Choose one of the following questions:

1. What does it mean to have a "sociological imagination?" How does this relate to what Mills describes as the connection between the individual and culture?

The reading discusses the example of marriage using the sociological imagination. Share an additional example of an issue that might be analyzed by sociologists as both an individual and societal issue.

2. Describe the different types of social norms, providing examples. What are the functions of social norms in society? How do you think your culture would exist if there were no such thing as a social "norm"? Explain.

3. Select a topic of contemporary relevance that is of interest to you (for example, poverty, juvenile delinquency, teen births, or racial neighborhood segregation).

Briefly describe why you selected the topic. Using what you learned about sociological research this week, create a simple research question about the topic.

Match your research question to an appropriate research method and describe how as a sociologist you would conduct the research to answer your proposed question. Also take into account ethical guidelines for research.

The Forum meets the following course objectives:

Apply a sociological perspective to the social world

Analyze contemporary social issues using the sociological imagination and use sociological theories and concepts to analyze everyday life.

Describe culture and socialization.

Describe the major research methods used in sociological research

Instructions for all Forums:

Each week, learners will post one initial post per week. This post must demonstrate comprehension of the course materials, the ability to apply that knowledge in the real world. Learners will engage with the instructor and peers throughout the learning week.

To motivate engaged discussion, posts are expected to be on time with regular interaction throughout the week. All posts should demonstrate college level writing skills.

To promote vibrant discussion as we would in a face to face classroom, formatted citations and references are not required. Quotes should not be used at all, or used sparingly. If you quote a source quotation marks should be used and an APA formatted citation and reference provided.