Introduction to Sociology

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Questions and Answers

What was the outcome of the 1993 presidential election in Nigeria?

The election was cancelled (correct)

M.K.O Abiola lost the election

Ernest Shonekan was declared the winner

General Babaginda won the election

Who took over power from Ernest Shonekan in 1993?

Ernest Shonekan

General Babaginda

General Abdulsalami Abubukar

General Sani Abacha (correct)

How many years did General Sani Abacha rule Nigeria?

10 years

3 years

5 years (correct)

7 years

What was the total number of states in Nigeria in 1995?

36 states Signup and view all the answers

Who replaced General Sani Abacha after his death?

General Abdulsalami Abubukar Signup and view all the answers

How many languages are estimated to exist in Nigeria?

52 languages Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Nigeria return to civilian rule?

1999 Signup and view all the answers

How many living languages exist in Nigeria?

510 languages Signup and view all the answers

What is culture according to the glossary of terms?

That complex art, mortals, law, customs, and any other capability acquired by man as a member of society Signup and view all the answers

What are cultural traits?

The smallest elements by which a culture can be described Signup and view all the answers

What are myths?

A traditional story especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

What are values?

Culturally spelt out principles of desirability Signup and view all the answers

What are folkways?

The norms for routine or casual interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of culture?

To perform certain functions in the society Signup and view all the answers

What are the two components of culture?

Material and non-material Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between culture and society?

Culture is a part of society Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between commercial activities in Nigeria and America?

Nigeria has more small-scale traders Signup and view all the answers

What type of markets operate on a periodic basis in Nigeria?

Rural markets Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total course grade is the final examination worth?

70% Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the products available in Nigerian markets?

High variety Signup and view all the answers

What is a traditional product produced in cities like Kano and Abeokuta?

Indigo cloth Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration of the final examination?

2 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the hierarchical society in Nigeria?

Both age and position earn respect Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of the assessment for this course?

Tutor-marked assignments and final examination Signup and view all the answers

How many tutor-marked assignments are required in this course?

All Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the most senior person in a social situation?

To make decisions for the group Signup and view all the answers

What is a common greeting in Nigeria?

A handshake with a warm smile Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if a student is unable to complete an assignment on time?

Contact the tutor before the deadline to request an extension Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total course grade do the tutor-marked assignments contribute?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to take time during the greeting process in Nigeria?

To show respect Signup and view all the answers

Where should assignments be submitted?

Uploaded to the LMS on the GNS 201 page Signup and view all the answers

What kind of questions will be included in the final examination?

Questions based on the course materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Study Session 1?

The Concept of Culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Study Session 2?

Mapping the Nigerian Cultures and Their Characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Study Session 3?

Ethics and Discipline in National Life Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Study Session 4?

Norms and Values in the Society Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Study Session 5?

Reorientation of Moral Values for Development Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'culture'?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ethics and discipline in national life?

To maintain social order and morality Signup and view all the answers

What are the essential elements of individual morality in national life?

Social justice, individual rights, and general welfare Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of Study Session 3?

To explore ethics and discipline in national life Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of norms and values in society?

They maintain social order and morality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Overview

The course is GNS 201: Nigerian People and Culture.

Assessment Structure

Assessment has two parts: tutor-marked assignments (30% of total score) and a final written examination (70% of total score).

Tutor-Marked Assignments

There are multiple TMAs in the course.
All TMAs need to be submitted, and the best 10 will be counted towards the final score.
Submit TMAs to the tutor as soon as possible, and before the stipulated deadline.
Extensions may be granted before the deadline, but not after, unless in extraordinary cases.

Final Examination

The final examination will last for 2 hours or less.
The examination will include questions based on Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs), In-text Questions (ITQs), and tutor-marked assignments.

References

Idowu, O.O. (1999). Citizenship status, statehood problems and political conflicts: The case of Nigeria. Nordic Journal of African Studies 8(2): 73-88.
Otite, O. & Ogionwo, W. (ed.). Introduction to sociology. Ibadan Heinemann.
en.m.wikipedia.or/wiki/cultureofNigeria.
The University of Michigan.### Study Session 1: The Concept of Culture
Culture is a complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society
It is a learned behavior that is socially acquired, shared, and transmitted from one generation to another
Key characteristics of culture include:
- It is dynamic and constantly changing
- It is influenced by environmental and technological factors
- It is diverse and varies from one society to another
- It is what makes us human and distinguishes us from animals
Functions of culture include:
- It provides a sense of identity and belonging
- It transmits values, norms, and traditions from one generation to another
- It helps to adapt to the environment and resolve conflicts
- It provides a sense of continuity and stability

Study Session 2: Mapping the Nigerian Cultures and Their Characteristics

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups
The three main ethnic groups in Nigeria are Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo
Each ethnic group has its own language, customs, and traditions
Nigerian culture is characterized by:
- Linguistic diversity with over 500 languages spoken
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Strong family ties and community bonding
- Respect for elders and authority
- Importance of festivals and celebrations

Study Session 3: Ethics and Discipline in National Life

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles and values
Discipline is the practice of training oneself to obey rules and behave in a certain way
Ethics and discipline are essential in national life because they promote:
- Moral values and principles
- Respect for authority and the law
- Social order and stability
- Economic development and prosperity
Essential elements of individual morality in national life include:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Responsibility
- Respect for others
- Fairness and justice

Study Session 4: Norms and Values in the Society

Norms are rules and expectations that guide human behavior in a society
Values are what are considered important and desirable in a society
Types of norms include:
- Folkways: customs and traditions that are passed down from one generation to another
- Mores: moral principles and values that guide behavior
- Laws: written rules that are enforced by the government
Perspectives on norms and values include:
- Social norms: norms that are based on social expectations and customs
- Rituals: formal and repeated behaviors that are performed in a specific way

Study Session 5: Reorientation of Moral Values for Development The Nigerian Experience

Moral values are principles and standards that guide human behavior
Reorientation of moral values is necessary for development in Nigeria because:
- It promotes social cohesion and stability
- It improves economic development and prosperity
- It enhances national identity and pride
- It promotes good governance and leadership
Moral problems plaguing Nigeria include:
- Crime and violence
- Corruption
- Perversion of justice
- Cultism
- Drug abuse and addiction

Study Session 6: African Religion: Features and Practice in Societies

African religion is a complex and diverse system of beliefs and practices
Features of African religion include:
- Belief in a supreme being or creator
- Belief in divinities and spirits
- Belief in the cult of ancestors
- Practice of magic and medicine
- Rites of passage such as initiation and marriage
African religious practices include:
- Offerings and sacrifices
- Prayer and meditation
- Rituals and ceremonies
- Divination and fortune-telling

Study Session 7: Nigeria’s Arts and Culture in Pre-Colonial Times

Nigerian arts and culture are rich and diverse, with a history that spans over 2,000 years
Pre-colonial Nigerian art includes:
- Igbo-Ukwu bronze works
- Nok terracotta sculptures
- Benin bronze works
Nigerian culture in pre-colonial times was characterized by:
- Strong kinship ties and community bonding
- Respect for elders and authority
- Importance of festivals and celebrations
- Rich cultural heritage and history

Study Session 8: Economic Self-Reliance: The Nigerian Situation

Economic self-reliance is the ability of a country to meet its own economic needs without relying on others
Nigeria has struggled to achieve economic self-reliance due to:
- Corruption
- Political instability
- Lack of infrastructure
- Low level of technology
- Dependence on oil exports
Ways to achieve economic self-reliance in Nigeria include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Home-grown technology
- Consistency in policy formulation and implementation
- Empowerment and independence of anti-corruption agencies
- Renewal of ethical standards### Culture
Culture refers to the complex whole of human acquired capabilities, including art, morals, law, customs, and any other capability acquired by man as a member of society.
Culture includes both material and non-material aspects of human life.

Cultural Traits

Cultural traits are the smallest elements by which a culture can be described.
They are used to identify similarities and differences among cultures.

Beliefs, Myths, and Values

Beliefs are words that people in a society hold to be true.
Myths are traditional stories, especially those concerning early history or explaining natural or social phenomena, often involving supernatural beings or events.
Values are culturally spelled-out principles of desirability in areas such as goodness, beauty, discipline, and interaction that guide social interaction.

Folkways

Folkways are norms for routine or casual interaction.

Nigerian Culture

Nigeria has 36 states, created from the original zoning of the nation.
Nigerian society is vastly different from other societies, such as American society, in terms of commercial activity.
In Nigeria, most buying and selling of goods takes place in markets, which are composed of numerous small traders who engage in trading activities.
Markets can be large or small, and may operate daily or on a periodic basis.
Nigerians make distinctions between markets based on their frequency.
The variety of products available in Nigerian markets tends to be quite high.

Hierarchy in Nigerian Society

Nigeria is a hierarchical society, where age and position earn and demand respect.
Age is believed to confer wisdom, so older people are granted respect.
The oldest person in a group is revered and honored.
In a social situation, the oldest person is greeted and served first.
The most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.

Meeting and Greeting People in Nigerian Culture

The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile.
It is rude to rush the greeting process.
One must take the time to ask about the other person's health, the health of his/her family, or other social niceties.

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Description

This quiz assesses knowledge on sociology, specifically on topics related to citizenship, statehood, and cultural conflicts, with a focus on Nigeria.