Introductory Sociology

Introductory Sociology

SYG 2000-2083(online)

SUMMER 2017 (2nd 8 Week Mod)

Required Text(choose one, both are not required)

REVEL for Essentials of Sociology -- Access Card, 12/E

ISBN-10:0134253388
ISBN-13:9780134253381

Essentials of Sociology, Books a la Carte Edition; REVEL for Essentials of Sociology -- Access Card; REVEL + ALC -- Discount, 12/E

ISBN-10:0134612965
ISBN-13:9780134612966

Other Requirements

1. To satisfactorily complete the work required in this course, it is essential that you be able to access the internet and the MyCourses site, read .pdf documents, view audio and video online, and use MS Word to complete paper/extra credit assignments.
2. "G" Prerequisites: (ENC 0020 and REA 0002) or EAP 1695 or a satisfactory score on the SPC placement test. This course is the study of society and its effect on individual behavior. Emphasis is placed on the group basis of society, points of conflict within societies, and societal trends in regard to increased growth and changing institutions. This course partially satisfies the Gordon Rule writing requirements outlined in the General Education Requirements. 47 contact hours.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to successfully:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the methods that social scientists use to investigate the human condition and to formulate basic questions about the nature of social organizations and institutions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge about the role played by factors such as race, age, gender, ethnicity, economic status, environment, etc., in influencing human social interaction.
3. Demonstrate awareness of the ethical dimensions of human behavior and the formation of social, cultural and/or religious values.

Course Goals, Description, and Student Expectations

This course is designed to introduce students to the academic discipline of sociology. Consequently, the course material will cover issues related to social theory, social institutions, social processes, and social change. Throughout the semester, students will become familiarized with core sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives and will be presented with pertinent examples that emphasize socio-political context and cross cultural comparisons of social behavior. Considering the sensitive subject matter discussed in this class (e.g. race, social class, gender, politics, etc.), it is imperative that students maintain a professional attitude and refrain from attacking other students based on their political beliefs, race, social class backgrounds, etc. Likewise, quizzes are meant to test students’ knowledge of sociological concepts and theories rather than their personal beliefs. Theoretically, this class should provide a safe forum for students to learn new ways of viewing the world and an opportunity to question long held assumptions about the way society functions. As an instructor, I will try my best to facilitate and moderate class discussions in order to allow for a wide range of ideas and topics.

Content Specific Objectives

1. To understand each topic covered in this class by being able to remember, describe, and apply sociological principles to various issues.
2. To satisfactorily comprehend major differences between sociological theories and explanations of social phenomena, to be demonstrated through examinations which may contain multiple choice, true/false, and short response questions.
3. To broaden the student’s overall knowledge-base by completing all assigned readings and assignments.

Syllabus Change Policy

While this syllabus may be considered a contract between me, the instructor, and you, the student, I reserve the right to amend the syllabus at any time, especially according to class progression through the material. If the syllabus is changed, students will be notified via an announcement on the MyCourses platform.

Assessments

1. Quizzes: A total of 8 quizzes will be given during the course of the semester. These quizzes will be administered every week, so it is important to stay on top of the reading and assigned materials to effectively answer quiz questions. There are no quiz make-ups, unless a student can provide appropriate documentation of his/her absence or inability to take the quiz. Each quiz is worth a total of 20 points.
2. Writing Assignment: There is one research paper assignment in the course. Students are expected to choose a specialized topic related to one of the chapters in the textbook (this includes any of the chapters in the textbook, including chapters that are not covered during the course of the semester). Students will be provided with more detailed information during the semester and will be allowed to turn in a rough draft early in the semester in order to correct any errors. The writing assignment will be worth a total of 60 points.
3. Discussion Boards: A total of 8 discussion boards will be assigned over the course of the semester. Discussion boards open on the Monday of each week at 7 am and close on the Sunday of each week at 11:59 pm. Discussion boards will cover material related to the chapter being discussed for that week. Discussion boards are worth a total of 10 pts each: 8 points for the initial post and 2 points for responding to another student’s post. Initial posts must be at least 200 words and responses must be at least 50 words. Personal attacks and aggressive language will not be tolerated. Please be civil and use the discussion boards as an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics with your fellow students.

Rubric

8 quizzes at 20 pts each: 160 pts

8 discussion boards at 10 pts each: 80 pts

1 writing assignment at 60 pts: 60 pts

Total: 300 pts possible

Grading Scale

Grades for the course will be based on the following scale:

300-270: A

269-240: B

239-210: C

209-180: D

179-below: F

Email and MyCourses

All students should activate and check daily their SPC email account. This account will be utilized through the MyCourses platform to notify of syllabus changes, send reminders, and/or transmit other class related information.

Academic Integrity

This course will conform to all the standards set forth by SPC. This means all students will avoid any violations of academic integrity, such as cheating, plagiarism, hiring others to do work, key logging another student’s computer, etc. Any further questions regarding these matters should be consulted in the SPC student handbook, which outlines student responsibilities. If there are uncertainties, consult the instructor before any questionable work begins.

ADA

Any student with a documented disability or condition which undermines their ability to satisfactorily complete the course requirements must notify me immediately. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

Help and Tutoring

If you find yourself struggling to complete the requirements for this course or not comprehending the material, please contact me. You may come by my office hours, schedule an appointment, or email me, etc. I will work with any student who feels s/he needs additional help. Additionally, there are other resources available to students through SPC.

Schedule(Subject to change according to course progress)