Soc 1.1+1.2: Examining Social Life and Development of Sociology

Open Ended

Use your notes to give your own definition of Sociology using the following words: social behavior. social interactions, and group.

Open Ended

What is the sociological imagination and why do you think it is important when studying sociology?

Open Ended

What was going on in society when Sociology was developed?

Open Ended

Herbert Spencer applied Darwin's evolutionary theory to society. Research: 1. What exactly is social darwinism? Give a few details.

2. What problematic ideas could this be used to justify? Explain.

Open Ended

Perspective is important in Sociology. When studying society and social interactions, it is important to examine all perspectives. In order to fully understand a situation, do you think you need to understand the perspective of everyone involved? Why or why not?

Open Ended

Verstehen is a concept integrated in the field of Sociology by Sociologist, Max Weber. The goal is to attempt to understand the meaning of someone's actions instead of focusing on the actions from our perspective. Why do you think this is important?

Open Ended

Maya's parents don't allow her to attend parties, have a later curfew than 9:00, or spend the night at friends' houses. Her friends think her parents are unreasonable.

Apply "verstehen" to this scenario. What are some reasons why this might happening other than the parents simply being unreasonable?

Open Ended

Maria has worked at the same company for 15 years but almost never takes vacation. Her coworkers think she's a workaholic who cares way too much about her job.

Apply "verstehen" to this scenario. What are some possible reasons why Maria never takes vacation other than what her coworkers have assumed?

Open Ended

Mr. Johnson lives alone and eats dinner at the same diner every evening. The same table. The same meal. Almost no conversation. Everyone in town thinks Mr. Johnson is weird and creepy.

Apply "verstehen" to this scenario. What are some reasons why Mr. Johnson might eat alone every evening?

Open Ended

Overall, explain why this concept is important when trying to understand things from a sociological perspective.

Open Ended

Choose one of the Sociologists from your notes and do some research on their contributions to the field of Sociology. Discuss 4-5 of your findings in your own words.