This course introduces students to the logic, tools, and ethical foundations of sociological research. Students learn how sociologists transform social questions into empirical research, select appropriate methodologies, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings in a rigorous and ethical manner. Emphasis is placed on understanding the strengths and limitations of different research designs, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
Through engagement with classic and contemporary sociological studies, students examine how research methods shape what we can know about social life, inequality, culture, religion, gender, race, and institutions. The course also develops students’ critical research literacy, enabling them to evaluate social science claims encountered in academic work, policy debates, and media. By the end of the course, students will have practical experience designing and executing a small-scale sociological research project while reflecting on the ethical and political dimensions of knowledge production.
Academic Conduct: Students are expected to adhere to the Georgia Tech Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code will be addressed appropriately and may result in an “F” on the assignment or in the course. If you require special accommodation due to a disability, please inform me as soon as possible. You should also contact the Office of Disability Services.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools: You may use generative AI programs, e.g. ChatGPT, to help generate ideas and brainstorm. You should be aware that the material generated by these programs may be inaccurate, incomplete, biased or otherwise problematic. Also, use of these tools may stifle your own independent thinking and creativity. Per GaTech's Honor Code, you may not submit any work generated by an AI program as your own. If you include material generated by an AI program, it should be cited like any other reference material (with due consideration for the quality of the reference, which may be poor). When/if you use AI platforms in your assignments, please write a note to clarify where in your process you used AI, include the prompt used to generate the material, and which platform(s) you used. See this article for how to cite AI properly: How to cite ChatGPT: https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt. That said, using any AI tools during a proctored exam or quiz is never permitted.
This course is a Core IMPACTS course within the Social Sciences area, designed to provide students with essential knowledge in foundational academic disciplines. It aims to help students master course content while supporting their broader academic and career goals. The course is centered around the following guiding question:
- How do I understand human experiences and connections?
By completing this course, students should achieve the following learning outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior and understand how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
The course content, activities, and exercises are designed to help students develop the following career-ready competencies:
- Intercultural Competence
- Perspective-Taking
- Persuasion