Download Genesee Community College

Genesee Community College
ACE at Attica High School
SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology
Class Location: Room 112
Instructor: Diane Gebel
Contact information: [email protected] or 591-0400 extension 1112
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Catalog Description: Studies social patterns affecting the structure and functioning of
group life such as cultural values, deviance, class structure, and social change. Examines
methods and perspectives sociologists employ, and the ways group forces influence the
individual in society. Prerequisite or corequisite: REA101 or having met the College's
reading competency.
Course Overview: This is an introductory sociology class designed to give an overview
of the discipline. It is my goal that you will begin to think about the influence sociology
has in your life, and for you to understand the basic concepts of sociology. By then end
of the course you will be able to apply these concepts to your life and to society.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, as documented by exams, papers, discussion,
group projects, and application exercises, students will be able to:
1. Apply the three major theoretical perspectives (functionalism, conflict, and
symbolic interaction) to a selected social issue, identifying how each perspective
provides a different view of the social issue.
2. Identify a minimum of four types of research methodologies (survey, experiment,
content/secondary analysis, ethnography, etc.) as well as the basic elements contained
within the scientific method.
3. Analyze a minimum of two ways that at least four of the following six elements
of culture impact the daily lives of all members of society (material/nonmaterial
culture; social structure, values, norms, and laws; subcultures; cultural diversity;
ethnocentrism and cultural relativism; culture change and culture lag).
4. Apply a minimum of three key elements within the process of socialization (for
example, agents of socialization, development of self-concept, nature/nurture,
socialization across the lifespan, etc.), to their own lives, with particular emphasis
on the theories of Mead and Cooley.
5. Analyze the nature of role relationships, with emphasis on such concepts as
achieved/ascribed statuses, master status, role conflict, role stain, secondary
versus primary group relationships, reference groups, and the relationship of roles
to the social structure.
6. Apply a minimum of two of the theories of deviance to a current example of
deviant behavior in society.
7. Identify a social movement within American society and then analyze a
minimum of 3 elements of collective behavior that are (or were) evident in that
movement.
8. Identify a minimum of three ideal attributes of the American stratification
system, and then compare and contrast those attributes in regard to the reality of
the American stratification system, identifying five personal characteristics that
are class-linked.
9. Contrast the nature of prejudice and discrimination, and identify two
individual-level and two societal outcomes of discrimination against minorities
(such as racial/ethnic groups, women, the elderly, differences in sexual
orientation, etc.) within American society.
10. Analyze a minimum of three manifest or latent functions of one of the
following major societal institutions (family, education, religion, economy, polity,
media, technology, health and medicine). Given the three functions, identify a
minimum of two ways the current structure of that institution supports those
functions and a minimum of two ways the current structure undermines those
functions.
Course Requirements:
1. Reading: It is expected that you will read the chapter prior to class. This will enable
you to participate in class discussion. You are responsible for all reading assignments as
provided in the syllabus. .
2. Class participation: Class discussions are the backbone of this class. Hence, reading
the assignments prior to class is absolutely necessary
3. Behavior/procedure: Students will behave in a manner conducive to learning.
Specifically:
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Students will be on time and prepared for class
Students will listen when others are talking
No food or drink will be allowed in class
Assignments are to be submitted when due (no late work accepted)
4. Weekly homework: Every Friday you will submit a typed written response to the
chapter we are reading and the class discussions as well as any other assignments given.
5. Application Paper: Details for this 5-7 page APA style paper are provided in class.
Grading:
1. Tests
25%
2. Homework
25%
3. Application Paper
20%
4. Presentations
15%
5. Participation
15%
Academic Dishonesty: Cheating/plagiarism will be grounds for receiving an F for a
given assignment/exam and possibly for the course. Please familiarize yourself with
Genesee policy regarding cheating as found in Information for All Students and
explained in the college catalog.
Assignments:
Week Of:
September 13
Chapter 1: The Sociological Point of View
Read Chapter 1
Chapter 18 Social Change
Sept. 27
Chapter 2
Oct. 4
Chapter 3 Cultural Conformity and Adaptation
Oct. 18
Chapter 4 Social Structure
Oct. 25
Chapter 5 Socializing the Individual
November 1
Unit 1 Test
November 2
Chapter 6 Societies
November 8
Chapter 8 Adolescents
November 8
Chapter 8 Deviance
November 15
Unit 2 Test
November 16
Chapter 9 Social Stratification
November 29
Chapter 10 Racial and Ethnic Relations
December 6
Chapter 11 Gender, Age, and Health
December 13
Chapter 12 The Family
December 20
Paper is DUE
January 3
Chapter 14 Education and Religion
January 10
Presentations
January 18 and 19
Final Exam
Culture
Changes to the syllabus may occur as determined by the teacher.