INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SOCIOLOGY 1301 SPRING 2011 INSTRUCTOR: Carol Cirulli Lanham OFFICE: 3.314 OFFICE HOURS: MW 8:30-9:30 and by appointment EMAIL: ccl054000@utd.edu (Please do not use e-learning for email.) CLASS TIME AND LOCATION: MWF 9:30
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10:20
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GR 2.302
COURSE PRE-REQUISITES, CO-REQUISITES AND/OR OTHER RESTRICTIONS:
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology and provides insight into how we shape society and how society shapes us. We will explore the basic principles of sociology, and their application in social research and social policy. We also will examine how social interaction and social structures influence both intimate relationships and global society. Topics will include gender, age, social class, culture, race-ethnicity, group dynamics, deviance, and social institutions, such as religion and marriage and family. By reviewing sociological explanations of various forms of social behavior, we will pave the way for further study in the field.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students should be able to: 1.
Understand the sociological perspective and its use in analysis of group behavior. 2.
Identify the three main sociological perspectives and be able to apply them to specific contemporary social problems. 3.
Know the major figures in the field and key terms used by sociologists in their study of society. 4.
Explain the basic sociological concepts of culture, social structure, and socialization. 5.
Describe social diversity and inequality. 6.
Be acquainted with the process of social change
7.
Be familiar with how sociologists examine the major institutions of society including religion, family, political structures and the economy
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERALS:
James M. Henslin, Essentials of Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach, 9
th
edition, Allyn and Bacon, 2009. ISBN: 978-0205763122 If you purchase the book at the on-campus or off-campus book stores, it comes packaged with an access card for MySocLab. All supplementary course readings listed in this syllabus are available in MySocLibrary, which is part of MySocLab. You may also purchase an online version of the textbook at www.coursesmart.com
CLASS FORMAT AND
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS
This course will consist of lectures, class discussions and exercises, and four scheduled exams as well as a series of unscheduled quizzes that will occur throughout the semester. You also will write a short research paper. You are responsible for reading the assigned course material before class, and coming prepared to discuss the topics covered in the textbook and supplementary readings. Although attendance is not mandatory, we will have richer and more rewarding sessions if everyone comes to class regularly. The different viewpoints that you will bring to discussions will enhance our exploration of topics and issues. If you do have to miss class, please arrange to get notes from another student.
GRADING POLICY
Total points will be calculated at the end of the course, and your grades will be awarded based on the percentage of points earned on the following grading scale. Four exams worth 150 points each 600 points One research paper 200 points Quizzes (20 points each) 100 points In class exercises/participation 100 points TOTAL 1000 points
Letter Grade Percentage Points
A+ 97-100 A 94-96 A- 90-93 B+ 87-89 B 84-86 B- 80-83 C+ 77-79 C 74-76 C- 70-73 D+ 67-69 D 64-66 D- 60-63 F 59 and below
EXAMS
Exams will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions, and will cover both the assigned readings and topics discussed in the lecture. Please bring a SCANTRON to class on exam days. The quizzes will consist of multiple choice and/or short answer questions and will cover only the supplementary readings from MySocLibrary.
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Each student is required to complete one four-to-five page research paper. Students may choose between four topics involving sociological concepts and/or fieldwork. More detailed information on the paper will be provided in a separate handout.
MAKE-UP EXAMS AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS
The dates of exams and other assignments are indicated on the class schedule. Make-up exams will only be given for legitimate reasons (for example, illness) and with proper written documentation. If you fail to take an exam or turn in an assignment without a reasonable excuse,
you will receive a “0” for that portion of the course.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UPS FOR QUIZZES.
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY
As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at
the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete
grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of
F
.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The faculty expects a high level of responsibility and academic honesty from students. Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts. Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any
other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism
.
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