Introduction to Sociology: Understanding Society Through Games

Abstract

Sociology is the study of groups, society, and social interaction. It addresses issues like race, class, gender, and much more. One of the best ways to learn about these concepts and practice using your sociological imagination is through stories. Games allow us not only to hear stories but to be personally embedded in them. This class uses both...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

See syllabus for complete usage notes.

This course is designed to be taught as an introductory sociology course, as a general education course typically for first or second year students. It is designed to be taught like a typical introduction to sociology course but relies heavily on games to illustrate the material being discussed and...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. 1. Understand the major theoretical perspectives in sociology through comparing, contrasting, and thinking critically about the roles of these theories in the study of society.
2. 2. Use sociological theories and methods to analyze substantive social issues and problems such as deviance, race, gender, sexuality, and class.
3. 3. Demonstrate critical thinking by evaluating arguments and evidence related to social issues and by connecting sociological insights to current events and personal experiences of the social world.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. In weekly response papers you will be asked to think about how different theories (conflict theory, functionalism, symbolic interactionism) would explain situations, as well as different individual theorists such as Marx, Durkheim, and others.
2. Weekly response papers will at times ask you how you would study the experiences presented in games in real life using sociological methods. You will also make use of sociological methods and data such as Census data and maps as you interact with games.
3. Although most of the stories presented in the games in this class are fictional, many are based on real experiences. You will be asked to think about these experiences, and to connect them to your own life. A key part of this will be using your sociological imagination to connect personal biography with society and history.