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Welcome to SOC 331! On card, please answer the following:. Name (official) and what you prefer to be called (nickname) Email (will send invite here) Year/major F/T student or P/T student? Do you work ? F/T or P/T?
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Welcome to SOC 331!On card, please answer the following: • Name (official) and what you prefer to be called (nickname) • Email (will send invite here) • Year/major • F/T studentor P/T student? • Do you work? F/T or P/T? • Are you a primary caregiver? (child, adult parent, etc.) or any other major responsibilities/challenges? • Online access off campus? (Broadband/cable? Wireless phone?) • What areas of sociology, what social issues/problems interest you?
What is sociological theory? • Theory is a system of generalized statements or propositions about phenomena that • Explain the phenomena under question • Produce testable and thus falsifiable hypotheses
Social science vs natural science theories • Theories in the social sciences are different than those in the natural sciences: • Social theories tend to be more evaluative and critical, shaped by implicit moral assumptions • Due to the nature of their subject matter – society, which is dynamic and constantly in flux – social theories are not interested in universal laws or law-like generalizations
Ch. 1: Introduction – key concepts • Theory • Order • Collective/Individual • Action • Rational/Nonrational • Enlightenment • Counter-Enlightenment
Metatheoretical Map Nonrational action motivated by ideals, values, morals, traditions, habits, emotional states A C T I O N order shaped by existing structures Collective Individual ORDER order a product of individual interaction action is instrumental, strategic, calculated to maximize benefits, minimize costs Rational
Why do people stop at red traffic lights?Basic approaches to action & order