Introduction to Sociology - week 1

Introduction to Sociology

"Preparation for part time BA Humanities" course - Sally Richardson

Swansea University

Tuesday 24th April 2012, 6-8pm

Week 1 of 10

Notes

This course caught my attention as I browsed the modules on offer for the ten week programme, given the short description in the course booklet

This module aims to introduce students to the subject of sociology and how it assists our understanding of the world around us. This will involve discussing key issues and processes of change that shape contemporary society.

Having been away from the classroom for the past 24 years, since attaining a BTEC HND in Computer Studies way back in 1989, I was somewhat anxious of my ability to take part in any degree level study. This lack of confidence was amplified by the venue being, in my opinion, one of the most prestigious Universities in the country.

So it was with more than a little trepidation that I set out on the 40 minute drive, having finished work early last Tuesday. I quickly found the site and located the empty classroom. The next 30 minutes spent watching the young students go about their business in the main Library block did nothing to ease my nerves. At 6pm sharp I took my seat in a small, crowded classroom. I was expecting at least a few dozen people, but the small class of nine students very quickly resulted in a relaxed and informal environment.

Our lecturer, Sally Richardson was quick to promote a comfortable and friendly learning experience. After personal introductions the mood was one of casual debate, with the emphasis of all students on broadening their knowledge of the subject matter.  The common theme for attending the class was that of SB (Self Betterment) with all students looking to develop their social and intellectual skills as well as their knowledge of Sociology - the science of society. Ms. Richardson's background and specialisations soon became clear, as did the fact that this course was indeed going to be inspiring and insightful as well as being extremely enjoyable. The syllabus was expanded upon, to include such topic areas as

            What is Sociology?

            It's development and history, through to present day.

            Marxism

            Functionalism

            Interactionism

Weekly agenda to include

            What is Sociology?

            The importance of understanding social behaviour

            How Sociologists investigate social behaviour - theories & methods

            The family

            Education

           The ever changing world of work

            Media hype and media effects

            Crime and deviance

            Social ideas of gender and sexuality

            Race and ethnicity in the 21st Century

The course plan was broken down as follows, with emphasis on the fact that following completion of the course the student should be in a position to

Demonstrate knowledge of social theories.

Apply sociological theories to aspects of contemporary society.

Demonstrate a critical and analytical approach to the subject area with others in the group.

Transferable skills would include the ability to present ideas clearly in both written and oral forms, the ability to assess different perspectives and the ability to develop a coherent argument ...so maybe there's hope for me yet!

Teaching methods will include formal lecturing, the use of PowerPoint presentations, Internet hyper linking, DVD, video and audio sources, discussion and debate, as well as quiz/questions and answer sessions. Weekly assessment will include discussion and debate, quiz results, comprehension and presentation. The final assessment will be a 2000 word essay, or a 1000 word essay + a 10 minute presentation with a 500 word essay. I'm thinking the former will suffice!

The latter part of the lesson saw us ploughing through a PowerPoint presentation, 'Introducing Sociology', commenting and discussing each slide at length to ensure we all got a grip on the subject:

So, again ...what is sociology?

'Sociology may be defined as the study of society', Ginsberg

'Sociology is the study of individuals in a social setting', Ritzer

'Sociology is the objective study of human behaviour in so far as it is affected by the            fact people live in groups', Sugarman

'The scope of sociology is extremely wide, ranging from analysis of passing encounters between individuals in the street up to the investigation of world-wide social processes', Giddens

Intrigued, I surfed round the web and came across this Youtube introduction - it's simple, yet concise and easy to understand for a newbie like myself:

Click on the picture to play the short video, by poovilmhelm. The user made the video to explain 'What is Sociology?' to 16 year olds as a means to encouraging students to progress to studying the subject at A-level. I like it's style and simplistic content.

Social groups and behaviours

            Work group

            Social group
            Friendships
            Peer group
            Family group
            Educational group

The structure

            Society - the largest group to which we all belong.

             Institutions - stable patterns of group behaviour that persist over long periods of time.

                        Family

                                    Right & wrong behaviour

                                    Language
                                    Social position
                                    Gender association

                         Government / law

                                     Language

                         Work

                                    Respect for authority

                                    What you are taught
                                   

                        Media

                                    Lifestyle

                                    Advertising
                                    How and where?
                                    TV
                                    WWW
                                    Magazines
                                    Newspapers

                         Education

                                    Respect for authority

                                    What you are taught

                        Religion

            Small groups - families, peers and friendships

                         Peers

                                    Fashion

                                    Gender behaviour

                         Friends

                                    Self perception

                                    Perception by friends or gangs

            The Individual

Sociologists commonly study patterns of particular groups, such as those at the margins of social life. People who are aware of social patterns that others rarely think about

            Women

            Gay People
            People with disabilities
            Elderly
            Deviance and crime

We'll be taught how to look at things objectively, and not subjectively, as Sociologists. Hmm ...what can I say? I can draw experiences from all the above topics and as such I think I'll have fun discussing them within the classroom environment. But in the first instance I need to remind myself of the following definitions, by Oxford Dictionaries:

Objective - "not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering & representing facts."

Subjective - "based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes or opinions."

My mind has been clouded by technology since the age of 12, when I first got my hands on a home computer. I've come a long way since dabbling with that old Sinclair ZX81 machine. I've studied and worked in IT for the past 31 years, ignoring the humanitarian aspects that surround me. A busy lifestyle, wonderful family, well paid job along with the stresses of the rat race has always had me searching for something more. What's been missing from my life? Here are some of the answers. At last, I'll get to meet likeminded individuals and gain knowledge that will help me look at situations differently; to analyse and develop a more rounded view on my daily interactions and the dynamics within my family, group of friends, fellow students and work colleagues.

In turn, I feel I'll broaden my outlook on life, leading me towards a more satisfying and positive experience - after just one lesson, that much I know. This past week, I've already began looking at family relationships, work group dynamics and news stories from a different, sociological perspective.

To do list - before next week

            Read handout: Sociology, Anthony Giddens, 6th edition, 2009

            Chapter 1 - What is Sociology?

                        The social imagination.

                        Studying people and society.

                        The development of social thinking.

                        Theories & theoretical experiences.

                        Founders of Sociology:

                                    Max Weber (1864-1920)

                                    Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
                                    Karl Marx (1818-1883)
                                    Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)
                                    Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
                                    Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406)

                        Capitalism and class struggle.

                        Social change: the materialist conception of history.

                        Rationalisation.

                        Modern theoretical approaches.

                        Thinking critically.

                        Functionalism.

                        Conflict perspectives.

                        Symbolic interactionism.

                        Theoretical thinking in society.

                        Microsociology.

                        Macrosociology.

                        Why study sociology?

                   
            Book link: look inside 'Sociology' by Anthony Giddens

Read through my STAR (Study Tips to Achieve Results) learning Guide. Online version.           

Check out the DACE (Department of Continuing Education) SOS (Student Online Support) web site.

Make notes on this session - maybe start a Blog in the form of an online learning journal?

Re-read notes ahead of next Tuesday evening's session.

Apply for my library card.

In summary

So, how did it go? By challenging myself to work at degree level in subject areas alien to me, I'm not expecting an easy ride. That said, I've always wanted to see if I can work at this academic level and what better place to study than at a University that I fully respect, in a wonderful city. Swansea has been my second home since living there for two years whist studying my HND Computing way back in my youth. I feel like I'm returning home. My initial nerves have evaporated and I do indeed feel inspired. I look forward to new knowledge, informed debate and getting to know my fellow students.

Until next week...