Week 1 ***For Suraya***

Week1: Readings

1. To successfully complete this week’s assignments, read the following chapters from the text, Contemporary Social Problems and the Workplace :

· Chapter One – Social Inquiry and the Workplace

Discussions To participate in the following discussions, go to this week's Discussion link in the left navigation.

1. Three Sociological Perspectives   Compare the differences among the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology (structural-functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism). With which theory and theorist do you find that you share similar views with and why? Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.  

2. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research & the Methods of Social Research   Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative and quantitative research. Suppose you are to study police brutality, what methods of research (demographics, historical data, surveys, interviews, or observation) would you utilize? Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.