Introduction

to Sociology

Course Description

An understanding of sociology as systematic study of societies, and how sociological
imagination can contribute to a more critical understanding of individual selves, other
individuals, groups, institutions, and society in general. A critical examination of different
social issues such as social inequality and understanding how history, culture, individuals,
and institutions affect individuals and groups in society.


Main Textbooks:

Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum, R., & Carr, D. (2018). Introduction to Sociology. 11th ed.
W. W. Norton & Company: London

Newman, D. (2017). Sociology: exploring the architecture of everyday life. Sage: London

Reading Guide

This handout shall serve as your reading guide. Dates are included, and I have made the
indicated readings similar to the file names for easier reference. We shall be utilizing two
main textbooks for this semester, but additional readings may be given as we progress
throughout the semester.

Do not that this reading guide, including indicative schedules, are subject to change and shall
be announced in class or through Schoology.


Week Topic Readings
Number
1-2 Introduction to the study of Newman, Chapter 1,
sociology pp. 27-56
Understanding sociological
imagination

2-3 Development of Sociological Giddens, pp. 9-19
Thinking; Modern
Approaches and Theories in
Sociology
4-5 Culture and Society Giddens, pp. 45-72
FISRT TERM EXAMS (September 11-13, Wednesday to Friday)
Coverage shall be discussions from Weeks 1-5
6-7 Socialization and Social Giddens, pp.73-96
Interaction
 Goffman,
Presentations of the
Self
8 Groups, Networks and Giddens, pp.121-144
Organizations
9 Religion in Modern Society Giddens, 445-471
10-11 Deviance and Crime Newman, Chapter 8
Race and Ethnicity Newman, Chapter 11
10-11 Family, Gender and Sexuality Giddens, Chapter 10
pp. 229-264
11-12 Stratification, Social Class Newman, Chapter 10
and Inequality
SECOND TERM EXAMINATION (October 21-23, Monday to Wednesday)
13 Education Giddens, pp. 419-444
14 Population, Health and Giddens, pp. 293-316
Illness and pp. 481-516
15 Globalization and Giddens, Chapter 19
Development
16 Rural Sociology and
Agriculture
17 Integration
Final Examinations (December 4-6, Wednesday to Friday)

Grading System

Term Examinations – 40%
Quizzes, Class Participation – 30%
Research Papers – 30%

Quizzes: These are often given at the beginning of the class--- ten minutes after the start of
official class hours. These can either be individual or group exercises to test your
understanding of the previous discussion or of the assigned reading material.

Class Participation: Thoughtful participations during class are very much encouraged. For
every insightful participation in class, I shall be handing you a recitation slip that you need
to fill up and submit at the end of the class. Each recitation slip is worth 3 points and one
student may earn a maximum of 6 recitation points (2 sheets) per day.


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