SOCIOLOGY

Course Description

This introductory course in Sociology begins with an overview of the nature of the discipline, followed by a survey of various aspects of the structures and dynamics of social life. The history of sociology, the views of its founders and the major modern sociological perspectives are examined afterwards. Research methods and theories in sociology are explored to illustrate how thinking sociologically adds to our knowledge of the world around us. In this course, basic topics of sociology such as culture, socialization, media, family, education, social stratification, urbanization, social change are analyzed through different sociological perspectives. The course is accommodated to groups of students with different backgrounds and professional education. Class discussions on covered topics are encouraged and are valuable parts of this course.

SOCIOLOGY

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Learn the meaning of "sociology"
2. 02 Be able to analyse a culture
3. 03 Understand the problem of ethnocentrism
4. 04 Be able to make the difference between crime and deviance
5. 05 Be able to define a "family" in a sociological perspective
6. 06 Learning the importance of objectivity in research
7. 07 Gain an overview of major sociological perspective
8. 08 Be able to understand the difference between common sense and scientific data
9. 09 Be able to think about the importance of socialization
10. 10 be able to connect various social sciences between them

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Sociology; Richard Shaefer; 2014
2. 02 https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontosociology/

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Learn the meaning of "sociology"
2. L02 Be able to analyse a culture
3. L03 Understand the problem of ethnocentrism
4. L04 Be able to make the difference between crime and deviance
5. L05 Be able to define a "family" in a sociological perspective
6. L06 Learning the importance of objectivity in research
7. L07 Gain an overview of major sociological perspective
8. L08 Be able to understand the difference between common sense and scientific data
9. L09 Be able to think about the importance of socialization
10. L10 be able to connect various social sciences between them
11. L11 Can explain fundamental social institutions and their basic properties. SOLO 3
12. L12 Explain the three paradigms (perspectives) in sociology. SOLO 3
13. L13 Can employ sociological imagination in analyzing imaginary or real world cases. SOLO 4
14. L14 Can define how mass media, urbanization, education etc. are approached by the 3 paradigms. SOLO 3
15. L15 Can define the basic concepts of sociology. SOLO 3

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Demonstrate an understanding of the core subfields of psychology — including but not limited to clinical, developmental, cognitive, social, and biological/neuroscientific psychology — and their interconnections with other scientific disciplines, critically evaluating the value of a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry in psychology.
2. P02 Apply scientific methods, research techniques, measurement and psychometric principles (e.g., reliability, validity, scale development/adaptation), and quantitative/statistical reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena, recognizing methodological strengths, limitations, common reasoning fallacies, and the flaws of pseudoscience.
3. P03 Employ logical, intuitive, and creative thinking to analyze psychological concepts, evaluate theories (including their historical and philosophical development), synthesize information, and solve complex problems related to cognition and behavior.
4. P04 Integrate psychological theories and findings into practical settings (e.g., business, policy, clinical/counseling contexts, and daily life), applying foundational applied skills such as interviewing, observation, and case formulation, drawing meaningful conclusions to inform individual, organizational, and societal practices.
5. P05 Describe key ethical principles in psychological research and practice, critically applying these principles to dilemmas across academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
6. P06 Recognize how individual differences (e.g., beliefs, values, backgrounds) impact behavior and relationships; use psychological knowledge to prevent or resolve intercultural and interpersonal conflicts and promote inclusive, respectful interactions.
7. P07 Exhibit self-regulation and self-awareness, demonstrating a commitment to psychological well-being, effective time management, constructive incorporation of feedback, and ongoing personal and professional development.
8. P08 Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, demonstrating responsibility, bias awareness, conflict resolution skills, and leadership in achieving collective goals.
9. P09 Communicate psychological knowledge clearly and appropriately for academic, professional, and public audiences using inclusive language, both in written and oral formats, and by accurately summarizing and presenting research findings.
10. P10 Use information and communication technologies (including AI and digital media) responsibly and effectively for research, collaboration, and the dissemination of psychological knowledge.
11. P11 Embrace lifelong learning and adaptability in response to evolving psychological knowledge and societal needs, engaging with global perspectives and demonstrating intercultural awareness.

Po-Lo Matrix