SOCI 1211: Introduction to Sociology II
SOCI 1211 is the second part of a two-part introduction to the discipline of sociology, the study of society. This course continues in its aim to familiarize you with the central ideas of the discipline, with a focus on the organization of the major aspects of present-day Canadian society - the economy, urban life, environment, ethnicity, race, gender, state, and religion - and outcomes such as social inequality and social change.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate what it means to think sociologically.
- Approach the study of society from a systematic critical and historical perspective.
- Determine which research methodologies are appropriate for different research topics.
- Describe the transformation of society from foraging, agrarian, and feudal societies to modern capitalist societies.
- Outline the relationship between population growth, urbanization, industrial development, and the environmental carrying capacity of the earth.
- Analyze wealth, and racial and gender inequality in Canadian society.
- Analyze the role of the state in modern capitalist society.
- Describe the changing role and experience of religion in Canada.
Course topics
Sociology 1211 comprises four units of study, which introduce the topic to be discussed and provide learning objectives to guide your learning:
Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology and the Critical Tradition
- Topic 1.1: An Introduction to Sociological Perspectives and Theories
- Topic 1.2: Introduction to Sociological Research
Unit 2: Capitalism and Modern Society
- Topic 2.1: Society and the Development of Modern Life
- Topic 2.2: Living in Capitalist Societies
- Topic 2.3: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment
Unit 3: Social Inequity in Canada
- Topic 3.1: Inequalities of Wealth in Canada
- Topic 3.2: Ethnic and Racial Inequalities in Canada
- Topic 3.3: Gender Inequalities in Canada
Unit 4: Politics and Religion in Contemporary Life
- Topic 4.1: Government, Politics, and the State
- Topic 4.2: Religion in Contemporary Society
Required text and materials
Little, W (Ed.). Introduction to Sociology. 2nd Canadian Edition. Vancouver, BC: BC Campus, 2015.
Type: Textbook
Note: This textbook is available for free download on the Home Page.
Additional requirements
Computer with Internet access is required. (Refer to the TRU-OL Website or the TRU-OL Calendar for requirements.)
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
In order to successfully complete this course, you must obtain at least 50% on the final mandatory examination and 50% overall. Students who do not submit an assignment will be assigned a mark of zero (0) for that assignment.
It is recommended that students complete all assignments in order to achieve the learning outcomes of the course.
The total mark will be determined on the following basis:
| Assignment1 - Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology and the Critical Tradition | 15% |
| Assignment2 - Unit 2: Capitalism and Modern Society | 15% |
| Assignment 3 - Unit 3: Social Inequality in Canada | 15% |
| Assignment 4 - Unit 4: Politics and Religion in Contemporary Life | 15% |
| Final exam * | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
*Mandatory
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
