Candy Pettus /
Sociology 100
/

Intro to Sociology

Office: Social Science 200G

/ Fall 2015
Office Hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays 11am-12pm, Tuesdays 11am-1pm and by appointment
Phone: 714-432-5822

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.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate how society impacts the individual and how the individual impacts society.
  2. Apply one of the three theoretical perspectives to discuss the social factors that perpetuate inequality.
  3. Evaluate the significance of socialization in the transmission of culture.

Preparation: This course requires college-level English competency for completion of required assignments. Please see me if you have concerns about your competency level.

Class Materials:

Sociology in Modules with Connect, 3rd edition – Richard T. Schaefer

ISBN 9780077770198

You may obtain the materials directly through the Connect program via the link I provide in Blackboard. You may choose to obtain a hard copy of the text for an additional fee, if you wish. Please let me know if you need help with this process.

Grading Policy:

This approximate scale will be used. Final grades may vary depending on the performance of the entire class.

Grading Scale495 - 550 = A

440 – 494 = B

385 – 439 = C

330 – 384 = D

000 – 329 = F

Grade Computation – Based on a total of 550 points

200 pointsMidterm Exams

150 pointsFinal Exam

100 pointsSocial Problem Paper

100 pointsConnect work

Exams:

There will be 2 midterm examsand a final exam.

Make-up Exam:

There will be one make-up exam offered at a designated time during finals week. The exam will have more questions and will be completely comprehensive to the course. This is the one and only opportunity you will have to make up for a missed exam and the day/time for this make-up exam is non-negotiable. Be aware that it is not in your best interest to take the make-up exam so you should only pursue this option in a true emergency situation.

Social Problem Paper:

Your project in this class will be to write a 3-4 page paper on a specific social problem. The specifics for this project can be found in the folder titled “Social Problem Paper” in Blackboard.

Late Work Policy:

You will be given ample time to complete all assignments; therefore, late work willNOTbe accepted. This means that under NO circumstances willwork of any kind be accepted (even 1 minute) after the stated deadline.

Electronics Policy: I do not allow the use of ANYelectronics in my classroom.

Attendance:

Regular attendance is an expectation. Students who do not attend class regularly and/or who are frequently late or leave early do not perform well on exams and other assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw when absences have been excessive.

Accommodations:

If you have a documented disability and need accommodations for this class, please see me as soon as possible or contact the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) for assistance. The DSPS offices are located in Special Programs and Services. Phone: (714) 432-5807.

Student Responsibilities:

  • First and foremost, you must be respectful to each and every person in this class. I have a zero-tolerance policy toward racist, sexist, and/or homophobic language. Do not engage in that type of behavior.
  • All work submitted is to be your own. Plagiarism is a very serious offense. Should you have specific questions, please see me and I can clarify any questions you may have. In addition, you need to know that cheating, collusion, or any other forms of academic dishonesty are grounds for disciplinary action. Please see the Student Code of Conduct for a clear explanation of your responsibilities while on this campus.

Please be aware that I reserve the right to modify the course direction at any time.
Course Outline

Week /
Content
/
Reading Assignment
Week 1
August 24 - 28 / Introduction
Understanding Sociology / Chapter 1
Week 2
August 31 – September 4 /
Understanding Sociology
Sociological Research / Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Week 3
September 7 - 11 /
Sociological Research
Culture / Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Week 4
September 14 - 18 / Culture
Socialization and the Life Course / Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Week 5
September 21 - 25 / Socialization and the Life Course
Social Interaction, Social Structure, and Groups / Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Week 6
September 28 – October 2 / Exam #1
Deviance, Crime and Social Control / Chapter 7
Week 7
October 5 - 9 / Deviance, Crime and Social Control / Chapter 7
Week 8
October 12 - 16 / Stratification and Social Mobility in the U.S. / Chapter 8
Week 9
October 19 - 23 / Global Inequality / Chapter 9
Week 10
October 26 - 30 / Racial and Ethnic Inequality / Chapter 10
Week 11
November 2 - 6 / Exam # 2
Stratification by Gender / Chapter 11
Week 12
November 9 - 13 /
Stratification by Gender
The Family and Human Sexuality / Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Week 13
November 16 - 20 / Religion
Social Problem Paper Due – Last scheduled class session / Chapter 15
Week 14
November 23 - 27 /
Education
Government and the Economy / Chapter 14
Chapter 16
Week 15
November 30 – December 4 /
Health and the Environment
/ Chapter 17
Week 16
December 7 - 11 / Final Exam