+

Intro to Sociology

+

What is Sociology? ■

“...THE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF HUMAN SOCIETY ” ■ SYSTEMATIC ■ SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINE THAT FOCUSES ATTENTION ON PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR ■ HUMAN SOCIETY ■ GROUP BEHAVIOR IS PRIMARY FOCUS; HOW GROUPS INFLUENCE INDIVIDUALS AND VICE VERSA

+

How does society “group” itself? ■

In your notes, write down categories of how members of society tend to “group” themselves. You will be given one minute to come up with as many as possible.

■

Share your answers with the person sitting next to you. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.

■

Race

- Family

- Religion

■

Age

- Gender

- Sexuality

■

Economic status

- Interests

+

A society is a large social grouping that shares the same geographical territory and is subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.

+

Origins of Sociology (17th-18th Century) Product of three major social changes: ■

The Industrial Revolution ■

■

The Scientific Revolution ■

■

rise of a factory-based economy and great cities in Europe. belief in science replaces traditional authority

Political Revolution ■

rising concern with individual liberty and rights. (French Revolution)

+

Topics studied in Sociology: ■

Gender Roles

■

Family Structure

■

Groups

■

Criminal Behaviour

■

Social Institutions

■

Social Class

+

Topics studied in Sociology: ■

In the chart in your notes, individually, come up with an example that illustrates each of the topics studied in Sociology.

■

Compare your answers with a partner. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.

■

Share your answers.

+

What do sociologists do? ■

Practical research to key social issues and behaviours

■

Understand WHY and HOW societies function

■

Ask broad questions so they can be applied to all societies

■

Learned behaviours are studied by sociologists…they are called VALUES, NORMS and ROLES

+

Values: ■ Shared ideas and standards that are

considered acceptable and binding ■ Eg.: ■

Canada equality, ■ USA individual rights

+

Norms: ■

Expectations about how people should behave

■

Eg. : ■

At concerts people yell, scream, cheer.

■

In the library, people whisper to keep quiet

+

Roles: ■ Expected behaviour of a person in a

particular social position ■ Eg. ■

Mom takes care of the kids

■ Doctors offer advice on health

+

Sociological Imagination ■

The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and the structure of society and the events of the time.

■

While you are watching the Forrest Gump trailer, answers the following question: ■

■

What factors impacted his life?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdsMqRaz2WY

+

The Sociological Perspective ■ Society can dictate individual choices ■ helps us to see general social patterns of

individuals behavior

+

Benefits of Sociological Perspective ■ helps us assess both opportunities and

constraints in our lives. ■ empowers us to be active participants in our

society.

+

TASK: Sociology and Identity Brainstorm each of the different roles you play in society. What influences your behaviour in each role? How does your behaviour differ?

Role Student

Influences

Behaviour

+

Task: ■

Come up with at least 2 values and 2 norms that play a role in your life. Analyze each using the following criteria: ■ ■

■

What are they? Which part of society (parents, school, peers, religious institution, etc.) has influenced the development of each norm and value? How have they influenced each?

+

Sociology Schools of Thought Task: ■ Complete the handout provided by your

teaching using the reading.