Sociology 1301

Sociology 1301—Summer II 2008 Standard Semester—Distance Education

Introduction to Sociology

David W. Hubbard, Instructor

Trinity Valley Community College

Office: 903-670-2620

E-Mail: Use Mail Box on WebCT

COURSE INTRODUCTION

Sociology is defined as the scientific study of society, including the relationships between people and patterns of social life. As a science of society and human interaction, sociology develops our understanding of how we are woven into the fabric of our society. It aids in understanding what is happening around us and what social forces are coming to bear upon us. By gaining a firm foundation in basic sociological principles, we can discover a vital and exciting field of study.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

Sociology 1301 will acquaint the student with the terminology, classifications, methods, trends and literature, which are peculiar to the discipline. It will introduce the theories and help the student to become objective in his or her study, research and analysis. Secondly, it will stimulate interests in the discipline of sociology and finally, it will help the student to discover the course material necessary for understanding their interests, talents and values, along with assisting him/her to practice the skill of writing.

SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES

The text is divided into twenty chapters. We will cover nine of these chapters during the semester.

Chapter 1—Introduces students to the sociological imagination and traces the development of sociological theory.

Chapter 2—Provides a chapter long analysis of sociological research methods.

Chapter 3—Spotlights culture as either a stabilizing force or one that can generate discord, conflict and violence.

Chapter 4—Looks at both positive and negative aspects of specialization and presents innovative analysis of gender and racial-ethnic socialization.

Chapter 7—Examines diverse perspectives on deviance, crime and the criminal justice system.

Chapter 8—Addresses systems of stratification and surveys social inequity in the United States.

Chapter 11—Examines sex and gender with specific emphasis on gender stratification from a historical perspective.

Chapter 13—Examines global economic systems, the social organization of work, unemployment and worker activism.

Chapter 17—Examines the sociological aspects of various religions of the world, and the faiths, cults and sects that fall under these divisions of religious order.

EXEMPLARY OBJECTIVES

Social and Behavioral Sciences: The objective of a social and behavioral science component of a core curriculum is to increase the knowledge of students regarding how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe and explain behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.

1. To employ the appropriate methods, technologies and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.

2. To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures and cultures.

3. To use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

4. To develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

5. To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural and global forces on the area under study.

6. To understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world.

7. To differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing points of view.

8. To analyze, critically assess and develop creative solutions to public policy problems.

9. To recognize and assume one’s responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse and by obtaining information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy.

10. To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING

Assessment and measurement of knowledge learned from this class will be determined using the following instruments:

· Weekly written class assignments

· Exams

· Research papers

· Group power point presentations

· Internet discussion participation

TEST REQUIREMENTS

The methods of writing, administering and grading of exams given during this course are left to the discretion of the instructor. There will be four exams given over the nine chapters covered during this semester. The student is responsible for learning the material assigned as well as other material and assignments as determined by the instructor.

All testing MUST be done at either one of the TVCC Testing Centers or at an approved alternative site. Students who do plan on using the TVCC Testing Centers should check hours of operation and the availability of the Center. Do not assume that one of the Centers is always available, as the Center may be reserved for other testing activities during the time that you wish to test. For further assistance regarding Testing Center policy, see www.tvcc.edu/testing. For students who are unable to test at a TVCC Testing Center or you are taking this course through the Virtual College of Texas (VCT), you must complete a “Non Local Proctor Agreement” form. This form is available from the instructor and should be requested at least two weeks prior to the test dates and MUST be received and on file with the Distance Learning Office no later than three days prior to the test date.

MAKE UP TESTS

There will be no make up tests given without specific approval of the instructor. All tests must be taken.

EXTRA CREDIT

Extra credit for acceptable written summaries may be given at the instructor’s discretion. For further information, contact the instructor.

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS

After reading the assigned chapters of the text, the student will determine the definitions of the Key Terms and answer the Questions For Critical Thinking. Use the course syllabus to determine when the assignment is due, the assignment should be e-mailed to the instructor no later than 11:59 PM on the due date (Example: Reading assignment is to be done between the days of September 12^th thru September 16^th. Therefore, the weekly written assignment must be e-mailed to the instructor no later than September 16^th at 11:59 PM) Please use the WebCT Mailbox to e-mail the instructor.

RESEARCH PAPER

Research paper subject matter will be chosen from the list provided below or from another subject matter area chosen by the student. If the student requests another subject area to research, this request must be approved by the instructor. Determination of subject area must be submitted to the instructor by the requested deadline. Paper should be 3 to 5 pages long, double spaced and follow APA format. A cover page should be attached to the front of the paper with references noted at the end of the paper. A minimum of five references must be used, excluding the text.

GROUP POWER POINT PRESENTATION

The class will be divided into groups at the beginning of the semester. The option will be given to each group to choose between doing an individual research paper by each member of the group OR agreeing, as a group, to work on and present a power point presentation to the instructor at the due date. ALL members of the group must agree to participate in the project. A team leader will be elected and when the project is due and presented to the instructor, the instructor will request that each group member, along with the team leader, evaluate the performance of each group member, regarding each individual’s overall participation with the project. Each member of the group must equally be supportive and carry their assigned research responsibilities.

Suggested Topics for Research Paper

Karl Marx

Mental Illness

The Downfall of the Traditional American Family Unit

Max Weber

Emile Durkheim

Gangs in the United States

Healthcare in the United States Today

Single Parent-Parenting and Agencies to Assist

Age-Based Discrimination

Problems in Cities

Islam

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Discrimination in the United States Today

Native American Problems in the United States Today

Gender Inequity

Feminist Movement in the United States

White Collar Deviance vs. Blue Collar Deviance

Hispanic Culture in the United States

Black Culture in the United States

Functionalist Theory

Conflict Theory

Symbolic Interaction Theory

Asian Culture in the United States

Sigmund Freud

REVIEW FOR EXAMS

A review of chapters that will be covered in each exam will be presented by the instructor several days prior to the exam. The instructor will post information that should be reviewed in preparation for the exam. Exam dates will normally run for at least three days to allow all distance education students the opportunity to test at a convenient time.

TEXT

Sociology In Our Times, Diana Kendall (California: Wadsworth Publishing Co), 6^thEdition, 2007

HOW TO DETERMINE GRADES

Exam 1 15%

Exam 2 15%

Exam 3 15%

Exam 4 15%

Paper 20%

Weekly Assignments (9) 2% each = 18% rounded to 20%

Total 100%

DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS

July 15^th .……………………………………………………...Summer II 2008 classes begin

July 15^th thru July 16^th ………………………………………..Read Chapter 1