Welcome to Module 1!

Most weeks, we will read only one chapter. But this week, we have to dive in head first with two very important readings that set the stage for the rest of the course.

This unit's readings: Chapter 1 in Macionis, "Sociology: Studying Social Problems" and Chapter 10, "Economy and Politics."

Objectives - Ch. 1:

Remember the definitions of the key terms highlighted in boldfaced type throughout this chapter
Understand how many of the troubles individual people experience have their root in the organization of the larger society
Apply the sociological imagination to many everyday issues and experiences
Analyze social problems using sociology's major theoretical approaches
Evaluate social issues, including problems and their solutions, guided by various political positions
Create the capacity to engage the social world through sociological understanding and political commitment

Objectives - Ch. 10:

Remember the definitions of the key terms highlighted in boldfaced type throughout this chapter
Understand how various economic models generate and distribute goods and services
Apply the sociological imagination to see how the economy and politics are related
Analyze the distribution of wealth and power using sociology's major theoretical approaches
Evaluate the economic and political systems of the United States from various positions on the political spectrum
Create a vision of how you would change the economic and political systems of the United States toward greater social justice and democracy

This is a "standard week," with my video lecture (Videocast), discussion forum (Let's Talk), and quiz (Check Your Knowledge). Use the Navigation Menu on the left to reach each of these.

Standard Reminder: if you have questions specific to the course, you can post them in the Virtual Office.