The Subject Matter of Sociology in College Education

Abstract

SOCIOLOGY TODAY is a generally accepted course in undergraduate curricula, but nobody can say what the proper subject of sociology really is. Some teachers hold this is due to the fact sociology as a science is so young it has not yet succeeded in circumscribing its area, but in due time the true meaning of sociology will emerge out of the growing compilation of figures and facts. Others accept the situation without scepticism or challenge, taking one of the textbooks of sociology and following the guidance of its author, or discussing all problems of actual interest in the field of the social sciences which do not have any other adequate place. Some teachers in sociology are aware of the basic and unique difficulty of teaching it; others consider the textbook and various selected articles sufficient authorization for continued instruction which calls desperately for clarification in method as well as subject. Teachers outside the field of sociology cherish the hope sociology one day may die a natural death due to indigestion of unrelated facts, and college administrations stand aloof as long as students continue registering for the course. Some, perhaps, are amazed when, by chance, through a glance at different textbooks, they become aware of the fact there is a definite lack of unity of opinion concerning what students of sociology are supposed to learn. Is it possible, they ask, that one can pretend to teach a science if there are no generally accepted principles, nor any common basis binding to every scholar in the field?