1. The Sociological Point of View
Section 1
examining social life
Section 2
sociology: then and now

2. What You Know
How do you think the study of sociology might be similar to the study of history?
Consider:
Goals of studying history
Methods and research
Past and present social behaviors and attitudes
What might you already know about the study of sociology?
Individuals vs. society
Culture
Institutions, economies, politics

3. Section 1 Examining Social Life

4. Sociology Defined Sociology:
The science that studies human society and social behavior.
Sociologists are interested in social interaction—how people relate and influence one another
Why is sociology important?

5. Sociological Imagination: Draw a Picture
Society
Individual

6. The Social Sciences Group Projects Define and Present: Psychology
Anthropology
Geography
History
Political Science
Law
Economics
Linguistics
Media
Education
Create a poster about your discipline
Explain the role and purpose of each discipline
How does your discipline connect or contribute to sociology?
The Social Sciences

7. C. Wright Mills (1916 – 1962) Social Theorist and Critic
Sociological Imagination
The ability to see the connection between the larger world and your personal life
View your own life within a larger social and historical setting
The capacity to “range from the most impersonal and remote topics to the most intimate features of the human self—and to see the relation between the two”
C. Wright Mills (1916 – 1962) Social Theorist and Critic

8. Social Sciences Discipline Role/Purpose Sociology Connection
Psychology
Anthropology
Geography
History
Political Science
Law
Economics
Linguistics
Media

9. Analyzing Sociology Write a two to three paragraph response:
Explain how a sociological imagination can assist you in your everyday life
Consider:
People as social beings
Balance between personal desires and social environment
Viewing your own life within a larger social and historical context

10. American Sociological Association
National organization for Sociologists
The Association is:
a non-profit membership association based in Washington, DC
dedicated to advancing sociology as a scientific discipline and profession serving the public good
100 years old in 2005 (founded in 1905)
an association of over 13,000+  members
publisher of 10 professional journals and magazines

11. American Sociological Association Group Presentation
In groups you will:
Be assigned one of the ASA publications
Create a PowerPoint about the journal
Include:
A picture of the journal
The “Mission Statement”
A sample article
American Sociological
Contemporary Society
Contexts
Journal of Health and Social Behavior
Social Psychology
Sociological Methodology
Sociological Theory
Sociology of Education
Socius
Teaching Sociology

12. Sociology of Education
Studies in Sociology of Education and Human Social Development
Examine how social institutions and experiences affect educational process
Focus on individual, institutional, and organizational levels

13. Sample Article Abstract Main Points:
First-Generation, low- income struggle through college application process