Understand the U.S. class structure
Describe several types of social mobility
Recognize characteristics that define and identify class

Understand and apply functionalist, conflict theory, and interactionist perspectives on social stratification

Differentiate between open and closed stratification systems
Distinguish between caste and class systems
Understand meritocracy as an ideal system of stratification

Learn the roles of families and peer groups in socialization
Understand how we are socialized through formal institutions like schools, workplaces, and the government

Explain how socialization occurs and recurs throughout life
Understand how people are socialized into new roles at age-related transition points
Describe when and how resocialization occurs

Understand the difference between psychological and sociological theories of self-development
Explain the process of moral development

Understand the importance of socialization both for individuals and society
Explain the nature versus nurture debate

Understand the sociological concept of reality as a social construct
Define roles and describe their places in people’s daily interactions
Explain how individuals present themselves and perceive themselves in a social context

Describe Durkhiem’s functionalist view of society
Understand the conflict theorist view of society
Explain Marx’s concepts of class and alienation
Identify how symbolic interactionists understand society

Describe the difference between preindustrial, industrial, and postindustrial societies
Understand the role of environment on preindustrial societies
Understand how technology impacts societal development

Define and describe the scientific method
Explain how the scientific method is used in sociological research
Understand the function and importance of an interpretive framework
Define what reliability and validity mean in a research study

Understand why ethical standards exist
Demonstrate awareness of the American Sociological Association’s Code of Ethics
Define value neutrality

Differentiate between four kinds of research methods: surveys, field research, experiments, and secondary data analysis
Understand why different topics are better suited to different research approaches