Introduction to Sociology Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

SOCI-1301-003 Introduction to Sociology

Prerequisites

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

Course Description

The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity and deviance.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

TEXTBOOKS and STUDY GUIDE

Henslin, James. Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts (6th Edition). PEARSON

ISBN-13: 978-0-205-99984-2

You do not need to purchase anything other that the textbook. 

Supplies

STUDENT SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES

You must have access to a working computer connected to the internet.  You may use your computer or use the AC computers during the time they are available. Computers at AC are in computer labs and the library.  If you need it, help is available.  

If you need help to set up your AC CONNECT account, go to the second floor of the library and they will assist you in getting set up. If you need help you may also contact our Helpdesk at 371-5000 or email them at askac@actx.edu

To access AC CONNECT, you need your AC online user name and password. This class has an online courseroom that you can access by going to the AC homepage, clicking on AC ONLINE at the top of the homepage, and then putting in your user name and password when prompted.  You will see the online link to our classroom. This is where you will be able to access and print off lecture notes in power point, assignments, reminders,  and where you will take all quizzes, and submit other assignments.  All of the AC Library computers have POWERPOINT AND MS WORD.

You will  need pens, pencil, notebook, paper.  

Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

To learn, and begin to apply, the sociological perspective.

To learn the basic language and vocabulary of sociology – concepts, theories, frameworks, etc.

To understand sociology as an academic and applied discipline, and how it is similar to and different from other ways of understanding and explaining human behavior.

To understand how sociologists do research and reach conclusions.

 To understand selected applications of sociology for topical areas such as social inequality, crime and deviance, social institutions, social change, communities, family, etc. 

To understand how various aspects of  “the social” influence human behavior, and how individuals and groups construct, maintain, and modify aspects of “the social.”    

To understand how the sociological perspective applies to “real life” - how it impacts understanding self, others, and the world we live in.   

To add the sociological perspective to your toolkit for surviving, if not thriving, in your life.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

I expect you all to attend class (arrive on time and stay for the full class meeting), participate in class, be prepared for class, and respect everyone else who is the classroom. No cell phones use, No Texting. If you must attend to an emergency call/text you must talk with me before class so I am aware. If you miss class it is your responsibility to get the material you missed. I will be giving assignments during class; some will be due the next class meeting, others will due during the same class meeting that the assignment is given. It is your responsibility to complete all in-class assignments. Each student is expected to engage in academic honesty and refrain from cheating and/or plagiarism. All students are expected to be tolerant and respectful of other students. There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment!! I want this to be an environment everyone can learn and feel safe!  Let’s work together to make it a constructive and safe environment to learn and communicate. 

Grading Criteria

You will be able to check your grade on AC connect. Grading will be on the standard grade scale:

90 – 100 = A

80 – 89.5  = B

70 – 79.5 = C 

60 – 69.5 = D

Below 60 = F

The grades will be earned:

Exams: 50%

Five exams; each will be made up of 50 multiple choice items, based on textbook reading assignments and class presentation/discussion. The lowest exam score will be excluded in computing the course grade.

In-class assignments: 10% 

Periodically assignments will be given in class based on the current topic and text reading assignment. 

Online assignments: 20%

Typical online assignment:  watch assigned video and post questions and comments along with response/reflection to questions and comments from other class members. Most online assignments are available on the discussion board. 

Service learning project and volunteer verification: 10%

You will need to answer the essay online and submit your verification online.  Detailed instructions are available on a link to service learning.  

Sociological interpretation essay: 10% 

Select an incident, issue, or current event to interpret sociologically  An event or issue in your own life or family history is a good source. Using sociological concepts and theory show how the event, issue, incident can be at least partially explained using the sociological perspective.  Make this between 2 to 4 typed pages. May be submitted online beginning Feb 16, but not later than March 2. 

Attendance

It’s college; I know there may be days you want to skip, but if you show up you will do better in the class. It’s an 8-week class; if you miss class meetings you will get behind very quickly. You will be required to scan your ID for attendance each day in class. I understand that things come up, but please try your best to be in class and be on time!

Calendar

Additional Information

Office Hours:

I will hold office hours by appointment.

The best way to reach me is my e-mail: jack.dison@actx.edu 

Most issues can be resolved before or after class, however, we can always set-up an appointment that will work for both of us if more time is needed.

 

Advice on How to Do Well in this course:

1. Attend every class meeting.
2. Read carefully each chapter from the text – read it in preparation for the designated class meeting (see calendar), and, of course, for the exams. 
3. Listen carefully to all class presentations and discussions – and take notes.
4. Pay attention to times and due dates for all assignments. 
5. TAKE ALL EXAMS AT THE DESIGNATED TIME.
6. Do all assignments for class.  Some will be given in class meetings.
7. Make arrangement for the Service learning project assignment, complete the assignment, get documentation, and follow-up.
8. Watch videos and respond (make discussion posts online) at the designated time.

 

Note: there may be some edits and minor changes to this syllabus during the 8-week term.  These will be announced.