Principles of Sociology
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad · LL.B. Semester 1
Unit I — Introduction to Sociology
1. Introduction: Meaning of Definition of Sociology Origin of the word Sociology, Definitions of Sociology · 2. What is Sociology: Alex Inkeles What did founding fathers do? What does the reason suggest?, What contemporary Sociologists are doing? · 3. Sociological Imagination: C.W. Right Mills Personal problem/Individual biography and public issue/ Social historical context
Unit II — Development of Sociology
1. Historical origin and development of Sociology Introduction, Intellectual forces: Enlightenment period and Scientific discoveries, Political Forces: French Revolution and emergence of Democracy, Economic Forces: Capitalism, Industrial revolution and colonialism, Social Forces: Birth of middle class, Urbanization, Modern education, Changes in Religious outlook: Secularism, growth of scientific attitude. · 2. Relationship with other social sciences Introduction, Relationship of Sociology with Political Science, Relationship of Sociology with Economics, Relationship of Sociology with History, Relationship of Sociology with Anthropology, Relationship of Sociology with Law.
Unit III — Fundamental Concepts of Sociology
1 Social Group Introduction, Types of Social groups, Primary Group, Secondary Group, Reference Group, Other types of social groups. 2 Culture & Society Introduction, Culture and Biology, Culture Trait and Culture Complex, Characteristics of Culture, Types of Culture: Material and Non-material Culture, Elements of Culture, Culture and Civilization, Cultural Change, Cultural Innovation, Cultural Diffusion, Acculturation, Assimilation, Cultural Diversity, Subcultures, Countercultures, Culture Shock, Ethnocentrism, Cultural Relativism, Multiculturalism, Globalization and Culture.
Unit IV — Social Processes
1. Socialization: Process, Stages and Agencies Introduction, Meaning and definition of Socialization, Objectives of Socialization, Phases/Stages of Socialization, Significance of Socialization, Elements of Socialization, Role of Socialization, Theories of Socialization, Factors of Socialization, Agencies of Socialization.
Unit V — Social Stratification
1. Forms, Theories, Functions & Dysfunctions Introduction, Meaning and definition of Social Stratification, Basic concepts of Social Stratification, Types of Social Stratification, Theories of Social Stratification, Conclusion.