Free online courseIntroductory Sociology

Duration of the online course: 37 hours and 6 minutes

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Learn the basics of sociology with nptelhrd's free online course. Topics include sociological theories, social stratification, work, religion, education, and social change.

Course Description

The "Introductory Sociology" course spans an extensive 37 hours and 6 minutes, providing a comprehensive exploration into the realm of sociology. Designed to cater to beginners, this course falls under the category of Basic Studies, specifically within the subcategory of Sociology. The course has garnered an impressive average rating of 5 stars, reflecting its high quality and effectiveness in delivering sociological concepts.

Sociology, as a discipline, delves into the study of society, social relationships, and the intricate web of human interactions. The course kicks off by addressing fundamental questions such as "What is sociology?", setting the stage for an enlightening journey through various sociological approaches and methodologies. From understanding the nature of society, examining the dynamic roles of individuals and groups, to exploring the dichotomy of cooperation and conflict, learners are gradually introduced to the core concepts that underpin sociological thought.

An essential part of societal structure, the family, is dissected through two lectures that define and classify family types, and present various perspectives on the family unit. Additionally, the course goes beyond traditional familial roles to discuss the concept of the state, its definition, and its manifestation specifically in India. The course elucidates theories of power from both functionalist and Marxist perspectives, offering a well-rounded view of governance and authority.

The sociology of work forms another critical component of the curriculum, highlighting the necessity of work in human life, its evolution through social changes, and its interplay with development and capitalism. Following this, the course delves into the social conditions and bases of religion, investigating different forms of religious beliefs and their relationship with society, as well as the significant contributions of Karl Marx and Max Weber to our understanding of this socio-cultural phenomenon.

Education, as a cornerstone of social development, is explored through the lenses of its conceptual framework and its functions within society. Social stratification and inequality are scrutinized, with detailed discussions on various explanations, theories, and the specific contexts within India. The complex topics of deviance and social change are covered in subsequent sections, offering insights into the definitions, perspectives, and theories that explain these phenomena, along with the impacts of industrialization and urbanization.

Population studies are also a key focus, examining theories such as Malthusian concepts and the intricate relationships between population dynamics and societal changes. The concluding lectures of the course provide broader perspectives in sociology, discussing prominent social problems and the theoretical frameworks that address them. Finally, learners are introduced to sociological methods, specifically ethnography, with a particular emphasis on its application in India.

Overall, the "Introductory Sociology" course is a robust and meticulously crafted educational experience, offering valuable insights into various facets of society and human interaction, equipped with practical examples and well-grounded theoretical knowledge.

Conteúdo do Curso

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-01 What is sociology?

    0h54m

  • Exercise: Which method is important to the empirical approach explored in the study of sociology?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-02 Sociological approaches

    0h50m

  • Exercise: Which of the following is a primary focus of sociologists as per the text?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-03 Nature of society: Individuals and groups

    0h49m

  • Exercise: In sociology, what is considered a 'higher order group'?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-04 Cooperation and conflict

    0h52m

  • Exercise: The concept of a 'global village' suggests:

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-05 Family-I: Definition and classification of family

    0h55m

  • Exercise: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic typically associated with the concept of family, as outlined by traditional sociological definitions?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-06 Family-II: Perspectives on family

    0h51m

  • Exercise: Which form of family is characterized by a woman married to multiple brothers?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-07 State-I: Definition of state

    0h56m

  • Exercise: Which of the following best describes the key characteristic of a state according to the sociological text?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-08 State-II: State in India

    0h49m

  • Exercise: What is one of the key characteristics of a state as described in the text?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-09 State-III: The concept of power

    0h55m

  • Exercise: What type of power involves the ability to impose one's will over others even against resistance within social groups?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-10 State-IV: Functionalist and Marxist perspectives on power

    0h55m

  • Exercise: What is the primary distinction between the concepts of 'nation' and 'state' as described in the lecture?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-11 Sociology of work-I: Need for work

    0h49m

  • Exercise: What is a key reason that work became more diverse over time according to the sociology of work?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-12 Sociology of work-II: Social change and work

    0h49m

  • Exercise: According to the text, what is one of the primary consequences of industrialization as theorized by Emile Durkheim?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-13 Sociology of work-III: Development and work

    0h56m

  • Exercise: Which stage of societal development introduced mechanization and increased production through the use of machines?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-14 Sociology of work-IV: Capitalism and motivation for work

    0h51m

  • Exercise: What is a guild according to sociological literature?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-15 Religion-I: Social conditions and religious thought

    0h55m

  • Exercise: According to the text, which of the following is NOT a reason that religion can be appealing in a capitalist society?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-16 Religion-II: Bases of religion

    0h56m

  • Exercise: According to the Marxist theory explained in the text, what role does religion play in capitalist societies?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-17 Religion-III: Forms of religious beliefs

    0h59m

  • Exercise: According to Karl Marx’s theory, why is religion referred to as the 'opium of the working class'?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-18 Religion-IV: Explanation of Religion

    0h49m

  • Exercise: Which term best describes the belief in multiple gods widespread among various cultures?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-19 Religion-V: Religion and society

    0h57m

  • Exercise: What is one of the primary goals of the sociology of religion according to the text?

  • Video class: Mod-01 Lec-20 Religion-VI: Contributions of Marx and Weber

    0h49m

  • Exercise: In the context of the Indian marriage laws of the 1970s, what was the legal minimum age of marriage for girls according to those laws?

This free course includes:

37 hours and 6 minutes of online video course

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