Introduces students who are considering majoring in sociology to the basic topics, concepts, and principles of the study of society. This course is required for the major; 1 or any version of 3 is prerequisite for other sociology classes; students not considering a sociology major are directed to any version of 3 or 3AC.

Sociology studies how forces beyond our control and outside the realm of nature shape what we feel, perceive, want and get. Behaviors that may at first seem like deeply personal choices or determined by nature -suicide, academic achievement, college major- are shown by sociologist to be clearly affected by how we are raised and who we interact with. Sociologist apply this distinct approach to three interrelated sets of questions: Identity: To which groups do we belong and how does this affect our behavior? Inequality: Which group gets what, when and most importantly why? Integration: How do groups produce social order and solidarity? Sociologists believe that answering these questions lies at the hard of understanding both the history of mankind and the world we live in today. In this class you will learn how to answer these questions yourself by investigating differences within and across societies, studying how sociologists have made sense of these differences and exploring how all of this matters for you and your surroundings. Students will improve their analytical skills by drawing connections between social science theory, popular non-fiction, historical monographs and journalistic accounts. Upon completing the course, students will not only be acquainted with the main types of sociological explanation, but they will also be able to evaluate the evidence supporting the various explanations. In turn, this will help students to see society more clearly and, hopefully, with greater empathy for those who are different.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for Sociology 1 after completing Sociology 3, 3A or 3AC.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills