Lecture Structure: 20-25 minutes of lecture, administrative announcements, in-class written assignment.
Class Etiquette
Note-taking Policy: Computer use allowed for note-taking only. No checking emails or social media during class.
Respectful Environment: Maintaining focus benefits everyone; distractions will lead to class interruptions.
What is Sociology?
Definition: Systematic study of social life and phenomena.
Unique Perspective: Sociological thinking is often unfamiliar and challenging for Americans, who typically focus on individual traits.
Cultural Insight: Americans often prioritize personal characteristics over social context; this differs from many other cultures.
Individualism vs. Social Forces
Cultural Contrast: American narratives often celebrate the "lone hero" archetype, making it difficult to recognize the influence of social structures.
Example: Comparison of American and French detective stories illustrates differing societal values regarding individualism and social roles.
Difficulty of the Course
Challenge Ahead: Readings will be complex; early engagement is crucial.
Advice for Freshmen: Keep up with coursework during the first six weeks; falling behind can lead to confusion later.
Importance of Note-taking
Memory Retention: Writing notes helps process and retain information.
Webcast Availability: Lectures can be watched online, but consistent attendance is necessary for learning.
Emil Durkheim's Suicide Study
Durkheim's Contributions: Author of significant sociological texts, especially "Suicide." Insights into the relationship between individual actions and social context.
**Key Findings:
Suicide Rates and Groups: Rates differ by group, revealing social patterns.
Egoistic Suicide: Higher rates among Protestants due to emphasis on individual judgment and lack of social support.
Anomic Suicide: Occurs during periods of rapid social change or when social norms break down.
Types of Suicide
Egoistic Suicide:
Result of individualism and lack of social ties.
Example: Married people show lower suicide rates due to social support.
Anomic Suicide:
Related to rapid societal change and loss of norms.
Example: Economic fluctuations leading to uncertainty and aimlessness.
Discussion Points
Limits of Aspirations: Individuals often measure success against societal expectations, leading to a sense of failure when those standards are unclear.
Institutional Framework: Institutions provide structure and meaning to individual lives, shaping aspirations and perceptions of success.
Assignment Instructions
In-Class Assignment: Write a brief reflection on an institution that matters to you (e.g., family, education) and your role within it.
Plagiarism Policy: Understand and commit to not engaging in plagiarism.