Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the process of applying a sociological perspective to understanding the social world including patterns of behavior and interaction, culture, socialization, social structure, globalization, groups and organizations, deviance, social stratification, institutions and social change. College level reading and writing skills are recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. The sociological perspective
2. What is sociology
3. Applying the sociological perspective
4. Sociological theory
5. Sociological research methods
6. The Individual in a social context
7. Culture and society
8. Socialization
9. Social interaction
10. Groups and organizations
11. Deviance and social control
12. Social inequality
13. Social stratification
14. Social class
15. Social mobility
16. Racial and ethnic minorities
17. Sex and gender
18. Social institutions
19. The nature of institutions
20. The institution of the family
21. One or more of the following social institutions:
    1. Religion
    2. Politics and the government
    3. Economics
    4. Education
    5. Media and technology
    6. Health and medicine
22. Patterns, causes and consequences of social change
23. The nature of social change
24. Social change as it relates to one or more of the following topics:
    1. Urbanization, industrialization, and rationalization
    2. Population
    3. Collective behavior
    4. Social movements

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Identify and explain key concepts in sociology and relate them to everyday social patterns and current events.
2. Apply theoretical perspectives in sociology to analyze social phenomena.
3. Identify and describe the research methods used in sociology.
4. Identify the relationships between macro social structures and micro social processes.
5. Demonstrate their understanding of and ability to analyze social stratification.
6. Compare and contrast societies based on social structure, institutions, and/or culture.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

1. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 7a/Human Diversity

The student will be able to:

1. Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States’ history and culture.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
3. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Discussions
• Written assignments
• Small group projects
• Participation

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity

Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None