Introduction to sociology (2nd ed.). (2015). Houston, TX: OpenStax. Retrieved from https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-sociology
Chapter 1 of the course text provides a brief introduction to the field of sociology, its history, and an overview of the notable theories and theorists. Upon reading this chapter, think about how you would define sociology.
In this TED Talk, sociologist and Penn State professor Sam Richards will provide his answer to the question: "What is sociology?" As you watch, consider why empathy might be at the core of sociology. How does the sociological imagination relate to this talk?
Vandenberghe, F., & Fuchs, S. (2019). On the coming end of sociology. Canadian Review of Sociology, 56(1), 138–143. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=shib&custid=natuniv&direct=true&db=a9h&AN=134867039&site=eds-live
This is a presentation made at ISA World Conference in Sociology in Toronto in 2018 that discusses the current state of the discipline of sociology - fragmentations within the field and what that may mean to the future of the discipline.
Introduction to sociology: Sociological theory and research methods (2012). [Video file]. Retrieved from https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https%3a%2f%2ffod.infobase.com%2fPortalPlaylists.aspx%3fwID%3d102577%26xtid%3d117903
This video augments the history of sociological theory by discussing some of the foundational thinkers in sociology; the major theoretical perspectives; the research methods used by sociologists and the American Sociological Association Code of Ethics.
Strand, M. (2020). Sociology and philosophy in the United States since the sixties: Death and resurrection of a folk action obstacle. Theory and Society: Renewal and Critique in Social Theory, 49(1), 101. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? authtype=shib&custid=natuniv&direct=true&db=edssjs&AN=edssjs.6637783A&site=eds-live
This article discusses the relationship between sociology and philosophy. It shows the strong connection between sociology and other human/social sciences.
McDonald, L. (2019). Sociological theory: The last bastion of sexism in sociology. The American Sociologist, 50(3), 402. Retrieved from: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=shib&custid=natuniv&direct=true& &db=edssjs&AN=edssjs.82B0CCFE&site=eds-live
Sociology’s history has been primarily reflective of the contributions of male theorists. In this article the contributions of women are highlighted and briefly discussed. There is an icon within the article that will lead you to a chronological table of the many contributions of women to the field.
Schuman, R. (2014, Sept 8). The birth of the #Ferguson syllabus. Retrieved from https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/09/ferguson-and-college-education-sociology-and-history-professors-teach-the-fergusonsyllabus.html
In many areas of the world, we have been seeing a lot of collective action lately (don't worry, we will explore this term in more detail later). For now, think about how people have been organizing for causes against injustice, such as in the Arab Spring, the Black Lives Matter Campaign, and the Occupy Wall Street movement. In this article from Slate Magazine, you will take a look at a new course on Ferguson, Missouri, and injustice. As you read, consider how a sociology course might explore injustice, violence, and complexity. How might this perspective provide you with the tools to make our world "a little bit less violent, and a lot more comprehensible"?
Busfield, S. (2009, Nov 27). The Wire: taking sociology forwards? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/joepublic/2009/nov/27/the-wire-social-science-fiction
This article is on how sociology relates to HBO's show, The Wire. If you have more time, check out the actual television show! At its best, The Wire is not just an excellent show, it's a sociological case study. How might other forms of media (e.g. television, film, music, etc.) help us understand more about sociology?
Karl Marx has become somewhat of a caricature in Western culture. In this video, renowned British literary critic, theorist, and public intellectual Terry Eagleton pokes at the assumptions the public holds with regard to Marxist thought through his controversial book Why Marx Was Right. Take what he says seriously, but also examine it critically. As you watch, consider Eagleton's argument and how it relates to Marxist thought and its application in today's society.
