Introduction To Sociology
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 114 pages
- 20 units
This course, Introduction to Sociology, introduces students to fundamental sociological concepts and social issues. It explores the definition, origins, scope, and methods of sociology, alongside practical applications. Key topics include family, marriage, socialization, conformity, deviance, power, and authority. Students will also examine social organizations, groups, social differentiation, religion, social interaction, stratification, mobility, collective behavior, public opinion, propaganda, and social change. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of society and human behavior.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 60 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CSS111, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CSS111 · UNIT 1: DEFINITION OF SOCIOLOGY
After completing the last unit, review the course and prepare yourself for the final examination. Check that you have achieved the unit objectives (listed at the beginning of each unit) and the course objectives (listed in this Course Guide).
What you should be able to do
- Define sociology and its key concepts
- Explain the functions of family and marriage in society
- Analyze the processes of socialization and conformity
- Understand the causes and consequences of deviance
- Evaluate different forms of power and authority
- Assess the impact of social stratification and mobility
What it prepares you for
- Social Worker
- Sociologist
- Criminologist
- Urban Planner
- Community Organizer
- Social Services
- Government
- Education
- Research
- Community Development
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 2: Deviance
Understanding the various theoretical perspectives (biological, psychological, social) requires critical analysis and comparison.
- Module 3:
Unit 1: Social Organizations
The abstract nature of social structures and their impact on individual behavior requires strong analytical skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 63 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Definition of Sociology · 3 hours
Define sociology, its origins, scope, methods, and uses.. Discuss practical significance and social issues..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Family · 3 hours
Describe family types, activities, and functions.. Discuss the family as a cornerstone of society..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Marriage · 3 hours
Explain the meaning and types of marriage.. Discuss the social recognition of mating..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Society and Culture · 4 hours
Define society and culture.. Explain the relationship between society and human behavior.. Discuss elements and importance of culture..
- Week 5Module 1:
Unit 5: Socialisation · 4 hours
Describe socialization and its agents (family, peers, media, schools).. Discuss the modification of behavior and attitude..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: Conformity · 3 hours
Describe conformity, reasons for conformity, and factors influencing conformity..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Deviance · 6 hours
Define deviance and perspectives on deviance (biological, social, labeling, control).. Discuss non-conformity to social norms..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Power · 3 hours
Define power and its roles.. Discuss the ability to ensure compliance..
Unit 4: Authority · 3 hours
Define authority and its types (traditional, charismatic, rational-legal).. Differentiate authority from power..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 5: Leadership · 3 hours
Define leadership and leadership theories.. Differentiate leaders from managers..
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 1: Social Organizations · 4 hours
Explain the meaning and levels of social organization.. Describe the roles of individuals in social organizations..
Unit 2: Group · 4 hours
Define group, types of groups, and group development.. Discuss group cohesiveness and effectiveness..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 3: Social Differentiation · 3 hours
Explain the meaning of social differentiation.. Describe the distribution of members in a society to available positions..
Unit 4: Religion · 3 hours
Define religion and its elements.. Discuss religion and society, and types of religious organizations..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 5: Social Interaction · 3 hours
Explain the meaning of social interactions.. Discuss the role of cultural scripts and ethnomethodology.. Explain social identities..
- Week 13Module 4:
Unit 1: Social Stratification · 4 hours
Define social stratification and its dimensions.. Describe the bases on which people are stratified..
Unit 2: Social Mobility · 3 hours
Define social mobility and its types.. Discuss individual and group mobility..
Unit 3: Collective Behaviour · 4 hours
Define collective behavior and its forms.. Discuss collective behavior as a breakdown in social order..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key sociological concepts from Units 1-5 in Module 1.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 in Module 2 on power, authority, and leadership.
- Practice applying sociological theories to real-world examples from Units 1-3 in Module 3.
- Focus on understanding the different types of social mobility in Unit 2 of Module 4.
- Summarize the main arguments for and against social stratification from Unit 1 of Module 4.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CSS111 about?
This course, Introduction to Sociology, introduces students to fundamental sociological concepts and social issues. It explores the definition, origins, scope, and methods of sociology, alongside practical applications. Key topics include family, marriage, socialization, conformity, deviance, power, and authority. Students will also examine social organizations, groups, social differentiation, religion, social interaction, stratification, mobility, collective behavior, public opinion, propaganda, and social change. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of society and human behavior.
How many units does CSS111 have?
CSS111, Introduction To Sociology, has 20 units across 4 modules, over 114 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CSS111?
CSS111 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is CSS111 hard?
CSS111 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CSS111 take to study?
About 60 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is CSS111 assessed?
CSS111 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CSS111?
Social Worker, Sociologist, Criminologist, Urban Planner and Community Organizer.