Sociology is the scientific study of human society, social behavior, and the patterns of relationships that exist between individuals and groups. As an academic discipline, sociology seeks to understand the complexity of social life and how it affects human behavior. This chapter, “Introduction to Sociology,” provides an overview of the field of sociology, its history, and the methods used to study social phenomena. Section 1.1 examines what sociology is and the various perspectives and approaches used to understand society. Section 1.2 delves into the history of sociology, exploring the major theorists who shaped the discipline.
Section 1.3 discusses the methods used in sociological research, including qualitative and quantitative approaches. Section 1.4 highlights the importance of theory in sociology, and section 1.5 explores the different research methods used in sociology. By the end of this chapter, readers will have a better understanding of the scope and methods of sociology and its relevance in understanding our complex and changing social world.
- SLO 1: Comprehend and articulate the key concepts of sociology, its role in understanding social phenomena, and its applicability to real-world issues.
- SLO 2: Identity, analyze, and distinguish between key figures, ideas, and theoretical perspectives in sociology and their contributions to the field’s development.
- SLO 3: Understand the sociological perspective and methods, their distinctiveness, and their applicability to different social contexts, backed by empirical evidence.
- SLO 4: Recognize the role and evolution of sociological theory, its main paradigms, and their use in explaining patterns of behavior, social relations, and social institutions.
- SLO 5: Understand and evaluate various research methods in sociology, their applications, advantages, disadvantages, and their significance in understanding human behavior and societal interactions.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 05/07/2023
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