Download Class Schedule - Covenant College​Sociology Department

SOC 141
Principles of Sociology
Fall Semester 2014
Location: Room MH 180
TR 9:30-10:45am:
Dr. Matthew S. Vos – Instructor
Work Phone: 419-1419
Cell Phone: 423-314-8790
e-mail: [email protected]
Office: Brock 107
Course Description
“The general survey course that introduces the student to the discipline of sociology. Attention is given to
the importance of Christian involvement in sociology and how this relates to the three major areas of the
field: social interaction, social concerns, and social institutions. In-class and out-of-class research projects
are included in order to give the beginning student exposure to important methodological tools.”
This course is designed to help you develop a more sophisticated lens through which to view society. All
of us view the world through the eyes of our own experience – how could we do otherwise? Society,
however, is much more complex and far wider in scope than our limited experience permits us to
comprehend. Thus, the purpose of this “principles” course is to introduce you to the study of sociology in
an effort to enable you to develop a “sociological imagination,” and ultimately to develop an understanding
and critique of your own position in society.
Required Texts
McIntyre, Lisa, The Practical Skeptic: Core Concepts in Sociology, (5th edition), McGraw Hill, 2011.
McIntyre, Lisa, The Practical Skeptic: Readings in Sociology, (5th edition), McGraw Hill, 2011.
George Ritzer, The McDonaldization of Society 5, Pine Forge Press, 2008.
Vos, Matthew S., Sociology, Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2014.
Course Objectives
We tend to view people and events through a psychological lens. For example, when we read a newspaper
account of an “insane” individual hijacking an airplane, we might ask questions about the individual,
speculating on what individual needs and cognitions might have led him or her to commit that act of
violence. The sociologist shares those concerns with the psychologist, but with a shift in emphasis.
Sociologists seek to understand how the various group memberships we hold, shape who we are and what
we do. For the sociologist, the individual is seen as both producing and produced by society. In a nutshell,
sociology is the scientific study of social behavior. Different from the natural sciences, sociology examines
both objective and subjective features of human behavior. As you will see, sociology is particularly
concerned with social behavior to which subjective meaning is assigned.
The following objectives are designed to help you appreciate different facets of the social world in terms of
a new and important perspective… the sociological perspective.
Objective, Methods for Meeting Objectives, Means of Assessment
Objective 1. To help the student develop an understanding of the underlying social forces that shape
and influence individual human beings.
A. Instructional activities include: lectures, class discussion, experiential assignments,
classroom activities, and films.
SOC 141
B. Primary means of assessment include: experiential assignments, written assignments, and
exams.
Objective
2. To provide the student with an overview of the primary concepts used by sociologists.
A. Instructional activities include: lectures, class discussions, classroom activities,
experiential assignments, and exams.
B. Primary means of assessment include: experiential assignments, written assignments, and
exams.
Objective 3. To introduce the student to the “sociological perspective” and to some basic research
methods used by sociologists.
A. Instructional activities include: lectures, class discussions, class text, experiential
assignments, and classroom activities.
B. Primary means of assessment include: experiential assignments, written assignments, and
exams.
Objective
4. To help the student recognize sources of inequality in contemporary society.
A. Instructional activities include: lectures, class discussions, classroom activities.
B. Primary means of assessment include: exams.
Objective
society.
5. To help the student develop a Christian critique of several dimensions of contemporary
A. Instructional activities include: lectures, class discussions, and exams.
B. Primary means of assessment include: experiential assignments, written assignments and
exams.
I hope that the course results in learning that benefits you for the rest of your life. God has created us in his
image and placed us in society. As we go through this course together, I hope we both gain greater insight
into how society “works,” and with that knowledge better understand how we can live godly lives, as image
bearers, in an often complex, contemporary society.
Attendance and Class Policy
Much of the learning planned for you depends on your being here and cannot be gained simply by reading
the course texts. Furthermore, your participation in class activities adds to the richness of the experience
for other members of the class. You are permitted (though not encouraged to take) two absences (a week
of classes) during this course. Beyond two, every additional absence will result in a 3% reduction of your
final grade for the course. I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. In general,
absences should be used for emergencies. For example, if a student missed two classes for personal
reasons (leaving early for break, etc.) and then was sick for two classes later in the semester, those two
absences would result in a 6% reduction in the student’s final grade. In other words, you are wise to plan
on the unexpected coming up in the latter part of the semester, and not use up excused absences early on.
Students are counted “present” if marked on the instructor’s attendance sheet and “absent” if they are
not. It is the student’s responsibility to be present when the class roll is called. If you come in late and
fail to alert me after class, the omission will count as an absence.
You may not be absent during test periods (unless you have a documented medical/family emergency).
Any student determined to be cheating on any portion of an assignment or test, or who aids any other
student in cheating, will fail the course and may be withdrawn from the college. Any plagiarism will be
penalized as seriously as college policy will permit.
During the first class we will develop a classroom technology use policy (cell phones, laptops, using a Wii
while I’m lecturing, etc.) as a class.
SOC 141
Students must submit assignments in hard copy. I do not print out and read e-mailed assignments except
under very special circumstances.
Assignments are due when specified by the instructor. Late assignments are not accepted. You are
advised to retain copies of your assignments until after the course is over. All assignments must have your
name and box number clearly marked on them. Assignments missing these items may not be returned.
Work that is late or exams that are missed due to a disciplinary action against a student may not be made
up.
I expect to be able to communicate with you using your college email address. For you to remain in this
course, I require that you reply to any email I send you within a 24 hour period. Accordingly, you must
check your college email every day. It also requires that you notify me if and when your email is down.
Failing to reply to a communication that I initiate constitutes a lack of serious intent in the course, and may
result in your being penalized.
Course Requirements and Grading
1. Three non-cumulative exams (15% each; total of 45%). Exams will include multiple choice and short
answer/essay questions. (Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
2. Seven assignments (titles and point values noted after the class schedule) for a total of 55%.
Assignments are linked at the end of this syllabus. (Objectives 1, 2, 3, 5)
**Please note that the class schedule moves by topic and not by calendar date. When we are finished with
one topic, we simply move on to the next. Test dates and assignment deadlines will be announced well in
advance.
Class Schedule
Topic
Readings
T=McIntyre text; R= McIntyre Reader
Introduction &
Introduction to Sociology 141
the “Tools” of
The Sociological Perspective
Introduction, T1/ R1, 2
Sociology
Solidarity
T2
Cheating Exercise
R30, 31
Ideal Type, Model, and Paradigm
T3
Function and Dysfunction
Conflict
Symbolic Interactionism
T4/ R3
The Scientific Perspective
T5/ R4, 5
Discussion : Reading #2 by Stephanie Coontz
T6/ R6, 7
FIRST TEST: Date: TBA
Culture, Structure &
Culture
T7/R8, 9, 10
Socialization
Norms, Folkways, Mores
R11, 12, 13
SOC 141
Discussion: Student Choice
Ideology
Social Structure/Status and Role
T8/R14, 15
Groups
R16, 17, 18, 19
Social Institutions
T9/R20, 21, 22
Socialization and “The Self”
T10/R23, 24, 25
SECOND TEST: Date:
TBA
McDonaldization of Society
Ritzer 1, 2
McDonaldization of Society
Ritzer 3, 4, 5, 6
Deviance and Social Control
T11/R26, 27, 28
Anomie and Alienation
R29
Inequality
Inequality and Social Class/DVD “No Logo”
T12, 13/R32, 33 34, 35
Community
McDonaldization and Community
Ritzer 7, 8, 9, 10
McDonaldization of Protestant Orgs.
Hiebert article (handout)
Prejudice and Discrimination
T14/R36, 38, 40
Deviance & Anomie
Final Exam Schedule
Assignment Roster
Due Dates
Your Points
1. Sociological Modeling Assignment (5 points) example
_______
_______
2. Symbolic Interactionism Assignment (10 points)
_______
_______
3. Content Analysis (7 points)
_______
_______
4. Journal entry on two “Reader” articles (4 pts each = 8pts)
_______
_______
5. Opening Doors (7 points)
_______
_______
6. Supersize Me (3 points) Movie watched outside of class time
_______
_______
7. McDonaldization of Society (15 points) example
_______
_______
***Note: The instructor will provide ample notice before assignments (or exams) are due/given.