Module:                                 SPT101 Introduction to Sociology

Programme:                          BA in Political Science and Sociology

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       

1.    General Objective

This module introduces students to the basic concepts and a theme related to Introduction of sociology, which includes the nature of sociology in terms of its historical origins, its key theoretical traditions and major social institutions. The module aims to familiarize students with the theories, concepts and analytical tools used to understand the inter-relationships and dependencies between the individual, society and wider global processes.  It also covers key themes such as social inequalities in general and social change.

2.    Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, learners will be able to: 

• Trace the historical development of sociology as a discipline
• Examine basic social concepts and explore the discipline’s issues, debates and controversies
• Identify key sociologist and their theories
• Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical perspective.
• Develop sociological imagination and link individual experiences differs with societal relationship
• Compare the sources of social conflict and describe the relations of power in modern society.
• Compare and contrast the social stratification in Bhutan, India and US
• Explorethe social reality from a sociological point of view
• Relate and apply the concepts and theories to their everyday lives.

3.    Learning and teaching approach

4.    Assessment Approach

A: Assignment: Portion of Final Marks: (20%)

There will be one assignment with the weightage of 20 percent (20X1=20%).

1. Content: 10%
2. Organization: 5%
3. Referencing: 2.5%
4.  Language: 2.5 %                                         

B: Mid-Semester Examination: Portion of Final Marks: (10%)

Mid-term exam will be conducted in the middle of the semester (after covering half of the syllabus). The questions will be cumulative coverage of the syllabus. The idea is to test the understanding of the subject.

C: Presentation: Portion of Final Marks: (10%)

Students have to make one presentation based on the topic distributed by the module tutor.

1. Introduction of topic / Development of topic: 2.5%
2. Ability to engage and involve audience: 2.5%
3. Use of visual aids: 2.5%
4. Answering questions appropriately from the audience: 2.5%

D: Semester-end Examination: Portion of Final Marks: (60%)

Semester end Examination for the duration of three hours.

Overview of the assessment approaches and weighting

5.    Subject Matter

5.1.UNIT I: Foundations of Sociology: The Sociological Perspective; Sociological Investigation;

• Culture; Society; Socialization; (definition, characteristics; types of society; agents of socialization; Social Interaction in Everyday Life;)
• Groups and Organizations; (definition; types)
• Sexuality and Society; Deviance (is deviance functional to a society?)

5.2.UNIT II: Social Inequality: Social Stratification; (definition; types)

• Social Class in the United States (classical perspectives on social class; sociological explanation of social inequality)
• Compare social class in US with India and Bhutan (social stratification is one of problem faced by society. so students should know the reality and also know how social stratification varies from one nation to another some prevalent practices in Bhutan)
• Global Stratification; Gender Stratification;
• Race and Ethnicity; Aging and the Elderly (definitions; types)

5.3.UNIT III: Social Institutions: The Economy and Work;

• Politics and Government; (types of Government; monarchy; Authoritarianism; Totalitarianism; Democracy)
• Families and Religion; (definition; types, functions; characteristics; perspectives)
• Education; Health and Medicine (functionalist perspectives on health and education; conflict and interactionist perspectives)

5.4.UNIT IV: Social Change: Population, Urbanization, and Environment;

• Collective Behavior and Social Movements; (definition; types; difference between collective behavior and social movement; theories of social movement)
• Social Change; Traditional, Modern, and Postmodern Societies

6.    Reading List

6.1.Essential Reading

Knuttila, K. M. (2005). Introducing Sociology: A Critical Approach. 3^rd Ed. Canada: Oxford University Press.  

Macionis, J. J. (2008).  Sociology.  12^th Ed Pearson International Edition

6.2.Additional Reading

U.N. 1973. The Determinants and Consequences of Population Trends, Vol.  1. Populations Studies No. 50, New York

Bogue, Donald, 1969. Principles of Demography. New York, John Wiley & Sons.

Johnson, H.M.,(1966), Sociology: A Systematic Introduction, Allied Publishers.

Inkeles, Alex, (1967), What is Sociology?, Prentice Hall, New Delhi.

Beteille, A. Idea of Social Inequality and other Essays;

Date: December 2015.