Download SOCIOLOGY 101: Introduction to Sociology

SOCIOLOGY 101: Introduction to Sociology
Spring 2016 Section 101-0016 Lecture 17192 Room # DB 221 Mon & Wed 4:15 – 5:30 pm
David Avila, MSW
Behavioral Sciences Department
Office Hours: by appointment as needed
Required Text:
Cell 602.499.5475
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sociology Matters
Author:
Richard T. Schaefer 5th edition
Publisher:
McGraw –Hill Higher Education
Companion Website for Textbook:
www.mhhe.com/schaefersm5e
Description:
This course examines societies and the social behavior of groups of people. Included in
this topic are questions regarding how societies transmit their culture, develop norms and laws,
and how the size of a society or group affects the members of the group. Human groups include
crowds, families, gangs, cults, formal organizations as well as the larger society. All of these
different groups influence the behavior of its members and of other groups with which they come
into contact. Also included in the study of sociology is the study of inequalities that we find in
the society (i.e. inequalities due to wealth, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and the different means of
changing the social order to eliminate such inequalities).
Several of these areas of sociology are very controversial. It is likely that we may not all
share the same views or experiences and that we may not ultimately agree with each other or the
author of the text. A most important component of this class is that we develop an acceptance of
each other and an appreciation of differing worldviews and individual perspectives and that we
are able to discuss our views in a manner that is respectful to ourselves and to our peers.
Please Note that from the text we will cover chapters 1-6, and 7 & 11 (if time permits).
MCCD Official Course Competencies:
1.
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4.
5.
6.
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8.
Define sociology and explain how it differs from other social sciences.
Explain the sociological imagination and how it operates in everyday life.
Describe the basic theoretical perspectives sociologists use to analyze social phenomena.
Name and briefly describe the importance of selected major theorists to the field of
sociology.
List and explain the stages in a basic research design.
Describe and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Define the basic sociological concepts: culture, society, socialization, social structure,
groups, and institutions.
Describe values and norms, including mores, folkways, and laws.
9. Describe societal and structural factors that can influence individual behavior.
10. Describe sociological/psychological theories as they relate to the development of the self.
11. Describe the influence of selected institutions on society and the individual.
12. Describe the effect of race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and age on social inequality.
13. Explain major sociological perspectives on social class.
14. Explain how conflict, functionalist, and symbolic interactionist theoretical perspectives
view deviance and conformity.
15. Describe and explain social change, including the influence of collective behavior, social
movements, and demographic factors.
Attendance:
The focus of this class will be on classroom discussion of the concepts and ideas
presented in the textbook. As such, attendance and classroom participation is extremely
important. Students are expected to attend all class sessions; attendance will be taken by
instructor at each class meeting. Please note that we, as faculty, are required to drop students if
they do not attend the first week of school in its entirety.
Attendance requirements for the course are determined by the instructor. It is your
responsibility to consult with the instructor regarding official (i.e., jury duty, athletic, death of
immediate family member) or unofficial absences. Absences begin accumulating starting on the
first class period. Accumulation of five or more unofficial absences throughout the semester will
result in a withdrawal by the professor. Personal illness is not an excused absence.
Grading:
There will be at least six (6) chapter exams given in class. Each exam will be worth 100
points and will consist of multiple-choice and true/false questions. The exams will cover material
from the textbook, lecture, and classroom discussions. The course lecture with power points will
often supplement the material covered in the textbook.
Your final grade will be determined by totaling the scores of all six exams (final average)
and divided by the total points possible. Therefore, each chapter exam is very important in
determining your final grade.
Grade Breakdown:
A=
B=
C=
D=
90-100% of total points
80-89% of total points
70-79% of total points
60-69% of total points
Student Conduct:
Please refer to the Online Policy Manual:
http://www.maricopa.edu/publicstewardship/governance/adminregs/students/2_5.php#disciplinary
Restrictions on the use of electronic equipment in class:
Please do not use your cell phones or similar devices for written (i.e., texting) or verbal
communication during the class period. Turn off your electronic equipment or put your phone on
vibrate during class. If you need to use your cell phone, step outside to do so. You may use
laptops in class to view the power-points presented.
Temporary Removal of Student:
Disruptive behavior includes conduct that distracts or intimidates others in a manner that
interferes with instructional activities, failure to adhere to a faculty member's appropriate
classroom rules or instructions, or interferes with the normal operations of the college. Students
who engage in disruptive or threatening behavior may be directed by the faculty member to leave
the classroom or by a college official.
Special Needs:
If you should have special needs such as requiring a note-taker or interpreter, please
discuss these with the instructor as soon as possible so that he can insure the appropriate
arrangements are made. These arrangements can be made through The Disability Support
Services Office (DSS).
Notice to Students:
Modifications to this syllabus may be made throughout the semester. Such
modifications will be announced in class. It is your responsibility to keep apprised of any
such modifications and class announcements.