Oct 05, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
SOC 2050 - Sociology through Film
This course introduces students to sociology by examining social inequality, social behavior, and social justice through the medium of film. Films have long been recognized as powerful tools for shaping cultural norms and attitudes, and they can also provide insight into important sociological issues and offer alternative perspectives on contemporary social problems and current events. Through analyzing a variety of films and genres, students learn to use sociological concepts and theories to explore how cinematic techniques convey sociological ideas and how films are both shaped by - and in dialogue with - their cultural and historical contexts. Key sociological concepts and topics, such as social inequality, power dynamics, identity, intersectionality, social norms, social institutions, deviance, law, and criminology, are explored, challenging students to think critically about their perspectives on urgent social issues and consider alternative viewpoints. By analyzing films in a group setting, students learn to identify and evaluate differing perspectives, develop empathy and understanding for diverse experiences, and engage in respectful and constructive dialogue. Students acquire a comprehensive understanding of sociological perspectives and concepts, as well as an appreciation for the power of film to shape, challenge, and expand our understanding of the social world.
Credit Hours: 3
OHIO BRICKS: Arch: Connected World
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Course Transferability: OTM course: TMSBS Social & Behavioral Sciences
College Credit Plus: Level 1
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to identify and explain key sociological concepts and theories as depicted in films.
- Students will be able to critically evaluate how cultural and historical contexts shape the meaning and messages conveyed in films using sociological terminology and concepts.
- Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which film can reflect, reinforce, and challenge cultural norms and attitudes.
- Students will be able to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue with their peers, demonstrating an understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences related to social inequality, social behavior, and social justice.
- Students will be able to communicate their ideas effectively, utilizing sociological concepts and theories to support their arguments.
- Students will be able to apply sociological concepts and theories to real-world examples and current events, demonstrating an understanding of the practical applications of sociological knowledge.
- Students will be able to reflect on their own perspectives and consider alternative viewpoints, demonstrating an ability to think critically and empathetically about sociological issues.
- Students will be able to synthesize and integrate their knowledge of sociological concepts and film analysis to develop original insights and perspectives on contemporary social problems.
- Students will be able to appreciate the power of film to shape, challenge, and expand our understanding of the social world, and to reflect on their own role in shaping cultural norms and attitudes related to social justice issues.
- Students will be able to explain how sociological concepts and film analysis contribute to becoming informed citizens who can critically evaluate media representations of social issues and engage with the social world in a thoughtful and informed way.
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