Effective: 2022-03-31

Course Description

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

SOC 200 is a course for students whose college and career paths necessitate knowledge of the organization and operation of the social world. Emphasis is placed on the development of the sociological imagination and the ability to recognize the historical, cultural and institutional forces that shape society and social interactions. In addition, knowledge and application of sociological research methodologies will be used to understand the social world and engage in civic life. Accordingly, students will develop sociological reasoning and research skills to support reasonable conclusions via the following content learning outcomes: sociological imagination, sociological theory, research methods, culture and various social institutions and organization including, but not limited to race/ethnicity, social class, and sex/gender.

Course Objectives

• Cultural and Social Understanding
• Identify and assess the relationship between institutions and individuals.
• Identify the elements of culture, including norms, values, symbols, and beliefs, and explain the impact that culture has on human interactions.
• Critical Thinking
• Evaluate evidence carefully and utilize reasoning skills in order to demonstrate comprehension of complex social issues.
• Use sociological concepts/scholarly sources to examine complex social issues and promote problem solving.
• Apply course concepts to construct a logically sound and well-reasoned argument.
• Communication
• Demonstrate the ability to develop, convey, and exchange ideas in writing, as appropriate to a given context and audience.
• Theory and Application
• Explain the major theoretical perspectives: structural-functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism
• Demonstrate the ability to apply theories to understand individual and group behavior within the context of social institutions.
• Research Methods
• Demonstrate an understanding of various sociological research methods.
• Explain the use of the scientific approach in conducting sociological research.
• Sociological Imagination
• Explain the sociological imagination and apply it to better understand the social world.
• Institutions and Social Structure
• Discuss the relationships between individuals and social structures, including the process of socialization.
• Examine social stratification as it relates to statuses such as race/ethnicity, social class, sex/gender, and others.

Major Topics to be Included

• Theory and Application
• Research Methods
• Sociological Imagination
• Institutions and Social Structure