AF-HE · Social Sciences
Introduction to Sociology
University & tertiary Ages 18–99 48 hours en
Study institutions, groups and social change.
Culture, family, work, power, inequality and collective action using African sociological thought.
Curriculum family: African Higher Education Common Programmes
Course overview
This Social Sciences course connects core university concepts to African contexts, practical inquiry and community-based application. Learners work through guided readings, a weekly studio and an applied final task.
Learning outcomes
Explain key Social Sciences concepts; analyse evidence and assumptions; apply methods to an African case; communicate findings clearly; reflect on ethics, power and community impact.
Weekly outline
Week 1: Orientation and local context; Week 2: Core concepts; Week 3: Methods and evidence; Week 4: African case study; Week 5: Applied project; Week 6: Assessment and reflection.
Assessment
Weekly activities 30%; participation and peer response 20%; applied final project 50%.
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisite. Learners need curiosity, regular study time and access to weekly course materials.
Course media

Exams and assessment papers
No exam papers are available for download yet. Exam papers and results will appear here when a teacher publishes them.
Weekly lessons
| Week | Lesson | Studio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 - Orientation and local context: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 2 | Week 2 - Key concepts and vocabulary: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 3 | Week 3 - Methods, evidence and practice: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 4 | Week 4 - African case study and application: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 5 | Week 5 - Community project or problem studio: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 6 | Week 6 - Reflection, assessment and next steps: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 7 | Unit 7 - a local case study: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 8 | Unit 8 - comparison across places: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 9 | Unit 9 - voice and representation: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 10 | Unit 10 - ethics and responsibility: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 11 | Unit 11 - systems and relationships: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 12 | Unit 12 - patterns and interpretation: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 13 | Unit 13 - measurement and proportion: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 14 | Unit 14 - change over time: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 15 | Unit 15 - power and access: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 16 | Unit 16 - community strengths: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 17 | Unit 17 - primary sources and lived experience: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 18 | Unit 18 - research questions: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 19 | Unit 19 - organising evidence: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 20 | Unit 20 - mid-course synthesis: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 21 | Unit 21 - language and meaning: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 22 | Unit 22 - identity and community memory: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 23 | Unit 23 - land, environment and place: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 24 | Unit 24 - technology and access: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 25 | Unit 25 - designing a fair process: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 26 | Unit 26 - creative practice: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 27 | Unit 27 - problem definition: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 28 | Unit 28 - hypotheses and explanations: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 29 | Unit 29 - testing and revision: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 30 | Unit 30 - collaboration: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 31 | Unit 31 - communicating to an audience: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 32 | Unit 32 - visuals, numbers and media: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 33 | Unit 33 - resources and sustainability: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 34 | Unit 34 - rights and dignity: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 35 | Unit 35 - regional connections: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 36 | Unit 36 - project proposal: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 37 | Unit 37 - project purpose: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 38 | Unit 38 - project consultation: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 39 | Unit 39 - project preparation: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 40 | Unit 40 - project milestone one: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 41 | Unit 41 - constructive feedback: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 42 | Unit 42 - improving after feedback: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 43 | Unit 43 - quality and standards: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 44 | Unit 44 - risk and safety: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 45 | Unit 45 - leadership and responsibility: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 46 | Unit 46 - African innovation: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 47 | Unit 47 - professional application: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 48 | Unit 48 - project milestone two: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 49 | Unit 49 - accessible knowledge: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 50 | Unit 50 - self-assessment: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 51 | Unit 51 - debate and evidence: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 52 | Unit 52 - policy and collective action: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 53 | Unit 53 - livelihoods and value: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 54 | Unit 54 - health and wellbeing: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 55 | Unit 55 - climate resilience: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 56 | Unit 56 - heritage and future generations: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 57 | Unit 57 - digital literacy: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 58 | Unit 58 - community review: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 59 | Unit 59 - project milestone three: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 60 | Unit 60 - independent inquiry: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 61 | Unit 61 - theory and practice: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 62 | Unit 62 - uncertainty and limitations: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 63 | Unit 63 - future pathways: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 64 | Unit 64 - justice and reciprocity: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 65 | Unit 65 - clear presentation: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 66 | Unit 66 - project rehearsal: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 67 | Unit 67 - final evidence: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 68 | Unit 68 - applied project completion: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 69 | Unit 69 - public storytelling: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 70 | Unit 70 - teacher conference: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 71 | Unit 71 - exam preparation: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 72 | Unit 72 - practice assessment: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 73 | Unit 73 - correcting misconceptions: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 74 | Unit 74 - peer teaching: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 75 | Unit 75 - course synthesis: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 76 | Unit 76 - learning portfolio: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 77 | Unit 77 - community action: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 78 | Unit 78 - learner voice: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 79 | Unit 79 - assessment submission: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 80 | Unit 80 - mentorship and lifelong learning: Introduction to Sociology Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Introduction to Sociology. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
Open classrooms
No live cohort yet. Teachers can open one from their dashboard.