SOCI 100

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY:

UNDERSTANDING SOCIETIES

Koçuniversity

Department of sociology

FALL 2010

Instructor: Şenay Özden

Office: Social Sciences 136A

Phone: (212) 338 1484

Email:

Class Hours: Monday and Wednesday 11:00-12:15

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 09:45-10:45or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course aims to introduce the fundamental concepts, theoretical perspectives and discussions within the field of sociology. Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior and human groups. It focuses on social relationships and analyzes how societies develop and change as a consequence of such relationships.

The course consists of five parts: The first part is a general introduction to the field. It familiarizes you with basic theories, thinkers and sociological research methods. The second part examines diverse aspects of social life such as culture, social structures, groups and organizations. The third part focuses on social divisions and inequalities based on class, gender, race and ethnicity, as well as the consequently emerging relations of power. The fourth part concentrates on social institutions, such as family, government, economy etc. and the ways these shape social life. The final part examines societies in change. In this part, topics such as urbanization, social movements and globalization come to the forefront.

REQUIRED READINGS

Textbook: Schaefer, R. T. (2008) Sociology.McGraw Hill, 12th edition. The textbook is available at the bookstore.

COURSE ORGANIZATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Lectures: Lectures will not only focus and clarify material in the readings but also provide additional information. Students are expected to do the readings before each class and required to be informed about both the reading material content and in-class lectures and discussions. Attendance is not mandatory, but students are highly recommended to attend all classes. Exam results and class attendance are highly correlated.

Exams: There will be a total of three exams in this course: two midterms and the final. Exams will be in multiple-choice format and will cover material presented in class and from assigned textbook readings. The final exam will not be cumulative.

Grading: The final grade will be computed as follows:

  • Midterm-I 30 %
  • Midterm-II 30 %
  • Final 30 %
  • In-class exercise 10 %

Grading scale:

90+ / A
87+ / A-
83+ / B+
80+ / B
77+ / B-
73+ / C+
70+ / C
67+ / C-
64+ / D+
60+ / D
0-59 / F

Make-up exams: You can take make-up exams only if you have documented medical emergencies in accordance with university regulations. There will be one make-up for each exam and all make-ups will be in essay format.

In-class exercise: Your in-class exercises will take place in the form of pop-up quizzes.

Announcements in class: Students are responsible for all announcements made in classes even if they are absent that day.

COURSE SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

PART I: THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Week 1(Sept. 27, 29)

Introduction

Understanding Sociology: Chapter 1

Week 2(Oct. 4, 6)

Sociological Research: Chapter 2

PART II: ORGANIZING SOCIAL LIFE

Week 3(Oct. 11, 13)

Culture: Chapter 3

Week 4(Oct. 18, 20)

Social Interaction and Social Structure: Chapter 5

Week 5 (Oct. 25, 27)

Groups and Organizations: Chapter 6

PART III: SOCIAL INEQUALITY

Week 6 (Nov. 1, 3)

Global Inequality: Chapter 10

Mid-term-1 (date to be announced)

Week 7 (Nov. 8, 10)

Racial and Ethnic Inequality: Chapter 11

Week 8 (Nov. 15, 17)

No Class

Week 9 (Nov. 22, 24)

Stratification by Gender: Chapter 12

PART IV: SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Week 10 (Nov. 9, Dec. 1)

The Family and Intimate Relationships: Chapter 14

Week 11 (Dec. 6, 8)

Government and Politics: Chapter 17

Mid-term-2 (date to be announced)

Week 12 (Dec. 13, 15)

The Economy and Work: Chapter 18

PART V: CHANGING SOCIETY

Week 13 (Dec. 20, 22)

Population, Communities and Urbanization: Chapter 20

Week 14 (Dec. 27, 29)

Collective Behavior and Social Movements: Chapter 21

Week 15 (Jan. 3, 5)

Documentary

Review