Daniel SuhSociology 180

Email: Intro to Sociology

Spring 2008

Office: Social Science 105 Friday (9:00-12:10)

Office Hours:Friday (8:30-9:00) Social Science 105

Phone: (714) 432-0202 x 22264

Course Description: An introduction to the study of social interrelationships and human group organization. Attention is given to the foundations of society, culture, group organization, social differentiation, and the methods of sociological study. Emphasis is on American social institutions.

Course Objectives:

1.)Understand the purposes of sociology as a discipline in the social sciences.

2.)Understand the impact social structures have on individual thought and social behavior.

3.)Understand various social systems along with their structure and functions.

4.)The use of critical thinking concerning sociological subject matter.

Texts:

Society: The Basics 8th edition, 2006, John J. Macionis

Grading Policy:

Grading Scale450-500= A

400-449= B

350-399= C

300-349= D

000-299= F

Grade Computation – Based on a total of 500 points

200 pointsMidterm Exams

100 pointsFinal Exam

100 pointsHomework

50 pointsProject

50 pointsAttendance

Exams:

There will be 2 midterm exams and a final exam.

Extra Credit: See handout.

Project:

The project in this class will be to write a 2-3 page paper on a specific social problem.

Attendance:

A total of 50 points will be given to those people who have no absences or tardies/early departures. I will take away 20 points per absence and 10 points for each tardy or early departure.

Make-up/Late Paper Policy:

One late homework assignment will be accepted with no penalty. No other late papers will be accepted after the one late is used. Papers are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. The Social Problem Paper must be submitted on the due date and will not be accepted late. All assignments must be typed. Make-up exams will not be offered except under extenuating circumstances provided arrangements have been made with me in advance.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Students must be respectful to each and every person in the class. There is zero-tolerance toward racist, sexist, and/or homophobic language. Please do not engage in this type of behavior.
  • Plagiarism is a serious offense and will be considered cheating. All work submitted is to be your own. Please see the Student Code of Conduct for a clear explanation of your responsibilities while on this campus.
  • Do not be disruptive in class and/or show a lack of respect for others.

Course Outline

This course outline is accurate to the best of my abilities. I reserve the right to modify the course direction at any time.

Week / Content / Reading Assignment
Week 1
February 1 / Introduction
Sociology: Perspective, Theory, and Method / Chapter 1
Week 2
February 8 / Culture / Chapter 2
Week 3
February 22 / Socialization / Chapter 3
Week 4
February 29 / Social Interaction in Everyday Life / Chapter 4
Week 5
March 7 / Groups and Organizations
-Midterm Review / Chapter 5
Week 6
March 14 / Midterm #1
Week 7
March 21 / Deviance / Chapter 7
Week 8
April 4 / Sexuality / Chapter 6
Week 9
April 11 / Race and Ethnicity / Chapters 11
Week 10
April 18 / Stratification
- Midterm Review / Chapter 8, 9, & 10
Week 11
April 25 / Midterm #2
Week 12
May 2 / Economics and Politics / Chapter 12
Week 14
May 9 / Family and Religion / Chapter 13
Week 15
May 16 / Education and Medicine
Population, Urbanization, and Environment / Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Social Change: Modern and Postmodern Societies
- Final Review / Chapter 16
Week 16
May 23
May 25 –Last day of Fall Semester / Final Exam