This course provides a comprehensive exploration of sociology’s core principles and their application in understanding complex social issues. Students will gain a deep understanding of the scientific method and its relevance in studying various aspects of society. We will investigate how individual behaviors contribute to the emergence of social problems and, conversely, the pursuit of social justice. Using a sociological perspective, students will study common social problems like racism and sexism. Furthermore, this course will teach you how to find reliable sources in sociology and build strong arguments. It’s all about deepening your understanding of how society works.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Explain the scientific method and how it is used to study social issues.
2. Describe how individual behaviors contribute to both social problems and social justice.
3. Evaluate how social institutions affect individual behavior.
4. Use sociological imagination to evaluate social issues such as racism and sexism.
5. Use credible resources for sociology to create well-written arguments.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).
Week 1: Unit 1 – The Study of Sociology
Week 2: Unit 2 – Methods to Sociological Research
Week 3: Unit 3 – Deviance, Crime and Social Control
Week 4: Unit 4 – Gender, Sexuality, Race & Family Relationships
Week 5: Unit 5 – Media and Technological Advancements
Week 6: Unit 6 – Education & Religion
Week 7: Unit 7 – Aging and the Elderly
Week 8: Unit 8 – Social Movements, Government & Politics
Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students. 

Week 1: Unit 1 – The Study of Sociology

1. Explain why sociology has emerged.
2. Describe sociological perspectives and their alignment to current social factors.
3. Examine the different theorist/theories associated with the discipline of sociology.

Week 2: Unit 2 – Methods to Sociological Research

1. Describe the importance of the scientific method in the academic discipline of sociology.
2. Explain the function of the scientific method steps in conducting research.
3. Examine the importance of ethical standards surrounding research.

Week 3: Unit 3 – Deviance, Crime and Social Control

1. Describe deviance and its implications on behaviour.
2. Explain the relationship between crime and deviant behaviour.
3. Describe the role social control has on society.

Week 4: Unit 4 – Gender, Sexuality, Race & Family Relationships

1. Define and differentiate between gender and sexual identity across societies.
2. Explain the social construct of race and the various influences such as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination that play a role in social interaction.
3. Describe society’s current understanding of marriage and family relationships.

Week 5: Unit 5 – Media and Technological Advancements

1. Describe the evolution of media and its current role in different media social platforms.
2. Define technology and its global development (implications).
3. Examine the theoretical perspectives on media and technology.

Week 6: Unit 6 – Education & Religion

1. Examine the various educational resources around the globe.
2. Explore and discuss how functionalism, conflict theory, feminism and interactionism view the issues impacting the educational system.
3. Discuss the historical view of religion from a sociological perspective and how it is viewed from the major paradigms.
4. Explain how religion is viewed as an agent of social change.

Week 7: Unit 7 – Aging and the Elderly

1. Explain the process of aging and consider its biological, social, and psychological effects.
2. Examine the interpretation of death and dying across cultural beliefs.
3. Describe the elderly population and how current health advancements have increased life expectancies.

Week 8: Unit 8 – Social Movements, Government & Politics

1. Describe the different forms of collective behaviours and its influence on social movements.
2. Identify different forms of government prevalent in societies across the globe.
3. Explain how politics is viewed from a sociological perspective.

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam