"(Sociology) should rather cause us to see things in a different way
from the ordinary man, for the purpose of any science is to make
discoveries, and all such discoveries more or less upset accepted
opinions." -Emile Durkheim

Sociologists look at social life differently than do people in many
other fields. How do sociologists approach the study of humans, and
what do they find? For instance, are the rich really getting richer
and the poor poorer? Why is some music played in symphony halls
while other music is played in clubs? How has the structure of the
family been changing, and what do people think about it? Why are
some drugs illegal, other drugs legal with a prescription, and other
drugs available over the counter? How does the study of broad trends
and patterns like these help us understand individuals' lives and
attitudes?

Using lectures and discussion, this class will introduce students to
the answers to questions like these. In the process, we will learn
what sociologists do, why they do it, and what sociology can teach
us about ourselves and the societies we are part of.