Overview
This lecture introduced the field of sociology, focusing on its unique perspective, the key ideas from Émile Durkheim’s work on suicide, course expectations, and the importance of academic integrity.
Course Policies & Expectations
- Only use computers for note-taking; do not browse the internet or you may be asked to leave.
- Attend all lectures and sections, keep up with readings, and take your own notes for success.
- The first six weeks are critical for understanding the course material—do not fall behind.
- There are two exams (midterm 10%, final 30%), two papers (20% each), and section participation (20%).
- Participation and completing every component are essential; missing any may result in failing the course.
- The course is webcast, but active in-class participation is encouraged.
Introduction to Sociology
- Sociology is the systematic study of social life and the causes/consequences of social phenomena.
- Americans tend to explain outcomes by individual traits, but sociology emphasizes social forces and context.
- The sociological perspective is often unfamiliar and requires adjusting intuitive ways of thinking.
Durkheim’s Study of Suicide
- Durkheim's "Suicide" demonstrates how individual actions are shaped by social factors.
- He found Protestants had higher suicide rates than Catholics or Jews in 19th-century Europe.
- Reliance on individual judgment (Protestantism) increased vulnerability to "egoistic suicide."
- Being part of social groups (e.g., being married, having children) protects against suicide.
- Two main types of suicide discussed:
- Egoistic suicide: results from lack of social integration, meaninglessness.
- Anomic suicide: results from breakdown of social norms during rapid change, leading to frustration and lack of limits.
- Social rules and institutions define aspirations and provide regulation, preventing anomic feelings.
The Concept of Institutions
- Institutions are enduring patterns of expected action, maintained by social rules and sanctions.
- Examples: family, education, religion, law, economy, and government.
- Institutions give individuals roles, identities, meaning, and regulate behavior.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
- Plagiarism is presenting others' work as your own; it is strictly prohibited.
- All work must be individual; quote and cite sources properly if using others' ideas.
- Plagiarism will result in failing assignments, possible course failure, and university disciplinary action.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sociology — the systematic study of social life and social phenomena.
- Egoistic suicide — suicide caused by too little social integration and lack of external meaning.
- Anomic suicide — suicide caused by breakdown of social norms and regulations.
- Institution — a lasting pattern of behavior enforced by social rules and providing identity/meaning.
- Plagiarism — presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own without proper acknowledgment.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Finish the assigned readings on Durkheim and related topics.
- Attend your assigned section; discuss additional types of suicide.
- Submit the in-class assignment: describe your position in an institution and write/sign your understanding of plagiarism.
- Know your GSI/section number and submit your completed sheet as instructed.
- Get the course reader from the designated location starting tomorrow.