Fundamentals of Sociology

Fundamentals of Sociology - Adam McKee and Scott Bransford

by

Adam McKee  and Scott Bransford


Welcome to the fascinating world of sociology, a discipline that offers a unique lens to understand, interpret, and analyze human behavior in a broader social context. As we embark on this intellectual journey, it is crucial first to understand what makes a good textbook pedagogy and why sociology should pique your interest.

A well-structured textbook provides a coherent, comprehensive, and accessible pathway for learning. We have endeavored to make this such a book. It creates a learning environment that engages you actively in the material, fostering not only understanding but also curiosity and critical thinking. Each chapter is carefully designed to be a standalone module while also being part of an interconnected web of knowledge. Key concepts, real-world examples, critical thinking questions, and interactive activities have been woven into the fabric of each chapter to facilitate your learning experience. This pedagogical approach ensures that you understand and engage with the material on your terms, allowing for flexible, independent study.

Now, why sociology? Sociology unlocks the hidden structures of society and encourages us to question the world we inhabit. It enables us to understand societal structures and processes, revealing the intricate patterns and systems that shape our lives. Whether we’re exploring social inequality, cultural norms, or the impact of technological change, sociology offers invaluable insights into the human condition. Through studying sociology, we don’t just learn about society; we learn how to think about society, cultivating a sociological imagination that can transform how we view ourselves and our place in the world.

The journey ahead promises to be enlightening and challenging, filled with opportunities to expand your horizons and deepen your understanding of the world around you. So, let’s turn the page and start exploring the captivating realm of sociology.

About the Glossary
To help students understand the ample jargon used in sociology, we’ve included a Sociology Glossary with this text. Key Terms within the text will be linked to Glossary entries.

The Table of Contents

The textbook is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter covers a different topic in sociology. The chapters are as follows:

[Course Learning Resources]

Section 1: Introduction to Sociology

Section 2: Culture

Section 3: Social Interaction

Section 4: Organizations and Groups

Section 5: Crime and Deviance

Section 6: Social Institutions

Section 7: Social Inequality

Section 8: Sociological Research Methods

Statement of Purpose

Welcome to Fundamentals of Sociology, an open educational resource (OER) textbook that aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students embarking on their sociological journey. This freely available online textbook embodies modern thinking and best practices in textbook pedagogy while also offering the unique advantage of immediate reader feedback to enhance the content continually.

Our purpose is to offer a clear and accessible resource that equips students with a solid foundation in sociology. By making this textbook freely available online, we ensure that learners from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality educational materials without financial barriers. This OER version also enables readers to actively participate in the improvement of the textbook by providing immediate feedback to the authors regarding the content, thereby fostering a collaborative and iterative learning experience.

Through the integration of real-life examples, diverse perspectives, and current research, we strive to make the study of sociology relevant and meaningful to students’ lives. This open textbook encourages active learning, featuring numerous opportunities for students to engage with the material through thought-provoking exercises, reflective activities, and application-based scenarios.

Aligned closely with the learning objectives of sociology courses, “Fundamentals of Sociology” covers key content and skills needed for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The online format allows for dynamic updates, ensuring that the textbook remains current and responsive to the evolving sociological landscape.

Embracing the principles of inclusivity and diversity, our OER textbook incorporates a range of perspectives, experiences, and identities. By promoting critical analysis and fostering an appreciation for the complexities of social phenomena, we empower students to become active participants in shaping a just and equitable society.

The benefits of the free online OER version are numerous. Firstly, it eliminates financial barriers, making quality education accessible to all students. Secondly, the digital format enables readers to access the textbook anytime, anywhere, fostering flexibility and convenience.

As authors, we are committed to continuous improvement, actively seeking and incorporating reader feedback to enhance the textbook’s content and pedagogical effectiveness. By providing an open platform for engagement and dialogue, we foster a community of learners who actively contribute to the ongoing development of “Fundamentals of Sociology.”

Join us in this sociological adventure where learning transcends boundaries and understanding society becomes a collective endeavor. With “Fundamentals of Sociology” as an open educational resource, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey of knowledge, collaboration, and empowerment. Together, we can shape a more inclusive and informed society.

Modification History

File Created:  05/07/2023

Last Modified:  07/10/2023

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This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.

 

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