Hill College

112 Lamar Drive

Hillsboro, Texas 76645

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Prefix and Number Course Title

SOCI 1301 Section: Semester: Fall 2016 Introductory to Sociology

Instructor:

Contact Phone: Email:

ACGM Description:

SOCI 1301 Introductory Sociology

The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance.

Catalog Description:

The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance.

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Semester Hours: 3

Co-requisites: none Pre-requisites: none

Introduction and Purpose:

This course is the study of human behavior in society. Sociology helps shed light on the ways in which social environment affects all aspects of our lives. Human behavior is shaped by the time in which we live, our place in society, our resources, and our relationships. Understanding the effects of society on the individual is a crucial component of our well-being in both our professional and personal lives. To that end, our studies will focus on culture, group dynamics, poverty and wealth, race, gender, dating and family, deviance, religion, education, and world population issues. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of basic behavioral science methods, major sociological theories, and what C. Wright Mills has termed “the Sociological Imagination.”

Instructional Materials:

Textbook:

REVEL for Sociology: Down to Earth Approach, 13th Ed. by Henslin

REVEL is an online learning tool that includes ebook, audiobook, and interactive exercises. A REVEL option that includes a paper copy of the textbook is available. Check with your instructor.

Supplies & Materials:

Pens, paper, and other basic school supplies; computing technology including MSOffice, Hill College Email and Blackboard access. Instructor may require Scantrons, REVEL online lab, or other materials.

Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1.  Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology.

2.  Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.

3.  Describe key concepts in sociology.

4.  Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.

5.  Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces.

Source: Texas Higher Ed Coordinating Board (Spring 2016). Academic Course Guide Manual

The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of examinations and assignments described, in detail under the section of this syllabus headed “Methods of Evaluation.”

An Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.

Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s)

Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the assistance of the Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42 semester credit hour core curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a statement of purpose, six core objectives, and common component areas.

Statement of Purpose

Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically evaluate the objectives included in the Foundational Component Area of Behavioral Science.

Core Objective / College SLO / Course SLO / General Learning Activities / Assessment
Critical Thinking Skills / CT1: Generate and communicate ideas by combining, changing or reapplying existing information / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / Students will develop a clearly defined problem statement on a sociological topic out of the text, generate multiple solutions, demonstrate implementation of the best solution(s), and evaluate the quality of solution(s) and revise as needed. / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment
Communication Skills
Use Any / CS1: Develop, interpret, and express ideas through written communication / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / Students will apply sociological concepts and theories as they relate to everyday life through the media, books, movies, current events, etc. by writing a research paper or written assignment that demonstrates knowledge of major perspectives or concepts in sociology (three major theoretical perspectives, sociological perspective, etc). / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment
Communication Skills
Use Any / CS2: Develop, interpret, and express ideas through oral communication / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / Students will apply sociological principles as they relate to everyday life through oral interviews, assignments, online discussions, or oral presentations over a sociological concept. / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment
Communication Skills
Use Any / CS3: Develop, interpret, and express ideas through visual communication / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / Students will identify sociological concepts by examining charts, tables and graphs. Students will present their ideas utilizing visual communication methods. / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment
Empirical and Quantitative Skills / EQS2: Manipulate and analyze observable facts and arrive at an informed conclusion / 2,4 / Students will be able to apply basic research methods in sociology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation, as well as identify the independent/dependent variables in a research study. / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment
Social Responsibility Use Any / SR1: Demonstrate intercultural competence / 3,5 / Student will identify sociological concepts and demonstrate the ability to draw abstractions from anecdotes and individual-level experiences through assignments that show understanding of the sociological imagination. / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment
Social Responsibility Use Any / SR2: Identify civic responsibility / 1,3,5 / Students will apply sociological concepts and theories as they relate to everyday life through journal articles, internet sources, community contributions, and/or interviews. / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment
Social Responsibility Use Any / SR3: Engage in regional, national and global communities / 5 / Students will examine cross-cultural behavior and the influence of international forces on national and local events while applying sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives through assignments, projects or exams. / Rubric, exam or embedded assessment


The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of examinations and assignments described in detail under the section of this syllabus headed

“Method of Evaluation”.

Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.

Method of Instruction:

This course will be taught face-to-face and/or by various distance learning delivery methods.

Audio-visual materials and computer-based technology will be used when appropriate.

Students will be shown how to use a calculator where appropriate.

Methods of Evaluation:

The students’ success in completing the core objectives within the Foundational Component Area of Social and Behavioral Sciences will be measured using rubrics, exams, portfolios, or embedded assessments

Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:

Exam Total, Including the Final: 50%

All other Course Items: 50%

These figures are approximate. See individual instructor’s syllabus for specific information.

Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:

90-100% A

80-89% B

70-79% C

60-69% D

Below 60% F

Course Outline:

Course Policies

Regular attendance at all class meetings is expected. Disruptions in class will not be tolerated.

Topic Outline

Topics are selected from the following:

1.  The Sociological Perspective

2.  Culture

3.  Socialization

4.  Social Structure and Social Interaction

5.  How Sociologists Do Research

6.  Societies to Social Networks

7.  Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations

8.  Deviance and Social Control

9.  Global Stratification

10. Social Class in the United States

11. Sex and Gender

12. Race and Ethnicity

13. The Elderly

14. The Economy

15. Politics

16. Marriage and Family

17. Education

18. Religion

19. Medicine and Health

20. Population and Urbanization

21. Collective Behavior and Social Movements

22. Social Change and the Environment

Disabilities/ADA

Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504 coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended:

Name: Lizza Trenkle

Position: Vice President Student Services

Address: 112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645

Telephone: (254) 659-7601

Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details at: 254 659 7650 for Hillsboro, 817 760 5650 for Cleburne, or 817 295-7392 for Burleson.

EEO Statement

Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in the administration of its educational programs, activities, or employment policies.

Instructor’s Class Content

Instructor’s content begins on the following pages or in the accompanying file.