SOCIOLOGY
Heartland Community College
Student Course Syllabus
SOC 101-12
Fall 2013
Wednesday 6:00-8:50pm
ICB 2708
Instructor: Jennifer Lomax
E-mail: Jennifer.lomax@heartland.edu
Mailbox: ICB 2100
Office Hours: by appointment
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Introduction:
Sociology is the scientific study of society. Sociologists study social life, social change,
the social causes and consequences of human behavior, and how our lives are shaped and
influenced by social forces. This course will provide an overview of the major concepts,
research methods, and theories of sociology. A large section of the course will focus on social
inequalities (relating to gender, race, class, age, and sexuality) and social institutions (family,
education, politics, religion, etc), which we will investigate from a sociological perspective;
using our ‘sociological imagination’.
"The excitement of sociology lies in the fact that its perspective makes us see in a
new light the very world in which we have lived all our lives." - Peter L. Berger
As a student of sociology, you will be challenged to re-evaluate your understanding of
your own autonomy. American culture dictates that we view ourselves as masters of our own
fate, creating our own success and failures. However, sociology challenges this notion.
Sociologists do accept that individuals have the power to influence their own lives, but they do
not believe that this power is complete. We are not just individuals, we are also social beings,
and therefore part of and influenced by our society, our culture, our social class, our racial and
ethnic group, our gender, and our family. This is not to say that sociologists don't value
individual free will. On the contrary, sociologists believe that people can be empowered by an
understanding of the social forces that constrain, influence, and advantage them. How can you
navigate (or alter) the system if you don't understand it?
"People who like to avoid shocking discoveries, who prefer to believe that
society is just what they were taught in school, who like the safety of the rules
and maxims of the world taken for granted should stay away from sociology." –
Peter L. Berger
Catalog Description:
This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of society. Topics include power and
inequality, change, deviance, education, occupations, organizations, family/gender, religion, and
racial/ethnic groups. Students will develop a critical understanding of social forces.
Prerequisite(s): None.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
This course fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social Sciences required for the A.A. or A.S.
degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core Curriculum described in the
Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However,
students should consult an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions.
Refer to the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org for more information.
Beliefs: The aim of sociology is to increase our understanding of the social world in which we live. This
understanding is extremely important for life in our society - from interpersonal interactions and dealing
with institutions to making sense of environmental and global issues.
Academic Discipline: Disciplinary actions for academic dishonesty will follow the guidelines set forth in
the Heartland Community College catalog. This section of the catalog is located under the heading
Academic Integrity. I encourage you to read this section carefully.
Student Learning:
Learning sociology involves understanding the connection between the social and personal, and the
applicability of sociological concepts theories and research finding’s to one’s own experiences and
observations. Emphasis on the relevance of course material to our lives in class discussion, assignments
and exams will greatly increase the student’s understanding of and the ability to do sociology.
Instructor’s Role:
The instructor’s role in teaching sociology is to facilitate the learning experience by providing
information, elaboration, stimulating assignments, and challenging exams.
Course Learning Outcomes: At the completion of this course, students should have proficiency in the
following areas of sociological knowledge
1. Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the science and research methods developed in
sociology.
2. Apply the basic sociological paradigms – structural functional, social conflict and symbolic
interaction.
3. Define, give examples and demonstrate the relevance of the following sociological notions:
culture, socialization, deviance, stratification, social structure and social change.
4. Analyze the major social institutions such as family, government, economy, religion, education
and medicine.
5. Identify and offer explanations of social inequality while considering the relationship to social
process, social interaction and institutions.
6. Examine and explain the impact of human relations on patterns of urbanization and the physical
environment
7. Analyze and demonstrate awareness of the impact of cultural diversity in our society.
The above sociological objectives will be accomplished while implementing the college’s following
general learning outcomes.
PS1 –Students can
solve problems based
on examples and
frameworks provided
by instructor
CO2- Students
effectively deliver a
message via various
channels/modalities
DI3- Students reflect
upon the formation of
their own
perspectives, beliefs,
opinions, attitudes,
ideals and values.
CT2 – Students
determine value of
multiple sources or
strategies and select
those most
appropriate in a given
context
Course Outline:
1. Developing a Sociological Consciousness
2. Culture and Socialization
3. Social Structure, Groups & Organizations
4. Deviance and Crime
5. Social Stratification
6. Inequalities of Race, Ethnicity and Gender
7. The Family
8. Social Institutions
9. Population and Environment
10. Social Change
Required Textbook:
Hughes, Michael (2013) Sociology: The Core 11th Ed. New York, NY.: McGraw Hill.
Course Guidelines:
 Attendance: Attendance in every class is essential to your successful completion of this
course. Some of the material covered in class will not be found in the textbook; therefore
it is necessary for you to attend class in order to get all the material needed to do well in
the course. Also, by missing class you risk the chance of missing an in-class activity or
quiz (both of which may not be made-up).
However, I do recognize that circumstances arise that may be out of your personal
control. Therefore, attendance is not part of your course grade. Attendance will be taken
each class session though, for record keeping and as a means of monitoring student
success and effort.
Missing exams: No make-up exams allowed for any reason. There will be a total of 4
exams in this course, of which only 3 will contribute to your final grade. This means that
your lowest exam score will be dropped (therefore if you miss an exam, it will not impact
your grade, as I will drop the “0” score completely). Keep in mind that by taking all 4
exams, you significantly increase your chances at earning a higher grade. It is in your
best interest to prepare for and complete all exams.
Late and missing assignments: All assignments handed in after the in-class due date
will be considered “late”. I will, however, still accept ‘late’ assignments up to 7 days
past the due date. After 7 days, the assignment is recorded as a “zero” and no point value
will be given toward your final grade. Occasionally, an extreme or unique situation
presents itself that would allow for late assignments to be turned in past the 7 day grace
period. These are rare, and do NOT include technical difficulties, printer problems,
illness (unless it is a documented illness lasting an extended period of time). If an
assignment is due in class, and you are unable to attend, you may email the assignment to
me prior to the class meeting time.
 Teaching Philosophy: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled” – Plutarch
My learner-centered approach to teaching is based on my belief that the ultimate goal of
an effective teacher is to facilitate learning rather than simply present information. I view
teaching as an interactive and dynamic process which requires a deliberate effort to create
a classroom community where students feel comfortable to engage in such interaction.
To achieve this, I engage students at an individual level by incorporating their unique
vantage points and life experiences into class discussions. Not only does this enhance the
quality of learning, but I have found that as students are recognized and integrated into
class lectures, discussions, and activities, they develop a sense of responsibility towards
their own and other classmates’ learning.
Therefore, as a student, you are responsible for making consistent contributions to class
discussions as both a means to enhance your understanding of material and to also
enhance the learning of your fellow classmates. See the “participation” section to follow.
 Participation:
Participation in this course is expected, as it will greatly enhance your understanding of
the material. The subject matter we will cover lends itself to discussion, and I hope to
have meaningful discussions regularly. Therefore, it is important that you come prepared
to class each day with the assigned readings completed in order to contribute to class
discussions.
 Mind your manners:
o
Please turn of cell phones – no texting or game playing during class
o
Be respectful of classmates and instructor
o
Never criticize another person for their personal beliefs or ideas
o
Do not talk during lectures or when another student is speaking
o
Laptops and computers are for note-taking, not for game playing, facebook, etc…
o
No sleeping! Do not come to class if you can’t stay awake during class.
o
There will be situations when your personal experiences or opinions will differ from what
we are discussing in class. Often, we will discuss issues that go against popular belief.
Sociology challenges us to question the status quo, which often makes people
uncomfortable. Remember to be respectful of others opinions or experiences, regardless
of their accuracy. We all have the right to be wrong.
 Extra Credit:
Extra credit will be made available to those students maintaining a grade of “C” or above. It
is meant to help students who have made an honest effort in the course and still wish to
better their grade. It is not intended to turn failing grades into passing grades. I reserve the
right to refuse extra credit to anyone. Only those students who attend class regularly,
participate, and genuinely make the effort to succeed will be given extra credit opportunities.
Please see me if you are interested in doing extra credit work, and we will decide on a topic
and assignment that works for both of us. A maximum of 20 points of extra credit is
available per semester.
 Plagiarism and Academic Integrity:
Academic Integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community
College and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. The
College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious offense requiring
disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the
College. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or
suborning cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of
data, falsification of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to
computerized academic or administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations
may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. Word-for-word
copying is not the only form of plagiarism. Plagiarism under any circumstance will not be
tolerated. If you have any questions or concerns about what constitutes plagiarism, please
see me before turning in any assignments. Visit www.plagiarism.org for more information
about plagiarism and how to prevent it.
 Special Accommodations:
In accordance with Heartland Community College policy and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student with
documented disabilities who notifies the instructor of the need for accommodation. It is
imperative that you take the initiative to notify me of any special needs. For more
information, contact Heartland’s Disability Support Services (DSS) by calling 269-8259.
This process is time-sensitive, so it is in your best interest to make these arrangements as
soon as possible.
 Academic Support Services (www.hcc.cc.il.us/divisions/asc)
The Library, located in the Students Commons Buildings, provides Heartland students with
a full range of resources including books, online journal databases, videos, newspapers,
periodicals, reserves, and interlibrary loan. Librarians are available to assist in locating
information. For more information please call the Library (309) 268-8200 or (309) 2688292
Tutoring Center offers tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students at the
Academic Support Center (ASC). Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the
week. Study groups, group tutoring facilitated by a specially-trained tutor, are also available
by request. For more information about services, please call the ASC (309) 268-8231.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled
Class Meetings in the A-Z Index and under Academic Information in the Current Students
page on the HCC Web site. Go to http://www.heartland.edu/classCancellations/
Course Requirements:




4 Exams…………………………..300 points (100 pts each) (lowest score dropped)
Quizzes…………………………….30 points
Writing Assignments.……………...70 points
Term Paper…...………………..….100 points
TOTAL: 500 points
Grading Scale:
Your grade will be based on the percentage that results when the number of points you received is
divided by the total number of possible points for the course (500); you will receive the letter grade that
corresponds with that percentage on the scale set by the college administration; as follows:
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
90% +
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59% or below
Midterm Drop Policy
The Illinois Community College Board requires that all schools report attendance at midterm in order to
meet federal Financial Aid obligations. According to ICCB, “A student is ‘inattendance at midterm’ in a
course” only “if the student is currently enrolled in and actively pursuing completion of the course.”
Therefore, during the week of midterms, I will make a determination of each student’s pursuit of
successful completion of the class. You will be dropped from the course at midterms if both of the
following criteria apply:
1) Students Grade:
 Earning a failing grade (less than 60%)
2) Student Attendance:
 Missing more than 2 consecutive class meetings without notifying me of your
circumstances that are causing your absences.
Exams:
All exams (including the final) will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and short answer
questions. Please be aware that dates of exams are subject to change, and any changes in exam dates will
be announced in class and posted on Blackboard at least 1 week prior to the scheduled exam date.
Remember that you many NOT make-up any exams, so be sure to pay close attention to the course
schedule as well as announcements on blackboard and in class.
Schedule:
WEEK
DATE
TOPIC/ CHAPTER
Introduction / Chapter 1:
Developing a Sociological Consciousness
ASSIGNMENTS
1
8/22
2
8/29
Chapter 1 / Chapter 2
3
9/5
Chapter 3: Socialization
4
9/12
Chapter 4: Social Groups and Formal
Organizations
5
9/19
Exam 1
6
9/20
Chapter 5: Deviance and Crime
7
9/27
Chapter 6: Social Stratification
8
10/3
Chapter 6: Social Stratification
9
10/10
Chapter 7: Inequalities of Race and
Ethnicity
10
10/17
Exam 2
11
10/24
Chapter 8: Gender Inequality
12
10/31
Chapter 8: Gender Inequality
13
11/7
Chapter 10: Social Institution: Family
14
11/14
15
11/21
16
11/28
NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Break
NO CLASS
17
12/5
Lecture: Social Change
Review for Final Exam
Term Paper Due
18
12/12
FINAL EXAM
FINAL EXAM
EXAMS
Exam 1
Exam 2
Video: Eye of the Storm
Chapter 11: Social Institutions: Education
and Health & Medicine
Social Institutions: Population &
Environment
Exam 3
* The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and/or schedule at any time.
FINAL EXAM