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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.