Sociology

Social Studies Practices

The Sociological Point of View: Students will be introduced to the study of sociology and the sociological perspective, including major theoretical perspectives and methods of sociological research.

The Role of Culture in Society: Students will analyze the nature of culture and the role it plays for the individual and society.

Collect data and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including:

Critically examine a primary or secondary source in order to:

Synthesize data from a variety of sources in order to:

Construct and communicate arguments by citing supporting evidence to:

Develop historical awareness by:

Develop geographic awareness by:

Define sociology as a field of study, and explain why it is a science.

Compare and contrast sociology with other social sciences.

Explain the origins of sociology and significant contributions of its founders.

Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative methods of research, and determine the parts of research.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of major methods of sociological research (i.e., surveys and interviews, experiments, observations, content analysis).

Differentiate among various sociological perspectives or theories on social life (i.e., functionalist perspective, conflict theory, symbolic interaction).

Examine ethical practices in sociological research as recommended by the American Sociological Association.

Define culture, and explain its various elements.

Define and give examples of cultural norms (e.g., folkways, mores, taboos, laws).

Identify and describe the prominent elements of American culture.

Compare and contrast various elements of cultures of the world.

Analyze how culture influences individuals (e.g., ethnocentrism, cultural relativity, culture shock).

Describe how the social structure of a culture affects social interaction.

Explain the various sociological perspectives on culture.

Printed materials

Graphic representations

Field observations/Landscape analysis

Artifacts

Media and technology sources

Oral History

Extract, summarize, and paraphrase significant ideas and relevant information

Discern differences between evidence and assertion

Recognize the significance of author’s purpose, point of view, and bias

Draw logical inferences and conclusions

Assess the strengths and limitations of arguments

Establish accuracy and validity by comparing sources to each other

Recognize disparities among multiple accounts

Frame appropriate questions for further investigation

Demonstrate and defend an understanding of ideas

Compare and contrast viewpoints

Illustrate cause and effect

Predict likely outcomes

Devise new outcomes or solutions

Engage in appropriate civic discourse

Recognizing how and why historical accounts change over time

Perceiving and presenting past events and issues as they might have been experienced by the people of the time, with historical empathy vs. present- mindedness

Evaluating how unique circumstances of time and place create context and contribute to action and reaction

Identifying patterns of continuity and change over time, making connections to the present

Analyzing and determining the use of diverse types of maps based on the origin, authority, structure, context, and validity

Using the geographic perspective to analyze relationships, patterns, and diffusion across space at multiple scales

Analyzing locations, conditions, and connections of places and using maps to investigate spatial associations among phenomena

Examining how geographers use regions and how perceptions of regions are fluid across time and space

Analyzing interaction between humans and the physical environment