Introduction to sociology (2nd ed.). (2015). Houston, TX: OpenStax. Retrieved from https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/15-introduction-to-religion
This chapter provides an overview of religion from a sociological perspective; discusses various world religions and looks at how religion acts as an agent of change in our world.
Introduction to sociology (2nd ed.). (2015). Houston, TX: OpenStax. Retrieved from https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/15-introduction-to-religion
This chapter provides an overview of religion from a sociological perspective; discusses various world religions and looks at how religion acts as an agent of change in our world.
Introduction to sociology (2nd ed.). (2015). Houston, TX: OpenStax. Retrieved from https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/17-introduction-to-government-and-politics
This chapter delved into the difference between power and authority and how that is reflected in various forms of government throughout the world. It also looks more closely at the U.S. political system and the voting process as well as how voting is influenced by issues such as race, gender, and class.
Anderson, J. (2020, March 20). The coronavirus pandemic is reshaping education. Retrieved from https://qz.com/1826369/how-coronavirus-is-changing-education/
This article shares how education has changed and continues to change globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cole, S. (2015, march 10). 5 big ways education will change by 2020. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/3043387/5-big-ways-education-will-change-by-2020
This article was written in 2015 and points out five key ways that education will change by 2020. See if you agree that many of those changes are occurring.
Spektor, B. (2018, January 16). Is the internet changing the way people feel about religion? Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/61439-internet-use-changing-religion-tinkering.html
This article discusses how technology and the internet are affecting religion in today’s environment.
In this video from TED Ed, you will review the five major world religions: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. As you watch, think about how all religions address the big questions: Where do we come from, and how can we live meaningful lives?
Strauss, V. (2015, Feb 12). PRESS TV Documentaries. (2015). The origin of democracy [Video file]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/109374945
You have just read about different political systems. In this video from Press TV, you will trace the origin of democracy in particular. As you watch, consider the blurred line between aristocracy and democracy. What does "for the people" really mean? Why is it challenging to achieve a system that truly gives voice to "all” people?
Darling-Hammond, L. (1998, Mar 1). Unequal opportunity: Race and education. Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/research/articles/1998/03/spring-education-darling-hammond
What if education only offered access and opportunity to some? Might it then be a source of conflict? In this article from the Brookings Institute, you will explore how unequal access to resources relates to race. How might a conflict theorist view this argument? Would he or she support it? While this article is somewhat dated, it still offers very relevant insights into educational inequality.
Strauss, V. (2015, Feb 12). What’s the purpose of education in the 21st century? Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2015/02/12/whats-the-purpose-of-education-in-the-21st-century/
What is the purpose of education? In this article, you will examine this question. As you read, consider how many of the responses to the question (especially those related to life, work, and citizenship) demonstrate a functionalist approach to education. How might education meet social needs?
Gorenberg, G. (2014, Jan 2). Anti-social media. Retrieved from http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/moment/2014/01/twitter_facebook_and_a_one_state_solution_social_media_won_t_bring_israel.html
How might the internet, namely Facebook and Twitter, encourage "imagined communities"? In this article from Slate Magazine, you will review Benedict Anderson's concept as it relates to the spread of information and the one-state concept. How can social media bring people together? How can social media create further divisions between us?