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Principles of Sociology (SOCL 201)

Winthrop University—Fall Semester 2010

SOCL 201:Section 201-004 (3 credit hours) Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Solomon

Location: Kinard Hall 211 Office Hours: MW 11-12, TR 12-1,and by appointment

Time of class: W & F 9:30-10:45a.m.

Phone: 323-4658 E-mail: Office: 330 Kinard Hall

COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION: (SOCL 201) Introduction to the perspectives, approaches, and basic concepts used in the sociological study of human social behavior. Notes: Offered in fall and spring.
3.0 Credit hours, 3.0 Lecture hours
Levels: Undergraduate, Sociology& Anthropology Department,Course Attributes: Social Science

INTRODUCTION:Sociology is the systematic study of human society and human social behavior.Here are some questions of interest to sociologists.

  • How does society influence the divorce rate?
  • How does society influence who we like and love?
  • What traits define popular culture “heroes”?
  • How does social class influence the process of aging?
  • How do people create reality?
  • Do we define women, more than we do men, in terms of their sexuality?
  • Is violent crime increasing in society?
  • Does everyone have an equal chance of becoming financially successful?
  • What is poverty?
  • In what ways do we depend on the low-paid labor of immigrants?
  • How important is race in determining life chances?
  • Why are some countries so poor?
  • How are we influenced by the mass media?
  • Why do most people NOT commit crimes?
  • What is deviance?
  • Who are the most powerful people in society?
  • How do people acquire their values and beliefs?

GOALS OF THE COURSE:

  1. Students will develop insights from the perspectives that underlie Sociology, including
  • an awareness of the roles of social structure and cultural patterns on everyday life,
  • an understanding of the interplay between individual choice and social influence,
  • the ability to interpret events from multiple perspectives,
  • and to critically examine existing social arrangements.
  1. Students will develop the analytical tools to understand an ever-expanding body of knowledge about the dynamics of social relationships, the nature of power and influence in complex societies, and the roles of age, class, ethnicity, gender, religion, and other social phenomena that affect viewpoints and life chances.
  2. Students will gain skills that are relevant to a broad range of rewarding careers. These skills enhance students’ ability to assess new and unfamiliar situations, to select and apply qualitative and /or quantitative techniques in solving practical problems in creative ways, and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

TOUCHSTONE PROGRAM GOALS: (How does this course fit into your degree program?)

This course is part of Winthrop’s Touchstone Program in the category of "Developing Critical Skills and Applying Them to Disciplines" and addresses the following Touchstone Goals:

Goal One: To communicate clearly and effectively in Standard English.

Goal Four: To recognize and appreciate human diversity (both past and present) as well as the diversity of ideas, institutions, philosophies, moral codes, and ethical principles.

Goal Seven: To examine values, attitudes, beliefs, and habits that define the nature and quality of life.

A course with a writing component will require either a single paper or combination of assignments consisting of eight (8) pages of evaluated writing or at least four (4) of the following assignments. Length of these assignments is left to the discretion of the instructor, as is the number from any single category; but the goal is to require significant writing opportunities. The writing requirement will met by some of the following assignments.

*** Evaluated Assignments

Discipline specific papers/sourcesFormal outlinesIntegrated essay exams

Case studiesResponse papers Formal/informal correspondence

EssaysReflective writingSurveys & questionnaires

AbstractsJournal entriesElectronic communication Summaries

Article reviews

***Non-evaluated Assignments

Note-taking (texts, class lectures, observations)Explanations of how a problem was solved

InterviewsStudent-developed exam questions

One- minute response papersOutlines

Short answer questionsElectronic communication

For additional information on the Touchstone Program, please go to

Student Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course students will:

1)Have developed a “sociological imagination” that enables them to see the influence of social structure on society and individual behavior.

2)Have acquired the tools (research methods, concepts, and theories) to help them analyze and understand how to make sense of the enormous number of “facts” they encounter every day about themselves, other people, society, and the world.

3)Realize how the social world affects their lives and ability to accomplishpersonal and professional goals.

4)Have improved their critical thinking skills and ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

5)Have become more aware and appreciative of various types of diversity (e.g., ethnic, racial, gender, age, sexual orientation).

6)Have acquired the ability to interpret events from multiple perspectives.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: (What is it and who creates it?)

Learning is an interactive and cooperative process. It takes place both in and outside the classroom. In the classroom, course information is presented through readings, lectures, discussions, student questions, exercises, and videos. Learning occurs outside the classroom through completing assigned readings, studying alone or in groups, thinking about course material, developing questions, and applying course concepts, perspectives, and knowledge to understanding both personal and social issues. Students and teachers together create a supportive and stimulating learning environment.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

1. All students should consider this classroom a safe environment.

2. Everyone will be treated with respect regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, ability, or social role.

3. Diverse perspectives are appreciated and encouraged.

4. Attend class, arriving before class begins and staying until it ends.

5. Pay attention by discussing, questioning, and listening thoughtfully to others.

6. No sleeping, eating, drinking (except water), reading material or doing work unrelated to the course.

7. Turn off cell phones, iPods, and all other electronic devices before entering the classroom. Keep them out of sight in your book bag, purse, or pocket. Students who violate this expectation will be asked to leave the classroom and will be counted absent for that class.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES:Undergraduate Catalog (page 8)

“Students are expected to attend classes and should understand that they are responsible for the academic consequences of absence. The student is responsible for all requirements of the course regardless of absences.

Instructors are obligated to provide makeup opportunities only for students who are absent with adequate cause,

such as incapacitating illness, death of an immediate family member, or authorized representation of the university. Theinstructor will be responsible for judging the adequacy of cause for absence. The student is responsible for providingdocumentation certifying the legitimacy of the absence to his or her instructor in advance of such absences. In healthrelatedor family emergency cases where advance notice is not possible, documentation should be provided to theinstructor no later than the date the student returns to class. If the instructor denies the adequacy of cause, then thestudent can appeal the denial to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will judge the adequacy of cause, and iffound to be adequate, will require the instructor to provide a make-up opportunity.The instructor may establish the attendance requirements for the course. “

COURSE ATTENDANCE POLICY: (Be present and be attentive.)In order to do well in this course, you must attend classes and take thorough lecture notes. Your final grade (i.e., percent of total possible points) will be reduced by 5 points for each day missed beyond four absences. For example, ifyour percent of total possible points is 83% and you missed 6 days during the semester, your final percent will be reduced by 10 points (5 points for each absence beyond 4). Instead of receiving a “B” for an 83% average, you will receive a “C” for a 73% average.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: (Don’t cheat yourself.)

Infractions of academic discipline are dealt with in accordance with the student Academic Misconduct Policy in the Student Handbook. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, providing or receiving assistance in a manner not authorized by the instructor in the creation of work to be submitted for academic evaluation including papers, projects, and examinations; presenting as one’s own, the ideas or words of another for academic evaluation without proper acknowledgment; doing unauthorized academic work for which another person will receive credit or be evaluated; and presenting the same or substantially the same papers or projects in two or more courses without the explicit permission of the professors involved. In addition, academic misconduct involves attempting to influence one’s academic evaluation by means other than academic achievement or merit.

Student code of conduct statement: As noted in the Student Conduct Code:

“Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals.” The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the “Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy” online at

APPROPRIATE USE OF HAND‐HELD AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY IN THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES(adopted March 2010)

The College of Arts and Sciences at Winthrop University (hereafter “the College”) is committed to educationally sound uses of technology in the classroom, to providing a secure learning environment, and to preventing disruption of students’ and instructors’ educational experiences. The College is also committed to balancing the need for concentration in the course environment with concerns about safety and with students’ outside responsibilities. We recognize that, when used properly, hand‐held and wireless technologies can enhance the classroom environment and student learning; used improperly, these same technologies can significantly degrade the quality of learning in the course setting. Each student enrolled in courses in the College has a responsibility to other students and to the instructor to contribute to a courteous, respectful learning environment. This responsibility includes not disrupting instruction or distracting fellow students, maintaining an atmosphere that supports academic integrity, and being committed to learning as required by the Winthrop Dedication for Excellence and the Winthrop Code of Student Conduct.

The instructor may prohibit any use of hand‐held or wireless technology that substantially disrupts learning opportunities, degrades the learning environment, or promotes academic dishonesty or illegal activities. Students unsure of whether an activity is appropriate are encouraged to ask their instructors. Students are also encouraged to notify their instructors of disruptive behavior they observe.

HAND-HELD AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Unless otherwise specified by the instructor on the syllabus, the following statements govern the appropriate use of hand‐held and wireless technologies in courses in the College of Arts and Sciences.

1. Students may not use cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled course meetings (including class time, laboratories, review sessions, individual instruction, or similar activities) in the College. Such devices must be silenced or turned off and should not be taken out during course meetings. Communication by electronic devices, including but not limited to instant messaging, text messaging, web surfing, and telephoning during class, is strictly prohibited unless expressly designated as part of the learning activities. Electronic audio or video recording of the classroom environment is prohibited unless permission is given by the instructor prior to recording.

2. Laptops (or any wireless computers or similar electronic devices) may be used for note‐taking or specified course activities with the instructor’s permission. Students using these devices for note‐taking must turn off the wireless function and close all applications/windows other than the appropriate document or application unless the instructor specifically permits otherwise. Students must avoid non course‐related activities such as checking email or social networking sites, web‐surfing, or playing games because these diminish their—and their classmates'—engagement with instructional activities.

3. Unauthorized use of electronic communication or wireless devices during quizzes, examinations, or other graded activities may warrant disciplinary action under the terms of the Code of Student Conduct. In certain circumstances (exams, laboratories, presentations, etc.), students may be temporarily required to deposit cell phones, laptops, or other electronic devices with the instructor or lab supervisor for the duration of the specific class or activity.

4. A course instructor, administrator, or facility manager may prohibit activities that violate laws and/or University policies, such as those related to intellectual property rights or copyright, eavesdropping, or sexual harassment. (Examples of such activities might include using a camera phone to videotape performances or taking inappropriate photos without the subject’s knowledge and permission.)

5. Students who require access to hand‐held or wireless technology as assistive measures for documented disabilities may use them according to stipulations in the student’s Professor Notification Form.

6. Where personal emergency, family care responsibilities or employment situations require access to electronic communication devices, arrangements must be made in advance with the instructor. The instructor will decide if such access is appropriate; students may appeal these decisions to the Dean or the Dean’s designated representative.

7. Because hand‐held communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, the instructor’s or a designated student’s hand‐held device should be activated during scheduled course times. In an emergency situation or if a security alert sounds or is sent by the Alertus system, the instructor or his/her designee will consult their devices to determine if an emergency exists and may then give students permission to consult their own devices. Once the alert is over, students’ devices should be immediately silenced and put away.

8. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor.

Sanctions for violation of this policy:

Sanctions for violation of this policy will be determined by the instructor and may include dismissal from the class, attendance penalties or loss of class participation points, zero grades on quizzes or examinations, failure in the class, or other penalties that the instructor determines to be appropriate. These sanctions should be explicitly stated on the instructor’s syllabus.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education for all its students. If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact Ms. Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible. Please let me (instructor) know when you receive your "Professor Notification Form" so that we can make arrangements for your accommodations well before the first test, paper, or assignment.

REQUIRED READING:

  • Textbook: Society the Basics by John J. Macionis (10th edition)
  • Handouts and assigned websites

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: (Student learning activities):

1) Reading Assignments: Readings are designed to prepare you for lectures, discussions, and other class activities. It is your responsibility to do the readings on your own so that you are familiar with the topics being discussed during a given class.

2) Examinations (300 points): There will be 3 exams, including the final, consisting of multiple choice, true/false, and essay questions (100 points each exam). The final exam is comprehensive. Requests for extensions or make-up exams will be considered only in exceptional cases. Your grade on the examwill be reduced by 10 points for each day you delay in notifying me and/or making up the exam.

3) Quizzes (140 points): You will have approximately 14 quizzes (10 points each). There are no make-up quizzes. If you have perfect attendance, you may drop your three lowest quiz grades. If you miss only one class, you may drop your two lowest quiz grades, and if you miss only two classes, you may drop your lowest quiz grade.

4) Writing Assignments (40 points): You will have two writing assignments worth 20 points each. Assignments handed in late receive no points.The assignments must be 1 1/2to 2 typed pages, doubled-spaced, andArial size 12 font.

5) Quantitative Assignment (20 points): One of the hallmarks of sociology is that when we have questions about the social world, we have tools to find answers to our questions.Quantitative writing assignments require students to analyze and interpret quantitative data. Writers must use numbers in a variety of ways to help them define a problem, to see alternative points of view, to speculate about causes and effects, and to create evidence-based arguments.

6) Extra credit (9 points): You may earn up to 9 extra credit points (3 points each event) by attending lectures, programs, and/or exhibits andwriting a one-page description of the event andclearly describing how it relates to a particular course topic.

7) Class Participation (25 points): For each class meeting you earn a +, -, or 0 for class participation.

Examples of ways to earn a +

  • Participate in class discussions based on having read the assigned readings
  • Ask and/or answer questions relevant to the topic

Examples of ways to earn a -

  • Not participating in discussions
  • Creating a disturbance by:
  • Leaving the room during class
  • Entering the room after class has started
  • Having private conversations with other students during class
  • Being disrespectful to other students, the professor, and/orguest speakers

Examples of ways to earn a 0

  • Attending class and not disrupting the learning environment
  • Looking interested when others speak

GRADES:Your final grade is calculated by dividing the points you earnedduring the semesterby the total possible

points(approximately 525). Example: Let's say that you earned 420 pointsfrom the exams, quizzes, writing