SECTION 1EXAMINING SOCIAL LIFE

SECTION 2SOCIOLOGY: THEN AND NOW

The Sociological Point of View

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

Section 1Examining Social Life

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?

Society Individual

Sociological Imagination: Draw a Picture

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?

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”

Social Sciences

Discipline Role/Purpose Sociology Connection

Psychology

Anthropology

Geography

History

Political Science

Law

Economics

Linguistics

Media

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

American Sociological Association

National organization for SociologistsThe 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

American Sociological AssociationGroup 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 SociologicalContemporary SocietyContextsJournal of Health and

Social BehaviorSocial PsychologySociological

MethodologySociological TheorySociology of EducationSociusTeaching Sociology

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

Sample Article

• Abstract Main Points:

• First-Generation, low-income struggle through college application process