Foundations of Sociology
The Sociological Perspective: Sociology is the scientific study of social structure, examining human social behavior from a group, rather than an individual, perspective. Sociologists focus on the patterns of behavior shared by members of a group or society. The sociological perspective enables us to develop a sociological imagination - the ability to see the relationship between events in our personal lives and events in society. Using our sociological imagination helps us to make our own decisions rather than merely conform, and to question common interpretations
of human social behavior.
The Origins of Sociology: Sociology is a relatively young science, beginning in late nineteenth-century Europe during a time of great social upheaval. Intellectuals such as Auguste Comte, Harriet Martineau, Emile Durkheim, and others began to explore ideas for regaining a sense of community and restoring order. After World War II however, the greatest development of sociology has taken place in the United States. Two early contributors were activists Jane Addams and W.E.B. DuBois, who helped focus people's attention on social issues.
Theoretical Perspectives: Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives. Functionalism focuses on the contributions of each part of society; the conflict perspective looks at conflict, competition, change, and constraint within a society; and symbolic interactionism considers the actual interaction among people. Each of these perspectives provides a different slant on human social behavior, so by considering all three perspectives together, we can see most of the important dimensions of human social behavior.
of human social behavior.
The Origins of Sociology: Sociology is a relatively young science, beginning in late nineteenth-century Europe during a time of great social upheaval. Intellectuals such as Auguste Comte, Harriet Martineau, Emile Durkheim, and others began to explore ideas for regaining a sense of community and restoring order. After World War II however, the greatest development of sociology has taken place in the United States. Two early contributors were activists Jane Addams and W.E.B. DuBois, who helped focus people's attention on social issues.
Theoretical Perspectives: Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives. Functionalism focuses on the contributions of each part of society; the conflict perspective looks at conflict, competition, change, and constraint within a society; and symbolic interactionism considers the actual interaction among people. Each of these perspectives provides a different slant on human social behavior, so by considering all three perspectives together, we can see most of the important dimensions of human social behavior.
Assessed Competencies for This Module
Global Citizen (Engaging as a Citizen)
GC.1.2 - I can demonstrate the ability to examine enduring problems.
Project Quality
I.1.1 - I can demonstrate the ability to create a plan based on an enduring question.
Presentation
I.2.2 - I can demonstrate the ability to present findings and supporting evidence.
Conducting Research
I.4.5 - I can demonstrate the ability to cite sources.
Professionalism
LC.1.3 - Meeting deadlines (How well do I meet my deadlines?)
Performance Task - Famous Sociologists & Solutions to Societal Problems
Your assignment is to create a poster/online presentation that addresses the following:
How would my famous sociologist solve a current societal problem in the United States? (this is your guiding question)
Your presentation should include:
1. The name of your sociologist and a picture of him/her. (5 points)
2. A BRIEF background (2-3 sentences or bullet point) on your chosen sociologist (this should be in your
own words - NOT copied and pasted) (10 points)
3. Define and explain the sociological theories of your sociologist (again - in your own words) (10 points)
4. Apply the theories of your sociologist in order to solve the your chosen problem in the US.
Remember, this is the problem posed to you at the beginning of the assignment. (25 points)
Assignment Guidelines
1. Name & Picture - Write the name of the sociologist in large letters at the top of the poster,
and include a picture of him/her.
2. Background - The background should be in your own words. It should reflect the fact that you
researched your sociologist, but should not be copied and pasted off of a website.
3. Definition/Explanation of Theories - You may include a textbook definition of the definition(s), but
you should explain the definition in your own words, and should
not copy and paste from a website.
4. Solving a current societal problem - You should name and explain the current problem
in our society today. Then you should come up
with a way that you think the theories of your sociologist could
be used to solve this problem.
Be specific! Is the solution going to come from the government
or individual people? Will the solution involve changing laws,
inventing something, creating a business, or starting a group?
Project Graphic Organizer
sociologist_graphic_organizer.pdf | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
File Type: |
sociologist_graphic_organizer.pdf | |
File Size: | 49 kb |
File Type: |
Pacing Calendar (Mods 1 & 2)
modules_1___2_calendar__sociology_2020_2021_.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Chapter 1 Resources & Formative Work
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Vocabulary
Directions: Using the Ch. 1 pdf, define the following terms from Sections 1, 2 & 3 (they are the bolded words in the chapter). You should also draw a simple picture for each word to illustrate its meaning. This is to be done by hand in your sociology notebook or on your ipad.
Section 1: Section 2: Section 3:
1. perspective 6. positivism 11. proletariat 17. theoretical perspective
2. sociology 7. social statics 12. class conflict 18. functionalism
3. sociological perspective 8. social dynamics 13. mechanical solidarity 19. manifest functions
4. social structure 9. bourgeoisie 14. organic solidarity 20. latent functions
5. sociological imagination 10. capitalists 15. verstehen 21. dysfunction
16. rationalization 22. conflict perspective
23. power
24. symbol
25. symbolic interactionism
26. dramaturgy
Videos
Directions: Using the Ch. 1 pdf, define the following terms from Sections 1, 2 & 3 (they are the bolded words in the chapter). You should also draw a simple picture for each word to illustrate its meaning. This is to be done by hand in your sociology notebook or on your ipad.
Section 1: Section 2: Section 3:
1. perspective 6. positivism 11. proletariat 17. theoretical perspective
2. sociology 7. social statics 12. class conflict 18. functionalism
3. sociological perspective 8. social dynamics 13. mechanical solidarity 19. manifest functions
4. social structure 9. bourgeoisie 14. organic solidarity 20. latent functions
5. sociological imagination 10. capitalists 15. verstehen 21. dysfunction
16. rationalization 22. conflict perspective
23. power
24. symbol
25. symbolic interactionism
26. dramaturgy
Videos
Sociological Theories Movie Sociology 101 The Life and Work of Jane Addams
Sociology 105
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Thinking Like a Sociologist
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"Looks Aren't Everything" TED Talk
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