INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY
SELF-PACED COURSE
1. About this Course
This course covers all of the substantive material that is usually taught in an introductory one-semester college course on Sociology. The goal of the creator of this course –Modern States Education Alliance, a non-profit organization– is to prepare you to pass the CLEP examination and obtain college credit for free.
"Our course covers all essential theories as well as important terms and concepts that will guide you in a mainstreamed approach to understand the study of humans, societies and social institutions
This course is organized into five topical chapters or modules that contain short video lessons,
The “Introductory Sociology” course is completely self-paced. There are no prerequisites to take this course, and it is entirely free.
2. CLEP Exam
The CLEP examination emphasizes basic facts and concepts as well as general theoretical approaches used by sociologists on the topics of institutions, social patterns, social processes, social stratifications, and the sociological perspective.
Highly specialized knowledge of the subject and the methodology of the discipline is not required or measured by the test content.
This exam contains approximately 100 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.
3. Required Knowledge and Skills
The CLEP exam requires you to demonstrate one or more of the following abilities. Some questions may require more than one of these abilities:
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Identification of specific names,
facts and concepts from sociological literature -
Understanding of relationships between concepts, empirical generalizations and theoretical propositions of sociology
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Understanding of the methods by which sociological relationships are established
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Application of concepts,
propositions and methods to hypothetical situations -
Interpretation of tables and charts
4. Course Modules
Following are the main topics and percentages of the exam’s questions, mostly based on the College Board's description of the course:
Module 1: Sociological Perspective
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Sociological Theory
1.2.1 What is Theory?
1.2.2 Functionalist Perspective
1.2.3 Conflict Perspective
1.2.4 Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
1.3 Methods
Module 2: Social Processes
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Culture
2.1.1 Nonmaterial Culture
2.1.2 Material Culture
2.2 Socialization
2.2.1 Theories of Socialization
2.2.2 Life Course and Socialization
2.3 Social Interaction
2.3.1 Macro Level
2.3.2 Micro Level
2.4 Groups and Organizations
2.4.1 Bureaucracies
2.4.2 Group Dynamics
2.5 Deviance and Social Control
2.5.1 Theories of Crime and Deviance
2.5.2 Crime in the US
Module 3: Social Institutions
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Politics
3.2 Economics
3.3 Education
3.4 Religion
3.5 Marriage and Family
3.5.1 Marriage, Families and Theories
3.5.2 Family Life Cycle and Trends
Module 4: Social Stratification
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Stratifications Theories
4.1.1 Global Stratification
4.2 Social Class
4.2.1 Consequences of Social Class
4.2.2 Poverty
4.3 Gender
4.4 Aging Module
Module 5: Social Patterns
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Population
5.2 Urbanization
5.3 Social Change
5.3.1 Theories of Social Change
5.3.2 Social Movement Organizations
5.3.3 Environmental Problems
4. About Emily Restivo, New York Institute of Technology
Emily Restivo, received her Ph.D. and Masters in Criminology from the Florida State University in 2011, and her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2006.
She is now an Associate Professor in the Behavioral Science Department at New York Institute of Technology.
Her primary research interests focus on the impact of formal labeling on subsequent criminal behavior, juvenile delinquency, and the impact of parenting on adolescent crime and delinquency.
She has published work in Justice Quarterly, Acta Criminologica, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Crime and Delinquency, and Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice.
5. How CLEP Works
Developed by the College Board, CLEP (College-Level Examination Program®) is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program.
CLEP’s credits are accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities, according to College Board. These tests assess college-level knowledge in 33 subject areas.
Modern States Education Alliance is the non-profit organization behind these edX-style courses. Its project is called “Freshman Year for Free” and its mission is to make college more accessible and affordable through free, high-quality online education.
• CLEP® Introductory Sociology: at a Glance
• 'Passing the CLEP and Learning with Modern States' orientation course