SOC 101
SOC 101 Week 1 DQ 1 Sociology Theories
There are three primary sociological theories discussed in Chapter One of the text, Introduction to Sociology. Briefly summarize each theory and the major differences across the Functionalist, Conflict, and Symbolic Interaction perspectives.
SOC 101 Week 1 DQ 2 The Role of Culture
Vissing (2011) explains culture as “an organized system of living and thinking. It contains shared attitudes, values, goals, and behaviors that are present in individuals, groups, organizations, or regions of the world” (p. 24). Describe some of the ways that the role of culture can shape our expectations about how people are supposed to behave? Use the following terms in your explanation: values, norms, material, status, groups and roles.
SOC 101 Week 2 DQ 1 Socialization
Describe the various agents of socialization and why they are important. Do you think socializing agents contribute to an institutionalized system of social inequality? Support your answer with detailed examples.
SOC 101 Week 2 DQ 2 Family Forms
Describe three different family forms discussed in Chapter Two of the text, Introduction to Sociology. In what ways do social forces (outside influences), make it easier or more challenging for each family form to function in society. Support your answer with detailed examples.
SOC 101 Week 2 Assignment Theorist of Choice
The text, Introduction to Sociology, describes many individuals who have contributed to our current view of sociology, including:
C. Wright Mills
Howard Becker
W. I. Thomas
Auguste Comte
Emile Durkheim
Herbert Spencer
Karl Marx
Erving Goffman’s
Harriet Martineau
W. E. B. Du Bois
Using the knowledge you have gained thus far in this course, write a paper which identifies one influential theorist that best aligns with your personal view of sociology. Describe the theory and provide evidence supporting your thesis (three reasons for choosing your theorist)
SOC 101 Week 3 DQ 1 Social Problems
Identify a “social problem” discussed in Chapter Three of the text, Introduction to Sociology. Summarize the social problem from the lens of:
The Functionalist perspective
The Conflict perspective
The Symbolic Interaction perspective
SOC 101 Week 3 DQ 2 Deviant Behavior
After reading Chapter Three of the text, Introduction to Sociology and the article, Durkheim’s Classic Contribution, consider the following question, why do you think Emile Durkheim allege that if we didn’t have deviants, we would create them? Support your answer with detailed examples.
SOC 101 Week 3 Assignment Final Paper Outline Religious Social Institution
SOC 101 Week 4 DQ 1 Current Social Issues
Read Chapter Four of the text, Introduction to Sociology, and review the article, Overweight and Obesity, U.S. Obesity Trends. Answer the following questions from the text (page 183), Applying Sociology: Is Obesity Really a Problem?
Why is obesity high in some states and not in others?
Is overeating the only cause of rising obesity rates, or what other social factors could contribute to them?
In the nature-nurture debate, do you think that people are the size they are because of genetics or because of lifestyle choices?
SOC 101 Week 4 DQ 2 Social Institutions
Vessing (2011) states, “a society needs a variety of social institutions in order to function adequately. However, it does appear that not all citizens have equal access to participation in them, and that one’s social class and ascribed characteristics may limit one’s ability to benefit from them.
This disparity results in unequal access to all that the institutions have to offer” (p. 197). Review the various social institutions discussed in Chapter Four of the text, Introduction to Sociology. In your opinion, which of these institutions do not provide equal access? If you were asked to implement changes from a sociological perspective, what changes would you suggest? Support your answer with detailed examples.
SOC 101 Week 5 DQ 1 Social Movements
Social movements can change the world. According to Chapter Five of the text, Introduction to Sociology, what social movements have been noted in the United States in the last decade? What implications have these movements had on today’s culture? Then, hypothesize what current social movements could transform the future of the world.
SOC 101 Week 5 DQ 2 Social Change
The future of the world is uncertain; there are those who predict a wonderful world where technology and creativity provide a good quality of life for most people, while others predict a world of competition, conflict, and strife. Use the sociological theories provided in Chapter Five of the text, Introduction to Sociology, to explain why these polar opposites could both occur, and what needs to happen for peace and prosperity to result.
SOC 101 Week 5 Assignment Research Paper Religious Social Institution
Evaluate the impact the Sociological theories, Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism has by choosing one of the social institution selected from the list below:
Social Institutions (choose one)
family
health-care
religion
education
mass media
politics
economic
In your paper address the following elements:
How does each theory apply to the selected sociological institution? What are the similarities? What are the differences?
How does each theory affect the views of the individual who is part of the institution?
How does each theory affect the approach to social change within the selected institution?