tudy of Sociology? Why the study of Sociology is important and what research methods do Sociologists use? In conclusion, tell us how Sociology affects our everyday lives. Please provide examples from the text when developing your post. In your posts, I look for specific quotes, examples, and citations from the text when grading.
Note: It is essential that you write two (2) classmate responses for each post. This requires that you read two of your classmates’ posts and then reply to those posts with a comment that supports or refutes their original post based on what you have learned from the readings. Due dates for replies are listed within the syllabus, as well as, on your Canvas calendar. All replies must be supported by your readings or additional sources and must be a minimum of two or more fully developed paragraphs. All posts and replies are individually graded with comments and grades posted in Canvas. Posts and replies are graded on your ability to meet the criteria (i.e. length and subject matter) which, are specifically outlined in your syllabus. If you meet all the requirements then you will receive full credit. Details on course grading and point values may be found in your syllabus.
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Daniel
Daniel Lufkin
Yesterday
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Dear Class,
First, I have read many of your bios and always enjoy learning a little about your personal experiences, and hearing about your goals and aspirations. I am pleased that you are taking this course and with the diverse backgrounds we all bring to the course, we will have some great conversations; which I wait on with eager anticipation.
Moving forward, please note that below I have written a sample post for you to help guide in your first post and to show you my expectations. Most importantly, I look for examples and citations from the text in your posts and replies. Through your examples and citations, I am able to see your interpretations of the material and your ability to apply sociological concepts and terms. Also, at the bottom of my example, I have provided tips for writing future posts. I strongly encourage you to read this sample in its entirety. In the end, my goal is to help you all shape your sociological imagination and to form a literate worldview; which can be, and often is, life changing.
According to Giddens, Duneier, Applebaum, and Carr (2013) Sociology plays a fundamental role in shaping modern intellectual life. The field of Sociology is extremely broad, ranging from the examination of small individual encounters to intricate global perspectives. Through the study of sociology we are able to examine and develop an understanding of the complexities between social groups, human social life, and societies.
Take for example the case of love as illustrated by Giddens et al. (2013). The authors postulate that the notion of love in connection to marriage is a relatively new phenomenon that is not experienced by most people around the world. Until recently, romantic love was kept separate from marriage, found only in courtly circles by members of the aristocracy. In many parts of the world, marriage is still arranged. This may seem odd to many of us, as we have been raised to associate love with marriage; having the free will to fall in love and marry whoever we want. By studying other societies, and looking beyond our own beliefs and experiences, we begin to understand the differences in our world. For this to happen, we must train ourselves to think differently by “breaking free from the immediacy of personal circumstances and putting things into a wider context” (Giddens et al., p. 6). Giddens et al. refer to this thinking as part of the developmental process for building your own sociological imagination; a concept derived from the work of C. Wright Mills.
The sociological imagination challenges us to look beyond the psychological influences that drive personal characteristics and motives; thus challenging us to interpret how our actions affect those around us and on a global perspective. To reinforce the concept of thinking sociologically it is important to examine the ritual of drinking coffee as outlined by the authors. Just by drinking a cup of coffee we have influence on the type of coffee sold, made, and distributed around the world. We also need to look at how our daily lives and actions shape social structures in the form of laws and economical markets. Additionally, we must recognize and have an understanding of how history and social events (i.e. moving from rural towns to cities) produce social change to truly comprehend the field of Sociology. This can be accomplished if we are able to “set aside our personal views and biases to explore the influences that shape our lives and those of others” (Giddens et al., p. 37, 2013). If you are able to do this, then you begin to see the world through a wider lens or what sociologists would call developing a sociological imagination.
Finally, there are many theorists to thank for developing Sociology as a scientific field of discovery. Individuals such as “The Father of Sociology” Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Harriet Martineau have developed theories that continue to influence Sociology today. Take for example Comte’s and Durkheim’s writings of functionalism. Today, Sociologists continue to examine the importance of moral consensus in our society by expanding on the functionalist theory and work of Comte and Durkheim. By studying concepts such as social facts, organic solidarity, and the theoretical approaches of the past, we begin to understand what we are looking for when interpreting and examining modern literature and social life. Furthermore, by broadening our knowledge of sociological theory, we are better able to accept and appreciate Sociology as a scientific field of study.
Tips for writing your post:
1. Use examples from your reading. Not citing terms, concepts, theories, and examples from the text will lead to a reduction in points.
2. I recommend that you write your post in a word document to ensure proper grammar and spelling and then cut and paste it to the discussion board. I would also recommend saving all your posts in a file on your hard drive.
3. Be sure to cite the page and use quotations when taking exact words from the authors.
4. You may use personal experiences in your writing as long as they are relative to the topic and are supported by the readings. This is in addition to terms and concepts taken from the readings.
5. You will not be able to cover everything in the reading in a single post, so summarize what you feel is most important and what you have learned. This is the beauty of online learning as each of us will have different interpretations, and through these posts, we will be able to learn from each other.
6. When writing your posts and replies use proper grammar and punctuation. This means capitalizing pronouns such as I. In a formal academic setting, it is not proper to use texting language such as i, or ttyl or thank u.
7. Finally, all posts and replies must be submitted on the due dates as specified in the course syllabus. Also, please note that you may work ahead on any assignment, although, if you get too far ahead, sometimes you may have to wait for a classmate to post before you can write a reply. I am very strict with due dates and as a reminder, there is no make-up work or extra credit offered in this course. Please be sure that you are regularly checking the course calendar and announcements page to ensure you are meeting all course requirements.
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