1. What is Sociology
Examining Social life

2. Do Now
The Simpsons, Family Guy & South Park:
Absurd humor or reflection of America? Explain.

3. How can a sociological perspective help you understand human actions?
Learning goals
Objectives
Essential Question
How can a sociological perspective help you understand human actions?
Identify the differences between the different subfields in the social sciences.
Describe what sociology is.
Analyze the advantages of the sociological perspective.

4. Sociology Social Sciences
Disciplines that study human social behavior or institutions and the functions of human society in a scientific manner.
Sociology
The study of human social behavior from a group perspective
Social Interaction
How people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior.
Social Phenomena
Observable facts or events that involve human society.

5. Other Social sciences Field Description Anthropology
The comparative study of past and present cultures.
Psychology
The study of behavior and mental processes.
Economics
The study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
Political Science
The study of the organization and operation of governments.
History
The study of past events in human societies.

6. The Sociological perspective
To look beyond commonly held beliefs to the hidden meanings behind human actions.
Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the connection between the larger world and your personal life.