?Learning Objectives

• Understand the discipline of sociology and how it shapes our understanding of social reality by demonstrating the relevance of key concepts and applying the sociological imagination.
• Understand the role of theory in sociology and how to apply key concepts of sociological inquiry in social analysis.
• Understand the role of evidence and quantitative and qualitative research methods in sociology and to be aware of ethical issues of research.
• Think critically by distinguishing between arguments based on empirical evidence and arguments based simply on opinion; identify underlying assumptions in theoretical orientations or methodological approaches; and examine one's own cultural practices, beliefs, and values.
• Write clearly (or make a presentation) in order to communicate sociological content by writing an account of a social event, topic, issue, or problem in a clear and concise sociological analysis or writing a clear and concise report of the findings from empirical sociological analysis.
• Be prepared?for entry-level positions in their chosen fields or for admission into graduate programs.