Download Examinations - Lackawanna College

LC SSC105TA
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SSC105TA: Introduction to Sociology Syllabus (3 credits)
Fall 2013
Instructor: Denise L. Bump, B.A., MSEd.
Office:
Towanda Campus
Office
Per Request
Hours:
Phone:
570-250-3208
E-mail:
[email protected]
Meeting
Fridays, 1:00-4:00pm
times:
Required Text
Conley, D. (2013). You may ask yourself: An introduction to thinking like a sociologist (3rd ed). New York: W. W.
Norton & Company, Inc.
Course Description
SSC105 (Formerly SS141) - Introduction to Sociology. This course is an introduction to the basic principles of the
study of human behavior in society, including culture, social structure, analyses of social interaction, socialization and
social change (3 Credits).
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are for students to:
1. Explain how sociologists seek to explain human behavior
2. Discuss the origins of sociology as a discipline and the major theories that are influential today.
3. Describe how sociologists do research
4. Identify the major elements of culture and the influence of culture on human behavior.
5. Describe how society is structured and organized.
6. Discuss the process of socialization and the major agents of socialization.
7. Define and explain the concept of deviance, including the major theories of deviant behavior.
8. Describe how society is stratified and the impact of stratification on life chances.
9. Discuss issues of race and ethnicity
10. Describe how the family should function as an agent of socialization.
11. Describe how the institution of education functions as an agent of socialization.
12. Define and discuss the major theories of social change
Assignment Requirements
The following are course requirements that must be satisfied:
1. Thinking Sociologically Essays: There is a total of ten (10) Thinking Sociologically essays that must be
answered based on the topics. The following are requirements for answering the questions:
a. Make sure your Full Name, Thinking Sociologically Essay#, and Due Date are typed, single-spaced, in the
upper, right-hand corner of your paper.
b. Type the Thinking Sociologically question in bold, single-spaced. Double-space and begin your essay.
c. Type your essay, using double-space, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, & no bold. Each essay must be a
minimum of one-page (remember, 3-6 sentences in a paragraph).
d. Make sure your essays are free of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors.
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e. Each essay that does not follow the instructions in a-d above will result in a subtraction of 2 points for
each error.
f. Once the due date for the essay has been reached, you will no longer be able to hand in the assignment.
This results in a loss of 10 points for each essay not completed by due date. No late assignments
accepted. See “Assignments and Class Guidelines Addendum”
Thinking Sociologically Essays = 100 total points
2. Comprehensive Final Exam: Due to the final exam containing subjective essay questions, it will be a takehome that you will be given the last week of regular classes before finals week. Further guidelines and
expectations will be explained when you receive the exam. No late assignments accepted. See “Assignments
and Class Guidelines Addendum.”
Comprehensive Final Exam = 100 total points
Evaluation
The above listed assignments will be evaluated on the following critical thinking principles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Regurgitation of information only is “C” level work.
Discussion similar to those in class is “B” level work.
Critical thinking with development of the idea is required for “A” level work.
In addition, see specific requirements and guidelines that are explained per assignment(s) listed above.
5. See pages 3 & 4 of Syllabus for grading procedures.
Attendance Policy
Students enrolled in credit-bearing courses at Lackawanna College will fail any course(s) in which they accumulate
absences beyond the maximum number allowed. This pertains to online classes as well. Attendance is tracked by
instructors, so be sure to log on (if online class) and adhere to the following scale (face-to-face & online):
# of Times Class Meets
Maximum # of Absences Allowed
1 time a week
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Withdrawal Policy
A student has the privilege of withdrawing from any courses or from the College itself without academic penalty up to
and including the final date for withdrawal indicated on the College calendar.
To withdraw officially from a course or from the College, a student must obtain the proper withdrawal form from the
Student Affairs Office or from your Center Director, complete this form and submit it to the Registrar's Office before the
final day for withdrawal without academic penalty as indicated on the College calendar. If a student should stop attending
or never attend an enrolled class or classes without officially withdrawing prior to the last day to withdraw without
academic penalty, the student will receive a grade of F* (Failure) in these courses. No exceptions will be made.
Students who violate the College's Academic Integrity Policy and fail a course in consequence may not exercise the
withdrawal privilege in that particular course. Financial obligations to the College will be determined according to the
Refund Policy.
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Instructor Policies
Classroom Courtesy Guidelines and Rules
Past experience has shown me that without the following rules, class interruption and rudeness can occur. Both you
and your classmates’ education will suffer from the lack of courteous behavior!
1. Cell phones are to be turned off during class. If observed using your cell phone during class, this will be
counted as an absence. However, if you are expecting an emergency-based call, please notify me prior to the
start of class. To prevent instructor/classmate interruption in these situations, please keep your phone on
silent/vibration mode, sit nearest to the door, and exit quietly when call comes in.
2. Arriving late and leaving class early should be avoided. If you must arrive late to class, please quietly enter
the classroom and sit nearest to the door. If you must leave class early, please notify me, sit close to door and exit
quietly when the time comes that you must leave. By doing this, interruption of instructor’s lecture and
classmates’ learning can be avoided. An accumulation of three (3) late to class or leaving class early episodes
will result in an absence.
3. Entering and exiting classroom during lectures. Please be courteous to your instructor and classmates by
avoiding to the urge to do a “walk about” during class (except in cases of illness). This behavior is rude and will
not be tolerated. An accumulation of three (3) “walk abouts” that are not due to illness will result in an
absence.
Grading
Grading Rubric for All Class Assignments (Listed on pg. 1 & 2 of Syllabus)
A Level
90-100
Exceeds expectations. Content & technical merit is outstanding. Reflects mastery
of material. Has fulfilled all assignment requirements.
B Level
80-89
Meets expectations. Content & technical merit is good. Reflects acceptable grasp
of material. Weak in meeting all assignment requirements. Specific comments and
concerns on weaknesses will be discussed with student.
C Level
70-79
Borders expectations. Content & technical merit is adequate. Reflects familiarity
with material with gaps in application. Weak in meeting all assignment
requirements. Specific comments and concerns on weaknesses will be discussed
with student.
D Level
60-69
Below expectations. Content & technical merit is marginal. Reflects inadequate
understanding & use of material. Very weak in meeting all assignment
requirements. Specific comments and concerns on weaknesses will be discussed
with student.
F
<60
Failure. Has not met content & technical merit, and the assignment requirements.
Specific comments/concerns will be discussed with student.
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Lackawanna College Grading Scale
Letter Grade
Numeric Range
Quality Points
A
96 – 100
4.0
A-
90 – 95
3.67
B+
87 – 89
3.33
B
83 – 86
3.0
B-
80 – 82
2.67
C+
77 – 79
2.33
C
73 – 76
2.0
C-
70 – 72
1.67
D+
67 – 69
1.33
D
60 – 66
1.0
F
0 – 59
0
Due Dates and Late Penalties
**No late assignments accepted!! See “Assignments and Class Guidelines Addendum”**
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty in any form, such as plagiarism and cheating, will not be tolerated. Sanctions will include an
automatic “F” for plagiarism, but the severity or frequency of the violation may result in dismissal from the College as
well. Please see the Student Handbook for a complete explanation.
The following are among the forms of dishonesty for which sanctions may be applied:
1. Using books, notes or other materials during an examination, unless expressly permitted;
2. Using purchased essays, term papers or preparatory research for such papers;
3. Copying others' work or engaging in unauthorized cooperation during an assignment or examination;
4. Allowing another student to copy from an examination or other assignment intended to be performed
independently;
5. Borrowing from published works, whether material is taken verbatim or with minor alterations, without proper
and/or sufficient acknowledgment;
6. Submitting as one’s own work originally done by someone else;
7. Submitting the same written report in more than one course without prior approval from the instructor(s)
involved;
8. Stealing examinations or assignments;
9. Supplying or selling examinations or assignments;
10. Misrepresenting statements concerning work submitted;
11. Falsifying or fabricating experimental data or results;
12. Falsifying or fabricating the need for extensions on papers or make-up examinations.
Disability Statement
Lackawanna College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity institution. Students with disabilities and
other needs should feel free to contact the instructor privately if there are services and adaptations which can be made to
accommodate specific needs. Students who are having difficulties with class material are strongly advised to seek
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assistance in the reading and writing lab. If you feel that you have a disability that has not been formally documented,
you may meet with Ms. Deborah Hartzell in the academic development office to discuss your options.
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Equal Opportunity Statement:
Lackawanna College will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race,
color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, union membership or any other legally
protected classification. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with State law, including the Pennsylvania Human
Relations Act, and with Federal law, including Titles VI and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Inquiries should be directed to Anita Cola, Affirmative Action Officer, at
(570) 961-7815 or [email protected] OR Dan LaMagna, Affirmative Action Officer, at (570) 504-1579 or
[email protected].
Portfolio and Coursework
Lackawanna College will empower you to experience learning by inspiring your critical thinking,
accessing your talents and skills, motivating you toward a career choice, and encouraging you to make a difference. In
evidence of this learning, the College requires a graduation portfolio containing Career Documents, including a résumé,
two letters of recommendation, and a career exploration; Core Coursework, including a research paper from College
Writing; three sample papers or projects from Major Coursework; and a Lackawanna College Reflection Paper.
**COURSE SCHEDULE BEGINS ON PAGE 6 OF SYLLABUS**
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SSC105TA: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
COURSE SCHEDULE – FALL 2013
MEETING TIME: FRIDAYS, 1:00-4:00PM
WEEK 1: Aug. 30th
Welcome to our first class. We will be doing the following in class today:
1. Introductions
2. Discussion of Syllabus and Assignments
3. Defining Sociology and Jargon
Homework – Due Sept. 6th
1. Read Chapter 1: Sociological Imagination: An Introduction
2. Read Chapter 2: Methods
3. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #1
a. It was suggested that human behavior is, to a certain extent, shaped through our social
interactions and cultural contexts. Discuss ways in which members of our communities
influence our everyday choices. More personally, to what extent are you alone
responsible for your own condition or destiny?
WEEK 2: Sept. 6th
WEEK 3: Sept. 13th
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 1: Sociological Imagination: An Introduction
2. Chapter 2: Methods
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #1
Homework – Due Sept. 13th
1. Read Chapter 3: Culture and the Media
2. Read Chapter 4: Socialization and the Construction of Reality
3. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #2
a. The values of a culture are often represented by physical objects. What can you tell
about American culture from studying the inside of a refrigerator, or from
shopping at a local store/mall?
4. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #3
a. Think of the numerous commercials you see while watching a favorite television
show. Choose one specific commercial and discuss the age group it might
affect/draw attention from, and the impact this commercial may have on the age
group selected.
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 3: Culture and Media
2. Chapter 4: Socialization and the Construction of Reality
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #2 & #3
Homework – Due Sept. 20th
1. Read Chapter 5: Groups and Networks
2. Read Chapter 6: Social Control and Deviance
3. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #4
a. Select a behavior, such as drug use, sexual behavior, or homosexuality. Using the
views of deviance described in the chapter, think how this behavior has been defined
traditionally. Then, examine ways in which this behavior may or may not be considered
deviant, according to the dimensions of time, place, situation, and social status.
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WEEK 4: Sept. 20th
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 5: Groups and Networks
2. Chapter 6: Social Control and Deviance
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #4
Homework – Due Sept. 27th
1. Read Chapter 7: Stratification
2. Read Chapter 10: Poverty
3. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #5
a. Explore the town or city in which you live to see whether you can determine where
different income groups reside, work, play, attend school, attend church, receive
medical care, and so on. Use specific examples from your town or city to illustrate the
inequality and life chances of different social classes.
WEEK 5: Sept. 27th
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 7: Stratification
2. Chapter 10: Poverty
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #5
Homework – Due Oct. 4th
1. Read Chapter 8: Gender
2. Read Chapter 9: Race
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 8: Gender
2. Chapter 9: Race
Homework – Due Oct. 11th
1. Read Chapter 11: Health and Society
2. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #6
a. Currently there exists a debate in relation to President Obama’s national healthcare
program. Discuss the pros and cons of a national healthcare program.
WEEK 6: Oct. 4th
WEEK 7: Oct. 11th
WEEK 8: Oct. 18th
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 11: Health and Society
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #6
Homework – Due Oct. 18th
1. Read Chapter 12: Family
2. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #7
a. Choose two family forms to compare. Discuss whether or not each can meet the
basic tasks required of family units according to the structural functionalist
perspective. What can you conclude about “what a family really is?”
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 12: Family
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #7
Homework – Due Oct. 25th
1. Read Chapter 13: Education
2. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #8
a. If you were to become a high school teacher, what personal assumptions would you
have to address? Do you hold stereotypes about particular groups? Do you believe
children learn differently because of gender? Social class? How would being an
observant sociologist guide your work as a teacher?
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WEEK 9: Oct. 25th
WEEK 10: Nov. 1st
WEEK 11: Nov. 8th
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Class Discussion
1. Chapter 13: Education
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #8
Homework – Due Nov. 1st
1. Read Chapter 14: Capitalism and the Economy
2. Read Chapter 15: Authority and the State
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 14: Capitalism and the Economy
2. Chapter 15: Authority and the State
Homework – Due Nov. 8th
1. Read Chapter 16: Religion
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 16: Religion
Homework - Due Nov. 15th
1. Read Chapter 17: Science, the Environment, and Society
WEEK 12: Nov. 15th
WEEK 13: Nov. 22nd
WEEK 14: Dec. 6th
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 17: Science, the Environment, and Society
Homework – Due Nov. 22nd
1. Read Chapter 18: Collective Action, Social Movements, and Social Change
2. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #9
a. Discuss the accuracy of the statement, “People who live in cities are different from
people who live in suburban or rural areas.”
Class Discussion
1. Chapter 18: Collective Action, Social Movements, and Social Change
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #9
Homework – Due Dec. 6th
1. Complete Thinking Sociologically Essay #10
a. The first Thinking Sociologically question when beginning the course was: It is
suggested that human behavior is, to a certain extent, shaped through our social
interactions and cultural contexts. To what extent to you believe you control your
personal choices, conditions, and destiny? After having taken this course, describe
how, if at all, you may believe differently than in your first response to this question.
2. Complete Comprehensive Final Exam
Class Discussion
1. Wrap-up Course
Due: Thinking Sociologically Essay #10
Due: Comprehensive Final Exam
**Syllabus is subject to change and Instructor will notify in advance to these changes**
Examinations
There is one comprehensive final exam scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6th.
Learning Resources
Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any problems or questions you might have with the course
material/requirements as they occur. Waiting until the end of the semester to clear up questions or confusion may be too
late. No question is trivial or foolish. If you do not feel comfortable raising a question during class, speak to me after
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class or contact me to set up an appointment that is mutually convenient. Also, take advantage of the college resources as
well as your fellow classmates.
Students with a disability or other special reason requiring modification of testing procedures, writing assignments,
class discussions, etc., should notify me as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made. Also, see Kim Mapes at
the Towanda location: 570-265-3449.
Sociology and Research Resources
American Sociological Association
Eastern Sociological Society
OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) library link at Lackawanna College website
Other resources provided through Instructor
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SSC105TA: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Thinking Sociologically Essay Questions
There is a total of ten (10) Thinking Sociologically essays that must be answered based on the topics. The following
are requirements for answering the questions:
1. Make sure your Full Name, Thinking Sociologically Essay#, and Due Date are typed, single-spaced, in the
upper, right-hand corner of your paper.
2. Type the Thinking Sociologically question in bold, single-spaced. Double-space and begin your essay.
3. Type your essay, using double-space, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, & no bold. Each essay must be a
minimum of one-page (remember, 3-6 sentences in a paragraph).
4. Make sure your essays are free of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors.
5. Each essay that does not follow the instructions in a-d above will result in a subtraction of 2 points for each
error.
6. Once the due date for the essay has been reached, you will no longer be able to hand in the assignment.
This results in a loss of 10 points for each essay not completed by due date. No late assignments accepted.
See “Assignments and Class Guidelines Addendum”
Thinking Sociologically Essay #1
It was suggested that human behavior is, to a certain extent, shaped through our social interactions and
cultural contexts. Discuss ways in which members of our communities influence our everyday choices. More
personally, to what extent are you alone responsible for your own condition or destiny?
Thinking Sociologically Essay #2
The values of a culture are often represented by physical objects. What can you tell about American culture
from studying the inside of a refrigerator, or from shopping at a local store/mall?
Thinking Sociologically Essay #3
Think of the numerous commercials you see while watching a favorite television show. Choose one specific
commercial and discuss the age group it might affect/draw attention from, and the impact this commercial may
have on the age group selected.
Thinking Sociologically Essay #4
Select a behavior, such as drug use, sexual behavior, or homosexuality. Using the views of deviance
described in the chapter, think how this behavior has been defined traditionally. Then, examine ways in which
this behavior may or may not be considered deviant, according to the dimensions of time, place, situation, and
social status.
Thinking Sociologically Essay #5
Explore the town or city in which you live to see whether you can determine where different income groups
reside, work, play, attend school, attend church, receive medical care, and so on. Use specific examples from
your town or city to illustrate the inequality and life chances of different social classes.
Thinking Sociologically Essay #6
Currently there exists a debate in relation to President Obama’s national healthcare program. Discuss the
pros and cons of a national healthcare program.
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Thinking Sociologically Essay #7
Choose two family forms to compare. Discuss whether or not each can meet the basic tasks required of
family units according to the structural functionalist perspective. What can you conclude about “what a family
really is?”
Thinking Sociologically Essay #8
If you were to become a high school teacher, what personal assumptions would you have to address? Do
you hold stereotypes about particular groups? Do you believe children learn differently because of gender?
Social class? How would being an observant sociologist guide your work as a teacher?
Thinking Sociologically Essay #9
Discuss the accuracy of the statement, “People who live in cities are different from people who live in
suburban or rural areas.”
Thinking Sociologically Essay #10
The first Thinking Sociologically question when beginning the course was: It is suggested that human
behavior is, to a certain extent, shaped through our social interactions and cultural contexts. To what extent to
you believe you control your personal choices, conditions, and destiny? After having taken this course,
describe how, if at all, you may believe differently than in your first response to this question.
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NAME: _______________________________
SSC105TA: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Comprehensive Final Exam
The following comprehensive final exam contains ten (10) essay questions. Each essay question is worth
10 points, for a total of 100 points. Requirements for the essays are as follows:
1. Type each essay question in bold (single-spaced), double-space and begin your answer. Do not type
your answer in bold.
2. Each essay answer must be a minimum of two (2) double-spaced paragraphs.
3. Make sure to put your name on each page of the exam (upper-right hand corner).
4. Staple the exam to the front of your essays before handing in. Exams that are not stapled and include
a copy of the exam will be returned without a grade.
Essay Questions
1. Compare functionalism and conflict theory. How would the two differ in their understanding of
inequality?
2. Participant observation research is often long, painstaking, and personally demanding for the
sociologist. Why bother with this data collection method?
3. Let’s consider how we are part of a consumer culture. Think about a consumer good you recently
acquired and care about (item of clothing, vehicle, etc.). Does this item in any way help establish
or demonstrate who you are, what you are about, and how you perceive yourself?
4. What do sociologists mean by “social construction of reality?” How does the idea of social
construction bring into question certain elements of everyday life, like gender roles?
5. A student wants to achieve good grades but is not interested in studying for exams; instead the
student finds various ways to cheat. How does Robert Merton’s strain theory explain this
behavior, and which “type” does the student exemplify?
6. To talk about the rich, the poor, and the way society is economically stratified sounds like the job
of economists. Why should sociologists be interested in stratification? How does a better
understanding of stratification potentially contribute to the well-being of society?
7. Women represent a minority group in the military. Men are a minority as nurses and paralegals.
How are women and men treated differently in these positions, and what does this suggest about
the way gender structures social relations?
8. Sometimes what’s considered “normal” is far from what’s most prevalent currently or
historically. How does this statement relate to perceptions about the “traditional family?”
9. How does family background, for example, cultural capital from the home, and the overall home
environment, affect educational achievement?
10. Explain how Marx and Weber differ in the way they link religion and the economy.
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