1. Introduction to the Study of Sociology

2. ??? What is sociology and why is it important and beneficial? What can a sociological perspective bring to our understanding of social problems?

3. -Do humans have complete free will? -Free-will: A long standing philosophical debate at the center of many political and social discussions.

4. Agency vs. Structure What determines an individuals behavior? Agency-making individual choices based on free-will Structure (sociological)-cultural and structural influences operate in the decision making process How society is organized Society is patterned

5. 1-5 Developing a Sociological Consciousness Sociology: scientific study of social interactions and social organization - Rigorous and systematic - Powerful scientific tool Why is sociology considered a soft science?

6. The Sociological Perspective The Sociological Imagination C. Wright Mills

7. Sociological Perspective/Imagination The sociological imagination helps us to understand how the social structure affects our lives and the lives of others Private troubles  Public issues ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --Would your life be different if you lived in another time and place? A different country and historical era? Gender? Race? Sexuality? Religion? Social Class? Political affiliation? Would you be the same person? Have the same opportunities? Make the same choices and have the same values?

8. Benefits of the Sociological Perspective Gaining a broad understanding of society Promotes an understanding of the social world and our place in it. Helps us to understand how our lives are shaped by society, but also how individuals working together can change society