Credits

3 (3/0/0)

Description

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 2, 5 and 7. This course is an introduction to the study of societies and the social factors that influence individual and group behavior. The course incorporates sociological and other critical thinking models for the investigation of various components of social life: culture, socialization, social organization, social stratification, social institutions, populations dynamics and social change.

Competencies

Utilize research methods to investigate sociological topics.
Seek multiple perspectives on select social issues through the use of various sociological paradigms
Search for cause-effect relationships pertaining to various sociological topics, such as class relationships, gender dynamics, and inter-ethnic relationships
Employ sociological methods in the process of conducting their own research projects
Examine social institutions, social characteristics and social processes of various cultures and subcultures
Develop alternative explanations and solutions for contemporary social issues
Examine the development of and the changing meanings of group identities (gender, age, ethnicity) in the United States
Utilize functional, conflict, and interactionist perspectives in developing a more thorough awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society
Analyze personal attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity issues
Discuss the experience and contributions of some of the many groups that shape American society and culture