SOCIOLOGY 357: Methods of Sociological Inquiry Page | 1 Overview and Purpose In Sociology 357, I will introduce you to the basics of sociological methods. More importantly, you will learn how to answer questions like a sociologist, which includes several skills. First, you will learn what sociologists mean by “research”, as well as some basic problems associated with it. We will discuss how theory lies at the foundation of all social research, and how sociologists wrestle with its accompanying ethical and political challenges. Second, we will discuss the logic of research, exploring issues such as conceptualization, causation and generalizability. Finally, you will learn about a broad set of methodological techniques for answering different kinds of questions. With this last section, we will first look at qualitative methods, including ethnography and historical comparison. We will then look at quantitative methods, including experimentation and surveys. There are four broad goals for this course aside from simply learning about methods. First, class will always be interactive, not lecture-oriented. I firmly believe that you all participating not only makes learning easier, but also makes learning more interesting and fun throughout the semester. Because of this, I will assume that you have read and completed any relevant assignments before coming to class; otherwise, discussions get boring very fast. Second, you will learn from experience. This is a class designed to teach you how to answer sociological questions with a critical eye for research techniques. Therefore, you will complete multiple assignments and projects throughout the semester to build your knowledge of the challenges of executing social research. Third, by accomplishing these two goals, you will continue to build your critical thinking skills, especially in regards to social research. We will be discussing various examples of social research throughout the semester, paying special attention to the way researchers attempted to understand various phenomena. After this class, you will be able to transfer these critical analysis skills to any other kind of information you may see, including polls, journalistic accounts, and my favorite, political claims. Finally, you will learn from each other. In any working environment, including social research, you will need to work with other people to achieve some kind of goal. Working effectively with other people, whether you are an overachiever or an introvert (or both) is an invaluable skill that I hope you will be able to develop throughout this semester. Therefore, this class is based primarily off of collaborative work, including four group projects, and one final project with a partner. For those worried, I will have mechanisms embedded in each assignment to highlight individual effort; but you cannot excel on these assignments without working together. Remember that lecture compliments assignments and your individual readings. On your own time, you will read the assigned readings before every lecture. Lecture is meant as a supplement to improve your overall understanding of sociological methods, not as a substitute. I will not be posting lecture notes online in any form. Lecturer: Zach Baumgart Office: 8120 Social Science Building Office Hours: Mon/Weds 1:15 – 2:15 Phone: 608.262.6277 Email: [email protected] Official Twitter: Sociolbaum Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Building: Sewell Social Science Lec 007: Rm 6121 :: 9:55 – 10:45am Lec 008: Rm 6109 :: 12:05 – 12:55pmSOCIOLOGY 357: Methods of Sociological Inquiry Page | 2 Required Readings The following text is available at the UW Bookstore. I believe it is $115, but used copies are $90: Babbie, Earl. 2010. The Practice of Social Research, 12th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing The book is available on Reserve at College Library (Helen C. White Hall). ALL other readings will be available on Learn@UW. Assignments and Grading Your final grade will be broken down as follows: Discussion 10% Short Assignments 10% Quizzes 15% Group Projects 40% Final Project 25% Assignments I. Discussion (10% of Final Grade): All types of discussion, whether in small groups, round-table, oral presentations or simply the Socratic Method, are essential in developing and solidifying the content from this course. Collective discussions will be something that you see over and over throughout your career, and it is for a good reason: it works! Always feel free to bring up any concerns relevant to either lecture or the readings; we, as a class, will almost always collectively address. More likely than not, if you are confused about something, at least two or three other (quiet) students are just as concerned. Your participation will be determined mostly by your contributions to discussion. Questions, responses, comments, rebuttals, etc will fulfill this requirement. There may be other factors that contribute to participation, which we will discuss in class. A few other notes regarding participation: - Be prepared: Come to lecture having read and considered the readings. Bring other relevant texts you read to class (let me know if this isn’t possible), as well as your notes and any questions that arose in small groups. Have questions prepared beforehand, and be ready to talk. - Be respectful: Arrive to class on time, and enter silently if you are late. Turn off your cell phones, iPods and other portable devices; put away your unrelated books, magazines and newspapers; if you have food, eat it quietly and non-barbarically; and remember to use your laptops only for class. Most importantly, respect each other. At times, we will be discussing issues that have become morally-charged; understand that there are many different perspectives and viewpoints originating from many diverse backgrounds. Your willingness to understand this fact is not only crucial (both for this class and beyond), but it is expected.SOCIOLOGY 357: Methods of Sociological Inquiry Page | 3 - Be empathic and thoughtful: I encourage an environment that embraces and accepts all levels of diversity. I will not tolerate anything that is mentally, emotionally or physically offensive or abusive. While I am not a big fan of political correctness, I am not a fan of bigotry or intolerance either. - Be reasoned: Feel free to discuss any topic relevant to our discussions, but remember to provide
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