Introduction to Sociology Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SOCI-1301-003 Introduction to Sociology

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Introductory study of sociology with special emphasis on social groups, institutions, interaction and change.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Henslin, J. Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts (4th Edition)

ISBN-13: 978-0205698301

You may also be able to find this book used at Amazon.com, as well as at BARNES and NOBLE online for less than the AC bookstore charges, if you want to order it in advance of the class. YOU MUST HAVE THE TEXTBOOK AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS! 

As well, you can go to Textbooks Direct and find good prices on used texts, OR rent the book. Go to:

http://www.directtextbook.com/prices/9780205698301

Supplies

You must have access to a working computer, and/or be available to work on campus during our computer lab and library hours.  It is your responsibility to have your computer working during the duration of this course, or to be on campus to use t

Student Performance

This course is an excellent and informative learning experience for all behavioral science learners, along with law, business, medicine, social work, substance abuse counseling, child care, history and political science, as well as education majors.  General sociology gives an overview of the impact of our own and others societies on human development, along with how we as individuals influence our society.  By the end of this course, learners should be able to:

STUDENT PERFORMANCE GOALS:

1)  Learners will gain a working knowledge as to how individuals impact society, social situations, culture, institutions, and groups and how society impacts and shapes individuals through the process of socialization.

2)  Learners will gain an understanding of how scientific methodology is applied to studying sociology.

3)  Learners will analyze the major concepts and theories in the field of sociology.

4)  Once learners develop these conceptual tools, they have developed the ability and will begin to apply research findings and theories to real world social situations, such as understanding and dealing with race and ethnicity, culture, groups, conformity, gender issues, and family life.

5) Specific areas of study in sociology will be considered, such as crime and deviance, gender, race and ethnicity and prejudice, groups, and family life.

6)  Students will be assigned various social topics to research and discuss in class, including but not limited to the death penalty, health reform, gay marriage, and financial and political reform, as current and relevant social issues impacting their lives. 

7)    By the end of this course, students will have a greater appreciation for diversity within societies, cultures and social institutions, and are able to think critically about issues in sociology that impact them. As well, students will be able to use this knowledge to better their own social relationships and society in practical ways.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to engage in appropriate "netiquette" within the ONLINE PORTION OF THIS CLASS, and to engage in civil behaviors in the classroom portion of this course.  Inappropriate behaviors, such as swearing, discussion of inappropriate issues NOT related to the courseroom material, or any type of intolerance or rudeness to other learners will not be tolerated and may result in failing the class, or dismissal from Amarillo College. Treat others as you like to be treated and everything should be fine!

Now, having said that, please remember that this is an COLLEGE LEVEL COURSE, and we will be discussing controversial issues in an ADULT MANNER!  You are expected to act like an adult in these discussions and realize that others may think and feel differently than you on a host of issues related to sociology!  Diversity is a GREAT THING and to be APPRECIATED in this instructors opinion.  If you find something offensive that is said by another student OR your instructor, please don't hesitate to contact me and discuss this with me.  However, it's important to remember that this course is not designed to CONFIRM YOUR OWN POLITICAL or RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, but rather to get you to think about sociology, society, and people in a bigger way than you may have already been exposed to. IN THAT, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF UNCOMFORTABLE AT TIMES, AS YOU ARE BEING REQUIRED TO STRETCH OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! This is a part of what it means to get an education!  Obviously, learning to see the world in a different light is the goal of this course! 

If you have a complaint about this course, please contact me first.  If you are uncomfortable doing that, you may contact my supervisor, Mr. Jerry Moller at DURR 212A, 371-5297

If you have a concern that something you want to write would offend others in the courseroom, run it by me first. Simply contact me via the courseroom email. As well, if you are aware of any student being mistreated or harrassed in this course (including yourself), please bring it to my immediate attention.  We have zero tolerance for any student being mistreated here at Amarillo College. This will be a SAFE place for the expression of ideas and exchanges! Remember, you are an adult and differences of opinion and beliefs, and ideas is a critical part of adult education! Thanks! Dr. Harding

Grading Criteria

The grading criteria for the course will be based on standard percentages of work done with 89.5 to 100% being an A, 79.5 to 89.4% being a B, 69.5-79.4% being a C, 49.5 to 69.4% being a D and below 49.5 being an F. 

Grades include the following: 

• 3 exams worth 100 points each.  Because exams are online and open for 1 week at a time, no make ups will be allowed.  Don't miss an exam AND YOU HAVE ONE FULL WEEK TO TAKE IT!   300 points total.
• 4 FILM LABS worth 15 points each and 2 study guides (for exam 1 and exam 2 study guide) worth 15 points each.  You get to drop your lowest 15 pt score (either the film lab or the study guide.  So, if you get a low score on one OR if you miss one, that will be your lowest score that gets dropped.  This is 75 pts total toward your final grade.
• Finally, I will be taking roll 6 times over the semester for 5 points each.  You are allowed to miss one time that I take attendance. You may earn a total of 25 points attendance.  If your attendance is perfect, you get 5 extra credit points! YEAH!!!!
• TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS for your grade = 400 pts. 
• To see your grade, go to ABOUT THIS CLASS: CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR GRADE on THIS COURSE HOMEPAGE.

I work hard to get your grades posted in a timely manner so you can view them and keep updated on your percentage, as I know your grades are important to you. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE YOUR GRADES OR YOU THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM!!!! IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO CONTACT ME RIGHT THEN AND NOT WAIT!

Attendance

This class only meets once a week for 1 and 1/2 hours!  All students are expected to make every effort in attending every class and your grade will be impacted by a lack of attendance. Each student will be expected to complete all assignments online, to do their reading, watch the films, engage in online discussions. Classtime is only meant as time to answer questions, discuss the high points of each of these chapters, and to assist students in their efforts to understand and master the material.

90% of success is SHOWING UP!  ~ Woody Allen

While it may be tempting to skip classes and wait until the last minute to do your ONLINE WORK for this hybrid, know that the #1 factor linked with good grades IS class attendance and consistent participation.  BE PREPARED FOR CLASS AND DO NOT MISS CLASS.  As well, you will have LABS TO DO OVER THE FILMS (THESE WILL BE TURNED IN ONLINE IN THE DROP BOX), and films to watch as homework.  As well, you will be turning in 2 of your 3 exam study guides for points, to encourage you to study the material in a more thorough manner.  Since 100 points of your grade have to do with these attendance, participation homework points, you need to be in class each day to get them!  MISSING ANY OF THESE classes, or any of the film labs and study guide assignments IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGED!

Calendar

Additional Information

 

HYBRID SOCIOLOGY THROUGH LECTURE, FILMS AND DISCUSSION

Dr. Harding's General Sociology course is designed to give students an opportunity to learn about, think about and discuss the dynamics of the human social situation.  For this course, which is in a "hybrid" format, we will cover 9 out of the 10 chapters in the text (because we have are closed for the class on Wednesday during Thanksgiving, we are short one week).  In this hybrid format, students will be responsible for reading the chapters BEFORE the lecture, watching 3 of the 5 films on the computer, and coming to class to engage in discussions, debate and lecture formats regarding the material from the films and chapters.  We will be watching movies that include My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Secret of the Wild Child, and THE CLASS DIVIDED online, as well as the PEOPLE BOMB and the Human Behavior Experiments in class.  We will be discussing culture, prejudice, group influence, leadership styles, human development, conformity, race and gender, to name a few items.

FIND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION GO TO THE LINKS BELOW:

• AMARILLO COLLEGE LIBRARY:  http://www.actx.edu/library/
  • For help with your computer, or to use computers go to the second floor of the library.
• For information on how to do a research paper and search for references go to:
  • http://www.actx.edu/library/index.php?module=article&id=8#Research

• FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PLAGIARISM AND HOW TO AVOID IT: GO TO:

• http://www.actx.edu/english/index.php?module=article&id=14

• For help with your papers: go to Writers' Corner

  • Mission and Services:The Writers’ Corner staff firmly believe that good writing is an essential skill for being successful in college. Our main goal, therefore, is to help students become more confident and effective writers.Whether drafting research papers, preparing marketing proposals, or working on writing projects for any class at Amarillo College, students will benefit from one-on-one tutoring sessions with knowledgeable and encouraging tutors.  Our tutors review assignment requirements, provide constructive feedback, and guide students through all phases of the writing process.The Writers’ Corner is open to all students, regardless of academic discipline and skill level.

• We Offer:*One-on-one tutoring sessions with trained tutors,  small workshops throughout the semester covering various aspects of academic writing,  in-class presenations on the role of the Writers' Corner, a waiting area for walk-ins and early arrivals, coffee and donuts for students with appointments, EMAIL US AT: writerscorner@actx.edu
• OR stop by: LOCATION:  Ordway Hall, Room 102
• Hours of Operation:
  • Fall & Spring Semesters:Monday - Thursday  8:00 am to 4:00 pm and ClosedFriday, Saturday, and Sunday
  • Summer Sessions:  Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday