We explore what Sociology is today, how it developed and where it might be going. We will also examine what has been done in its name. We will investigate its methods and the consequences of these methods. Comparisons will be made between Sociology and the other disciplines ranging from Anthropology to Biology to Criminal Justice to Economics to Marketing to Psychology. As much as possible, real world examples will be utilized to illustrate what Sociology is and can be. Finally we will explore the potential relevance of Sociology to the job market.

 

Sociology students are expected to acquire a greater understanding of cultural diversity and of the challenges of living in a diverse world. They will become aware of the influence of groups and societies in shaping people’s lives. They will also understand the power and influence of individuals and groups in changing society. They develop skills in gathering and analyzing information on social issues and putting this information into perspective. 

 

This course will not work unless you are an active part of it. I expect you not only to come having completed the readings but ready to discuss, explore, debate and actively learn. You will be called on and you will be ready.

 

Your grade will be determined by the following: a mid‑term (20%); a final (25%); four research perspectives (20%); on-line journals, discussion board activities and presentations (10%) and six announced quizzes, with, if necessary, additional unannounced quizzes (total of 25%).

 

 

The midterm (October 19) and final will cover class discussions and the readings. The former will be comprehensive to mid-point in the term and the latter will cover the entire semester.

 

 

Each student will develop four Sociological Perspectives. These will be based on research on specified topics. They will be turned in via the Digital Drop-box in Blackboard and there will be multi-drafts if needed. The first perspective is due September 14, the second October 12, the third November 16 and the final perspective is due December 4. The work turned in for each deadline will be evaluated separately. A format for the perspectives is posted under Course Documents and each perspective will be posted under Assignments. In addition, students may be asked to provide oral presentations on these perspectives.

 

 

The journals and discussion boards will provide a forum for you to react to various issues explored in the class. These will provide both a public forum, with your fellow students, and private area, with your professor, to expand on sociological issues.

 

 

There will be six quizzes, to be announced on our website the Sunday before they are given, which will cover the most recent material, classroom discussions and texts, covered. That should be it for quizzes unless it is determined that the work is not being done. Then more will be added and they may not be announced in advance.

 

 

We will be seeing a lot of each other during this term. It is mandatory that we meet at least twice individually to work on the First-Semester Plan. This consists of developing and evaluating plans for college success. In addition we will meet to review your midterm grades as well as to prepare your Spring Schedule.

 

There are also a number of activities that I will encourage you to take advantage of. Some of these will be used as part of your class. These include attending on-campus events such as lectures, plays, club presentations and STEP UP workshops.

 

You are also attending college in one of the most diverse areas of the world. You will be encouraged to go to museums and cultural events, participate in community service and voluntary fieldtrips that the Sociology Department will arrange.

 

Attendance: will be taken daily at the very beginning of each class. If you come in after attendance is taken you will be marked absent but, since you will be held responsible for that day’s material, it is strongly advised that you stay. As stated in the General Bulletin: “A student is permitted absences totaling two times the number of lecture meetings per week.” Thus for classes that meet two times a week, students are permitted no more than four absences. Students who exceed four absences, including times when they come in late, will have their final grades reduced for each additional absence, i.e., a B- will become a C+.

 

Late Written Assignments: will also have a grade deducted for each class that they are late -- a B- will become a C+.

 

Make-up Exams and Quizzes: are generally not permitted. In extraordinary cases, with appropriate documentation, a student may be permitted to make items up.

 

Plagiarism, Cheating and Computer Usage and Piracy: any student who violates college policies as defined The NET (see The Net http://www.spc.edu/PDFFiles/DeanOfStudents/NET.pdf) will automatically fail the class. The student’s name will immediately be given to the Office of the Academic Dean and this student can be dismissed from the College.

 

Standards for Classroom Behavior: the classroom is a place for mutual respect. While debate is welcome, it must be done in a respective manner. Other areas, as defined in THE NET, such the use of cell phones and beepers, as well as leaving the classroom once class has begun, without authorization are prohibited.

 

 

 

 

Text:

Introduction to Sociology Text – The Spirit of Sociology, 2/3 by Ron Matson, 2007, Allyn & Bacon/ Longman

 

Assigned articles and weblinks ‑ these will be distributed in class or announced on-line during the term.