through collaboration and class discussions.
3. Time and Self-Management: The development of EF skills through independent research, assignments, and projects.
4. Decision-Making: Examining historical strategies will foster effective decision-making skills.
