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Soc 101- Introduction to Sociology (Spring 2017 - #7923 – 5.0 Credits)
Instructor: Daniel Suh, Ph.D.
Email: [email protected]
MW: 2:15-4:25pm (AAH-233)
Office: CTR 290K
Office Hours: 11:00am-12:00pm, M-F; or by appointment
Phone: 253-864-3339
Required Textbook:
Henslin, James. 2014. Mastering Sociology, 1st edition, Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780133829938
Course Description: An introduction to sociology – the study of society and human
interaction. Includes, but is not limited to, the systematic, or scientific, study of social
phenomena, developing one’s “sociological imagination,” and exploring human
relationships within the context of today’s rapidly changing world.
Course Content:
A. Introduction to the discipline of sociology, its history, personalities, methods, and
accomplishments
B. Sociological perspectives: Functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interaction, and
possibly postmodernism
C. Research methods
D. Socialization
E. Social structure: social institutions; statuses & roles; groups
F. Deviance
G. Social Stratification: social class; race & ethnicity; sex & gender; gender identity &
sexual orientation; age
H. Social institutions: the family & intimate relationships; education; economy; politics;
health care; religion
I. Population, industrialization, urbanization, and climate change
J. Collective behavior, social movements, and social change
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Distinguish how sociology describes, explains, and attempts to predict social
phenomena from the way other social science disciplines approach social phenomena
2. Identify key personalities in sociology and the contributions, theories, and/or
approaches they are identified with
3. Discuss how sociologists use theory and research to describe, explain, and
sometimes predict social phenomena;
4. Define the concept ‘social fact’ and apply it to a real life situation
5. Apply specific sociological perspectives to one or more social phenomenon
6. Explain how the scientific method can be used to study social phenomena
7. Define and be able to apply the concept of ‘culture’ to human social behavior
8. Describe and explain how sociologically and non-sociologically oriented theories
attempt to explain socialization
9. Apply the concept of socialization to sex, gender, race, and ethnicity
10. Discuss the essential elements of social groups and how individuals both influence
and are influenced by them
11. Discuss the relationship between social class; race and ethnicity; sex and gender;
gender identity and sexual orientation; and social stratification
12. Recognize and discuss the effects of social stratification and inequality, including
poverty, both in the US and globally
13. Use one or more social theories to “explain” social deviance
14. Identify how developments in discrete social institutions (e.g. the family, economy,
politics, religion, and health care) both contribute to and challenge the society in which
we live
15. Use established criteria to distinguish between capitalism and socialism as
economic systems
16. Identify and discuss how social and economic systems influence the way people
relate to each other
17. Identify how and/or use Malthusian, neo-Malthusian, and Demographic Transition
Theory to explain population growth
18. Use the following concepts in a discussion of climate change: agriculture, population
growth, industrialization, capitalism, and consumerism
Degree Outcomes:
Social Sciences:
Graduates acquire skills to critically interpret, analyze and evaluate forms of human
expression, and create and perform as an expression of the human experience.
Multiculturalism:
Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of diverse ideas, cultures, and experiences, and
develop the ability to examine their own attitudes and assumptions in order to
understand and work with others who differ from themselves.
Pierce College Core Abilities:
Pierce College has adopted five core abilities that we believe are essential. These are:
Responsibility
Effective Communication
Information Competency
Critical Thinking
Multiculturalism
As part of the educational process in this class we will be integrating these five core
abilities into the class.
Grades: The letter grade for this class is based on the completion of three examinations,
ten homework assignments, and one term paper. In addition, attendance and
participation will be included in the overall course grade. Below is the grade breakdown
for the course.
Grading Standard
A
B
C
D
F
450-500 points (100-90%)
400-449 points (89-80%)
350-399 points (79-70%)
300-349 points (69-60%)
below 300 points (below 59%)
Point Value
Examinations
Homework
Term Paper
Attendance and Participation
(3 x 100 points)
(10 x 10 points)
300 points
100 points
50 points
50 points
500 points total
Percent
100
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
87
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
Letter
A+
A
AAAAAB+
B+
B
B
B
BBBBB-
Grade Point
4.0
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
Percent
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
61
60
Letter
C+
C+
C
C
C
CCCCCD+
D+
D
D
D
DDDDD-
Grade Point
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
Exams:
A portion of your grade is determined by two midterm examinations and one final
examination. All exams are in-class exams and worth 100 points. There will be NO
make-up exams. In the case of an emergency, please contact me as soon as possible
for a possible make up exam. Documentation is required for such accommodations.
Please contact me as soon as possible if there is a problem.
Homework/Discussion:
You will have 10 writing assignments and discussions throughout the semester. I will
be giving more details in class as we come across each assignment. Each assignment
is worth 10 points.
Term Paper:
Please see last few pages attached.
Attendance:
Class attendance and student interactions are important parts of the learning
experience. A portion of your grade will be based on attendance and participation.
Your attendance and participation is expected for every class period. I will be taking
attendance each day. Excessive absences will impact your course grade. If there are
any issues or problems during the semester, please let me know.
Class Preparation, Learning Community Guidelines, and Course Standards:
It is essential that you complete the assigned readings for each class and be prepared
to discuss them. Our goal in the course is to become a community of learners. Higher
education is a collaborative experience involving interaction with both the instructor and
classmates. All members of the learning community will be treated with dignity and
respect. Anyone whose behavior is disruptive to the educational process will be alerted
to the concern and may be asked to leave the classroom if it continues. Please be
respectful to a person’s race, gender, beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, etc.
Disrespectful comments will not be tolerated. The high standards of professional and
academic behavior will be upheld.
Cell Phones, Laptops, and Other Devices:
In an effort to optimize our learning experience and classroom time, I ask that you turn
off your cell phones. The use of cell phones during class is not only distracting to you
and I, but also your fellow colleagues. If you know that you are expecting an important
call or text (or need to make an important call or text) during class, please quietly leave
the room and take care of your needs. Please be mindful and respectful of the class in
doing so and keep this to a minimum. Laptops are acceptable for taking notes and
class-related use. Please do not use laptops or other devices to navigate the internet,
check emails, etc. Let’s please utilize our time together effectively and avoid these
distractions. I understand you have a life outside of class and that it is demanding, but
your compliance is greatly appreciated.
Academic Honesty:
Honesty is expected of all students. For this class, cheating is unacceptable in any
form. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing, you will receive a zero on that
assignment and possibly a failing grade in the class. If you are unsure about
plagiarism, communicate with me – I’m here to help.
Make-up/Late Paper Policy:
Late homework assignments will not be accepted, except in the case of an emergency.
Documentation is required for such accommodations. Assignments are due at the
beginning of class on the day they are due. The Social Problem Paper must be
submitted on the due date and will not be accepted late. All assignments should be
typed (communicate with me as I understand if this might not always be possible).
Disability Accommodation Statement:
Your experience in this class is important to me, and it is the policy and practice of
Pierce College to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with
federal and state law. If you experience barriers based on disability, please seek a
meeting with the Access and Disability Services (ADS) manager to discuss and address
them. If you have already established accommodations with the ADS manager, please
bring your approved accommodations (green sheet) to me at your earliest convenience
so we can discuss your needs in this course.
ADS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with
disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive
process between you and the ADS manager, and I am available to help facilitate them
in this class. If you have not yet established services through ADS, but have a
temporary or permanent disability that requires accommodations (this can include but
not be limited to; mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or
health impacts), you are encouraged to contact ADS at 253-964-6526 (Fort Steilacoom)
or 253-840-8335 (Puyallup).
Emergency Procedures for Classrooms:
Call 911 and then Campus Safety in response to an imminent threat to persons or
property. In the event of an evacuation, gather all personal belongings and leave the
building using the nearest available safe exit. Be prepared to be outside for one hour
and stay a minimum of 200 feet from any building or structure. So long as it is safe to
do so students are expected to stay on campus and return to class after evacuations
that last less than 15 minutes. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed by
an Evacuation Director (identified by orange vests) or by three horn blasts or bell rings.
Please notify the nearest Campus Safety Officer or Evacuation Director of anyone left in
the building or in need of assistance.
Puyallup Campus Safety (253) 840-8481
Fort Steilacoom Campus Safety (253) 964-6751
Reading Assignments, Discussions and Examinations
Class
Assignment
Week 1:
4/3
4/5
Introduction; The Sociological Perspective, Chapter 1
Research and Theory in Sociology, Chapter 2
Week 2:
4/10
4/12
Culture, Chapter 3
Socialization, Chapter 4
Week 3:
4/17
4/19
Social Structure and Interaction, Chapter 5
Deviance and Control, Chapter 6; Review
Week 4:
4/24
4/26
Deviance and Control, Chapter 6; Review
Midterm #1
Week 5:
5/1
5/3
Social Stratification, Chapter 7
Social Stratification, Chapter 7
Week 6:
5/8
5/10
Race and Ethnicity, Chapter 8
Race and Ethnicity, Chapter 8
Week 7:
5/15
5/17
Sex and Gender, Chapter 9; Review
Midterm #2
Week 8:
5/22
5/24
Marriage and Family, Chapter 11
Marriage and Family, Chapter 11
Week 9:
5/29
5/31
College Closed: Memorial Day
Politics and Economy, Chapter 10
Week 10:
6/5
6/7
Education, Chapter 12
Religion, Chapter 12; Review
Week 11:
6/12
6/14
Religion, Chapter 12; Review
Final Exam (2:15 to 4:25)
Sociology 101
Social Problem Paper
5-6 pages
Section One: (5 points)
Describe a social problem within the United States that you have chosen to analyze. Be
specific about what interested you about the topic and any background you may have
with the subject. Why do you want to know more about the topic?
Section Two: (30 points)
In this section, state your social problem, provide credible documentation of the social
problem, and identify at least 2 sociological factors to analyze in the paper. Examine
the problem and the sociological factors that influence the problem. The focus of the
paper should reflect on how society contributes to the creation of the problem and/or
how society is affected by certain processes. You need to clearly identify the
sociological themes in your paper.
You will need to use at least 1 scholarly resource (professional journals, books, etc.) to
substantiate your paper. You may use any other sources to supplement. You will
complete a reference section at the end of your paper.
Section Three: (5 points)
Briefly summarize the main points of the paper. Provide any thoughts you have about
solutions to the problem. Discuss your personal reaction to writing this paper. What did
you learn about research, data and/or statistics, society, etc? How can you use what
you learned in a practical way?
Execution : (10 points)
The following guidelines must be met for your paper:
1. Papers must be typed or computer generated on clean, white 8.5 X 11 paper.
2. Paper must be double-spaced and have one-inch margins all around.
3. Paper should be separated into clearly identifiable sections.
4. You need to include a bibliography that shows sources for information cited in your
paper. If you have questions on how to give credit to sources, please see me.
5. Organization, spelling, grammar, and overall presentation of the paper should be high
quality.
Guidelines for Writing Papers
Papers will be evaluated on the basis of the care with which they are written in
addition to the quality of their analysis and research. The topic of this paper is open to
the student’s interpretation of readings and will be graded on the strength of analytic
comparison of readings, terms, concepts, and/or theories. It is not simply a summary of
readings, but the analysis should connect the readings, terms, concepts, and/or theories
in some form of comparison or contrast. Students must incorporate terms, concepts,
theories, etc. discussed in the text and class and exhibit knowledge of these ideas. This
will be discussed further in class. Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
1. A good paper should be written largely in your own words, supplemented
where appropriate with a few well-chosen quotations from or references to relevant
portions of the text.
2. Make sure that your paper has something from you as well as something from
the readings. I am not looking for great leaps of imagination, or a paper filled with
unsubstantiated opinion. Just try to have a unique point to make, or a unique set of
examples to discuss. Select your own favorite arguments or pieces of evidence from
the many that are offered in a given reading, make you own selection of points to
compare and contrast, etc.
3. As you do each reading, ask yourself how it relates to other readings and/or
topics. As you spot connections, start keeping a file of notes on each theme. Then
after several units have been completed, all you will need to do to get ready to write
your paper is to sort through your thickest or most interesting pile of notes.
4. You do not compare readings by presenting a summary of one reading
followed by a summary of the other. Identify the principal similarities and/or differences
that you see between the two readings at the start of your paper, and then devote the
rest of the paper to documenting them. Don’t wait until the final page of your paper to
start making comparative statements.
5. Since papers are supposed to reflect the readings, they should include proper
documentation of their sources. All quotations and other references to a source should
be accompanied by accurate page references. Make sure that whatever quotes you
use are accurate.
GENERAL WRITING GUIDELINES
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Paragraphs: Each paragraph should be organized. It can be
o Chronological
o General to particular: a topic sentence which is general followed by specific
details to support the topic sentence
o Particular to general: a topic sentence, followed by particulars leading up to a
general statement
Conciseness
o Get rid of excess words
o Example: instead of “beginning to learn” say “learning”
Avoid trite expressions and slang
o Trite expression examples: off the wall, crying out for, coast to coast, hits home
o Slang examples: sort of, cops, kids, guys
o Avoid extreme language: Examples: fabulous, horrible, excruciating,
unbelievable
Avoid absolutes
o Don’t use: all, never, every, absolutely, always, prove
o Do use: seem to, appear to, tendency, tend, suggests
Spelling
o Proofread carefully!
Grammar
o Always use complete sentences
o When you have a list of things, all must be in the same form (i.e. plural, singular,
adjective, adverb, present tense, past tense)
o Noun form and verb form in the same sentence must match
o Be consistent in what verb tense you use.
No sexist language. When referring to people (as opposed to men or women) use
he/she, s/he, they, individuals
No contractions
Spell out numbers ten and lower
Punctuation
o Punctuation always inside quotation marks, except for semicolons
o Transitional word as the first word in a sentence is followed by a comma
o Transitional word in the middle of sentence is preceded by a semicolon and
followed by a comma
o Double space after periods
o No single quotation marks
Avoiding Plagiarism:
o Directly quoting the words of others without using quotation marks or indented
format to identify the source
o Using altered wording, materials or ideas of others without properly identifying
the source
o Representing someone else’s ideas as your own