Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Introduction to Sociology

via Coursera Specialization

Go to class Write review

Details

Go to class

Provider

Coursera Specialization
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner

Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates – 40% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera.

Unlock All Certificates

This Specialization introduces students to the sociological perspective by examining how culture, socialization, institutions, inequality, and social change shape human behavior and society. Students will explore topics such as deviance, family structures, education, politics, population, urbanization, and collective behavior while learning how larger social forces influence personal choices and group experiences. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to analyze social issues and better understand the role of sociology in everyday life.

Syllabus

Course 1: Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Research
Course 2: Socialization, Social Structure, Deviance, and Control
Course 3: Social Stratification, Gender Dynamics and Racial Identities
Course 4: Aging and Family Structures
Course 5: The Economy and Politics
Course 6: Education and Religion
Course 7: Population and Urbanization
Course 8: Collective Behavior, Social Movements, and Social Change

Courses

0 reviews

View details

Examine the key sociological trends that shape society by focusing on two fundamental institutions: the family and the life course. You will explore the social dynamics of aging and the elderly alongside modern marriage and family structures to understand how they define both our individual paths and our collective experiences. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze how these core social institutions influence personal lives and contribute to broader societal patterns.
0 reviews

View details

Discover how individuals working together can create large-scale social movements and drive significant societal change. This course examines the power of collective behavior, exploring how social movements form, function, and ultimately reshape our world. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze how collective action achieves common goals, understanding that all large-scale change is ultimately the result of individuals working together.
0 reviews

View details

Examine how the major social institutions of education and religion function as powerful socializing forces that shape our lives and identities. This module explores how the education system teaches social norms to create functional members of society, while also analyzing how religion can provide both group solidarity and social conflict. By the end of this course, you will be able to explain the critical role these institutions play in shaping individual identity and broader social dynamics.
0 reviews

View details

Analyze the powerful population trends that shape modern society by focusing on urbanization - the historical development of cities and its profound impact on our contemporary social lives. By the end of this course, you will be able to explain how these demographic patterns directly influence the structure and experience of social life in cities today.
0 reviews

View details

Dive into the core of sociology by examining the systems of social stratification that create and maintain inequality. This course begins with a global perspective on stratification before focusing on three key dimensions within the United States: social class, sex and gender, and race and ethnicity. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze how these powerful systems operate and impact lives on both a global and national scale.
0 reviews

View details

Uncover how you became the person you are today by examining the core social process of socialization. This course explores the various agents that shape our identities and connects them to the powerful influence of social structure and daily interactions. You will also analyze why societies label certain behaviors as "deviant," providing a deeper understanding of social norms. By the end of this course, you will be able to explain how these social forces shape identity and regulate behavior within any given society.
0 reviews

View details

Gain a powerful new lens to see the world through by exploring the sociological perspective and its application to understanding culture. This course shows you how sociologists study the social world and how their research can be practically applied to improve people's lives. By the end of this course, you will be able to use a sociological framework to critically analyze cultural influences and evaluate research-based solutions for social issues.
0 reviews

View details

Examine the economic and political systems that fundamentally shape daily life in the United States. This course explores how different economies are structured and reveals the widespread impact our system of politics has on personal and social outcomes. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze how these systems of power operate and influence many different aspects of our lives.