This course explores the phenomenon of specialness and the associated issues through the sociological lens, underlining the socially constructed nature of human status positions, behaviors, and thought. This focus is pursued through an examination of the central elements of culture and the core features of social structure. Accordingly, some of the foundational social categories and societal practices would be examined.  The particular perspective the discipline of sociology brings to the study of human life and society is emphasized and constitutes the frame of reference by which the various topics identified are examined as they relate to the phenomenon of specialness.
 
Upon the completion of the course, students should be able to: 

(a)     explain how sociology differs from the other social disciplines;
(b)     examine the phenomenon of specialness from a contextual standpoint;
(c)     grasp and explain the core concepts/ideas of the discipline sociology, including culture,   
           socialization, organization, institutions, the social construction of reality, social deviance, etc.   
(d)     account for the existence and persistence of social inequality.
(e)     relate understandings gained to their individual lives, others, and the phenomenon of the   
            social construction of meaning.