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SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South Portland, ME 04106
Social Science Department
Fall 2014
Course Title: Introduction to Sociology
Course Code: SOCI 100
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Section: SOCI 100-R1 THURS. 6-8:45 P.M.
Instructor: Linda M. Waters
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: By appointment
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Course Syllabus
Course Description
Introduction to Sociology presents fundamental concepts and theories covering many areas of contemporary
sociology. This course analyzes the influence of social and cultural factors upon human behavior in such areas as culture,
socialization, groups, deviance, sexuality, stratification, race, gender, economics, family, religion, and the environment.
Social dynamics and social institutions will be explored, coupled with the ever-present issues of social change and the
impact of these changes on society and the individual.
Prerequisites: none Corequisite(s): ENGL-050, ENGL-075
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Define sociology as a discipline and explain its history, and how it is distinct from and related to other disciplines.
2. Explain how sociology is a science and become familiar with the research methods used by sociologists, including
different research designs, limitations of research findings, and ethical principles.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the subject matter of the field of sociology, including the major theoretical
approaches, vocabulary, and research findings of sociology.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how social inequality, stratification, and the social constructions of race, ethnicity
and gender operate within society.
5. Understand and apply sociological concepts to personal, social, and organizational issues by developing a
“sociological imagination.”
6. Explain how social structures, groups, and institutions influence and constrain individual agency.
7. Explain ways that social structure may limit or enable life chances.
8. Define culture, cultural relativism, and ethnocentrism, and demonstrate how cultures vary across time, place, and
social context.
9. Apply critical thinking skills to the field of sociology by seeking out and challenging common assumptions, identifying and
weighing appropriate evidence, evaluating empirically-grounded arguments, and reaching reasoned conclusions.
10. Analyze various social phenomena through the lens of different sociological theoretical perspectives.
Learning Outcomes:
Critical Thinking: Upon completion of this course students will have:
1-C. Read and demonstrated an understanding of complex ideas by identifying key concepts in the field of sociology.
2-C. Applied theory to practice using problem solving techniques and data analysis.
3-C. Analyzed & evaluated research data to produce a well-reasoned argument or position on an issue.
Global Citizenship: Upon Completion of this course students will be able to use sociology concepts to:
1-G. Explain how social interactions are influenced by local, regional, national, and/or global cultures.
2-G. Recognize cultural and individual differences that underlie the complexities of human behavior and social
interaction.
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Required Materials:
Manza, J., Arum, R., Haney L., Chibber, V., Duster, R. England, P….Wu, L. (2013). The sociology project:
Introducing the sociological imagination. Boston: Pearson
Course Requirements:
I. Attendance & Participation; II. Assessment of Textbook Reading III. Information Literacy;
IV. Applied Sociological Imagination V. Additional Assessments as Require
I. Attendance & Participation (25 points). The format of the class will involve class discussion with
experiential learning exercises and lectures. It is important that you attend class regularly and do your best to
participate. If you miss the first two classes you will be reported as a NO SHOW to the administration and
dropped from the class. Missing 3 consecutive classes during the semester without notifying your instructor
will result in you being dropped from the class and receiving an AF for the course grade. Administrative
Failure (a final grade of AF) identifies students who have stopped attending class and who have had no contact
with the faculty member for a period during which the class has met three or more times. At their discretion,
faculty may reinstate students who resume attending after the grade has been assigned.
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For each absence (see below for “extreme circumstances) five points will be deducted from the maximum 25
points available for credit.
II. Assessment of Textbook Reading ( 150 points). Students should be able to locate and integrate information using
analysis of the meaning and form of the text. Students should be able to provide specific text support for inferences,
informative statements, and comparisons within and across readings. Students will be required to complete assessments
of assigned readings prior to class.
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11 quizzes will be given comprised of 40 questions each for “take home” study over the course of the semester.
These quizzes must be completed and returned prior to the discussion of the particular chapter(s) it covers.
The lowest scores on three of the quizzes will be dropped. A total of 8 quizzes comprising the potential total of
150 points will be calculated into the final grade.
III. Information Literacy and Critical Thinking ( 150 points). Using the Sociology 100 LibGuide and the databases
available from the Learning Commons, students should demonstrate an understanding of how to locate and respond to
critical questions about peer-reviewed journal articles. Students should be able to critically evaluate credible from noncredible sources (i.e. American Journal of Sociology versus Wikipedia) and correctly cite sources using either
American Psychological Association (APA) or American Sociological Association (ASA) citations. Please see
assignment guidelines.
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8 articles will be presented throughout the semester and 3 will be required for 50 points each. Three 2- page
papers must be submitted. Guidance and a grading rubric will be provided.
IV. Applied Sociological Imagination ( 175 points). Students should be able to demonstrate the importance of social
context and social structure by applying their “sociological imaginations” to everyday reality in this assessment. Some
examples may include applying the concept of culture to a local supermarket, observing and interpreting a social event
using different sociological theories, or analyzing different aspects of mass media.
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2 applied sociological papers of 3 pages will be required throughout the semester. A grading rubric will be
provided. The first paper will be for a total of 75 points and the second 100 points.
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V. Additional assignments as required
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Global Citizenship Requirement: Each student must submit a one to two page essay encompassing global
citizenship from an interview with an individual(s) from another culture. Details will be given in class. If the
essay is not submitted 10 points will be deducted from the final point total for the entire semester. Submitted
essays will be awarded an additional 10 points to the final score.
Student Evaluation and Grading:
Students may earn a maximum of 500 points for the course work described in I. through IV. above and an
additional 10 points for the Global Citizenship Requirement in V. above.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
93-100% (463 - 500 points) = A
83-86% (413 - 432 points) = B
73-76% (363 – 382 points) = C
63-66% (313 – 332 points) = D
90-92% (448 - 462 points) = A80-82% (398 – 412 points) = B70-72% (348 - 362 points) = CBelow 63% (0 - 312 points) = F
87-89% (433 - 447 points) = B+
77-79% (382 - 397 points) = C+
67-69% (333 - 347 points) = D+
Cell Phones:
Cell phones and beepers are to be turned to vibrate. There will be no text messaging or answering
of cell phones during class lectures, group work/discussions, quizzes or exams. If you are found
violating this you will be dismissed from the class for the evening.
Laptops:
You may not use a laptop for any purpose in the class.
Assignments and Papers:
All assignments will be typed and double-spaced in Times Roman 12 font with 1 inch margins on
all sides.
Late Work:
Late work is not accepted in this class unless the student makes a request with explanation no later
than 24 hours ahead of the start time of the class it is due. The decision to allow late work will be
decided by the instructor on a case by case basis. Only in the MOST EXTREME circumstances
will late work be accepted. Vacations, family events, etc. are not considered extreme
circumstances and will not be eligible as reasons for late work. Documentation of proof of the
MOST EXTREME circumstance can be requested by the instructor.
Even if late work is accepted it will be reduced one grade on the class meeting it was due and then
one additional grade per week with a two week total limit for acceptance of late work.
Professional Courtesy:
Courses in Sociology cover a variety of issues that are sensitive in nature. While someone may not
find every topic controversial, a particular idea may indeed be emotionally charged for him or her.
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Therefore everyone must be tolerant of other’s opinions and their right to express themselves,
providing that the views that are expressed are not hateful or derogatory in nature. Should someone
feel that it is his/her right to put down or malign other’s views or their person, then the offending
individual will be immediately instructed to leave the classroom for the rest of the evening. SMCC
Administration will be notified immediately.
Behavior that is seen as distracting or disturbing to the class or instructor is also not permitted and
these can include audible noises, gestures, inappropriate clothing, etc. Please leave these behaviors
and items outside the classroom.
CLASS CALENDAR:
*Please note that the syllabus schedule may change as the semester unfolds.
Week Number
1
Thursday
Introduction, Syllabus and Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Sociological Imagination
2
Quiz due on Chapters 1 & 2
Chapter 2: Studying the Social World
3
Discussion of Information Literacy Assignments Chapter 3: Social Interaction
Quiz due on Chapter 3
4
Quiz due on Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Social Structure
5
Discussion of papers
6
Information Literacy Assignment Due (1st
article)
1st Sociological Paper due
Quiz due on Chapter 5
7
Quiz due on Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Power and Politics
8
Quiz due on Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Markets, Organizations, and Work
9
10
Quiz due on Chapter 9
2nd article due
Quiz due on Chapter 10
Chapter 9: Social Stratification, Inequality, and
Poverty
Chapter 10: Race and Ethnicity
11
Quiz due on Chapter 11
Chapter 11: Gender and Sexuality
12
3rd article due
Chapter 8, 12, 14, 15, &/or 21
13
Quiz due on Chapter 13
Chapter 13: Families and Social Life
14
Quiz due on Chapter 16
Chapter 16: Crime, Deviance, and Social Control
Chapter 5: Culture, Media, and Communication
Chapter 17, 18, 19, &/or 20
15
16
2 nd Sociological Paper due
Discussion of papers
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SEE STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR OTHER ACADEMIC POLICIES.
End-of-Course Evaluation
Students complete evaluations for each course attended at SMCC. Evaluations are submitted online and can be accessed
through the student portal. Students can access the course evaluations beginning one week before the end of classes.
The deadline for submission of evaluations occurs Monday at 5 PM following the last day of the class. You will receive
an email to your student email account when course evaluations are available.
ADA Syllabus Statement
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more
information, please call 207-741-5798. If you have a disabling condition and wish to request accommodations in order
to have reasonable access to the programs and services offered by SMCC, you must register with the Disability Services
Coordinator, Sandra Lynham, who can be reached at 741-5923. Further information about services for students with
disabilities and the accommodation process is available upon request at this number. Course policies about online
testing are modified to suit each individual’s accommodations.
SMCC Pay-for-Print Policy:
Per Page Costs
Each semester students receive a $20 printing credit. The balance resets at the end of the semester and any remaining
credits are removed. The cost varies depending upon page size and whether printing is done in black and white or color.
a. There is a $0.10 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” black and white documents.
b. The reverse sides of duplex (double-sided) documents are free.
c. There is a $.50 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” color documents.
d. There is a $.20 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) black and white
documents.
e. There is a $1.00 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) color documents.
Duplex charges (printing on both sides of a page) work in the following fashion: One page is $0.10, two pages are
$0.10, three pages are $0.20, and four pages are $0.20, etc. The flipsides are free, but another sheet of paper is $0.10.
Please be aware that a document with any color at all (when printed to a color printer) will by default be printed in
color. You are responsible for setting the print job to print black and white if you do not need color. For directions,
please go to the IT Help tab in My SMCC.
How does it work?
The College’s pay-for-print system monitors printing on all printers (including those in general access labs, library
printers, the Academic Achievement Center, Noisy Lounge and technology labs). Students can check the number of
pages they have printed by using the Printing Balance tool available on SMCC computers (located in the lower right
corner of the screen, near the clock). Departments with work study students who need to print documents for the
department should contact the HelpDesk at 741-5696 to have a special account set up.
Refunds
Print jobs are eligible for a refund in the event of mechanical or electronic error on the part of the printer, print server,
or software used to submit the job. Jobs are not eligible for a refund in cases where the job was not set up correctly, was
submitted multiple times, or the student is not satisfied with the result. To request a refund, please bring the offending
print to the IT Department in the basement of the Ross Technology Center. Refunds will be granted in the form of a
credit to the student’s account.
Why is SMCC charging for printing?
The pay-for-print system is an effort to control escalating printing costs. Charging for printing helps offset the increasing
cost of supplies and encourages students to conserve resources. To find ways to reduce your printing charges, please go
to the IT Help tab on My SMCC. If you have questions about the pay-for-printing policy or your printing charges,
please contact the HelpDesk at 741-5696 or send an email to [email protected]. Be sure to log OUT of the system
when you’ve finished your printing, to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Add-Drop Policy
Students who drop a course during the one-week “add/drop” period in the fall and spring semesters and the first three
5
days of summer sessions receive a 100% refund of the tuition and associated fees for that course. Please note any course
that meets for less than the traditional semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated add/drop period. There is no
refund for non-attendance.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered for that course. The
withdrawal period is the second through twelfth week of the fall and spring semesters and the second through ninth week
of twelve-week summer courses. This period is pro-rated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a
student must complete and submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center
(no phone calls, please). The designation “W” will appear on the transcript after a student has officially withdrawn. A
course withdrawal is an uncompleted course and may adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or
ceasing to attend class does not constitute withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a withdrawal.
Plagiarism Statement
Adherence to ethical academic standards is obligatory. Cheating is a serious offense, whether it consists of taking credit
for work done by another person or doing work for which another person will receive credit. Taking and using the ideas
or writings of another person without clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the academic code
as well as the Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in any course in which s/he is enrolled has
knowingly committed such a violation, the faculty member should refer the matter to the College’s Disciplinary Officer
and appropriate action will be taken under the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include suspension from the
course and a failing grade in the course. Students have the right to appeal these actions to the Disciplinary Committee
under the terms outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
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