Very often we see, hear or experience things that seem "strange" and incomprehensible to us. We wonder about the world around us, asking questions like: ”How do certain people become billionaires when others are homeless? Why do humans worship Gods or form families? What makes killing in war acceptable but not in any other situation?”
Searching for objective answers to similar questions by using scientific research is the goal of sociology.
This course is designed to look critically and analytically through different sociological perspectives, and to help us realize the extent to which society guides our thoughts and actions. The course material provides a fresh, new look at societies and cultures— full of inquiry and analysis, striving towards social justice and change. Sociology urges us to draw connections between public issues and personal problems, to see the strange as familiar and the familiar as strange, and to examine biography in a historical and social context.
Sociology could be inspirational, if you put the effort. You will think differently, and maybe act differently, as your sociological imagination develops. This is a promise.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Develop a sociological vocabulary.
- Improve basic sociological skills such as the ability to conceptualize, to contextualize, to problematize and to gain awareness of social complexity.
- Draw connections between the key sociological thoughts and contemporary social phenomena.
- Develop sociological arguments based on theoretical and/or empirical materials.
- Understand the concept of society in historical context, along with its variations and transformations.
GRADING
A) Active participation to class discussions would be enough to get the necessary credits.
B) For those who’d like to pass with a grade mark:
- 1 Short Exam (50 points)
- Essay (50 points)
- Extra assignment (10 points)
Exam: You are expected to answer open-ended/essay-type questions, which are based on our primary readings, movies and class discussions. They will be carried out in class hours. (See the schedule below.)
Final Essay: The final assignment should be no less than 1500 words, with proper citations and academic rules. Its content would be clarified in due time.
Extra assignment: Those who want to get 10 bonus points can do so by submitting an additional paper, discussing a movie from the syllabus together with an extra reading. Let me know which movie you want to study, and I’ll send you an article.
This assignment should be no less than 1000 words.
ATTENDANCE
Subject to school’s regulations.
|
