Understand the U.S. class structureDescribe several types of social mobilityRecognize characteristics that define and identify class
Understand and apply functionalist, conflict theory, and interactionist perspectives on social stratification
Differentiate between open and closed stratification systemsDistinguish between caste and class systemsUnderstand meritocracy as an ideal system of stratification
Learn the roles of families and peer groups in socializationUnderstand how we are socialized through formal institutions like schools, workplaces, and the government
Explain how socialization occurs and recurs throughout lifeUnderstand how people are socialized into new roles at age-related transition pointsDescribe when and how resocialization occurs
Understand the difference between psychological and sociological theories of self-developmentExplain the process of moral development
Understand the importance of socialization both for individuals and societyExplain the nature versus nurture debate
Understand the sociological concept of reality as a social constructDefine roles and describe their places in people’s daily interactionsExplain how individuals present themselves and perceive themselves in a social context
Describe Durkhiem’s functionalist view of societyUnderstand the conflict theorist view of societyExplain Marx’s concepts of class and alienationIdentify how symbolic interactionists understand society
Describe the difference between preindustrial, industrial, and postindustrial societiesUnderstand the role of environment on preindustrial societiesUnderstand how technology impacts societal development
Define and describe the scientific methodExplain how the scientific method is used in sociological researchUnderstand the function and importance of an interpretive frameworkDefine what reliability and validity mean in a research study
Understand why ethical standards existDemonstrate awareness of the American Sociological Association’s Code of EthicsDefine value neutrality
Differentiate between four kinds of research methods: surveys, field research, experiments, and secondary data analysisUnderstand why different topics are better suited to different research approaches
