SOCL/ANTH 3021

SOCIAL THEORY (SOCL 302/ANTH 302)

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY—Spring Semester 2015

Professor: Dr. Jennifer Solomon

SOCL 302 (3)-002-21017/ANTH 302 (3)-002-21756 Office: Kinard 330

Class Location:Kinard 101 Office Hours:MW 12:30-1:30,TR 3:30-4:30

and by appointment

Time of class: MW9:30-10:45 Office Phone: 323-4658

My Website: E-mail:

COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION

302. Social Theory (3). Survey of the masters of sociological/anthropological thought with emphasis upon contributions to contemporary theory.

Prerequisite(s): SOCL 101 or 201 or ANTH 201 with C or better.

Notes: Offered in fall and spring. Intensive Writing

Course. Open only to Sociology Majors/Minors and Anthropology Minors. Cross-listed with ANTH 302.

INTRODUCTION: Social theory is a body of organized ideas that scholars have developed to explain various aspects of society and human social behavior. Social theory helps us understand how people interpret, understand, experience, and change the social world. In this course, we trace the history of classical sociological and anthropological thoughtand explore its contemporary relevance.

Social theory is central to understanding crime, deviance, inequality, discrimination, as well as societal change and the patterns of our daily lives. In order to studysocial theory, we mustsuspend our familiarcultural assumptions, values, and beliefs about the world. We will use critical thinking skills and be willing to explore new ways of perceiving the world. Here are questions that motivated early social thinkers:

-What is society?

-What holds society together?

-Why and how do societies change?

-How does society influence individuals?

-How do individuals influence and change society?

-What is the basis for moral behavior?

-What are the origins of the self?

Required:

1.Textbook:Classical Sociological Theory 6th edition (2011) by George Ritzer. New York: McGraw-Hill.

2. 3x5 index cards

Resources:

1) Theory websites:

2) George Ritzer website:

3) APA Citation Style websites:

4) Winthrop Writing Center:

General Education Intensive Writing Course:This course meets the following requirements for an intensive writing course.

1) Students write a total of 4,000 or more words (16 pages typed).

2) The instructor provides written comments and specific suggestions on student papers.

3) Students must revise at least one substantive assignment in response to the instructor's comments.

4) The instructor assesses the assignment and returns it to the students.

5) The course incorporates information on library and electronic database research techniques.

6) Students learn the appropriate citation format for sociological writing (APA citation format).

7) Students submit their papers through TURNITIN, which is used to identify possible plagiarism.

Course Goals: The successful student in SOCL/ANTH 302 will:

Competency 1:Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems.

  • Be acquainted with the people who created and influenced the discipline of sociology,
  • Be knowledgeable about the social context in which theories developed,
  • Understand core sociological and anthropological ideas and concepts,
  • Be familiar with the basic assumptions and content of various social theories, and
  • Be able to think critically by comparing and contrasting theoretical perspectives and theorists.

Competency 2: Winthrop graduates are personally and socially responsible.

  • Be acquainted with the values and assumptions that provide the bases for society, social norms, and social structures,
  • Recognize factors affecting social change and social stability and
  • Learn to take seriously the perspectives of others, practice ethical reasoning, and reflect on experiences.

Competency 3:Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live.

  • Develop the ability to interpret events from multiple perspectives,
  • Acquire the capacity and motivation to critically examine contemporary society,
  • Better understand a growing body of knowledge about the dynamics of society and social relationships, and
  • Are able to analyze the United States as part of a global society.

Competency 4:Winthrop graduates communicate effectively.

  • Develop the motivation to help others, work for the common good, and serve the community,
  • Gain the ability to assess and understand unfamiliar situations, and
  • Acquire the competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

These Student Learning Outcomes are consistent with the mission of the Department of Sociology & Anthropology. .

Global Learning Initiative (GLI)

Winthrop University’s Global Learning Initiative ( designed to ensure that Winthrop students become successful citizens and professionals in an increasingly globalized world. Today’s collegegraduatesare likely to work with international colleagues, conduct business with/within international organizations, live in areas with immigrant populations, orhave jobs that require international travel. The GLI defines “global” as “local, regional, national, and/or international experiences that may differ from one’s own culture.” Studying social theory requires students to suspend familiar cultural assumptions, values, and beliefs about the world. Studying social theory also requires critical thinking and a willingness to explore new ways of perceiving the world.

This course has the following global learning components:

1. Students read about and discuss early developments in social thought in a variety of cultures, for example German, French, Italian, and English.

2. Students learn about the influence of historical circumstances (e.g., WWI, the Enlightenment, and industrialization) in creating and promoting new ideas.

3. Students write papers in which they compare and contrast the ideas of various social theorists.

STUDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1) Preparation and Participation (50 points): In order to do well in this course:

  • Complete the readings on the assigned dates.
  • Hand in “Shaping Up” Framework on assigned dates.
  • Participate in class discussion.
  • Create a “Take-home Message and Question”.During class, write the following information on an index card and put it on my desk as you leave the classroom. First, write your name, the date, and course (e.g., MWSOCL 302 or ANTH 302) on the card. Second, write a brief take-home message; this is information you learned that day in class. Third, create a question related to a topic from theday’s discussion or reading. At the beginning of the next class, I will respond to common points of interest and/or confusion. I will not have time to answer all questions in class; however, I encourage you to discuss questions with me during office hours.

2) Society Metaphor Assignment (30 points)

3) Three Short Papers (20 points each paper): These papers(2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced) are basedonarticles written by theorists. Discuss the following four (numbered) topics in eachpaper.

  1. Identify the theorist and describe thetopic of the article and the main points.
  2. Explain why the theorist was interested in the topic.
  3. Apply information from the article to an aspect of contemporary society and use examples.
  4. Include questions and comments about the reading.
  1. Come to class prepared to discuss the readings.

Submit thepapers through TURNITINbefore midnight on the assigned date in order to receivecredit.The TURNITINclass ID is (9304284) and the enrollment password is(JANE).

4) Social Theorist Paper (100 points): I will assign you a social theorist on which to write this paper (8-10 pages, typed, double-spaced,Arial 12-point font, and 1-inch margins).Submit the paper through TURNITIN before midnight on the due date. I will grade the paper, provide comments, and return the paper to you. You will revisethe paper within two weeks,and submit the revised paper through TURNITIN. Your grade on the revised paperreplaces the originalgrade. (See handout for details.)

5) Process Paper (30 points):Describe the process by which you wrote thetheorist paper, including when you began the paper, how you found the references, and how and when you decided the paper was finished. Submit the paper through TURNITIN by midnight on the due date. (See handout for paper details.)

6) Exams (300 points):You will take three exams, including the final exam. The first two exams consist of 20 short answer questions and oneessay question (100 points possible each exam). The final exam, consisting of multiple choice, true and false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions,will contain information covered during the semester.

You and I create the first two exams. At least a week before an exam, youemail me suggestions for short answer and essay questions, including the answers. I create a study guide based on the questions and email them to you. I create the examfrom the study guide questions. You take the test. I grade the exams.

Respond toshort answer and essay questions using sentences. I grade exams using the following criteria: your knowledge of the subject, creative use of examples, and writing ability. You have time to prepare well-written, factually, and theoretically sound answers. Use original examples, not examples from me or from the textbook.Write legibly; I cannot grade it, if I cannot read it.

7)Quizzes (10 points each): You may have a quiz during any class meeting.

YOU MUST TAKE ALL TESTS & COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THIS COURSE.

Grades: I calculate your final grade by dividing the points you earned during the semesterby the

total possiblepoints (approximately 570). Example: Let's say that you earned 456 pointsfrom the

exams, written assignments, class participation, and quizzes. Divide the points you earned (456pts.)

by the total possible points (570 points). The result is .80 or 80%. According to the chart below, your

grade for the course is a B.

A / 90% or better / C / 70 - 76%
B+ / 87 - 89% / D+ / 67 - 69%
B / 80 - 86% / D / 60 - 66%
C+ / 77 - 79% / F / less than 60% of points

Keep track of your grades: You can calculate your course grade at any time during the semester by adding the points you have earned(total earned points) and dividing themby the total possible points at that time.

Learning Environment:This classroom is a safe environment in which we treat each other with respect, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, ability, or social role. We show respect by discussing issues, expressing diverse opinions, and listening thoughtfully to each other. We also show respect by not creating distractions for other students and the professor. Please arrive before class begins and stay until it ends.

The use of handheld and wireless technology should also be used respectfully in the classroom.Turn off your cell phone and all other electronic devices before entering the classroom. Place your cell phone face down on top of the desk. If you violate this policy, you will be asked to leave the classroom and will be counted absent for that class. If you violate the cell phone policy during an exam, you will be asked to leave the classroom and receive a grade of zero on the exam.

Inform me if you take notes using iPads or other tablets, laptop computers, netbooks, or similar technology.Please sit in the first two rows of desks.

Learning is an interactive and cooperative process. It takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. In the classroom, course information is presented through readings, lectures, discussions, questions, exercises, and videos. Learning occurs outside the classroom through reading the textbook, doing assignments, 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.

Attendance Policy:If you miss 7 class meetingswithout adequate cause, you will earn an F or U, whichever is appropriate, for the course. If you withdraw from the course by the withdrawal deadline (March 11, 2015), you will receive a grade of N. As the instructor, Iam obligated to provide makeup opportunities for students who are absent with adequate cause such as incapacitating illness, death of an immediate family member, or authorized representation of the university. You are responsible for the academic consequences of missing class, including meeting all requirements of the course. You are also responsible for providing me advance notice with documentation certifying the legitimacy of your absence. In health-related or family emergency situations, where advance notice is not possible, provide me with relevant documentation on the date you return to class.

Make-Up Exams:You may be allowed to make up a missed exam, but only due to exceptional circumstances. You must notify me within 24 hours of missing the exam to be considered for a make-up exam. You will take the make-up exam within one week of the missed exam. The make-up exam may be different from the original.

Academic Integrity: Students who engage in academic misconduct earn a failing grade for the course. I will also report the incident to the Dean of Students and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Communication: Please keep in touch with me during the semester. Meet with me during office hours or make an appointment. I look forward to talking with each of you during the semester. When you send me an email, please include the course (SOCL 302 or ANTH 302) in the subject line and your name at the end of the message. Voicemail messages should contain your name, telephone number (speak slowly), and course designator. I will discuss your grades with you in person (not by email or phone).

Five Functions of Grading are:

1. To inform the teacher about what students have and have not learned,

2. To provide students with feedback on course expectations,

3. To improve students' capacity for self-evaluation,

4. To encourage good work by students, and

5. To describe the worth, merit, or value of students' work.

Grade Challenge Policy:If you do not understand why you earned a particular grade, you should seek clarification from me. (I will not lower your grade or otherwise penalize you for seeking clarification.)

  • You have a week after receiving your grade to submit a written explanation of why you think your answer is correct, documenting your positionwith evidence from the text.
  • I will review yourdocumentation to determine if a grade change is warranted.
  • Within a week of receiving your written explanation, I will return your documentation, along with my written comments concerning your grade and the basis for my decision.
  • If you have additional questions about your grade, please meet with me.

Students with Disabilities:Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 803-323-3290. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from the Office of Disability Services, please inform me. If you have questions about accessibility statements, accommodations, or services, please contact ODS. Information about services and accommodations is also available on the ODS website:

Spring 2015Tentative Schedule (This schedule is likely to change.)

Date / Day / Topic / Readings
January 12 / M / The theory in all of us / Syllabus
January 14 / W / Video: The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century / Society Metaphor Assignment (Submit to Turnitin by midnight1/20 (Tues.)
January 19 / M / MLK Holiday (no classes)
January 21,26,28 / WMW / A Historical Sketch of Sociological Theory: The Early Years / Chapter 1 (pp. 1-39)
February 2-4 / MW / August Comte (1798-1857) / Chapter 4 (pp. 105-127)
February 9-11 / MW / Franz Boas (1858-1942) / Biography:
February 16 / M / Review for Exam #1 / Chapters 1, 4, and Boas
February 18 / W / Exam #1 / Chapters 1, 4, and Boas
February 23-25 / MW / Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) / Chapter 5 (pp. 128-149)
Short Paper #1 (Due 2/24): Link to reading:
March 2-4 / MW / Karl Marx (1818-1883) / Chapter 6 (pp. 150-182)
March 9-11 / MW / Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) / Chapter 7 (pp. 183-216)
March 16-18 / MW / Spring Break / No Classes
March 23-25 / MW / Marcel Mauss (1872-1950) / Biography:
Short Paper #2 (Due 3/24):The Gift
March 30-April 1 / MW / Max Weber (1864-1920) / Chapter 8 (pp. 217-262)
April 6 / M / Review for Exam #2 / Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, and Mauss
April 8 / W / Exam #2 / Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, and Mauss
April 13-15 / MW / Early Women Sociologists and Classical Sociological Theory: 1830-1930 / Chapter 10 (pp. 292-325)
April 20-22 / MW / W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) / Chapter 11 (pp. 326-346)
Short paper #3:(Due4/21)
April 27 / M / Summarize and Discuss
May 5 / Tuesday
11:30 / Final Exam / Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11,Boas, and Mauss

**** Syllabus Change Policy ****

This syllabus provides an overview and guide for the course. As the instructor, I may modify the syllabus during the semester, based on students’ progress, needs, and experiences. Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this syllabus is subject to change with advance notice.