Lecture 1 FNET 2024

Summary

Professor Matthew Trackman introduces the online Sociology 101 course, emphasizing the importance of challenging societal common sense assumptions. He outlines the syllabus, covering topics like social structure, culture, gender norms, economic stratification, and race. The course includes three exams (each worth 25%) and weekly homework assignments (also 25%), with no required textbook. Trackman encourages students to engage with the material through repeated viewings and note-taking.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🏫 The course is an online Introduction to Sociology (Sociology 101) led by Professor Matthew Trackman.
• 📚 The lecture aims to introduce students to sociological thinking and review the syllabus, including class requirements and assignments.
• 🧠 Sociology challenges common sense assumptions and encourages critical thinking about societal norms and human behavior.
• 🌐 Sociologists assert that individuals are products of groups, contrary to the common belief in American society of being free and independent.
• 👥 The course will cover crucial sociological concepts like social structure, culture, and the influence of gender norms and economic stratification on behavior.
• 👩‍🏫 Professor Trackman will introduce students to major sociological thinkers, including de der kind, Carl Marx, and Max Weber.
• 📈 The class will explore how gender norms and economic stratification shape our lives and behaviors within society.
• 📝 There is no required textbook; all readings will be provided digitally through the course document folder on Brightspace.
• 📋 The final grade is determined by three exams (each worth 25%) and weekly homework assignments (also totaling 25% of the grade).
• ⏰ Exams are open-book and will be taken on Brightspace, with a recommended study method of watching lectures multiple times and taking detailed notes.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the first lecture in Introduction to Sociology?

The main goal of the first lecture is to provide a brief introduction to sociology, explaining how sociologists think about the world and human behavior, and to review the syllabus, discussing class requirements, weekly homework assignments, and exams.

What does sociological thinking involve according to the transcript?

Sociological thinking involves challenging common sense assumptions subscribed to by members of any given society.

What is an example of a common sense belief in American culture mentioned in the lecture?

An example of a common sense belief in American culture is the belief in individualism, which suggests that people are free and independent individuals making decisions separate from society.

How does the professor suggest human beings are influenced by groups?

The professor suggests that human beings are at all moments and in all places the products of groups, implying that our behaviors and decisions are influenced by the societies and groups we are part of.

What are some of the major concepts that will be covered in the Introduction to Sociology class?

Some of the major concepts to be covered include social structure, culture, gender norms, economic stratification, race and ethnicity, conformity, human sexuality, and the mass media.

Who are some of the sociologists that will be discussed in the class?

Some of the sociologists to be discussed include Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber.

What is the professor's method for delivering lectures in the class?

The professor delivers lectures through YouTube, and the links to these lectures are posted on a weekly basis.

How will the final grade in the Introduction to Sociology class be determined?

The final grade will be based on three exams worth 25% each and weekly homework assignments also worth 25% in total.

What is the policy on late homework assignments in the class?

The professor does not accept late homework assignments and will drop the lowest grades received on two of the assignments based on the class average.

How can students get in touch with Professor Matthew Trakman?

Students can contact Professor Matthew Trakman via email at [email protected] or during his office hours on Monday and Wednesday as specified in the syllabus.