Introductory Sociology
SYG 2000-1431; Tuesdays (7:00pm-9:40pm)
Room # DC125; FALL 2017
Instructor Information
Instructor: Jason M. Laguna, Ph.D.
Academic Department: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Office Location: Faculty Offices on 4th Floor
Office Phone: 727-341-4246
Office Hours: Tuesdays from 5:45pm-6:45pm & by appt.
Email: (the best way to reach me)
Required Text
- The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology 5th edition
Authors: Kerry Ferris and Jill Stein
Other Requirements
- 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.
- "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:
- 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.
- Demonstrate knowledge about the role played by factors such as race, age, gender, ethnicity, economic status, environment, etc., in influencing human social interaction.
- 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, tests and 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. As a sign of respect, I expect students to, refrain from interrupting class discussions or lectures, notify me if you have to leave class early or if you can’t attend class due to illness, religious holiday, etc., and turn all cell phones and electronic devices off (or put them on silent).
Content Specific Objectives
- To understand each topic covered in this class by being able to remember, describe, and apply sociological principles to various issues.
- 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.
- 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 in class and via an announcement on the MyCourses platform.
Attendance Policy
Attendance will be taken every class period. Quizzes are also administered without notice. It is important to attend class as often as possible to keep up with the assignments and readings. If you plan on missing class, please let the instructor know.
Assessments
- Quizzes: A total of 10 in-class quizzes will be given during the course of the semester. These quizzes will be unannounced, so it is important to stay on top of the reading and assigned materials to effectively answer quiz questions. The quiz scores will count for 20% of your total grade in the class. There are no quiz make-ups, unless a student can provide appropriate documentation of his/her absence. If a student takes a quiz and then leaves class early without prior notification, his/her quiz grade will not be counted.
- Writing Assignment: There is one research paper assignment in the course. Students are expected to either choose a lifestyle change and document it throughout the semester in a journal or complete a mini-ethnographic research project. 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 is worth 20% of the total grade.
- Examinations: Three exams that cover material from selected chapters in the textbook will be given during the semester. Each of the exams is worth 20% of the total grade.I must be notified beforehand if a student needs to miss an exam due to a scheduled reason. Documentation must be provided to be considered for a makeup; doctor’s notices which are photocopied or have any white-out or erase marks on them are not suitable documentation. Makeup exams will be administered during regular office hours. The exams will be a combination of multiple choice and true/false questions. Makeup exams may be in a different format from regular exams. More information about the format of the tests will be given in the class before the exams are administered.
Rubric
Quizzes 20%
W.A.20%
Exam 1 20%
Exam 220%
Exam 320%
Total 100%
Grading Scale
Grades for the course will be based on the following scale:
100%-90%=A, 89-80%=B, 79-70%=C, 69-60%=D, below 60%=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 or attend class regularly 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)
Week 1: Aug. 15(Introduction)
Week 2: Aug. 22 (Ch. 1: Sociology and the Real World)
Week 3: Aug. 29 (Ch. 3: Culture)
Week 4: Sep. 5 (Ch. 3 contd.)
Week 5: Sep. 12 (Ch. 4: The Self and Interaction)
Week 6: Sep. 19 (Exam #1 on Tuesday, Sep. 19th)
Week 7:Sep. 26 (Ch. 6: Deviance)
Week 8: Oct. 3 (Ch. 6 contd.)
Week 9: Oct. 10(Ch. 7: Social Class)
Week 10: Oct. 17 (Ch. 7 contd.)
Week 11: Oct. 24 (Ch. 8: Race and Ethnicity)
Week 12: Oct. 31 (NO CLASS…ALL COLLEGE DAY)
Week 13: Nov. 7 (Exam #2 on Tuesday, Nov. 7th)
Week 14: Nov. 14 (Ch. 9: Constructing Gender and Sexuality)
Week 15: Nov. 21 (Ch. 10: Politics, Education, and Religion)
Week 16: Nov. 28 (Ch. 10 contd. )
Week 17: Dec. 5 (Final Exam from 7:00pm to 8:50pm in the classroom)