GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course provides an overview of sociology as the scientific study of society, and in particular, the distinctiveness of the sociological perspective. This course begins by introducing the concept of “sociological imagination,” one of the core sociological tools to analyze society. Next, the course touches on sociological theory and social research methods to understand the distinctiveness of the sociological perspective in more detail. Then, topics, such as socialization and the life course, social interaction, networks and groups, organizations, families and intimate relationships, education, social stratification and inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, are covered as examples of how the sociological imagination can be applied to different areas of society. Through this course, students will acquire the basic sociological tools to analyze society by learning the key theories and methods used in sociology and applying them to a variety of areas of society in written assignments and in-class discussions. More details of social research methods will be covered in the course “Introduction to Social Research Methods."

By the end of this course, students will be able to: (1) describe the key theories and methods used in sociology, (2) explain major substantive issues discussed in sociology (remembering/understanding), (3) apply the sociological imagination to analyze social issues (applying), and (4) compare and contrast various sociological tools to examine the association between individuals’ daily lives and social institutions (analyzing).

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This course is taught primarily through interactive lectures. A variety of active learning techniques, such as in-class writing assignments (one-minute papers), neighbor discussions (think-pair-share), and comment sheets, are used to accommodate the diversity in student learning styles. In-class quizzes are held occasionally so that students understand their own level of understanding of the course materials at the moment. Verbal and written feedback on assignments is given during class discussions and through using other tools as appropriate. Also, feedback for the previous class is given at the beginning of each class. Students are encouraged to visit the instructor during office hours for more personalized feedback.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction

Introduction

2[対面/face to face]：Sociological Theory

What are the three main theoretical approaches in sociology?

3[対面/face to face]：Social Research Methods

How do sociologists conduct research?

4[対面/face to face]：Socialization and the Life Course

What does it mean and take to become a member of society through socialization?

5[対面/face to face]：Social Interaction

What is impression management?

6[対面/face to face]：Networks and Groups

What happens when more than two people gather?

7[対面/face to face]：Organizations

What are the major characteristics of bureaucracy?

8[対面/face to face]：Families and Intimate Relationships

What does gender division of labor among married couples look like?

9[対面/face to face]：Education

Is education a great equalizer or does it reproduce social inequality?

10[対面/face to face]：Social Stratification and Inequality

What are the key theories of stratification in capitalist societies?

11[対面/face to face]：Race and Ethnicity

What is the social construction of race?

12[対面/face to face]：Gender

What does it mean to study gender as a social institution?

13[対面/face to face]：Sexuality

How do sociologists study inequality based on sexuality?

14[対面/face to face]：Review & Final Exam

What have we learned in this course? Final exam

Students are expected to review the lecture slides and other course materials after each class. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

No textbook will be used. Electronic slides will be provided by the instructor.

Further reference may be provided based on students’ areas of interest.

Participation: 15%
In-class quizzes: 15%
Midterm paper: 30%
Final exam: 40%

Students have generally evaluated the class positively. The instructor will be attentive to student feedback and adjust workload and class material, when necessary.

None. Students are encouraged to use computers/tablets for class-related purposes in class.

There is no prerequisite for this course, but this course is a prerequisite for intermediate and advanced level sociology courses.