Week 1 - Wàde "Introduction: The Science of Social Facts" o Purpose of sociology o Sociology as a science o Social fact o Methods: data collection and analysis o Methods: quantitative versus qualitative o Sociological sympathy o Standpoint o Sociological imagination Becker, Howard S. 1953. "Becoming a Marihuana User," American Journal of Sociology, 59(3): 235-242. o Main argument about social learning - Additional concepts \& examples from lecture o Intro to the course o European sociology and modernity o US sociology and advocacy o Open and honest questions (as a technique of sociological sympathy)

Sociology's roots can be traced back to the sweeping changes of the Industrial Revolution in 18th and 19th century Europe, a period characterized by urbanization, social upheaval, and the questioning of traditional norms. Think about how the rapid changes in society inspired thinkers like Auguste Comte and Émile Durkheim to study these transformations scientifically, leading to the birth of sociology as a distinct discipline focused on understanding social structures and their impact on human behavior. In practice, sociology is not just theoretical; it's a powerful tool for creating change! Sociologists employ various methods, from surveys and interviews to ethnographic studies, to dive deep into social issues. For instance, Howard Becker's work on marijuana users demonstrates how social learning shapes behaviors and perceptions, revealing that our understanding of habits is often built through interactions with others—leading to real-world implications in drug policy and public health debates.