Understanding Culture, Society & Politics

30 Question-and-Answer flashcards covering definitions, etymologies, subfields, and key concepts in culture, society, politics, and the core social sciences discussed in the lecture.

What is the definition of culture given in the lecture?

The customs, beliefs, social forms, and traits that define a specific racial, religious, or social group; essentially, the way of life of a group of people.

Name at least three elements of culture mentioned in the slides.

Possible answers include: art/drama/music, attitudes, beliefs, food, language, religion/faith, behavior, rituals, and customs.

According to Joseph Fichter, what can a person never escape even if they escape society for a while?

Culture.

From what Latin word is the term “society” derived, and what does it mean?

From Latin "socius," meaning comrade, companion, or friend.

How is society defined in the lecture notes?

A group of individuals involved in social interaction or sharing the same geographical or social territory.

From which Greek word does the term “politics” come, and what does that word mean?

From Greek "Politika," meaning affairs of the cities.

What does politics refer to, according to the lecture?

Achieving and exercising positions of governance over a human community.

Define social science as presented in the notes.

The branch of modern science concerned with society and the interactions among people in society.

List three disciplines classified under social science in the lecture.

Anthropology, sociology, and political science.

What is anthropology?

The study of the origin and development of human societies and cultures.

Break down the Greek roots of the word “anthropology.”

Anthropos = human; logia = study.

What does cultural anthropology study?

Human cultures around the world.

What is the focus of physical or biological anthropology?

The study of the human body.

What does linguistic anthropology examine?

Human language.

What is archaeology concerned with?

What humans left behind, studied through excavation.

Provide the lecture’s definition of sociology.

The systematic study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.

Give the etymological roots of the word “sociology.”

Latin "socius" (companion) and Greek "logos" (study).

Name three areas of sociology listed in the notes.

Any three of the following: Social Organization, Social Psychology, Human Ecology, Population Studies, Social Change, Sociological Theory and Research, Applied Sociology.

What is political science according to the lecture?

A discipline in social science concerned primarily with the state, government, and politics.

Identify the ancient roots of the words “political” and “science.”

Political from Greek "polis" (city-state); science from Latin "scire" (to know).

What does the subfield "Political Theory" study?

The principles relating to the basis, structure, conduct, and operations of the state.

What is the concern of "Public Law" within political science?

Laws or ordinances that control the framework of public governance.

What does "Public Administration" focus on?

The academic study of civil service and governance.

Define "Political Dynamics."

The relationship of societal forces that dictate political opportunities and actions.

What is meant by the area "Government and Business" in political science?

The regulatory and governmental functions directed toward corporate or business entities concerning the national economy.

What does the study of "Legislatures and Legislation" examine?

The process, composition, and organization of legislatures.

What is the focus of "International Relations"?

Nation-states’ foreign policy and the forces—geographic, technological, psychological, political—that shape it.

Define "International Law."

A system of agreements and treaties that outlines the responsibilities of one state toward another.

What does "Comparative Government" study?

The general structures and functions of governments across different countries.

The relationship between humans and their environment

Human Ecology

Demographics and population changes

Population studies

Transformation of society over time

Social change

The structure of social relationships in a group or society

Social Organization