Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective Objectives

Sociology is the scientific study of human social activity. At the heart of this discipline is sociology's unique perspective.

After reviewing Chapter 1, you will be able to:

1. Define sociology and understand the basic components of the sociological perspective.

2. Provide examples of how social forces in society affect our everyday lives.

3. Describe the significance of the research on suicide done by Emile Durkheim, showing the impact of social forces on individual behavior.

4. Note the importance of taking a global perspective in order to recognize how U.S. society fits into the rest of the world.

5. Identify societal factors that affect the likelihood that people will view the world sociologically.

6. Describe an important contribution made by each of the following sociologists: C. Wright Mills, Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, and W. E. B. DuBois.

7. Identify and understand the differences between the three major theoretical paradigms used by sociologists.

8. Identify important theorists and researchers who have used the sociological perspective in their study of society, and discuss their contributions to the discipline.

   
   

   © 1999-2000 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. A Pearson Company Distance Learning at Prentice Hall Legal Notice