Peer Review

Introduction to Sociology

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Reviewed:: Aug 27, 2020 by Sociology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This open education resource text provides an introduction to sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives of sociology and their application to the fundamental problems of social life. The book includes an overview of sociological explanations, methods, and findings in social structure, group dynamics, socialization and social interactions, social stratification, culture, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, aging, marriage and family, education, government, politics, work and the economy, deviance, media and technology, population and urbanization, social change, and global dynamics. The text is available in multiple formats and is downloadable to e-devices for off-line viewing and printing. Each modules contains learning objectives, section summaries, key terms, section quizzes, and recommendations for further research.

Type of Material:

Open (Access) Textbook
Reference Material

Recommended Uses:

In-class
Homework
Individual assignment
Team assignment
Lecture

Technical Requirements:

Internet browser
Adobe Acrobat Reader for downloading offline version (PDF file)

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Learners will be able to explain the meanings of sociological concepts and apply them in analyzing sociological situations.
Learners will be able to understand, differentiate between, and apply sociological perspectives and theoretical paradigms.
Learners will be able to think critically about scientific research methods and sociological research, such as distinguishing correlation and causation.

Target Student Population:

College General Ed, College Lower Division

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic computer operations

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

Openstax books are the gold standard for open textbooks. This one is no exception. It is a complete solution to an introductory course, or even self-guided learning. The text is well organized and adaptable as an openly licensed source. It includes key features that integrates sociological research and provide real world scenarios, case studies, and social policy debates. Instructor resources include presentation slides and a test bank.

Concerns:

The text does not examine emerging theoretical paradigms (e.g., feminism, exchange theory, and/or environmental theory).
There is an overabundance of content for an introductory course.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

It is a complete reference book for an overview of sociology. Each section of the text contains learning objectives and subject matter quizzes to gauge comprehension and application of concepts and terms. Visual images, charts, and graphs in the book provide examples and highlight sociological research.

Concerns:

Some sections of the text have no or limited recommendations for further research.
Quiz question types are not consistent across sections with some limited to closed-ended questions only while others incorporate open-ended as well.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

A search tool is available for exploring contents of the text.
The design and content presented meets accessibility requirements.
The text is available in multiple formats including offline reading and printing.
Includes embedded quizzes and glossaries.

Concerns:

Interactivity in the text is limited to section quizzes.
There are no audio/video resources to engage learners or supplement learning.
There are no instructions or explanations about how to use the text and access content.

Other Issues and Comments:: An effective open education resource for introductory sociology courses.
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