Introduction to Sociology
Welcome to the world of people who like people!
In sociology, we study what people are doing and try to find out why they are doing it. We look at the ways societies are organized and try to get a big picture of what is happening so that perhaps we can predict what will happen in the future.
Sociologists have many and varied interests. We study people in their many institutions, like nations, religious groups, educations, and families. We have many tools to use, like observations and questionnaires. We adhere to the scientific method and try to keep a disinterested point of view.
I hope you will enjoy this introductory class, in which we will learn what sociologists do, what our theories are, what areas we study, and how.
This class requires that you read the text and come to class to enhance your understanding of the subject. While this is a broad review course to introduce you to the field, we will have some time to talk about specific examples of sociological work. You will have four tests based on reading and class work to make up your grade. Maybe we’ll try a little sociological field work, too, if time permits. That’s the fun stuff!
I hope you will find this entry interesting and FUN. I am always here to help you with your work, and I am happy to meet with you if the going seems tough.
I LOVE being a sociologist, and I hope you will share my passion, just by participating in and enjoying the class.
