Unit B Week 1

Lecture Summary

Sociology is a scientific approach to understanding the world around us--sociological theories attempt to explain observed behavior. In order to accomplish this task, the discipline relies on a rigorous tradition of theoretical development and tested methods of social research. Various theoretical approaches and research approaches are utilized to learn more about a particular social activity or group behavior.

The social scientist selects a theory and method in order to answer a question. Sociology 380 will help you answer the question "what is giving all about, how is it structured in our society, and do I want to have anything to do with it?" As a sociology class, this presentation will focus on human interaction, the groups people form, and the institutions they create and maintain. Such an approach will allow each student to learn about how philanthropic and charitable institutions effect us,and in turn, how we can change them. This unit provides some examples of the use of theory and methods in understanding philanthropy. Students will become familiar with the concept of social exchange and its use in examining the philanthropic process in the lecture material.

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