Introduction to Sociology
Series Entitled: Exploring Society

Exploring Society is an introductory, college-level Sociology course that replaces the popular series The Sociological Imagination. The lively and engaging programs utilize the unique qualities of video to help students understand how sociology can provide them with a new way of looking at the world. Stories and situations are used to dramatize the human conflicts at the core of all sociological issues. Each program Features interviews with sociologists and other experts who have been chosen for their individual expertise, as well as for the diverse backgrounds, approaches and viewpoints they bring to this production. Specific voice-over narration is used throughout each lesson to reinforce key points. Each video program is divided into segments that may be used as stand-alone modules on specific topics.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

1) Why Sociology?
Examines and describes the development of sociology as a discipline, increasing awareness of self and society.

2) Sociological Perspectives
Describes and distinguishes the three major sociological perspectives and explains how these perspectives contribute to a critical understanding of society.

3) Sociological Tools
Examiners the processes by which sociologist study group behavior and how the processes differ from everyday observations and conclusions.

4) Culture
Interprets the dimensions and significance of culture to society and relates attitude to cultural understanding and sharing within and between cultures.

5) Socialization
Explains the significance of the socialization process to social development.

6) Social Interaction, Relationships, and Structure
Discusses the role of social interaction in establishing and maintaining relationships, noting effects of social structure on the lives of individuals.

7) Social Groups
Interprets the complexities of social groups and their significance to society.

8) Formal Organizations and Bureaucracy
Identifies, interprets and differentiates between the complexities of formal organizations and bureaucracies and their functions in society.

9) Communities, Societies and Nations
Describes the inter-dependencies among and within communities, societies, and nations.

10) Social Stratification
Explains social stratification and discusses the resources that determine life chances.

11) Social Class
Explains social class in the U.S. and discusses how wealth, power, and prestige are related.

12) Gender
Discusses how society's expectations influence the definitions and behaviors associated with gender.

13) Race and Ethnicity
Explains and gives examples of how race and ethnicity influence social patterns of human interaction.

14) Age
Examines and gives examples of how race and ethnicity influence social patterns of human interaction.

15) Deviance and Social Control
Explains how society defines and controls deviance.

16) Social Institutions: Religion, Family, and Economics
Discusses the functions of social institutions in terms of meeting society's needs.

17) Social Institutions: Politics and Education
discusses the functions of social institutions in terms of meeting society's needs

18) Health and Medicine
Interprets the sociological significance of medicine and health care.

19) Communications Media and Technology
Explains how communications media and technology impact society.

20) Population and Urbanization
Explains why sociologists study urbanization and population.

21) Social Change
Discusses and gives examples of the social dynamics of social change.

22) Social Action
Interprets the relationship of social action and social movements to conflicting interests, change, and power.