The main focus of sociology is the group rather than the individual. Sociologists attempt to understand the social and cultural forces that operate throughout society and the forces that mold individuals, shape their behavior and thus determine social events. Sociologists attempt to understand the world of human relations. In order to carry out their investigations, sociologists employ methods of gathering data from the social world. Sociological theories accompany methods in enabling us to understand the social world.
Social theories are explanations offered to account for a set of social phenomena.
Together, methods and theory provide the foundation for the science of sociology. Identify and explain how conflict in social organizations may promote or impede social change. Identify and describe subcultures within the United States and discuss their relation-ship to the dominant culture. Use library resources, including data-base computer information files, encyclopedia data bases, electronic directories and retrieval devices for literature searches. Use critical thinking and writing skills to analyze and assess social issues.