Introduction to Sociology Learning Goals: Definition and Understanding of Sociology as a Discipline Major Topics of study in this course related to Sociology Identifying major key terms and concepts within Sociology

Write down the following terms… Sociology Social Change Values Roles Status Hierarchy Norms Rules Deviance Briefly write down what you think they mean

What is Sociology? The study of human social life Looks at the development and structure of human society and how it works Studies social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior within society

Social Change Society does not remain unchanged over time – the study of sociology functions because of significant changes in society What do you think are some changes throughout history that would be of great importance to sociologists?

What do Sociologists Study? (key concepts in sociology) The structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Values – Rules set out for a particular role that we are all expected to follow A particular set of values are assigned to each role.

Roles and Status – We all play certain roles in our society - Social Scientists refer to this as status Status is the term used to describe our position within an institution On any given day we can play many different roles in society – e.g.. A parent can drive their kids to school and then go to work and teach their students

Hierarchy – Ranking system used in any particular environment based on authority or power Each position or role requires a certain type of expertise which is valued by society In order to distinguish between these roles people are expected to dress and act in a certain way

Norms – These are rules set out for a particular role that are considered standard behaviour (e.g. Catholic Priests are expected to be celibate) Rules – These are developed by cultures based on their system of values Differ among cultures (e.g. Adultery is illegal and punishable by law in many Middle Eastern countries)

Deviance – Any behaviour that is different from the societal norm. It is deviant because we, as a society, do not accept it (e.g. Criminal acts, tattoos, others???)

Topics of Study in the Sociology Unit Theories of Sociology Prejudice and Discrimination Agents of Socialization Cults Social Experiments Social Class Social Institutions Poverty Gender Health Social Change Crime and Deviance Group Behaviour Conformity and Obedience

Task Now that you understand the definition for these key terms within Sociology, it is your task to use each of them in a sentence – you must relate your sentence to sociology and it must be a sentence that helps you remember and understand the term. i.e. – Deviant behaviour is not tolerated in society and therefore people who commit crimes will be dealt with through the justice system.