Introduction to Sociology Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

SOCI-1301-002 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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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Supplies

Students must have access to a reliable computer, with internet and printer access.  Paper, pens, and pencils will also be needed.

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

1.  Come to class prepared.

2.  Listen when others are speaking.  Be respectful.

3.  Avoid side conversations.  They are distracting to me and to others who sit close by.

4.  Arrive on time for class and stay for the whole class period.

5.  Take care of personal needs before class.  Movement about the room is disrupting.  If this poses a problem for you, please talk to me.

6.  Do not bring food and drinks into the classroom.

7.  Cell phones should be turned off before class begins.  If you feel that you have a reason for an exception, please speak to me.

8.  If I find you sleeping, "resting", I will tap you on your arm and you are leaving for the rest of the class.

9.  Cheating or Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an "F" for the course, not a "W".

Grading Criteria

Throughout the class – you can calculate on your own where you stand. Take the points you could have up to that point and divide it by the points you DO have, - move the decimal over 2 and walla!

1.  ALL QUIZZES ARE ON LINE.

2.  Class Participation:  Class participation is mandatory.  Lack of participation will result in an entire grade deduction when I calculate final grades.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT:  "What WE Should Have Learned in High School About Money, Sex and Marriage."  Write a full 2 page, double spaced, 12 font, times new roman, standard margin (1"), paper regarding what you learned form this book.  (There is also a quiz over this book.) 

MAKEUP POLICY:  NONE.  ALL test are done ONLINE and ON TIME.  I DO NOT turn quizzes back on.  Do not wait until the last minute; something will go wrong (Murphy's Law!!).  Excuses will not be accepted, sickness, weather, computer problems, work - it is your choice to take or not take the quizzes.

Attendance

Class attendance is very important and I hope that you will make the choice to be in class on a regular basis.  There is no doubt that students who attend class do better than those who do not.  Students will receive 2 ½ pts per class in attendance (45 pts total). If you are tardy, you will receive 1 pt. If you are not there when I take role, you are tardy! It is your responsibility to come up after class to let me know you are there. You do not need to email or call me to say you will be late or will not be in class.

Calendar

Additional Information

The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or calendar if needed.

This is a hybrid class. It is the students responsibility to check their lessons and calendars IN the class site for all assignments and due dates.