Sociology I

Viktoriya KIM (Graduate School of Human Sciences)

Cource Objective
   This course is an introduction to sociology and it aims to introduce you to the sociological perspectives available to us to examine peoplefs everyday lives and to give you clues to understanding wider society and how it works. The course is designed to start from micro-level issues, such as individual and family and continues to macro-level issues, such as social structure and social institutions that shape individual and are shaped by individuals. We will also cover such topics as globalization and the environment, and consider why we should care about global inequality and the global environment, or about political, economic and social problems on a global dimension. Overall the course will provide you with tools for understanding your positioning within society and help you in re-examining taken-for-granted ideas. This course is an introduction to sociology and it aims to introduce you to the sociological perspectives available to us to examine people's everyday lives and to give you clues to understanding wider society and how it works. The course is designed to start from micro-level issues, such as individual and family and continues to macro-level issues, such as social structure and social institutions that shape individual and are shaped by individuals. We will also cover such topics as globalization and the environment, and consider why we should care about global inequality and the global environment, or about political, economic and social problems on a global dimension. Overall the course will provide you with tools for understanding your positioning within society and help you in re-examining taken-for-granted ideas.

Requirement / Prerequisite
   No

Course Content
   Week 1. What is Sociology?
   Week 2. Thinking Sociologically
   Week 3. Theories and Perspectives in Sociology
   Week 4. The Social Construction of Reality
   Week 5. Culture and History
   Week 6. Socialization
   Week 7. The Presentation of Self
   Week 8. Families and Intimate Relationships
   Week 9. Stratification and Social Class
   Week 10. Gender and Sexuality
   Week 11. Race and Ethnicity
   Week 12. Crime and Deviance
   Week 13. The Media
   Week 14. Organizations and Networks
   Week 15. Course Review

Class Plan
   Since I believe that sociological thinking can be developed through the practice, the classes will be organized in an interactional way, where you should feel free to criticize, justify, and solve the issues we discuss. To achieve the abovementioned goals, I will select a variety of readings, films, and assignments. At the end of each class I would like you to write your reflections, opinion and questions on the topic and give a feedback on those on the next class. You will also practice "doing" sociology and explore such issues as gender, race, class, social inequality and other topics by making a critical report as a final assignment. Please feel free to ask questions at any time.

Textbooks

• Newman, D.M. 2010. Sociology: Exploring the architecture of everyday life (Brief Edition). Los Angeles: Pine Forge Press.
• Giddens, Anthony. 2009. Sociology. 6th Edition. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Grading Policy

• Attendance and Class participation: 15% (You are expected to attend each class session, engage in active discussion and submit reflection memos).
• Short Exams: 50% (2~25%)
• Essay: 35%