Soc 101 Lecture 1.1 Introduction

Jeremy Baker21 minutes read

Jeremy Baker introduces key concepts in sociology, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, sociological imagination, and the balance between agency and social structure. Sociology is the scientific study of social relationships and societies, focusing on understanding interactions between individuals and broader societal forces.

Insights

  • Sociology is the scientific study of social relationships, groups, and societies, emphasizing interactions between people over individual psychology, providing a broader understanding of societal forces on personal experiences.
  • Sociologists navigate the balance between agency (individual free will) and social structure (external influences) to comprehend how behaviors and decisions are shaped, utilizing micro-level (small group interactions) and macro-level (large-scale social structures) analysis to explore their impact on individuals and groups.

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Recent questions

  • What is sociology?

    The scientific study of social relationships and societies.

  • How does sociology help individuals?

    By understanding personal experiences within broader societal contexts.

  • What are the challenges faced by social scientists?

    Dealing with human subjects, political topics, and perceptions as "soft sciences."

  • How does sociology analyze social relationships?

    Through micro-level and macro-level analysis.

  • How does sociology promote critical thinking?

    By questioning assumptions and societal norms.

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Summary

00:00

"Exploring Sociology with Jeremy Baker"

  • Introduction to Sociology 101 lecture by Jeremy Baker
  • Jeremy Baker discusses the online classroom, syllabus, and defines sociology and social sciences
  • Textbook details: "Discover Sociology" by William J. Chambliss and Diana Glitters, third edition
  • Jeremy Baker's contact information: prof je Baker at UNM ddu, primary mode of communication is email
  • Jeremy Baker's teaching locations and research interests: gender roles, non-mainstream religion, working class studies
  • Note on background noises in recordings: train tracks, parrot, dog, children
  • Introduction to Blackboard (Learn) for course navigation and important links
  • Course schedule and expectations outlined in syllabus: email communication, computer requirements, grading policies
  • Importance of critical thinking in social sciences and questioning assumptions
  • Challenges faced by social scientists due to human subjects, political nature of topics, and perception as "soft sciences"

20:24

Understanding Societal Influences on Individual Behavior

  • Sociology is the scientific study of social relationships, groups, and societies, focusing on interactions between people rather than individual psychology.
  • The sociological imagination helps individuals understand how personal experiences intersect with broader societal forces, influencing decisions like divorce rates and job loss perceptions.
  • The sociological perspective allows for the application of sociological concepts to personal experiences, aiding in understanding local and global issues.
  • Sociologists analyze the balance between agency (individual free will) and social structure (external influences) in shaping behaviors and decisions.
  • Sociology utilizes micro-level (small group interactions) and macro-level (large-scale social structures) analysis to explore social relationships and their impact on individuals and groups.
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