Sociology 110 - Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology 


COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is an introduction to the methods and disciplines of sociology, including the history, theories, and terminology with a focus on Canada. A particular focus of the course is sociology concerning Canadian Indigenous groups and the sociological effects and responses to colonization. Students will survey the theoretical bases and practical uses of sociology.


General topics include: sociological approaches and methods, social structures and institutes, as well as social differentiation (race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality.)

     

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1. Generally characterize the history and disciplinary approach of sociology.
  2. Describe the theories of the founders of sociology and the major schools of sociological thought.
  3. Critically examine the history and impact of sociological research on Indigenous peoples, especially in Canada.
  4. Explain various aspects of basic sociological research including quantitative and qualitative research, and ethnographic and narrative analysis.
  5. Explain the roles of scientific induction, operational definitions, statistical explanations, and rhetoric in the field of sociology, and compare and contrast these approaches to those of Indigenous ways of understanding society.
  6. Distinguish different conceptions of the meaning of "culture" and identify potential biases arising out of presuppositions associated with the term.
  7. Explain different theories of socialization, and identify and evaluate the potential socializing effects of various agents, institutes, and media. To compare these forms of socialization with traditional Indigenous forms of socialization. 
  8. Explain and compare the meanings and potential impacts of "status" and role development, in mainstream and Indigenous societies.
  9. Analyze the nature and impact of bureaucracy and formal rationality on the lives of Canadians, especially Indigenous Canadians.
  10. Describe the different and contested conceptions and theories of "deviance" and the historical reasons for the application of the term "deviants" to specific persons or groups of persons.
  11. Explain the sociological importance of the family and the variations of the meaning of "family" historically and culturally.
  12. Analyze the role of religions in Canada from a sociological point of view, especially in relation to Indigenous peoples.
  13. Critically discuss the concepts of class and social stratification. To identify the historical origins of these concepts, and to explore the question of their present usefulness for understanding Canadian society and its Indigenous peoples.
  14. Discuss and explain whether, or to what degree, the classifications of races, sexes, and ethnicities, are natural and/or constructed categorizations.
  15. Identify and explain social, legal, and psychological sources of racism and suggest how they might be overcome.
  16. Discuss and evaluate models and theories of social change.

 

COURSE SYLLABUS:

·      Total hours: 63

·      Total weeks: 14

·      Delivery - hours/week, etc: 4.5 hours, once/week