Introduction to Sociology
SOC-40007
10 Weeks | Online
This course is designed to introduce students to the sociological study of society. Sociology focuses on the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. Major themes in sociological thinking include the interplay between the individual and society, how society is both stable and changing, the causes and consequences of social inequality, and the social construction of human life. Understanding sociology helps discover and explain social patterns and see how such patterns change over time and in different settings. By making vivid the social basis of everyday life, sociology also develops critical thinking by revealing the social structures and processes that shape diverse forms of human life.
Quarters Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer | Online
Course Fee: $745
Course Length: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: None
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 3/28/2025
- Early Enrollment Discount: $720 ($745 if enrolled after 3/3/2025)
- 1st no meeting date: 3/28/2025
- 2nd no meeting date: 5/26/2025
- No visitors permitted
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Joshua Shapiro, Ph.D.
Chief Impact and Strategy Officer of UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies
Dr. Shapiro is responsible for using data and research to improve the performance and opportunities for DES as well as assisting with setting the strategy for the Organization’s future by identifying and leading innovation and development initiatives. Through his leadership with the Center for Research and Evaluation and Institutional Research Dr. Shapiro’s leverages his academic interests in workforce, economic development, and the jobs of the future to ensure alignment between courses, skills, and industry needs. Additionally, he has conducted a number of community-based research projects building indicators and dashboards to measure collective impact as well as working with non-profits throughout San Diego to demonstrate social change. Dr. Shapiro is deeply embedded in the Educational Technology community and continues to identify and deploy novel initiatives including micro-credentials and stackable credentials, virtual reality classrooms, and new delivery platforms to improve learning outcomes. Through his development role he was instrumental in the creation of the first Income Share Agreement between a DES school and a Workforce Investment Board. He has been awarded 3.5M in grants and philanthropy for this initiative and gained local and national media attention for this innovative program to serve underrepresented and unemployed individuals. He has taught classes on Research Methodology for UC San Diego and is trained in both Qualitative and Quantitative methodologies with a specialization in labor market data. Dr. Shapiro holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego and a B.A. in Social Thought and Analysis from Washington University in St. Louis.
