SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology – Course Summary
Institution:
T.A. Marryshow Community College
Course Description:
This course explores the foundational concepts, theories, and methods of sociology, with a focus on understanding societal structures, processes, and institutions in the Caribbean context. Students will critically examine how social forces shape individual behaviour and societal norms while gaining insights into key social issues such as socialisation, social stratification, and the role of institutions. The course also encourages reflection on regional issues through sociological perspectives.
Key Themes and Learning Objectives:
Foundations of Sociology:
Explore the historical development of sociology during the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment period.
Understand the dual nature of sociology as a science and art.
Apply the sociological imagination to connect personal experiences with larger social forces.
Socialisation:
Analyse the influence of nature versus nurture on human development.
Study the process of socialisation and key theoretical contributions by Freud, Mead, and Cooley.
Understand how individuals learn societal roles and cultural norms.
Social Institutions:
Examine the role of major social institutions, including family, education, politics, and the economy.
Analyse how these institutions influence societal cohesion and individual behaviour.
Understand theories of social stratification by Marx, Weber, and West Indian scholars.
Analyse how colonial history has shaped class divisions in Caribbean societies.
Total Institutions:
Study the structure and societal roles of institutions like prisons, mental hospitals, and army camps.
Understand the impact of these institutions on individuals.
Modernisation and Development:
Evaluate modernisation theory and its assumptions about Third World development.
Analyse critiques and the relevance of these theories to the Caribbean context.
Dependency and Underdevelopment:
Explore the impact of colonialism, neocolonialism, and international trade on Caribbean economies.
Understand key concepts like GDP, development, dependency, and underdevelopment.
Examine socio-cultural challenges such as physical abuse, incest, and their causes.
Analyse the development and social commentary embedded in Caribbean music genres like calypso and reggae.
Course Objectives:
Develop a foundational understanding of sociology as a discipline.
Apply sociological theories and methods to analyse societal structures and issues.
Reflect critically on social dynamics in Caribbean societies.
Understand how social institutions and historical contexts shape regional realities.
Assessment Methods:
Coursework: 50%
Final Examination: 50%
This course equips students with critical thinking skills and sociological perspectives to explore and address societal issues within a world context.
- Teacher: Lornadale Charles