SYLLABUS
PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 101*****
Malcolm Potter, Instructor
Telephone: (626) 577-9164
www.potterssociology.com
*************************SPRING SEMESTER 2012**********************
Class Meetings: Section #6063 Friday 12:00PM to 3:20PM
Location:
Building C351, Office hours 11:15AM TO 12:55PM before class in the lobby of
C321.
TEXTS:
SOCIETY, The basics (11th edition) by John J. Macionis.
Professor Potter’s INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY WORKBOOK
by Malcolm Potter.
What will the student learn?

The impact of Sociology as an academic discipline and its value to the everyday
living of their lives. A. Identify the methodological techniques used within the
discipline of sociology to understand social phenomena.

To critically consider existing and future social policies through the lens of the
three main sociological paradigms, Structural-Functionalism, Social Conflict
Theory, and Symbolic-Interactionism. B Analyze the complex interplay
between society and the individuals’ lives.

To grasp a novitiates’ understanding of the essential terms, concepts and theories
of introductory sociology. C. Compare and contrast the approaches taken by
the three major sociological perspectives (functionalism, conflict theory, and
interactionism) in their explanation of various social phenomena, including
social problems.

To acknowledge the empirical experience of knowing, because of Sociology, that
lifelong learning is now a “given,” and that there is more to learn.
BASIS FOR EVALUATION:
Class Attendance………………….10%
Individual Oral Presentation………10%
Spring Midterm Exam……………..30%
Semester Class Paper*…………….10%
Semester Final Exam………………40%
Total 100%
* Spring semester class paper will be a minimum three-page paper, double spaced, size
12 font, or smaller, on a question formulated by the instructor for you to demonstrate
your knowledge and application of the Sociology you have learned this semester.
2012 SPRING SEMESTER READING ASSIGNMENTS AS FOLLOWS,
WEEK:
1. 02/24
First day of class.
Read all of chapter one, PP. 2-33
2. 03/02
Complete reading assignment.
3. 03/09
Read all of chapter two, PP. 40-64
4. 03/16
Complete reading assignment
5. 03/23
Read Chapter 3, Human Development: Nature and
Nurture PP. 70-72
Understanding Socialization PP.72-77
Agents of Socialization 77- 87
Resocialization: Total Institution P. 89
6. 03/30
Complete reading assignment
7.
Review for Midterm Exam
04/06
8. 04/13
Midterm Exam Chapters 1,2,3 plus one essay question and
Forty-Five multiple Choice questions.
9.
SPRING BREAK APRIL 16, 2012 – APRIL 22, 2012
04/20
10. 04/27
Read Chapter 4, Social Structure PP. 96-99
The Social Construction of Reality PP. 99-102
Dramaturgical Analysis PP. 102-107
Language: The Gender Issue P. 108 - 109
Humor: Playing With Reality PP.111-114
11. 05/04
Read Chapter 7, What is Deviance? PP.174 - 176
The Functions of Deviance PP. 176-178
Labeling Deviance: Symbolic-Interaction Analysis 179-183
Deviance and Inequality: Social-Conflict Analysis P.183 –
186.
12. 05/11
Complete Reading Assignment
13. 05/18
Read Chapter 5, Social Groups PP. 120-126
Formal Organizations PP.127 - 128
Origins of Bureaucracy P. 129
Characteristics of Bureaucracy PP. 129 - 130
Problems of Bureaucracy PP.131 - 136
McDonaldization of Society PP. 137-140
14. 05/25
14. 06/01
Read Chapter 8, What is Social Stratification? PP. 206-211
Poverty in the United States PP. 232 - 235
Read Chapter 10,Gender and Inequality PP. 272-276
Theoretical Analysis of Gender PP. 288 - 289
Feminism PP. 290 - 293
15. 06/08
Review for Final Examination
16. 06/15
FINAL EXAMINATION, Chapters 4,5,7 (part of 8 and 10)
Fifty multiple Choice Questions, semester class paper due on
The day of the final examination.
END OF SEMESTER
COURSE GRADE WILL BE, A, B, C, D, F
IMPORTANT
DO BE REPEATEDLY LATE FOR CLASS
TO BE CAUGHT CHEATING IS TO FAIL THE EXAM
KEEP CELL PHONES & GADGETS OFF & OUT OF SIGHT
EXCELLENT MANNERS ALWAYS MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION
Introductory Sociology is a fascinating college course that brings a
heightened intellectual awareness to its students. The course introduces the study of
human beings in human society, individual and group behavior and the social self. The
instructor most sincerely hopes you enjoy the course.