Sociology is the study of human groups, large and small, particularly in the industrial age. Specifically, the subject of sociology is the process of socialization, i.e., the integration of individuals into these groups. The course examines different interpretations of this process from the perspectives of behaviorism, sociobiology, sociological holism, historical materialism, and methodological individualism. By comparing these approaches, concepts such as social phenomenon, social practice, social cohesion, division of labor, social role and identity, institutions, and social representations are clarified. Special reference is made to politics as a social practice.