Sociology

Sociology

I. Please read chapters 1 AND chapters on Race and Social Stratification, as well as related fyi websites attached to the discussion question, and related PowerPoint Presentations on the Course Homepage (What is Sociology, Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology, and Major Sociology Theorists) to address the following question. Be sure to use as many terms for your textbook and posted review sheets on the course homepage.

(*give concrete examples and be sure to let me know you have read the material. in addition to your textbook, use any other website information i may post with each discussion question. i realize you do not have the benefit of my lectures for this online course, so it is up to you to 'convince' me you know the material. We depend a lot on you for this type of course. that is evident in the quality and quantity of your writing. So, a bit of what is required from you is to summarize the readings. Too little not good and too much not necessarily needed. Some of what we do will require you give back information that you read and some of what we do allows you to give your opinions (that is called critical analysis, when you give opinion based on fact). Also, remember all types of students who have diverse personal experiences take this course. So, you never know who is reading your response and may be affected by what you have to say. But, most importantly try to enjoy learning something you may not have known before! dr. b. :))

1. What is sociology and the sociological perspective? What do you see are some of the most important uses of sociology? What is meant by the nature vs. nurture debate in the social sciences? Describe and compare and contrast functional theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Who are the major contributors (theorists) to each theory? Which theory is a macro level theory and which is a micro level theory? What is a demographic variable? Using race and social class as two major demographic variables, define each and explain the consequences of developing notions of race and social class. Cite an example of how each theory can be used to understand some human behavior, issue, or social problem of your choice.

SEE POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS ON COURSE HOMEPAGE –

WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?

THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIOLOGY

MAJOR SOCIOLOGICAL THEORISTS

RACE

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION