Sociology 101: Sociological Perspectives a.k.a.

Transcription

1 Sociology 101: Sociological Perspectives a.k.a. August 22, 2017 August 22, / 10 Sociology 101: Sociological Perspectives a.k.a. August 22, 2017

2 Today s Class 1 Welcome to Sociology 2 The Possibilities of Sociology 3 Course Expectations and Mechanics August 22, / 10 Today s Class Today s Class 1 Welcome to Sociology 2 The Possibilities of Sociology 3 Course Expectations and Mechanics

3 Incoming Student Survey Check your for a short pre-survey August 22, / 10 Incoming Student Survey Incoming Student Survey Check your for a short pre-survey Answers are anonymous; if you didn t get it, please speak with one of the TAs in back.

4 Welcome to Sociology Sociology is the systematic, theoretically-driven study of human beings in groups. It is neither only about documenting reality, nor only about criticizing it. It combines both of these tendencies to develop a scientifically grounded approach to social life. August 22, / 10 Welcome to Sociology Welcome to Sociology Sociology is the systematic, theoretically-driven study of human beings in groups. It is neither only about documenting reality, nor only about criticizing it. It combines both of these tendencies to develop a scientifically grounded approach to social life. Sociology is the systematic, theoretically-driven study of human beings in groups. It is neither only about documenting reality, nor only about criticizing it. It combines both of these tendencies to develop a scientifically grounded approach to social life. We will return to this later today. Sociologists study an amazing array of different kinds of groups: people in families; workers in factories, fields, and offices; citizens in political and protest situations; doctors and trainees in hospitals; students, teachers, and administrators in schools; worshippers in churches, synagogues, and mosques; people watching television, reading newspapers and novels, and participating in or viewing sports; and more. WELCOME

5 Who am I? BA, Swarthmore College; Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley Research interests: Democracy, political culture, high technology, southern Africa, social theory Office Hours: Mondays, 9:30 11:00, Thursdays, 1:30 3:00, or by appointment August 22, / 10 Who am I? Who am I? BA, Swarthmore College; Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley Research interests: Democracy, political culture, high technology, southern Africa, social theory Office Hours: Mondays, 9:30 11:00, Thursdays, 1:30 3:00, or by appointment Author, co-author, or translator of 5 books Faculty governance, athletics, academic quality universities are about producing and communicating knowledge. Eliana s job.

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7 Who Are Your TAs? Graduate students in sociology Will Holtkamp Ken Cai Kowalski August 22, / 10 Who Are Your TAs? Who Are Your TAs? Graduate students in sociology Will Holtkamp Ken Cai Kowalski

8 Sociology s Basic Principle The Fundamental Unit of Human Behavior is the Group. August 22, / 10 Sociology s Basic Principle Sociology s Basic Principle The Fundamental Unit of Human Behavior is the Group.

9 The Possibilities of Sociology Social systems are more than the sum of their parts People do things because of the groups they re in, not just because of who they are Americans individualist bias makes sociology difficult Sociology as a dual discipline: science and social commentary There is a sociology of almost everything August 22, / 10 The Possibilities of Sociology The Possibilities of Sociology Social systems are more than the sum of their parts People do things because of the groups they re in, not just because of who they are Americans individualist bias makes sociology difficult Sociology as a dual discipline: science and social commentary There is a sociology of almost everything The key insight of sociology: social systems are more than the sum of their parts, and must be studied socially Americans individualist bias and why that makes sociology difficult (Ann Swidler: difficult dance step) or foreign language Sociology as a dual discipline: science and social commentary

10 Electronic Resources Course Website: Links to on-line readings On-line lecture slides and notes Discussion and lists Poll Everywhere August 22, / 10 Electronic Resources Electronic Resources Course Website: Links to on-line readings On-line lecture slides and notes Discussion and lists Poll Everywhere Pass out syllabi and index cards Electronic resources Go over substantive course plan: when we go where and why Discuss lecture style, discussion styles: pls say names Discuss the written assignments and expectations of the course

11 Course Requirements and Expectations Syllabus overview Class Participation Original Written Work Examinations August 22, / 10 Course Requirements and Expectations Course Requirements and Expectations Syllabus overview Class Participation Original Written Work Examinations