Lesson 1: What is Sociology?
Attention
Sociology is many things...it touches every aspect of our lives...
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:
- Identify the influence of globalization, urbanization, and technology on everyday life
- Identity why the study of sociology may be important in your future career.
Teaching
~ Read Chapter 1 in Benokraitis ~
Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social interaction.
A society is a large social grouping that shares the same geographical territory and is subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.
We study sociology because it surrounds us. We are a part of our society and it effects us in personal ways.
We can also recognize that our world is changing. Through the processes of Globalization and Urbanization the boundaries of our cultures are blurring and our awareness of culture and different political authorities is much greater than it has been.
Technology is playing a role as well. Computers have become much more commonplace than only a few years ago. Our access to this wider range of information sources makes it all that more important that we understand our social world better.
And finally, with the changes going on in the global arena…countries collapsing, international terrorism, and the environmental crisis…all of these lend themselves to a study and deeper understanding through Sociology
But what about day-to-day?
As we go about our business every day it is sometimes difficult to imagine a direct impact of world affairs on us. (911 certainly brought some of this awareness to many of us)
However, our jobs themselves are shaped by social forces which are the focus of sociological study. Trends in population (people moving out of Maine), inequality (gender differences in pay and type of work), education (welcome to KVCC!), the economy (ups and downs in the current economy of Maine) and politics (the current efforts of the administration to improve the lives of people living in Maine), all play a role in what we do every day and the future prospects that stand before us.
Take a look at your own job and/or activities and look at the titles of the chapters in the book and you will see that Sociology touches our everyday lives.
Mini Lecture: The Sociological Imagination
Assessment
Lesson 1 Quiz
- Describe an example from your own life that exemplifies a direct impact of either globalization, urbanization, or technology.
Lesson 1 Discussion
In this discussion I would like you to share with each other why you feel that the study of Sociology may be important in your career, personal life, etc.