SOC 1020 Introduction to Sociology, Spring 2010

 

Professor: Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D.
Office: D. F. Sampson 221;  Phone: 521-6475 Inclement weather: (910) 521-6888
Office Hours: Monday 11-12; Tuesday  3:30 – 4:30; Wednesday: by appointment; Thursday 11-12; Friday 8-9:30 11:30 12:30

 

 

Table of Content
Assignments Course Description & Gen Ed Statement Learning Objectives
Attendance Policy Course Outline Plagiarism
Blackboard Usage (REQUIRED) Final Exam  
Bibliography Giving and Taking Program Objectives
Cell Phone Policy Grades Required Text
  How I Grade Papers  
Computer Usage Late Assignments Students with Disabilities

 1.  Course Description and General Education Statement:

    An introduction to scientific study of human society and social behavior.

 

Introduction to Sociology seeks to expose students to the basic concepts, perspectives and research findings of sociology. Accordingly, students will be made aware of the important relationships and inter-relationships of the individual to society and culture, as well as the many ways individuals and their values are influenced by society. This course contributes to an understanding of the scientific method, which will enable students to critically evaluate information and materials, as well as apply scientific knowledge to the solution of contemporary social problems.

 

2.  Course Learning Objectives (Competencies):  

   Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

   A.  understand the difference between personal (subjective) experiences and social     

         scientific approaches to the study of society (Unit 1).

B.     define and apply the sociological perspective, and develop critical thinking skills through the study of sociology and the scientific method (Unit 1).

C.     become an active learner in the classroom in understanding the social world, and identify the factors associated with effective group memberships (Units 1 and 2).

D.    identify and understand the basic concepts, theories and research findings of sociology (Units 1-5).

E.     understand the contributions that different theoretical traditions within sociology offer (Units 1-5).

F.      identify specific research methods that sociologists utilize and list advantages and disadvantages of each technique (Unit 1).

G.    define culture and identify the essential characteristics of culture (Unit 2).

H.    know what is socialization, understand the nature vs. nurture debate, and identify various theories of socialization (Unit 2).

I.       define and identify different types of groups and social relationships, and identify the factors associated with effective group membership (Unit 2).

J.       know what are the characteristics of the ideal type of bureaucracy and what is meant by the McDonalization of society (Unit 2). 

K.    define deviance from the sociological perspective and  identify the major forms of deviance and crime (Unit 2).

L.     understand cultural diversity and appreciate gender, social class, and racial and ethnic group differences in the construction of modern society (Units 2-4).

   M.   define social stratification and identify and distinguish the three systems of social stratification (Unit 3).

N.    examine the increasingly global character of modern society and utilize a global perspective to examine how global changes are affecting all parts of life within the United States, as well as other parts of the world (Unit 3-5).

O.    define the important concepts of ethnicity, race, and minority group and know how these categories are socially constructed (Unit 3).

P.      know how sex and gender are defined, and know what is the relative influence of biology and culture on gender identity (Unit 3).

Q.     list what are the primary social institutions in society and identify their important functions (Unit 4).

R.     know how sociologists define and study the institutions of family, religion, education, health care, politics and economics (Unit 4).

S.      know how sociologists define  social problems and identify the essential characteristics of social problems (Unit 5).

T.      identify major social changes and social issues in contemporary society, and examine social policies that include the various ways that sociological research and theory can be applied to addressing social issues (Unit 5).

 

3.  Procedures: 

Lectures and class discussion, role-playing games and related active learning class activities, occasional audio-visuals and guest speakers.

 

4. Grading/Assessment:

   Grades will be calculated on the basis of 325 points, divided as follows:

 

   QUIZ 1 (Chapter 1)                                    50 points  (on or about Sept. 3, 2009)

   MIDTERM (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6) 100 points  (on or about Oct. 8, 2009)

   QUIZ 2 (Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10)              50 points  (on or about Nov. 10, 2009)

   FINAL  (Chapters 7,8,9,10,12,13,            100 points  (Dec. 8, 2009 at 10:30-12:30)

                                    14, 15, and 16)

  

Please note and observe the following policies for this course:

1. Students are expected to attend all classes, and excessive absences will result in failure.

2. Students who miss exams are to contact me immediately, and will be given an essay                                                                         make-up only in cases of excused absences. Work that is turned after the due date will be penalized 10% for each day late.

3. Students have the responsibility to know and observe the UNCP Academic Honor Code. Standards of academic honor will be enforced in this course.

4.  Students should know and observe the UNCP Code of Conduct. Behaviors that disrupt the teaching and or educational process will not be tolerated. Disruptive students may be asked to leave the classroom and repeat offenders may be “administratively withdrawn from the class by the Office of Academic Affairs.” The use of cell phones inside the classroom during the classroom period is disruptive and prohibited.

 

5. Disability Statement:

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first week) as possible.  All discussions will remain confidential.  Please contact Disability Support Services,  DF Lowry Building, Room 107, or call  910-521-6695 for an appointment.

 

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.  Please contact Disability Support Services,  DF Lowry Building, Room 197, or call 521-6695.

 

 6. Course Outline and Reading Assignments:

                                                                                                 CHAPTERS AND DATES

Unit 1: Sociological Perspectives and Research             1   (August 20-Sept. 3)

                         

   What Is Sociology and the Sociological Perspective?

   The Development of Sociological Theory
   Doing Sociological Research

   The Tools of Sociological Research

   Statistics in Sociology                                      

    (QUIZ 1—September 3)                                      

 

            Unit 2: Society, Individuals and Social Structure       2-6   (Sept. 8-Oct. 8)          

                          

  Culture                                                                 2   (September 8-10)

                          Socialization and the Life Course                        3   (September 15)                                      Social Interaction and Social Structure                4   (Sept. 17-22)                                         Groups and Organizations                                   5   (Sept. 24-29)

                          Deviance and Crime                                           6   (October 1-6)

         

(MIDTERM EXAM —October 8)

 

          

 

 

Unit 3: Social Inequality                                           7-10 (October 13-Nov. 10)

 

                           Social Class and Social Stratification                 7 (October 13-22)

                           Global Stratification                                                        8 (October 27)

                           Race and Ethnicity                                              9 (October 27-29)

                           Gender                                                               10 (Nov. 3-5)

                                                                                                  

(QUIZ 2—November 10)

 

                          

            Unit 4: Social Institutions                                         12-14  (November 12-19)                       

  Families and Religion                                         12 (November 12)

                          Education and Health Care                                13 (November 17)

                          Politics and the Economy                                   14 (November 19)

 

 

Unit 5: Social Change                                               15-16 (Nov. 24-Dec. 3)

              

   Social Problems                                                          (November 24)

               Population, Urbanization and the Environment   15 (December 1)

               Social Change and Social Movements                 16 (December 3)

                                                           

(FINAL EXAM —December 8, 2009 at 10:30-12:30)

Final Exam:Go to http://www.uncp.edu/registrar/calendars/exam_fall.htm for exam schedule

Required Texts:  Andersen and Taylor, Sociology: The Essentials (2009) Companion website: www.thomsonedu.com/sociology/andersen

 

About Computer Usage: Students are required to have an email account to submit and receive assignments.  Students may apply for an account on Snappy (name of our computer) at no cost.  Merely complete the  "New User Account" form found at http://www.uncp.edu/ucis/accounts/.   To use and check email, go to http://webmail.uncp.edu/.   You must use your university account during this class. Make sure that if you have changed your email to another server ( e.g. AOL, Yahoo) you must change it back to the university account.

Assignments
 
Cell Phone Policy: Students are not permitted to conduct phone conversations during class time.  Students are not permitted to have cell ring during class time.   Students who use conduct a phone conversation or allow their phones to ring during class time will be drop 10 points on the next quiz or 5 points for their final exam.
Attendance Policy:  There are no excused absences.  Students are therefore encouraged to be mindful of absences and make every effort to be in attendance. Students are expected to have read assigned material prior to the class. Students are also expected to participate in class discussion, exercises and any Blackboard discussions that may be announced.  Students are considered in attendance only if present for the entire class. Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive will be dealt with by the instructor.  Attendance will be used as a criterion in determining the final grade.  (Present 1 point; Tardy 1/2 point; Not present 0 points)  For more details see “Class Attendance” in The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Grading:  Two to Three Quizzes -- 15%; 2) Final Exam -- 30%; 3) Review of Literature Assignment -- 10%; Term paper 30%; 10 abstracts 10% 4) Class Attendance 5%
Grades are not negotiated.   A grade will not be changed after the grade is given to the student.   On the other hand, if the professor makes a calculation error, students are expected to immediately report the error to the professor.  The grading scale is outlined below and is in the Student Social Work Handbook:
A 92-100
B 83-86
C 73-76
D 63-66
A- 90-91
B- 80-82
C- 70-73
D- 60-62
B+ 87-89
C+ 77-79
D+ 67-69
F 0-59
Giving and Taking Help
The practice of social work includes two important concepts: “process” and “outcome”. Outcome is the degree of success in achieving a goal. Process includes the hard work and elf-discipline a social worker employs in achieving a goal. The social work faculty feel that the “process” is as significant as the “outcome”. When one student assists another by sharing projects, term papers, book reports, reaction papers and other assignments, the benefit of the “process” are usurped.  The student who recycles the assignments is denied the opportunity to enhance his/her self-discipline and work habits. Simply stated, Don’t share your work with other students. The social work faculty considers such behavior as cheating a violation of the NASW Code of Ethics and a violation of the Student Honor Code. Students have the responsibility to know and observe the UNCP Academic Honor Code..
Plagiarism
The Social Work Program does not permit plagiarism   All students enrolled in SWK courses are required to use the APA citation style, anyone caught plagiarizing automatically receive an F.  You will loose points on assignments if you do not use APA citation style. APA manuals can be purchased in the bookstore. There is a copy on closed reserve in the library. Also refer to the Library resource for APA . You may also get help from University Writing Center hours during the spring semester are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday. For an appointment, stop by the Writing Center, Dial 131, call 910.521.6168, or email writing@uncp.edu.
Students With Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Please contact Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, 910-521-6695.
Child Welfare Waiver Students: Child welfare students are required to use the Child Welfare List for the "Review of Literature Assessment."   In addition, child welfare students are required to select a child welfare topic for their term paper
Portfolio Assignment: The term paper is the portfolio assignment.   The portfolio is an effective tool for measuring a student’s growth and celebrating accomplishments on the continuum of beginning the social work major to the point of entry-level social work employment.  The portfolio assignment for this class is the review of literature paper.   Save a copy of it on Snappy.
Blackboard Usage:  Although SWK 3710 is not designated as a “Blackboard” course, Blackboard is used under two circumstances.   First, if the course is canceled or the professor is unable to attend class and cannot find a replacement, lectures and assignments will be posted on Blackboard.  Second, depending on the nature of the course, some quizzes will be posted on Blackboard.   Under most circumstances, students will be given a three day window of opportunity to compete the quiz.  If a student is kicked off Blackboard during a quiz, he/she is required to immediately email (steve.marson@uncp.edu or smarson@nc.rr.com) or call the instructor (521-6475). All students are required to completed the Blackboard Orientation.