Pearson

Introduction to Sociology Specialization

Pearson

Introduction to Sociology Specialization

Sociology And Social Issues.

Explore Culture, Inequality, Social Institutions, Human Behavior, And Social Change

Pearson

Instructor: Pearson

Access provided by Banco Popular Dominicano

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze how social forces and institutions shape human behavior, group dynamics, and societal structures.

  • Apply sociological theories and research methods to interpret social change and contemporary social issues.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English
Recently updated!

July 2026

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Advance your subject-matter expertise

  • Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
  • Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
  • Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
  • Earn a career certificate from Pearson

Specialization - 8 course series

Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Research

Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Research

Course 1, 4 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze society, culture, and social interactions using foundational sociological theories and key concepts.

  • Evaluate the methods and ethical principles of sociological research to explain how theory and data work together.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Culture
Category: Sociology
Category: Research Methodologies
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Social Justice
Category: Diversity Awareness
Category: Social Studies
Category: Cultural Sensitivity
Category: Qualitative Research
Category: Research
Category: Cultural Responsiveness
Category: Cultural Diversity

What you'll learn

  • Analyze how socialization, social structure, and media shape identity, human interaction, and gender roles.

  • Evaluate various sociological, psychological, and biological perspectives on deviance to explain its causes.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Sociology
Category: Culture
Category: Psychology
Category: Human Development
Category: Media and Communications
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Social Studies

What you'll learn

  • Analyze systems of social stratification and class to explain their structures, consequences, and effects on intergenerational mobility.

  • Evaluate how racial and gender inequality contribute to discrimination, poverty, and social stratification.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Sociology
Category: Diversity Awareness
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
Category: Social Studies
Category: World History
Category: Social Justice
Category: Social Sciences
Aging and Family Structures

Aging and Family Structures

Course 4, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Apply sociological perspectives to analyze diverse family structures, the life course, and the family's role in socialization and social class.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Sociology
Category: Cultural Diversity
Category: Trend Analysis
Category: Human Development
Category: Demography
Category: Child Development
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Gerontology
Category: Culture
The Economy and Politics

The Economy and Politics

Course 5, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze how power, authority, and different political systems shape global conflict, war, and terrorism.

  • Evaluate how capitalism and other world economic systems drive globalization and impact societies.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Economics
Category: Political Sciences
Category: Systems Thinking
Category: Sociology
Category: Organizational Structure
Category: Public Policies
Category: Economic Development
Category: World History
Category: Social Studies
Category: Policy Analysis
Category: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
Category: Public Safety and National Security
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: International Relations
Education and Religion

Education and Religion

Course 6, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Evaluate the U.S. educational system using sociological perspectives to analyze its functions, challenges, and role in shaping social norms.

  • Analyze the societal functions of religion and the characteristics of diverse religious groups globally and within the U.S.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Sociology
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Social Justice
Category: Culture
Category: Formal Learning
Category: Education and Training
Category: Social Studies
Population and Urbanization

Population and Urbanization

Course 7, 2 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze theories of population growth, the process of urbanization, and their resulting societal and environmental challenges.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Demography
Category: Social Studies
Category: Land Management
Category: World History
Category: Sociology
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Social Impact
Category: Environment and Resource Management
Category: Trend Analysis

What you'll learn

  • Analyze theories of social change and the impact of technology, social movements, and progress on society and the environment.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Social Impact
Category: Advocacy
Category: Community Organizing
Category: Public Affairs
Category: Social Justice
Category: Social Studies
Category: Culture
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Media and Communications
Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Sociology

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Pearson
Pearson
152 Courses1,484 learners

Offered by

Pearson

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."