Nature of Sociology

Posted by Prem Shresh , Sunday, March 7, 2010 7:22 PM

Sociology is the branch of knowledge and it has its own characteristics. Sociology has different
nature in society. It is different from other sciences in certain respects. The following are the
main characteristics of sociology as enlisted by Robert Bierstedt in his book " The Social Order"
and they are as follows:1.

Sociology is an independent science :- It is not treated and studies as a branch

of any other science like philosophy or political philosophy or history.

2.

Sociology is the social science and not a physical science :- As a social

science it concentrates its attention on man, his social behaviour, social activities and
social life.

3.

Sociology is the categorical and not a normative discipline :- Sociology

"Confines itself to statement about what is, not what should be or ought to be". As a
social science sociology is necessarily silent about questions of value and it is ethically
neutral.

4.

Sociology is the pure science and not an applied science :- The main aim
of pure science is the acquisition of knowledge and it is not bothered weather the
acquired knowledge is useful or can be put to use.

5.

Sociology is the relatively an abstract science and not a concrete

science :- Sociology does not confine itself to the study of this society of that particular
society or social organization, or marriage, or religion, or group and so on. It is in this
simple sense that sociology is an abstract nor a concrete science.

6.

Sociology is the generalizing and not a particularizing or

individualizing science :- Sociology tries to find out the general laws or principles
about human interaction and association, about the nature, from, content and the structure
of human groups and societies. It tries to make generalisations on the basis of the study of
some selected events.

7.

Sociology is the general science not a special science :- The area of

inquiry of sociology is general not specialised. It is concerned with human interaction and
human life in general. It only studies human activities in a general way. Anthropology
and social psychology often claim themselves to be general social science.

Sociology is both rational and an empirical science :- There are two broad ways of
approach to scientific knowledge. Empiricism is the approach that emphasis experience and the
facts that result from observation and experimentation. Rationalism is stresse Course Syllabus
for Social Science 3

Course Syllabus for Social Science 3

SOCIETY Culture with Family Planning
2nd semester SY 2012-2013
Course Title: SOCIETY AND CULTURE WITH FAMILY PLANNING
Course Description:
The course will introduce to the students concepts, theories and perspectives vital in the
understanding of society and culture. An in depth discussion of basic social institutions forming
the social structure will be emphasized in order to increase the awareness of students of the
current issues confronting the present social structure. In so doing, the students are also expected
to understand their individual and collective functions in confronting such issues.
Furthermore, a special discussion will be devoted on family planning, taking into account family
planning and reproductive health concepts and issues that are significant agendum of the
societys project on social order.
Course Objectives: At the end of the semester, the students are expected to:
1. Discuss the varied concepts related to the study of society and culture.
2. Explain the roles of social institutions as bases of order in the society
3. Comprehend the factors which lead to social change
4. Discuss varied concepts on reproductive health and family planning

Course Outline
I.
A.

INTRODUCTION
Nature and Beginnings of Sociology and Anthropology

B.

Perspective in Understanding the Society

II

1.

Conflict Perspective

2.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

3.

Structural Functional Analysis

SOCIETY

a.

Socio-cultural Evolution: Transformation of Societies

b.

Social Groups and Organizations

c.

Socialization

1. Understanding Socialization
Sigmund Freud: Elements of Personality
Jean Piaget: Cognitive Development
Lawrence Kohlberg: Moral Development
Carol Gilligan: Bringing Gender
George Herbert Mead: The Social Self
Erick Erikson : 8 Stages of Development
2. Agents of Socialization
III

CULTURE

A. What is Culture?
B.

Components of Culture

C.

Characteristics of Culture

D.

Issues in Understanding Culture

PRE FINALS
IV

BASIC SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

A. Family, Marrtiage and Society
B.

Government and Law

C.

Economy

D.

Education

E.

Religion as a Social Institution

FINALS
V. FAMILY PLANNING AND RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD
A. Reproductive Health
B. Family Planning
C. Responsible Parenthood
Class Activities:
Participatory Class Discussion
Research Works

Film Viewing
Class Presentations

Topical Discussion
QIP (Question, Issue, Problem)