Intro to Sociology

What invisible patterns organize social life, and how do we learn to see them? This course introduces how sociologists make sense of human society, social relationships, and the patterns that shape everyday interaction. Drawing on sociological theory and evidence, we apply that lens to different corners of social life, uncovering what the evidence establishes, what questions remain open, and why both matter for the social, economic, and political issues of our time. The course combines instructor and guest lectures with weekly sections, where doctoral students lead rich discussions connecting course readings to students' own lived experience and to the world beyond the classroom.