I’m a high school junior and I've recently become interested in learning about sociology, but my school doesn't offer it as a class. Are there any good resources for taking a sociology course or self-studying it? Plus, is it common for high schools to offer sociology courses?
Taking sociology courses in high school isn't as common as classes like biology, chemistry, or history. It's typically offered as an elective, so not all high schools will have it on their course list. That being said, it's great that you're interested in learning about sociology!
Since your school doesn't offer a sociology course, there are several online resources and platforms where you can enroll in a class or learn about the subject independently. Some of these include:
1. Coursera: Coursera offers various sociology courses from top universities. Most of these courses are free to audit, but you'll have to pay a fee if you want to gain access to graded assignments or earn a certificate.
2. Khan Academy: Although Khan Academy doesn't offer a specific sociology course, they provide some materials on social sciences that might cover sociological concepts. Their content is entirely free, making it a great starting point for self-study.
3. MIT OpenCourseWare: MIT OCW is a massive online library with hundreds of undergraduate and graduate courses, including sociology. You can access reading materials, assignments, and lecture notes for free.
4. CollegeVine: While CollegeVine doesn't offer actual sociology courses, they can advise on how to leverage your interest in sociology in your application, engage in relevant extracurriculars, or find recommendations on college programs based on your interests. One blog post you may find useful can be found here: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-prepare-sociology.
Remember, since sociology isn't a common high school course, chances are that colleges won't expect you to have formal education in it. So, if you gain a solid understanding of the subject through self-study, colleges might still find your initiative and passion in the field impressive.
Finally, keep track of relevant resources, online forums, and discussion boards where you can share your thoughts and engage with others interested in sociology. This will help you learn from a diverse range of viewpoints and further strengthen your knowledge. Good luck with your sociological exploration!
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