SOC101: Introduction to Sociology

In this unit, you will be introduced to the discipline of sociology. You will learn about the development of sociology as a field of research and discover various theoretical perspectives central to the study of society. You will also take a look at the process of sociological research and explore different ethical concerns social scientists and researchers face in their work. In addition, you will learn why it is worthwhile to study sociology and how sociology can be applied in the real world.

For example, did you know that sociologists helped the Supreme Court end "separate but equal" racial segregation in the United States? It might also interest you to know that the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., Ronald Reagan, Robin Williams, and First Lady Michelle Obama were all sociology majors.

Sociologists have helped change and mold the social world we know today, and sociology continues to be an exciting topic to study because it teaches people how they fit into the bigger picture of society. We can look at ourselves through a sociological perspective to see how we classify ourselves and how others classify us. This is an invaluable tool for living and working in an increasingly diverse and globalized world.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 13 hours.