Pearson

Introduction to Sociology Specialization

Pearson

Introduction to Sociology Specialization

Sociology And Social Issues.

Explore Culture, Inequality, Social Institutions, Human Behavior, And Social Change

Pearson

Instructor: Pearson

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze how social forces and institutions shape human behavior, group dynamics, and societal structures.

  • Apply sociological theories and research methods to interpret social change and contemporary social issues.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

July 2026

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Specialization - 8 course series

Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Research

Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Research

Course 1, 4 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze society, culture, and social interactions using foundational sociological theories and key concepts.

  • Evaluate the methods and ethical principles of sociological research to explain how theory and data work together.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cultural Diversity
Category: Research Methodologies
Category: Qualitative Research
Category: Diversity Awareness
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Cultural Responsiveness
Category: Cultural Sensitivity
Category: Research
Category: Culture
Category: Social Justice
Category: Social Studies
Category: Sociology

What you'll learn

  • Analyze how socialization, social structure, and media shape identity, human interaction, and gender roles.

  • Evaluate various sociological, psychological, and biological perspectives on deviance to explain its causes.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Psychology
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Culture
Category: Social Studies
Category: Human Development
Category: Media and Communications
Category: Sociology

What you'll learn

  • Analyze systems of social stratification and class to explain their structures, consequences, and effects on intergenerational mobility.

  • Evaluate how racial and gender inequality contribute to discrimination, poverty, and social stratification.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Social Sciences
Category: World History
Category: Sociology
Category: Diversity Awareness
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
Category: Social Justice
Category: Social Studies
Aging and Family Structures

Aging and Family Structures

Course 4, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Apply sociological perspectives to analyze diverse family structures, the life course, and the family's role in socialization and social class.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Culture
Category: Trend Analysis
Category: Demography
Category: Human Development
Category: Child Development
Category: Sociology
Category: Cultural Diversity
Category: Gerontology
Category: Socioeconomics
The Economy and Politics

The Economy and Politics

Course 5, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze how power, authority, and different political systems shape global conflict, war, and terrorism.

  • Evaluate how capitalism and other world economic systems drive globalization and impact societies.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Public Policies
Category: Systems Thinking
Category: Organizational Structure
Category: Public Safety and National Security
Category: Policy Analysis
Category: Political Sciences
Category: Sociology
Category: Economics
Category: Social Studies
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
Category: Economic Development
Category: International Relations
Category: World History
Education and Religion

Education and Religion

Course 6, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Evaluate the U.S. educational system using sociological perspectives to analyze its functions, challenges, and role in shaping social norms.

  • Analyze the societal functions of religion and the characteristics of diverse religious groups globally and within the U.S.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Education and Training
Category: Formal Learning
Category: Sociology
Category: Social Studies
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Culture
Category: Social Justice
Category: Social Sciences
Population and Urbanization

Population and Urbanization

Course 7, 2 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze theories of population growth, the process of urbanization, and their resulting societal and environmental challenges.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Social Impact
Category: Sociology
Category: Demography
Category: Environment and Resource Management
Category: Social Studies
Category: World History
Category: Trend Analysis
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Land Management

What you'll learn

  • Analyze theories of social change and the impact of technology, social movements, and progress on society and the environment.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Culture
Category: Media and Communications
Category: Social Justice
Category: Public Affairs
Category: Community Organizing
Category: Sociology
Category: Social Studies
Category: Advocacy
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Social Impact

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Instructor

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