Sociology

The following learning targets represent the major concepts studied and assessed in this course.

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Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology

What is Sociology and how is it applied to real life?

• I can define Sociology and apply the methods of sociological inquiry.

What are the major theoretical perspectives in modern sociology?

• I can apply the three sociological approaches.
• I can discuss the contributions of leading figures in the history of Sociology.

What do sociologists study and how do they conduct their research?

• I can describe and apply the different research methods of Sociology.

Unit 2: Culture and Socialization

What is culture?

• I can define culture and describe its major components.
• I can explain how culture shapes people’s behaviors and beliefs.

How do people learn culture?

• I can describe the process of socialization.
• I can identify the agents of socialization and their influence on individuals.

Unit 3: Social Structure and Groups

How is society organized?

• I can explain the components of social structure.
• I can describe the roles, statuses, and norms that influence behavior.

How do groups influence individuals?

• I can compare primary and secondary groups.
• I can explain how group dynamics affect individual behavior.

Unit 4: Social Inequality

What is social stratification?

• I can describe different systems of social stratification.
• I can explain factors that contribute to social inequality.

How do social class, race, and gender affect life chances?

• I can analyze how inequality impacts opportunities and outcomes.
• I can evaluate perspectives on poverty and social mobility.

Unit 5: Social Institutions

How do institutions shape society?

• I can describe the functions of major social institutions (family, education, government, economy, religion).
• I can analyze how institutions influence behavior and social stability.

Unit 6: Social Change

How and why does society change?

• I can explain theories of social change.
• I can analyze factors that contribute to social movements and societal change.