Introduction to Sociology

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

1. 01

   Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

   The Sociological Perspective

   1. 1.1

      The sociological imagination

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the concept of the sociological imagination and its significance in understanding social issues.

      • Define the sociological imagination as the ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger social influences.
      • Discuss how the sociological imagination helps to connect personal troubles to public issues.
      • Illustrate the importance of perspective in analyzing social phenomena.
   2. 1.2

      The major theoretical paradigms

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify and describe the major theoretical paradigms in sociology.

      • Define the major theoretical paradigms: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
      • Explain the key assumptions and focus of each paradigm.
      • Discuss how these paradigms provide different lenses for understanding social behavior.
   3. 1.3

      Sociological research methods

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can outline the main sociological research methods and their applications.

      • Define qualitative and quantitative research methods in sociology.
      • Describe common research techniques such as surveys, interviews, and observations.
      • Discuss the importance of ethics in sociological research.
2. 02

   Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

   Culture & the Self

   1. 2.1

      Elements of culture

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define the key elements of culture and explain their significance in society.

      • Define culture and its components, including symbols, language, values, and norms.
      • Explain how culture shapes individual behavior and societal expectations.
      • Discuss the role of culture in social cohesion and identity formation.
   2. 2.2

      Cultural variation & ethnocentrism

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze cultural variation and understand the concept of ethnocentrism.

      • Define cultural variation and provide examples of different cultural practices.
      • Explain ethnocentrism and its impact on perceptions of other cultures.
      • Discuss the importance of cultural relativism in understanding diverse societies.
   3. 2.3

      Socialization & the self

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the process of socialization and its impact on the self.

      • Define socialization and its key agents, such as family, peers, and media.
      • Explain how socialization contributes to the development of self-identity.
      • Discuss the ongoing nature of socialization throughout the life course.
3. 03

   Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

   Social Structure & Deviance

   1. 3.1

      Status, roles & institutions

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the concepts of status, roles, and institutions in sociology.

      • Define status and its types (ascribed and achieved).
      • Explain the concept of roles and how they relate to status.
      • Describe the role of institutions in shaping social behavior.
   2. 3.2

      Groups & organizations

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify and differentiate between various groups and organizations in society.

      • Define primary and secondary groups and their characteristics.
      • Explain the concept of organizations and their role in social structure.
      • Discuss the differences between formal and informal organizations.
   3. 3.3

      Deviance, crime & control

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the concepts of deviance, crime, and social control.

      • Define deviance and its social context.
      • Explain the difference between crime and deviance.
      • Discuss the various forms of social control and their implications.
4. 04

   Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

   Stratification & Inequality

   1. 4.1

      Social class & stratification

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the concepts of social class and stratification.

      • Define social class and its components.
      • Identify different social classes in society.
      • Discuss the implications of stratification on individuals and groups.
   2. 4.2

      Global inequality

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the factors contributing to global inequality.

      • Define global inequality and its measurement.
      • Examine the causes of global inequality, including economic and political factors.
      • Discuss the impact of global inequality on different countries.
   3. 4.3

      Race & ethnicity

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the role of race and ethnicity in social stratification.

      • Define race and ethnicity and their significance in society.
      • Analyze how race and ethnicity contribute to social stratification.
      • Discuss the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and social class.
5. 05

   Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

   Gender, Family & Institutions

   1. 5.1

      Gender & sexuality

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the concepts of gender and sexuality and their significance in sociology.

      • Define gender and sexuality as social constructs.
      • Discuss the differences between sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
      • Examine the impact of societal norms on gender roles.
      • Analyze how gender and sexuality intersect with other social categories.
   2. 5.2

      Family & marriage

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the institution of family and the dynamics of marriage in various cultures.

      • Define family and marriage in sociological terms.
      • Explore different family structures and their functions.
      • Discuss the evolution of marriage and its cultural variations.
      • Analyze the impact of social change on family dynamics.
   3. 5.3

      Education, religion & the economy

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the roles of education, religion, and the economy in shaping social institutions.

      • Define education, religion, and economy as social institutions.
      • Examine the relationship between education and social mobility.
      • Discuss the role of religion in social cohesion and conflict.
      • Analyze how economic systems influence family and educational structures.
6. 06

   Chapter 6 · 2 lessons

   Social Change

   1. 6.1

      Population, urbanization & environment

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the relationship between population growth, urbanization, and environmental changes.

      • Define population and its significance in sociology.
      • Explain urbanization and its impact on social structures.
      • Discuss environmental changes resulting from urbanization and population growth.
      • Analyze the interconnections between population dynamics and environmental issues.
   2. 6.2

      Social movements & collective behavior

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the role of social movements and collective behavior in driving social change.

      • Define social movements and collective behavior.
      • Identify different types of social movements and their goals.
      • Discuss the factors that contribute to the emergence of social movements.
      • Analyze case studies of significant social movements and their impact on society.