17+ Courses on Sociology to Help You Understand Human Beings Better

Sociology is the subject of human social relationships and organizations. Sociology's subject matter is different, varying from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the categories of race and social class to the accorded beliefs of a common culture. Conjoining these diverse subjects of study is sociology's purpose of learning how human action and cognizance both shape and are formed by surrounding cultural and social structures. This has led to some of the sociology courses and certifications.

The sociologist creates good social research designs, carefully collects and examines empirical data, and displays their research verdicts. The courses in sociology teach the students how to handle others, see the direction the social world works, and how it might be adjusted for the greater good. They have most commonly discovered how to think, judge, and comment, creatively, and effectively. These are all experiences of tremendous value in a wide variety of vocational callings and professions. Especially beneficial for those wanting to learn sociology courses after 12th. So let us take a look at some of the free courses in sociology available on the internet.

17+ Sociology Courses

Here we have made a list of some courses in sociology that are definitely worth checking out

Fundamentals of Sociology

The course of sociology begins by comparing and contrasting the fundamental assumptions within functionalist theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism theory. It proceeds to talk about the advantages and disadvantages associated with prominent research design methods used by sociologists. The course also explains the connection between culture and the process of socialisation, distinguishes between social interaction and social structure, and explains the nature of the family as a social institution from various theoretical perspectives.

Offered by: Edx

Duration: 8 weeks

Introduction to Sociology

This is a course of sociology offered on the Udemy platform. This sociology tutorial understands the broad scope of sociology and its relevance to human existence and applies the sociological imagination by examining our society's beliefs and values. You will also evaluate social structures using major sociological perspectives; conflict, functional and symbolic interaction, and discuss the consequences in these sociology online classes.

Offered by: Udemy

Duration: 1h

Concise Sociology

This is a fine course of sociology offered in the Udemy platform. This course packs the history of basic sociological concepts and analysis of social issues that affect humankind. At the completion of the course, the candidate will have a more excellent knowledge of sociology and its elements.

Offered by: Udemy

Duration: 2.5 hours

Sociological Perspectives on Modernity

The Sociological Perspectives on Modernity online course in sociology introduces students to the theoretical viewpoints for viewing modernity and its components as a practice deeply ingrained in culture and society. Also familiarises students enrolled in this course with encountering problems in their daily lives from more rationalist perspectives. This course attempts to critically engage with and interrogate the multiple views on modernity.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 12 weeks

Urban Sociology and Urban Development

This online course in sociology is useful in understanding population heterogeneity and homogeneity since urban populations are very heterogeneous and rural populations are homogeneous. People from various sociocultural and economic backgrounds (culture, language, race, religion, customs, etc.) can be found in urban regions. Villagers in rural areas lead similar lives that are governed by kinship relationships.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 12 weeks

Explore Popular Platforms Offering Sociology Certification Courses

• NIOS sociology courses and certifications
• Futurelearn sociology courses and certifications
• Edx sociology courses and certifications
• Udemy sociology courses and certifications
• Swayam sociology courses and certifications

Classical Sociological Theory

The Classical Sociological Theory online course in sociology is offered for the students to build their expertise in the field of sociology. This course helps the students develop sociological views and enables them to learn about the socio-cultural and intellectual factors that frame the foundation of sociology.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: Approx. 12 weeks

Agrarian Sociology

This is one of the unique courses for sociology, students will gain an understanding of the social, economic and power structure of Rural Indian society. The Agrarian Sociology online course from Arts College Osmania University Department of Sociology via Swayam will enable students to assess the changing trends in Indian villages and evaluate rural development, strategies, policies and programmes. The Agrarian courses for sociology will expose learners to Rural Society and Peasantry, Agrarian Society, Agrarian Social Structure, Rural Polity, and more. This online certification course will be taught by Prof C. Ganesh who is a senior professor in the Department of Sociology teaching Rural Sociology and Rural Development over the last three decades.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 12 weeks

Global Sociology

Wellesley College's Global Sociology Course on edX offers an introductory exploration that connects personal experiences to global history without requiring prior sociology knowledge. Spanning four weeks, with a weekly commitment of 2-3 hours, the course goes into sociological concepts through lectures and interviews with experts and people worldwide, fostering a sociological perspective. Taught by Associate Professor Smitha Radhakrishnan, this courses for sociology covers essential sociological theories and research methods, providing a foundational understanding of the social dynamics shaping our world, and making it accessible to all interested in this insightful subject.

Offered by: Edx

Duration: 4 weeks

Sociology of Science

The Sociology of Science online certification course is developed for students of undergraduate and postgraduate levels and is focused on delivering insights on sociological aspects and cultural influence with respect to science and technological developments. In this course, classes are conducted online for a period of four weeks. The instructor for this certification program is Dr. Anindya J. Mishra who is an associate professor of the department of the humanities and social sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 4 weeks

Sociology: Understanding Our Society and Culture

This course, curated by Edx, offers a detailed exploration of human behaviour, social forces, and the influence of our social environment. It covers various topics, including the impact of key social events, the role of social groups, and the origins of culture.

Offered by: Edx

Duration: 1.5 hours

Sociology XII Part-I

The Sociology XII Part-I certification course is a study of the academic and systematic perspective of society, particularly in the Indian context. This course focuses on the sociological institutions and theories that explain the characteristics and framework of society. The students of this course will be trained with the skills and competencies for understanding the sociological principles with the help of the instructor Dr. Sheetal Sharma from the Center for European Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University at Delhi.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 24 weeks

Sociology XI Part-I

The Sociology XI Part-I Online Course is a massive open online course that is based on the subject of sociology as taught in Class XI. The course will be taught on the interactive online platform of Swayam and will focus on the features of social institutions, the process of socialisation, and the relevance of culture. The course deals with the study of social institutions and encourages learners to question stereotypes in society. The Sociology XI Part-I Training is led by Dr. Sheetal Sharma from the School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 24 weeks

Sr.Secondary: Sociology (331)

The Sr.Secondary: Sociology (331) Online Course is a specialised course that educates learners on human behaviour in society and the implications of social life. The course offered at the senior secondary level is led by Prof. Dr. Sukanta Kumar Mahapatra of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Through the course, learners will be able to understand the fundamental concepts and methods in sociology. the course familiarises learners with the study of humans in groups. The course is covered in 5 modules taught over a period of 26 weeks. After successfully completing the course steps and evaluations, learners get a chance to receive the Sr.Secondary: Sociology (331) Certification by NIOS and Swayam.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 24 weeks

Gender and Sexuality: Applications in Society

This sociology course is an intersectional approach to Gender & Sexuality Studies that will cover critical questions in literature, language, geography, history, political science, sociology, anthropology, theater and media studies, law, and medicine.

Offered by: edx

Duration: 6 Weeks

Doing Gender and Why It Matters

In this sociology course online, you will get to understand the realities of gender alongside an in-depth analysis of sex and gender in the context of culture, society, laws of the land and their way of interaction with power and violence structures using an interdisciplinary lens.

Offered by: edx

Duration: 6 Weeks

Development of Sociology in India

Sociology is the study of social behaviour, societal relationships, patterns, and everyday culture. Development of Sociology in India online programme is a short-term FDP course curated by IIT Kanpur in association with Swayam. The curriculum explores the development and emergence of Indian sociology and the Indological, Marxist, Dalit, environmental and feminist perspectives. Further, the Development of Sociology in India certification falls under the category of Humanities and Social Sciences and has been approved by AICTE. The course will be provided through the digital medium, and the modules will be taught through video lectures by the instructor.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 4 weeks

Fundamentals of Rural Sociology and Educational Psychology

The main objective of the course Fundamentals of Rural Sociology and Educational Psychology is to improve the conditions and techniques used by our farmers in agricultural practices. The study can be quite complicated since the candidates have to be well-versed in the culture, value system, and social structure of the rural areas before beginning to work. Taking up this course and being under the guidance of skilled and experienced faculty will equip you with the skills required to uplift the current rural agricultural systems as well as increase the scope of the better well-being of the farmers in the rural areas.

Offered by: Swayam

Duration: 12 weeks

Political Sociology- An Introduction

This online course in sociology is a gateway to understanding the intricate relationship between politics and society. With 10 insightful sections, this course delves into topics such as the social foundations of politics, the impact of cultural theories, the evolving concept of citizenship, and the dynamics of global politics. Whether you're a student of political science or simply curious about how societies function, this course offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the world of political sociology.

Offered by: Udemy

Duration: self-paced

Conclusion

Sociology gives a unique and enlightening process of seeing and experiencing the social world in which we live and shapes our lives. Sociology looks to exceed standard, taken-for-granted views of reality to produce more profound, more illuminating, and challenging social life perceptions. Through its critical, logical perspective, social theories, and analysis methods, sociology is an advancement that increases our appreciation and review of the human social relationships, cultures, and traditions that profoundly shape both our lives and human history. So take some of the best sociology courses to have a better understanding of human behavior and society.