Social Structure and Population Density

Today in class, we discussed how certain aspects of a social structure, such as population density, might affect the life experiences of members of that society.

An example of this discussed in class was Kowloon, formerly a walled slum of Hong Kong. The population of this small part of town was approximately 50,000, while the population density was 1,900,000 per square kilometer. A person growing up in this environment would have considerably different life experiences than someone growing up in London, where the population density is only 4669 per square kilometer.

Morton Hall Wireless Problem

Hello Everybody!

The address to use wireless in 201 Morton is:

httpS://morton-mb1.net.oit.ohio.edu/

NOTE the "S" in httpS:// You may have to try several times to get into the page, but you should get in eventually.

as a link:
https://morton-mb1.net.oit.ohio.edu/

Please bookmark the address.




I have emailed them several times about the problem and currently my response is:

"They are still looking into the issue. If you enter the mb-1… page manually you should be able to get access. "

Each day I contact them for an update. So I would like to hope that this will be resolved soon, but I have no clue. But I am working to get it fixed!

Jan 10: Structural Concepts

In todays class we discussed structural concepts and defined structure as "the distribution of 'stuff'"

Societies are self-contained and self-sufficient groups that are bound by social relationships, and are set apart from other societies by some sort of social barrier

A social structure is a characteristic of a group (See today's shared notes for a more concise definition). Examples may be population density or age distribution.

Stratification is a social structure that refers to the unequal distribution of valued goods within a population (ex: class, status, resources)

We also talked about the strength of weak ties regarding networks. People that you are acquainted with, but not necessarily close with, may be valuable resources. So, make sure you introduce yourself to your classmates; they may be your link to a great occupation!

P.S. Be careful playing beer pong! YIKES!

Suggest a Clip of the Day

Suggest interesting video clips for the start of class.    In the comments below-- paste the URL (link address) for video suggestions.  Include a brief explanation for why it would make a good video to start class with.  In other words-- explain how it is relevant and interesting to our class.  

kthx

Ted

Types of Data Collection

There were four main types of data collection that were discussed:

1. Ethnographic: Refers to the observation of people engaging in activities, and writing in-depth notes of what is going on

2. Survey: Asking people questions.

Some topics may be sensitive (ex: income), but there may be other ways to

get the information needed without asking the question directly

3. Experiment: Consists of a control group and experimental group

Within the experimental group, variables are manipulated in order to see if there is some sort of effect

4. Archival: Viewing already existing data

Week 1 Quiz Sociology 101

Due:  Monday Before Noon.

This is the week 1 Quiz for Sociology 101. The answers to the quiz were all covered in the review. You are encouraged to discuss the questions with your classmates, however you must create and express the answers in your own words.

Here are the questions. You are encouraged to use a word processor like Google Docs or Microsoft word to type out your answers before you submit them.

Once they are all written, then open the quiz and copy and paste them into the following Google Form. SUBMIT ONLY ONCE.

In the sections that ask for your email address, please put in only the first part of the oak ID. Example:

If KN340892@ohio.edu is your email, only put KN340892 into the text box that asks for your Oak id/ohio edu email.

Same for gmail. If your gmail is susyque@gmail.com please only put susyque in the box that asks for your gmail.

The ideal answers are logically complete but short and succinct.  Make sure you use your own examples (not the ones from lecture).

CLICK THIS LINK WHEN YOU ARE READY TO UPLOAD YOUR ANSWERS:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEtZblZXTmc2VTQzMmR6UFpqWW9vMWc6MQ

1. Define the concept of the sociological imagination. Use an example where you explain a social outcome that demonstrates your understanding of the sociological imagination.

2. Explain the differences between primary and secondary groups. Give an example of each that applies to yourself.

3. Explain each of the stages of the Research Cycle (social scientific process) in your own words. Focus on the steps that are most important to explanatory research.

4. What is the primary thesis of “Gin, Television and Cognitive Surplus”. Provide an example of your own that illustrates the thesis in action in the world.

How should I study for this class?

This is Ward.  He is my wife's grandfather.  He is a totally amazing person.  When he was 14 years old he constructed a "car" powered by an airplane engine and propeller.  He took it for a spin on the highway, and got pulled over by the police.  The officer was very impressed with his design and simply escorted Ward home with advice not to drive his unshielded propeller driven craft on the highway.

The next year the State of Ohio started issuing drivers licenses for operating motor vehicles on public roads.

Ward worked as an airplane mechanic and started a communication company.   He loves technology and was really interested in seeing the mapping program on the new iPhone.

About an hour ago I got an email from Amber (student in our class) asking how to study for this class.   Good question!  And here is my advice.  

1. Take good notes during class.   Focus on getting down concepts and how they connect to examples.  You should always be able to connect concepts to real examples of your own.
2. Read the book and compare your notes to the ideas in the book.  Concepts that are in both are often the most important. 
3. Follow your interests.  Richard Feynman provides a great example of how enjoyable it can be to try to learn how things work.  Apply that same sort of attention to our social world.  Build your own propeller driven car.  
4. Share you understanding with others.  I love talking with Ward because I feel like we both always learn something new from each other.    

Other advice:   

• In the past students organized study groups that met in the library-- typically about 15-20 folks would show up.   
• Start a study group email list.
• ??

Hope that helps--   post other suggestions and questions in the comments.