Overview
Sociology 287: Introduction to Sociology is a three-credit, junior-level course that introduces the honourable study of self and society that is the discipline of sociology. Sociology 287 is part one of a full, two-part introduction to sociology. Sociology 288: Introduction to Ideology and Social Movements is part two.
Learning outcomes
Upon the completion of SOCI 287, you should be able to
- use your sociological imagination to explain the significance of social class, gender, race, and ethnicity to the opportunities and outcomes of community, family, and individual life experiences (CMEC 1, 4);
- apply concepts, terminology, theory, and research methods to conduct research, analyze quantitative and qualitative data, critically evaluate published research, and develop sound and critical sociological lines of argument (CMEC 1, 2, 3);
- use university-level information literacy skills, academic integrity standards, and sociological theories, insights, and concepts to communicate information, arguments, and analysis accurately and reliably, in various formats, both oral and written, to professional, specialist, and nonspecialist audiences (CMEC 4, 6);
- apply sociological principles and theory to work to transform the family, community, work, and political/governance environments in a local and/or global context, in line with sociological insights and scientific knowledge (CMEC 1, 3, 6); and
- identify theoretical and topical linkages between sociology and other related areas of discipline and use that awareness to learn and draw insight from other relevant disciplines (e.g., psychology) (CMEC 1, 5).
Evaluation
To receive credit for SOCI 287, you must complete and submit all eight unit assignments and the final assignment. You must achieve an overall grade of D (50 percent) for the course.
You will be evaluated based on your understanding of the concepts presented in the course and on your ability to apply those concepts. Your final grade in the course will be based on the marks achieved for the following activities.
| Activity | Weight |
| Unit 1 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Unit 2 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Unit 3 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Unit 4 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Unit 6 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Unit 7 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Unit 8 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Unit 9 Learning Journal | 10% |
| Final Assignment | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Steckley, John. 2023. Elements of Sociology: A Critical Canadian Introduction. 6th ed. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Sosteric, Mike. 2016. The Rocket Scientists’ Guide to Money and the Economy: Accumulation and Debt. St. Albert, AB: Lightning Path Press.
Other Materials
All other materials for this course can be found online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
For more information please contact the course coordinator.
Challenge for credit course registration form