Sociology is a systematic and critical study of human social life, groups, and societies. This introductory course aims to provide you with the key sociological concepts and perspectives in order to examine the intricate interplay between individuals and society. For example, how to make sense of our behaviour, how to comprehend the relationship we have with others, and how to understand the social world we live in. Topics include culture and norms, socialization and social interactions, social order and social structure, sex and gender, family and intimate relationships, deviance and crime, social stratification and inequality, mass media and information society, and globalization. At the end of the course, you will have a basic understanding of what sociology is: its main theorists, problems, methods, concepts, and its relevance to the contemporary world.

This course will be divided into lectures and tutorials. Lectures will cover major themes in their broadest forms whilst tutorials will concentrate on concrete and specific issues. A learner-centred approach is adopted which underscores active interaction and participation. We will make use of everyday experience, role play, game and multi-media (such as news, movies, TV, YouTube drawn from local and international sources) to initiate discussion. Through these various activities, we hope to nurture you critical thinking and help you develop an appreciation of differences and learn how to integrate theory with practice.

Sociology challenges our taken-for-granted assumptions about society and sees things not what they seem to be. It is a rather difficult and challenging (but not overwhelming!) subject. You will be in a class with people in the same position: share your worries and excitement with them.