SOCIOLOGY



Sociology

Sociology

Introduction

Sociology is a science which attempts the interpretive understanding of social action to arrive at a casual explanation of its course and effects. Sociology seeks to formulate type concepts and generalized uniformities of empirical processes. Action is human behaviour to which the acting individual attaches subjective meaning. It can be overt or inward and subjective. Action is social when, by virtue of the subjective meaning attached to it by the acting individual(s), it takes account of the behaviour of others and is thereby guided. Social action may be oriented to past, present, or predicted future behaviour of others. Others may be concrete people or indefinite pluralities.

Previous studies by Hanson (1980, 1987: 10-25) on student perceptions of sociology as a major indicated that teaching quality and departmental reputation while important, are not pre-eminent in students' choice of a major. However, recent studies and discussion about teaching sociology reveal a movement toward a broader understanding of what constitutes sociological knowledge. Steele and Marshall (1996) suggest this broad understanding when they predict that the work force will demand a more practical sociology that prepares students for jobs. Applied sociology and sociological practice will become increasingly important. As instructors of sociology, it has been our endeavor to help students connect sociology with various dimensions of their lives that also include the mundane. Importantly, we want our students to develop cognitive understandings of foundational sociological concepts; which, in turn will help them develop into mature individuals in their community with a sense of vocation in their work, an ethic of service and a lifestyle that reflects personal integrity and social responsibility.

Sociology As A Discipline And Theories And Methods

A central concept employed when introducing students to the discipline of sociology is the sociological imagination. The premise that human experiences are socially and historically contextualized is often the point of departure instructors take when introducing the discipline. Understanding the connections between individual experiences and wider structural and historical forces, C. Wright Mills (1959) argues, provides individuals with a greater awareness of themselves and others. It then becomes of interest to examine if indeed, students find the sociological imagination, along with other concepts and theories introduced, applicable to understanding or resolving, both personal and social, events they come into contact with in everyday life. He also focused on the development of the sociological imagination, gives coverage to student perceptions of sociology. Specifically, student assessments of the utility of sociology, in terms of an academic discipline, as well as a career enhancer, were examined. (Bannister 2006: 12-26)

Sociology as a discipline invites holistic teaching and learning approaches that inspire deep understanding. Introductory Sociology, the first level sociology course at most UK universities, presents a special challenge to the sociology department as well as its instructors. It is often a general education course, which contributes to broad interdisciplinary liberal learning objectives. At the same time, it is typically the introductory course for Sociology majors. It draws students with a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ...