Discussion Questions
for Soc 110
The class will select 5 of the topics below for discussion in class. The
class will be divided into smaller groups of 6 to 8 members for the purpose
of the discussion and one person will be selected to record and present to
the class the main ideas discussed by the group. Participation will
be graded. Students will receive 2 points for each discussion in which
they participated for a total of 10 points. One point will be for participating in the discussion and one point will be for turning in a short response paper. One paragraph (6-8 sentences) single spaced, size 14. Due the next class day after the discussion. No late papers accepted. No handwritten papers accepted.
1. Theory – a set of logically coherent
interrelated concepts that attempt to explain, some observable phenomena
or group of facts.
Of the three classical theorists presented: Marx, Durkheim and Weber, whose
ideas do you find most compelling? Explain.
2. Popular culture – t.v. tells us about
American Society
Select 5 t.v. shows among you and discuss them as if you were an outsider
from another country.
What would you learn about life in America from these shows?
3. Milgrim Experiment – extent to which
subjects would be willing to comply with an order – obedience (p. 182-3
in text, read in class)
Is this an ethical experiment? Why?
4. Male dominance – biological or environmental
adaptation?
Is male dominance determined by genetics or social conditioning?
5. Homophobia – a fear and hatred of
homosexuals.
Homosexuality – a preference for sexual relations with someone of the same
sex.
Why is homophobia strong in the US? What are people afraid of?
6. Bi-lingual Education English Only
learning to speak more than one language fluently
learning in your native language until you can understand enough English
What should be the goal of a bi-lingual educational program? Why
is this a controversial issue in California?
7. Quest for a fit, fat-free body (anorexia,
bulimia)
Why are Americans obsessed with body image and size?
What do you think about the way your body looks?
8. Population Control
What role should governments play in population control?
Should they require birth control?
Should the state finance family planning programs?
9. War (Terrorism)
How would a functionalist, conflict theorist and symbolic interactionist
think about the U.S. led war on terrorism? Explain.
10. Culture
Have you ever experienced first hand a culture other than your own? Explain.
What did you learn about yourself from this experience?
11. Race/ Ethnicity
South Africa established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to come
to terms with its past history of racial inequality, discrimination, and
violence. Does the United States need such a commission?
12. Culture
Is there such a thing as American culture? Explain.
13. Re-socializtion
Have you ever gone through a formal re-socialization process such as boot
camp, prison, therapy (WOW week?) and so on? Describe the setting
and explain the ways in which you were resocialized.
return to Soc 110
syl