SOCIOLOGY CLASS MATERIALS

Sociology 101 Syllabus

1. Grade Matrix

APA, CM, CBE Documentation

Sociology 102 Syllabus

1. Grade Matrix

APA, CM, CBE Documentation

Electronic Reserves

Sociology Page

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Excerpts from Part Five: Sociology on the Internet

Introduction

While studying sociology, or while doing personal exploration, it is likely that you will encounter topics that you want to examine in detail. The Internet has become a powerful tool for locating the information that will answer your questions and provide such detail. This section, then, offers a guide to begin your search for information on the field of sociology and sociology topics on the Internet.

Sociology, like so many other disciplines, contains as many specific topics as there are sociologists. Researchers may be interested in topics such as class, gender, race, culture, environment, aging, medicine, and education. They also may be interested in combing topics-for example, studying how race affects the medical treatment a person receives, or how aging affects a woman's position in social class. The whole of human life, it seems, is tied to the study of sociology. An exhaustive list of Web sites that are relevant to the study of sociology might easily become a list of all of the Web sites and resources available on the Internet. Such a list would be nearly impossible to assemble and would be out of date almost as soon as it was published. More importantly, it would take the fun out of exploring the possibilities. However, what we can provide here is a guide to help you find Internet resources devoted specifically to sociology and the work of sociologists.

Sociologists wear many hats; they play many roles that help them explore the human patterns of behavior that interest them most. These roles can be combined under the following headings:

  • Learners:  Studying the ways in which sociology views both the world and the results of sociological work
  • Researchers:  Reading, working with, and using other research and data
  • Participants:  Applying sociological work in the real world and interacting with other sociologists
  • Teachers:  Passing their knowledge on to other sociologists and students of sociology
To some extent, this guide is organized around the first three roles. However, most of the Web sites listed on the following pages provide links to other sites devoted to specific research areas. We also have provided some tips on finding specific topics, including a guide to evaluating the Web sites you find, especially those that are not regulated by a professional organization.

General sociology references are listed first. This section contains sites that catalog links to other sociology Web sites. The next section, "Learning Basic Concepts of Sociology," provides a list of sites that may be helpful to students who are new to sociology and its theories of human behavior. The third section, "Using the Web for Sociology Research," provides links to journals, database for articles and empirical data, and other sources of information that is important to working sociologists. The last section, "Participating in Sociology," lists virtual groups that have discussions on the Internet, and "in real life" (IRL) groups that meet to discuss sociology.

General Sociology Reference Sites

It is not difficult to find references to sociology on the Internet. The use of a search engine to find sociology, as described earlier, will yield an enormous number of Web sites. However, while exploring sociology you may want to find only general information. This section provides a list of Web sites that contain both general information on the discipline and links to other Web sites that also may be helpful. (Disclaimer: Some sites may have moved or canceled their links. This site is not responsible for the maintenance of other sites.)

Learning Basic Concepts of Sociology

Sociologists, like all scientists are, learning all the time. Sociology students, however, must begin with the basic concepts of sociology. The following sites on the Internet provide ample opportunity for rookies to become acquainted - and for veterans to become reacquainted - with the introductory teachings of sociology. The sites outline some of the major concepts in sociology and also provide links to sites where more detailed information is available. These Web sites provide a general overview of sociology and its elements. Some of them describe the work of theorists and the various concepts and terminology they contribute to the field.

Introduction to Sociology

The two sites provided below introduce sociology to new students. They are wonderful sites for novices to explore the numerous concepts in sociology as well as to begin their exploration of sociology on the Internet.

Sociology Theories

One of the major elements in learning sociology is coming to grips with the theories and theorists that provide the concepts for study and use. The Web sites listed here are only a few of the many sites devoted to sociological theory. Some contain general information, whereas others contain information about specific theorists. Still others provide full text or excerpts from important social theories.

General Theory Sites

Specific Theorists and Their Works

Academic Sociology Departments

Universities around the country offer diverse programs in sociology for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Most offer programs that concentrate on providing students with a solid understanding of the art and science of sociology and helping students explore areas of personal interest. Other schools focus explicitly on some aspect of sociology (for example, social policy, race and ethnicity, or statistical analysis). Fro a detailed listing of these schools, use a search engine such as Yahoo!, or consult the Web sites provided in the "General Sociology Reference Sites" section.

The schools listed below are a sampling that represents different regions of the United States and different types of programs. The list illustrates the diverse array of programs offered by schools. Links to biographies of the faculty enable you to see the diversity of research interests and the many tasks required of sociologists in academia. On occasion, these Web sites also give you a glimpse into the social lives of sociologists, especially those of graduate students.

Using the Web for Sociology Research

The vast majority of a sociologist's work involves research. This research includes finding previously published material, collecting, or finding previously collected data, and analyzing data. Many sites are available on the Internet to aid in this process, and these sites can be helpful t students of sociology.

Finding Sources

The work of other sociologists is priceless to the research process of a working sociologist. Previous work in an interest area not only illuminates the potential pitfalls, but it provides a foundation on which to build current research. Each piece of research is like a building block that adds its own dimension to our understanding of a topic.

Most articles need to be gathered from IRL sites such as libraries or archives. However, many people find it helpful to figure out what they'll be looking for and where to locate it before venturing forth. Sometimes looking at specific journal Web sites will help locate the information you're looking for. At other times the use of a database, library, or archive is more helpful.

Although many archives have yet to be catalogued and put on the Web, some libraries an databases of articles are available. The trick to accessing library Web sites is to use a search engine to search for a library that is physically near you (or one that you think will be helpful) or to call the library by telephone and ask if it has a Web site. Other useful research sites are listed here.

Online and/or Hard Copy Journals. Journals come from many different sources and address a variety of topics. Virtually every discipline has a plethora of journals that give voice to the research and ideas developed by practitioners. Sociology is no exception. Some journals focus on specific topics whereas others present a diverse collection of sociological research. Many Web sites for journals only give information about the journal and subscription information for the interested person to receive a hard copy version. Others, however, present the journal online, and users can access the contents electronically for free or a small fee. The list below contains journals of each type.

American Journals



International Journals

Available Databases of Articles. Many school libraries and local libraries are equipped with computer terminals that provide access to databases listing articles and their abstracts. These databases are priceless to the work of any researcher. Although many require fees to use and keep updated, some provide limited access for free (full access for a fee). The following two sites are good examples. Be aware that sites such as JSTOR may require permission to access their databases. For students and faculty this usually is provided through on-campus access to the Internet at a school, just type in the address. However, from off-campus terminals, or when you are using another Internet provider, you must find alternate ways of gaining access. One such method is the use of a proxy server. Your school's computer resource center should be able to provide you with the codes, passwords, and assistance to use a proxy server.

Online Libraries. Online libraries can provide a wealth of information, including access to the full texts of sources you may be seeking. Using online libraries such as the ones listed below is just like visiting your school or local library. The Web sites allow you to either browse their services or do detailed searches of their catalogs to ferret out the information you need.

Finding Data

Equally important for some projects is being able to peruse and use the data that other researchers have collected. Such research may contain the answers to questions that you want to explore, or it may provide data that you can use to explore specific topics. There are many sources of data on the Internet, although not all of them are free. The following list of Web sites may contain data that you can download for use. In addition, these sites may lead you to other sites that contain data for use or may provide contact information to obtain the data you seek.

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