Singapore University of Social Sciences

Living Sociology

Living Sociology (SOC203)

Synopsis

Living Sociology provides students with an engaging introduction to the discipline of sociology. It introduces to students the basic concepts, theoretical perspectives, and methods of sociology while affording special attention to key sociological issues like ethnocentrism, culture and socialization, groups, class, gender and race, family, and social change. Students will consider their individual experiences with other individuals and groups, and how they make sense of their social environments. Students will come to understand that human behavior is shaped by the groups to which they belong and the social forces that are external to them. Throughout the course, there is a strong application focus as students will be encouraged to draw from their own experiences, to consider the issues in the Singapore context, and to relate their experiences of self and of society to the discipline of sociology.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every semester

Topics

  • Sociological inquiry: sociological perspectives and methods
  • Elements of social structure: status, roles, groups and networks
  • Culture and socialization
  • Family; and Gender and sexuality
  • Systems of inequality: social class; race and ethnicity; gender and sexuality
  • Social change and emerging issues

Learning Outcome

  • Explain major theoretical perspectives and concepts in Sociology
  • Apply sociological perspectives to understand the social environment
  • Differentiate research strategies and methods used by sociologists
  • Debate theoretical approaches to social inequalities (e.g. class, gender, race/ethnicity) and social change
  • Discuss the role of culture, socialization, and social structures in social life and sociology
  • Analyze competing theories and explanations
  • Interpret evidence and texts critically
  • Recognize the relevance of sociological knowledge to social issues and policy
  • Use written and oral communication skills effectively to demonstrate a sociological argument
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