Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections 6 Dr. George Weissinger
Course Outline-Soc 201
Introduction to Sociology-All Sections
Instructor: Dr. George Weissinger
Lecture Course-Semester
Course Description:
This course covers the scientific study of human interaction utilizing basic themes that give sociology a distinctive character. The textbook covers six central themes sociology in everyday life (down to earth), globalization, cultural diversity, critical thinking, the new technology, and the growing influence of the mass media in our lives. Sociology studies controversial topics and is a foundation course in any liberal arts education.
This course is web-enhanced on Blackboard.
Textbooks: Required
Henslin, James, Essentials of Sociology: A Down To Earth Approach, 10th Edition, NJ: Pearson-Allyn & Bacon, 2011 ISBN: 10: 0—205-90657-5
Description from website: ISBN10: 0205898475
Summary: A Down-to-Earth Approach James Henslin shares the excitement of sociology. With his acclaimed ''down-to-earth'' approach and personal writing style, the author highlights the sociology of everyday life and its relevance to students' lives. With wit, personal reflection, and illuminating examples, Henslin shares with readers his passion for sociology. In addition to this trademark down-to-earth approach, other distinctive features include: comparative perspectives, the globalization of capitalism, and visual presentations of sociology.
Optional
Weissinger, George, Law Enforcement & the INS 2nd ed.,
Lanham, MD: University Press, 2004. ISBN: 07618-2996—2.
There is one assignment on the American immigration problem and this book will help you understand the issues surrounding the immigration laws. Copies may be ordered through the bookstore, or online. There are many other reliable scholarly works on immigration, and you may use any of them as long as they are scholarly publications. Avoid opinion/editorial commentary on this topic, and rely on the available research in answering the question.
Readings & Test Dates:
1. Read
Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
Chapter 2: Culture
Assessment Ch 1_2 Online Quiz (2.5 points)
Due: 1/30
2. Read
Chapter 3: Socialization
Chapter 4: Social Structure and Social Interaction
Assessment-Ch 3_4 Online Quiz (2.5 points)
Due: 2/13
February 17th –February 23rd CLASSES DO NOT MEET
3. Read
Chapter 5: Social Groups and Formal Organizations
Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control
Assessment Ch 5_6 (2.5 points)
Due: 3/6
4. Assignment 1-Global Stratification & Social Class in the US: Ch’s 7-8 textbook.
Due: 3/13 (15 Points)
Henslin provides a summary of the functionalist and the conflict views on social class (sometimes referred to as the conservative vs. the radical thesis). Using these and the other theories discussed in chapter's 7-8, which do you think provides the most accurate description of social class, or inequality.
In addition to the textbook, find at least two sources to support your report and cite them in proper format (bibliography included). You may use the NCC virtual library to find academic journal articles. Avoid newspaper/magazine articles and rely on academic research. Do not use Wikipedia, or other similar databases. The NCC library allows you to access the latest academic journals, including FILMS ON DEMAND for relevant and reliable information.
The report is due in class on the date above.
Points may be deducted for late submissions. Please comply with the due dates.
5. Midterm Examination: Chapter’s 1-8 (25 points)
Due: 3/20
6. Read
Chapter 9: Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 10: Inequalities of Gender and Age
Assessment-Ch 9_10 (2.5 points)
Due: 4/3
7. Read
Chapter 11: Politics and the Economy
Chapter 12: Marriage and Family
Assessment Ch 11_12 (2.5 points)
Due: 4/24
8. Assignment 2-The Immigration Debate
Due: 5/1 (15 points)
The controversial debate over amnesty for undocumented immigrants continues.
Answer all parts of this question.
(a) Discuss the pros and cons of this debate, and offer your opinion (supported by properly cited research) regarding amnesty for undocumented aliens. Use academic research articles and avoid Wikipedia, or magazine/newspaper editorials. The optional book, Law Enforcement & the INS, 2nd edition, offers insights and data about this debate. Use the textbook, especially pp. 268-270 for some basic background, or any other reliable research material to support your opinion. Cite the sources you use and include bibliography.
The NCC library has the Films on Demand database. There are several relevant films in that database that may assist you in understanding this controversial debate. There are others besides the following:
The Immigration Debate
Films on demand-Illegals Still Migrate
9. Read
Chapter 13: Education & Religion
Chapter 14: Population and Urbanization
Assessment Ch 13_14 (2.5 points)
Due: 5/1
Final Examination: Chapter’s 9-15. (25 points)
Due: 5/8
Last Day of Class-May 13, 2014 (Tuesday)
Course Requirements:
All students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. Excessive absences will result in no grade. Grades are determined by the scores you receive on the Midterm Exam, Assessments, Assignments, Discussions, and a Final Exam. Extra credit may be submitted with the permission of the instructor. All assessments will be administered in class. Students will have the option of completing assessments online after the in-class assessment and the higher grade will be recorded. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Points will be deducted if any work is submitted after the due date.
(Web Enhanced Course) Many documents, lecture, and review notes, and other important information will be placed in the Course Documents section of the Web Enhanced component for this course. All quizzes/exams will be available online. You must take the in-class version of the assessment before you can take the online version.
Grading Policy:
NOTE: The quizzes will be administered in class. The reports are due on the listed due dates.
Assignments will be graded on how well you incorporate the textbook information, research on the topic under consideration, and your personal observations/experiences that might relate to a specific question. All assignments require the use of the textbook, and additional research. Research materials cited should be scholarly sources of information such as the American Journal of Sociology, American Sociological Review, Social Science/Criminal Justice Journals, etc., and not popular magazines, newspapers, or encyclopedias. Use of the NCC virtual library is available and highly recommended. Participants are encouraged to embed videos from reliable scholarly sources such as the NCC Films on Demand database, or other media and cite them properly. Avoid lengthy citations from sources, and focus on answering the question in your own words with your sources as references. Avoid Wikipedia, encyclopedias, or other summary notes. Plagiarism is prohibited.
2 Assignments, 15 points each=30 points
6 Assessments (quizzes) 2.50 points each=15 points
Midterm=25 points
Final=25 points
Class Participation=5 points (based on compliance with course requirements and quality of work).
Extra Credit-with permission of instructor.
Telephone; Sociology Dept. Office: 516-572-7257 (leave message)
Email:
The quickest way to reach me is via email. Please use the Blackboard mailbox for communication. Do not send any work via email attachment. All work for the course must be submitted in the Blackboard submission utilities on the course.
"If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may have an impact on your ability to carry out the assigned coursework, I urge you to contact the staff at the Center for Students with Disabilities(CSD), Building U, (516) 572-7241, TTY (516) 572-7617. The counselors at CSD will review your concerns and determine to what reasonable accommodations you are entitled as covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All information and documentation pertaining to personal disabilities remains confidential."
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