Simplistically, sociology is the study of society.  Social psychology
focuses on social interactions between individuals at the micro-level
of society; whereas, social structure and organization examines broad
spectrum patterns found at the macro-level of society.  In this
course, we will cover social psychology, but we will primarily
concentrate on social structure and organization.  Some of the topics
we will discuss in this course include: sociological theory and
method, the socialization process, race and ethnicity, sex and
gender, the family, social and global stratification, deviance, and
social change.  Although we will emphasize patterns in the U.S.
society, cross cultural issues will also be discussed.  We will begin
by examining sociological theory.  This will provide a foundation
from which you will learn to apply the theories to the topics we
discuss and examine.  By the end of the course, you will have an
understanding about the topic of sociology, as well as an
understanding about the structure and organization of the U.S.
society.