Our Social World: Condensed: Introduction to Sociology
Video and Multimedia
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
Video Links
Learning Objective: 10.2: Illustrate different patterns of mate selection.
10.1 Arranged Marriages
This video examines arranged marriages in regards to where they take place and why so many people accept this form of marriage as the norm.
10.2 Polygamy
This video takes a look at those who live in polygamous families, specifically where women choose multiple husbands.
Learning Objective: 10.5: Give examples of micro level interactions in schools.
Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.
Learning Objective: 10.6: Explain the formal and informal structures of schools.
This video from Ted Talks highlights Peter, a school principal with a radical solution-no school bell, no school levels, staff selection, and curriculum is even decided by students. Result? No bullying, collaboration, and innovation in school dynamics.
10.4 Medicating Kids
As the debate over medicating children continues to grow, FRONTLINE confronts psychiatrists, researchers, and big pharma about the risks and benefits of prescription drugs for troubled children.
Audio Links
Learning Objective: 10.1: Discuss how definitions of families are socially constructed and change overtime
10.2 Happy Marriages
Stories trying to understand what actually happens in marriages during this time when the definition of marriage is up in the air.
10.3 Technology and Love
Love is instinctive and essential, but what is it that brings certain people together? In this hour, TED speakers examine the impact of technology on love and relationships.
Learning Objective: 10.4: Describe controversial topics facing the family today.
10.1 Unconditional Love
Can love be taught? A family uses a controversial therapy to train their son to love them. And other stories about the hard and sometimes painful work of loving other people.
Learning Objective: 10.6: Explain the formal and informal structures of schools.
The true story of little-known rooms in the New York City Board of Education building. Teachers are told to report there instead of their classrooms. No reason is usually given.
Learning Objective: 10.7: Present evidence that schools contribute to the reproduction of social class.
Stories of schools struggling with what to do with misbehaving kids. There is no general agreement about what teachers should do to discipline kids. And there is evidence that some of the most popular punishments actually may harm kids.
Web Resources
Learning Objective: 10.2: Illustrate different patterns of mate selection.
10.1 Why Get Married?
This article takes a look at why monogamy became the norm in regards to marriages in the modern era.
Learning Objective: 10.3: Provide examples of how families interact with other institutions.
10.3 Baby Boomers
This article from Contexts magazine examines the paths that women who are considered to be part of the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1944 and 1954) have taken in regards to their home and work lives.
Learning Objective: 10.4: Describe controversial topics facing the family today.
10.2 Divorce Myths
This article takes a look at the 27 most common myths regarding divorce.
10.4 Women and Divorce
This article from Pacific Standard Magazine takes a look at the fact that women are more likely than men to initiate a divorce and examines the reasons as to why this is the case.
Learning Objective: 10.6: Explain the formal and informal structures of schools.
10.5 Education: Good for Society
People who attend universities are less likely to commit crime, drink heavily or smoke, according to a new database of evidence on the social benefits of higher education.
Learning Objective: 10.6: Explain the formal and informal structures of schools.
10.8 Early Childhood Education
This article from Pacific Standard Magazine examines the benefits of a universal Pre-K program in the U.S. educational system.
Learning Objective: 10.7: Present evidence that schools contribute to the reproduction of social class.
10.6 School Funding
According to a recent report by the Education Law Center in most states the public school funding remains unfair and inequitable, depriving millions of U.S. students of the opportunity for school success.
10.7 Financial Aid
This article by Contexts Magazine takes a look at some of the issues regarding financial aid in higher educational institutions.