After completing this chapter you will be able to:

• Learn what sociology encompasses.
• Learn that we construct society through our own actions.
• Understand the key components of the sociological imagination.
• Consider the theoretical issues that frame the study of sociology.
• Name the different types of questions sociologists address.
• Understand how sociology is similar to and different from the natural sciences.
• Differentiate between causation and correlation.
• Familiarize yourself with research methods.

Materials:

Read: Chapters 1 and 2

Assignments:

Theory Application

Which of the three major theoretical perspectives do you think best explains social problems?  What are the benefits of using this perspective when explaining a social phenomenon (select only one) such as abortion, terrorism, crime rate, divorce, same-sex marriage, poverty, hate groups, sentencing disparity, or some other social problem that interests you?
   
Your response should be between 150 and 250 words. Include in your response a reference to material from the text and material from one additional outside source.  Remember to follow APA guidelines.  This assignment is worth 10 points.

Assessments:

Term Paper Tip:

Begin thinking about a topic for the term paper. This paper is due the last day of class. The term paper should range from 4 to 6 double-spaced pages, not including the title and reference pages. To complete the assignment students must use information from a minimum of five sources/references. See Syllabus for details.