Course Description: This course is a general introduction to Sociology, or the study of society. The sociological perspective stresses the social context in which people live and how this context influences the person, groups, institutions, systems, and culture, etc. This course will introduce major themes and topics in sociology such as: sociological theory and methods of investigation; U.S. and global stratification; institutional patterns in government, politics, education, and the economy; social movements and change; culture, socialization, social interaction; social control and deviance; inequalities by race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, etc. The focus is on the mastery of key sociological concepts and theories about one's self, social interaction, and society.