Introduction to Sociology Syllabus for 2021-2022
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Office Location

Dutton Hall 202L

Office Hours

Email or through Blackboard Collaborate 

By appointment if contacted by email eerodriguez@actx.edu

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1301-004 Introduction to Sociology

Prerequisites

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach Core Concepts 6th edition James. M Henslin ISBN 0-205-99984-0
 

Supplies

  • Pen or pencil, your book and something to take notes on.
  • YOU MUST HAVE ACCESS TO A WORKING COMPUTER OR BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE AC COMPUTERS DURING THE TIMES THEY ARE OPEN.  If you don't have your own computer, use AC computers. We have computers for your use in the on campus COMPUTER LABS as well as the 4th floor of the Ware Student Commons. 
  • 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
  • All notes, assignments, quizzes and exams will be given online

Student Performance

Student performance and learning outcomes for SOCI 1301:

  1. Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology.
  2. Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.
  3. Describe key concepts in sociology.
  4. Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.
  5. Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces

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

  • Classroom Behavior:

  • I expect you all to attend class, participate in class assignments,  exams, be prepared for class exams, and respect everyone else who is the class. You are responsible for contacting me about missed assignments. If you are sick email me that day so that you can get the assignment from class. After the fact is never a good way to handle situations and I do not take make-up work. Each student is expected to engage in academic honesty and refrain from cheating and/or plagiarism. This means that although the exams are online you should be doing your own work. I whole heartedly expect you to use your notes and books on all assignments and exams, you just may not use your friend or classmates. All students are expected to be tolerant and respectful of other students’ responses within class. There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment!! I want this to be an environment everyone can learn and feels safe!!
  •  

Grading Criteria

  • Grading Criteria:
  • There will be a total of 900 possible points for the semester. I do not plan on changing the amount of points possible, but please check your points often and check online often in case there is a change. If the amount of points possible changes the amount of points needed to earn a certain grade will also change. You will be able to check your grade on AC Online. To calculate your grade you will divide the number of points you have earned (usually the smaller number) by the number of possible points that you could have earned in the class (the larger number). Grading will be on the standard grade scale:
  • 100-90% = 900-810 points A

    89-80% = 809-720 points B

    79-70% = 719-630 points C

    69-60% = 629-540 points D

    Below 60% = below 540 points F

    The points will be earned:

    500 points for exams

    150 points social responsibility learning project

    90 points for online assignments

    40 points for in class assignments

    20 attendance

    100 final group project

    Total points possible: 900 points

      •  
        • 5 50 question multiple choice exams online; each exam is worth 100 points
        • The online assignments: 90 points
          • Each assignment needs to be answered completely with complete thoughts and sentences.
        • In class assignments: 40
          • We will be doing in class assignments for different chapters
        • Final group project 100
        •  150 points for social learning project
          • You will be required to do 4 hours of community service at your chosen agency in the community. You must provide signed documentation for your required hours. Your volunteer verification will be worth 50 points.
          • You will answer 4 short essay questions reflecting on your experience. Question 5 will require you to read graphs and answers a few questions. This portion is worth 100 points. 
  • If a student scores below 70% on an exam or writing assignment, he or she will be required to attend tutoring per the instructor’s directions before being allowed to complete the next assigned work.

Attendance

Attendance Policy:         

  • It is extremely important that you show up for online class every day. This is an 8-week course so we move through topics/chapters every day.  Please check online for updates and assignment due dates. If you miss an announcement or due date it will hurt your grade.  Some class assignments are online make sure not to miss any due dates and some in class. I understand things do come up so please contact me as soon as possible so that we can work something out. Contacting me after the fact leaves little room for me to help you and I do not take late work.

Calendar

Instructor reserves the right to change or alter class schedule and assignments if needed.

Class Schedule/Outline:

  Date                                                   Lesson/Lecture/ Assignments

 Monday March 21st                            Welcome, Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective  

                                                            Ethics assignment due Friday March 25th by 11:59 pm

Wednesday March 23rd                       Chapter 2: Culture

Exam 1 opens Thursday March 24th and closes Sunday March 27th at 11:59 pm. The exam will cover chapters 1 & 2. 50 multiple choice questions. Once you open the exam you will need to complete it. If you lose connection or close the exam your grade will submit. Please email me as soon as possible with any problems. If you decide to wait until 10:00pm on Sunday night to take exam it might be too late for me to help if you run into problems.

Monday March 28th                            Chapter 3: Socialization   

Wednesday March 30th                       Chapter 4: Social Structure and Social Interaction

 Exam 2 opens Thursday March 31st and closes Sunday April 3rd  at 11:59 pm. This exam will cover chapter 3& 4. 50 multiple choice questions. Once you open the exam you will need to complete it. If you lose connection or close the exam your grade will submit. Please email me as soon as possible with any problems. If you decide to wait until 10:00pm on Sunday night to take exam it might be too late for me to help if you run into problems.

Monday April 4th                                Chapter 5: Societies to Social Networks

Lord of the Flies assignment Thursday April 7th  by 11:59 pm

Wednesday April 6th                           Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control- in class assignment

 Exam 3 opens Thursday April 7th  and closes Sunday April 10th at 11:59 pm. This exam will cover chapter 5 & 6. 50 multiple choice questions. Once you open the exam you will need to complete it. If you lose connection or close the exam your grade will submit. Please email me as soon as possible with any problems. If you decide to wait until 10:00pm on Sunday night to take exam it might be too late for me to help if you run into problems.

Monday April 11th                              Chapter 7: Social Stratification                                                                

Wednesday April 13th                         Chapter 8 Sex and gender

Poverty assignment due Friday April 15th 

Exam 4 opens Thursday April 14th  and close Sunday April 17th  at 11:59 pm. This exam covers chapters 7 and 8. 50 multiple choice questions. Once you open the exam you will need to complete it. If you lose connection or close the exam your grade will submit. Please email me as soon as possible with any problems. If you decide to wait until 10:00pm on Sunday night to take exam it might be too late for me to help if you run into problems.

Monday April 18th                               Chapter 9: Race and Ethnicity

Wednesday April 20th                         Chapter 10: Marriage and Family 

Exam 5 opens Thursday April 20th  and closes Sunday April 24th at 11:59 pm. This exam covers chapters 9 & 10. 50 multiple choice questions. Once you open the exam you will need to complete it. If you lose connection or close the exam your grade will submit. Please email me as soon as possible with any problems. If you decide to wait until 10:00pm on Sunday night to take exam it might be too late for me to help if you run into problems.

Monday April 25th                              Instructions on final group project

Social Responsibility assignment due Tuesday April 26th

Wednesday April 27th                         Work on group project 

Monday May 2nd                                  Work on group project

Wednesday May 4th                             Present group projects

May 9th-May 13th  Final Exam week: no in class assignments

Good luck on all your finals!! Have a great Summer Break.

Additional Information

Office hours:                     

  • My office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00-8:50 am or by appointment
  • The best way to reach me is by email: eerodriguez@actx.edu
  • If you email me from within the class, when I respond it will send the email to your Gmail account. If you do not check your Gmail account make sure to email me from the email address you do check. Make sure to let me know what class you are enrolled in.
  • If there is a major issue, we can set-up a time that works best for you and me.

I do not allow late work or make-up work. Please contact as soon as you know you will miss class so we can handle all work before it is late.

Syllabus Created on:

03/08/22 11:25 AM

Last Edited on:

03/08/22 11:32 AM