Professor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Email:
Phone:
Class Times:
Antirequisites:
Ryerson University
Faculty of Arts – Department of Sociology
Heather Rollwagen, PhD
Jorgenson Hall Room 329
Thursdays from 2:15 to 3:45pm or by appointment hrollwagen@ryerson.ca
416.979.5000 ext.4197
Wednesdays, 3:10-5:00 (EPH 216) / Thursdays, 4:10-5:00 (VIC 203)
SOC11B, SOC103, SOC105, SOC111
Course Description, Teaching Methods and Learning Outcomes
Sociology is the scientific study of social structure, social action and social interaction. As sociologists, we think critically about the social world and work to deconstruct taken-for-granted assumptions that create and sustain oppression and inequality. In this course, we will discuss some of the central concepts and theories in sociology, and explore ways in which we can use these tools to think differently about the world in which we live. We will begin the course with an overview of the history of sociological thought, research methods in sociology, and the basic ideas of culture, socialization, social structure, social groups and social control. We will then explore the dimensions of social stratification, and move on to consider several social institutions and processes.
To create an active and positive learning experience for you, I will use a combination of teaching strategies, including formal lectures, small- and large-group discussions, films and interactive activities.
Each of these approaches will help you understand the material in different ways and develop your
“sociological imagination.” Success in this course will require that you attend and actively participate in all classes.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Describe and apply key sociological concepts

Apply different theoretical perspectives to social issues

Describe the contributions of central sociological theorists

Take a sociological perspective to think critically about the social world
Required Text
Murray, J.L., R. Linden and D. Kendall. 2012. Sociology in our Times: The Essentials. 5 th ed. Toronto:
Nelson.
This book is available at the Ryerson Bookstore. Please ensure you purchase the 5 th edition of the book. In addition, the textbook has an accompanying website (www.sociologyessentials5e.nelson.com) which provides study resources and additional materials that may be of interest to you. You are paying for these online resources when you purchase the textbook, so please make use of them.

SOC 104
Fall 2011 Syllabus
Evaluation
Component
Research summary
Mid-term exam
Value
15%
25%
Due Date
Thursday,
September 29 th
Wednesday,
October 12 th
Details
Must be submitted in class at the beginning of class time to avoid a late penalty
Detailed instructions in syllabus
Covers material from weeks 1-5
Multiple choice and short answer format
Term paper 30%
Thursday,
November 10 th
Must be submitted in class at the beginning of class time to avoid a late penalty
Detailed instructions in syllabus
Final exam 30% TBA
Covers material from weeks 7-13
Multiple choice and short answer format
* The final date to withdraw from this class in good academic standing is Friday, November 11 th . At this date, you will have received a grade for 40% of the course work.
Important Policies
Classroom Conduct
I will do everything I can to create a classroom environment in which all students feel comfortable asking questions and clarifying their ideas. You should be aware that the subject matter of this course is designed to develop critical awareness and may be controversial to some. Respect for each other in the classroom is a primary goal. Comments that are perceived as racist, sexist, homophobic, classist, and/or ableist will be opened for discussion and learning. If you have any concerns about the classroom environment, I encourage you to come speak with me in person.
Attendance
As per Ryerson University’s attendance policy, it is expected that students will attend class regularly and on time. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes from another student. I will not provide my notes to students. Students should also note that important announcements regarding tests or assignments may be made in class. If you need to leave class early, please come speak with me before the class begins.
Email
Ryerson’s email policy states that only Ryerson University email accounts are to be used in communication with students. Please ensure you check your RU email account on a regular basis, and only use this account when emailing me. Email is a great way to contact me in the event of an emergency or to make an appointment to see me outside of my office hours. Email is an inappropriate way to contact me if you have questions relating to course content, questions about your grades, questions for which the answer is readily available on the course syllabus, or concerns regarding my
teaching style. For these issues, please come see me in person during my office hours or email me to make an appointment to meet with me. When emailing me, please allow up to 24 hours for a response, and be aware that I do not regularly check my email in the evenings or on the weekends. Please include your full name in any email correspondence.
Use of Laptop Computers in Class
I will permit laptop computers for the sole purpose of taking notes; however, students choosing to use a laptop computer must sit in the front three rows of the classroom. Students found to be using their
2

SOC 104
Fall 2011 Syllabus computer for other purposes (watching movies, Facebooking or surfing the internet) will be asked to put the computer away and disallowed from using it in class.
Cell Phones
Please make every effort to remember to turn off cell phones and pagers while in class. If you need to keep a cell phone turned on during class, please come speak to me at the beginning of the semester.
Academic Misconduct
This course is governed by Ryerson University’s Senate Policies. Please ensure you are familiar with policy 60, which refers to issues of academic misconduct. If you have any questions relating to academic honesty, I strongly encourage you to come and speak with me in person. For more information, you can also consult <www.ryerson.ca/academicintegrity>.
Missed Tests and Late Assignments
Ryerson University policy states that mid-term exams, final exams and assignment due date extensions will only be granted when appropriate documentation is supplied to the instructor for one of the following reasons: (1) medical illness accompanied by appropriate medical documentation; (2) religious observance accompanied by the Student Declaration of Religious Observance Accommodation form; (3) compassionate grounds subject to the discretion of the course director. Please note that travel plans are not appropriate grounds for writing a make-up exam, as per Ryerson University’s policy.
If you miss an exam for matters of illness, religious observance or other emergency, you will be permitted to re-write the test only in the case when proper documentation is provided to the instructor.
If documentation is not provided, you will not be permitted to make up the test and you will be given a grade of zero. Make-up exams for the mid-term exam will not be held after Wednesday, October 19 th .
The research summary and term paper may both be submitted at the beginning of class time on the due date. You may not submit written assignments electronically (fax or email). If you will not be in class on the due date, you are welcome to submit it earlier or have another student submit it for you. An assignment submitted after 4pm on the due date is considered 1 day late. Late assignments will be penalized at a rate of 10% per day for each day late, including weekends. No research summaries will be accepted after Monday, October 10 th , and no term papers will be accepted after Monday, November
21 st .
Assessment of Work and Handing Back of Tests/Assignments
Grades for all assignments and exams will be posted in the Grade Centre on Blackboard. Final grades will only be posted by the Registrar. No grades will be provided to students via email, and I will never discuss student grades over email. All exam questions will provide the number of marks assigned for the question. For assignments, a grading rubric is provided. Writing style will comprise one aspect of the evaluation for written work. If you have concerns regarding your writing, you are encouraged to seek assistance with your writing through the Ryerson Writing Centre at <www.ryerson.ca/writingcentre>.
Written assignments and the mid-term exam will be handed back during class time. You may also pick up their work from me during office hours. The final exam will not be returned to you; however, you are welcome to make an appointment with me to review it. Under no circumstance will I hand your assignments or tests to anyone other than you.
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SOC 104
Fall 2011 Syllabus
If you have concerns regarding your grades, I will discuss these concerns with you beginning 24 hours after the test/assignment is returned. If you would like me to regrade your work, you must provide me with a written rationale explaining the error in grading. In addition, this request must be made within ten working days of the assignment/test being returned to the class. You may also visit the department website (www.ryerson.ca/sociology) to learn more about the academic appeals process.
Accessibility
I will do my best to make my teaching and the classroom an accessible environment for all students. If there is any way I can make this course more accessible to you, please come speak with me. If you need any particular accommodations to make the material or the classroom accessible to you, please make use of the Ryerson Access Centre. To learn more about the services available and Ryerson policies, please visit the Access Centre website at <www.ryerson.ca/studentservices/accesscentre>.
Schedule of Topics and Assigned Readings (Subject to Change)
Date Topic Assigned
Reading
4
September 7 & 8 Taking a “sociological perspective” Chapter 1
September 14 & 15 Culture and socialization Chapters 2 & 3
September 21 & 22
September 28 & 29
October 5 & 6
October 12 & 13
October 19 & 20
October 26 & 27
November 2 & 3
November 9 & 10
November 16 & 17
November 23 & 24
November 30 & December 1
Social structure and groups
Deviance and social control
Research summary due in class September 29 th
Social inequality
Mid-term exam
There is still class on Thursday, October 13 th
Race and ethnicity
Sex, gender and sexuality
Family
Religion
Term paper due in class November 10 th
Health and Accessibility
Economy, work and education
Urbanization
Chapters 4 & 5
Chapter 6
Chapters 7 & 8
No reading
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 12
Chapter 15
Chapter 11
Chapter 14
Chapter 16

SOC 104
Fall 2011 Syllabus
Please note: Both the written assignments will relate to the same general topic
Research Summary Guidelines
For this assignment, you must select a topic of interest and summarize the sociological research relating to this subject area. The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize yourself with the process of locating, reading and understanding sociological research. Further, this research may be used when writing your term paper.
Your summary must conform to the following guidelines:

Your summary must be between 500 and 600 words, not including the reference list.

The summary must be typed and double-spaced using 12 point Times New Roman font. Do not adjust the margins on the document. Please number each page.

You must use the ASA (American Sociological Association) referencing style. This means that you will use within-text citation and include a complete reference list at the end of the summary.

You must summarize five (no more and no fewer) sociological scholarly sources. Sociological scholarly sources include academic books and peer-reviewed journal articles from social science disciplines. Internet websites and popular media are not scholarly sources.

General sociology textbooks may not be used as scholarly sources.

You must include a title page that includes your full name, your student number, the course code and section, the instructor’s name and the date submitted.
Make sure you get started immediately! First, think of a topic or social issue that you find interesting. I have provided some examples below, but you are welcome to pick a topic not listed. If you pick a topic not listed, you are strongly encouraged to check with me to ensure it is an appropriate topic.
Homelessness in Toronto
Affordable childcare in Ontario
Charter schools
Urban farming
Fear of crime in urban areas
Mandatory physical education for high school students
Professional sports teams in Canada
Men as primary caregivers
Canadian television programming
Physical mobility in the city
Toronto’s recycling program
Legalization of prostitution
Youth Criminal Justice Act
Policing
Alberta oil sands
Affordable housing
Canada’s foreign aid policy
Legalization of marijuana
Canadian refugee policy
Portrayal of women/men in advertising
Women in Canadian politics
Try to narrow down your topic as specifically as possible. For example, rather than picking the topic of
“policing” in general, you should consider something specific about policing, such as gender and policing, community policing strategies, or police use of force.
Find five scholarly sources relating to this topic. For each source, write a short summary paragraph
(approximately 100 words) describing the central points and any particular aspects that you find interesting or relevant. You do not need to write an introduction or conclusion for this assignment.
Please see the attached grading rubric.
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SOC 104
Fall 2011 Syllabus
Term Paper Guidelines
This purpose of this assignment is twofold. First, it will allow you to demonstrate your ability to apply a
sociological perspective to a topic you find interesting. Second, it will allow you to develop your written communication skills – something that is regardless of your chosen profession. You will select a topic and apply a sociological perspective to that topic. You must incorporate scholarly research into this paper, making use of at least five scholarly sources. A grading rubric (see attached) gives you further details on how you are assessed. You are strongly encouraged to consult this grading rubric on an ongoing basis while planning and writing your paper.
Your paper must conform to the following guidelines:

Your paper must be between 5 and 6 pages in length, not including the title page and the reference page.

The paper must be typed and double-spaced using 12 point Times New Roman font. Do not adjust the margins on the document. Please number each page.

You must use the ASA (American Sociological Association) referencing style. This means that you will use within-text citation and include a complete reference list at the end of the paper.

You must include at least five sociological scholarly sources. These can be the same sources you used for the research summary; however, you are not limited to these sources. Sociological scholarly sources include academic books and peer-reviewed journal articles from social science disciplines. Internet websites and popular media are not scholarly sources and are not appropriate support for points you make in your paper.

You may reference the text-book, but you may not reference lecture notes. The textbook does not count as one of your five scholarly sources.

You must include a title page that includes a title (something interesting), your full name, your student number, the course code and section, the instructor’s name and the date submitted.
Getting Started
It might be helpful to begin by thinking about how a “non-sociologist” would think about this topic. How is this issue generally understood by the public? What stereotypes or generalizations are made about this particular topic? This will give you a better sense of how a sociological perspective differs from a
“mainstream” perspective.
Developing and Organizing Ideas
Think about your topic from a sociological perspective. How does your topic fit into the broader social structure? How does this issue stem from broader social inequality, rather than individual pathology?
How does the socio-economic organization of society relate to the presence of this issue? How would the perspectives of functionalism, feminism, interactionism or conflict shed a different light on this issue? Go through your notes from class and from the textbook to brainstorm different ideas.
Consider the research. What does the sociological literature have to say about your topic? How do these ideas relate to the ideas that you have already brainstormed? Take the research you did for your research summary, or consider doing some more. Remember that reading sociological research will help you to think about your topic sociologically.
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SOC 104
Fall 2011 Syllabus
The tough part of this task is bringing everything together. You should decide on one central idea that you wish to communicate. (Remember, this paper is only 5-6 pages. It is always best to narrow the scope of your argument rather than try and say everything!) Figure out the best way to develop this idea using your own ideas and the research you have done. Prepare an outline of your paper, and feel free to come and see me to go over it before you begin writing.
Writing the Paper
Start with an introduction. Convince me of the social relevance of your topic. Why is it important?
Make sure you incorporate your thesis or purpose for the paper into this introduction, and provide the reader with a general outline of the paper.
The body of paper is where you develop your thesis through some thoughtful and insightful points. Use the secondary research you have found to develop these points. Make sure this part of the paper develops your thesis logically and stays on track.
Conclude your paper by reviewing your central points and extending the issue further. Consider how taking a sociological perspective has helped you see this issue in a new light or how your analysis might inform social policy.
Writing is important! Your ability to communicate your ideas using clear and concise language is important. Instead of using fancy words or flowery language, write how you would speak to someone else. Make sure you edit your paper several times to ensure that each part of the paper flows and is free of spelling or grammatical errors. You can also make an appointment at the Writing Centre
(www.ryerson.ca/writingcentre) to have a tutor look over your work.
Referencing is mandatory. We will go over referencing in class, and it is imperative that you reference all work in ASA format. You must use within-text citations and include a reference list. Make sure you take down the source information when you are doing research so you are always aware of where you found the information. If you ever have any questions, please come and see me. I am happy to provide guidance to ensure you avoid unintended plagiarism.
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SOC 104
Fall 2011 Syllabus
8
Source 1
Exceeds
Expectations
(3)
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly. Relevance of the source to selected topic is considered.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly. Relevance of the source to selected topic is considered.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly. Relevance of the source to selected topic is considered.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly. Relevance of the source to selected topic is considered.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly. Relevance of the source to selected topic is considered.
Writing is clear, concise and free of spelling or grammatical errors.
Summary is of the required length.
Within-text citation used correctly. All references are listed in proper ASA format.
Meets Expectations
(2)
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly.
An appropriate source is selected and the central point is summarized clearly.
Writing is generally clear with some spelling or grammatical errors.
Summary is of the required length.
Within-text citation used and proper reference list provided. Minor errors in referencing.
Needs Improvement
(1)
An inappropriate source is selected OR the summary does not adequately communicate the central point of the source.
An inappropriate source is selected OR the summary does not adequately communicate the central point of the source.
An inappropriate source is selected OR the summary does not adequately communicate the central point of the source.
An inappropriate source is selected OR the summary does not adequately communicate the central point of the source.
An inappropriate source is selected OR the summary does not adequately communicate the central point of the source.
Writing is unclear with many spelling or grammatical errors.
Summary is not the required length.
Many instances of incorrect referencing.
Major errors in the reference list.
Weight Marks
27

Introduction
Thesis statement and outline
Application of sociological perspective
Use of sociological research
Conclusion
Writing style
Mechanics and length
Referencing
Exceptional
(4)
Introduction is engaging and thoughtful and establishes the social relevance of topic.
A clear and concise thesis statement and general outline of the paper is incorporated thoughtfully into the introduction.
Good
(3)
Introduction introduces the topic clearly and establishes the social relevance of topic.
A thesis statement and general outline of the paper is included in the introduction.
Relevant sociological theory and concepts are used correctly, providing a thoughtful and incisive sociological analysis of topic.
Relevant sociological theory and concepts are used correctly. Discussion demonstrates ability to apply a sociological perspective to topic.
Sociological research is used to emphasize arguments and extend discussion. More than five sociological sources are used.
Conclusion concisely summarizes the central points and offers insightful ways in which this topic might be explored further.
Writing style is clear and concise. Each point is developed logically and the paper is easy to read.
No spelling/grammatical errors. Paper is of the required length.
Within-text citation used correctly. All references are listed in proper ASA format.
Sociological sources are used to support arguments. At least five sociological sources are used.
Conclusion concisely summarizes the central points and suggests areas for further consideration.
Writing style is generally clear and concise. A logical development is evident. Few areas of concern.
Few spelling/grammatical errors. Paper is of the required length.
Within-text citation is generally used correctly. All references are listed in proper ASA format.
Competent
(2)
The topic is introduced in a clear manner.
A vague or ambiguous thesis statement and outline is included.
Sociological theory and concepts are generally used correctly. Some difficulty in applying sociological perspective.
At least five sociological sources are used in the discussion. Relevance of sources to general argument is vague.
Conclusion summarizes the central points of the paper.
Little extension of the topic is provided.
A logical development is evident, but writing is sometimes unclear. Paper is somewhat difficult to read.
Several spelling/grammatical errors. Paper falls close to the required length.
Some problems referencing correctly. Minor errors in the reference list.
Total
Needs Improvement
(1)
The introduction is confusing or irrelevant OR no introduction is provided
No thesis statement or outline is provided in the introduction.
Difficulty articulating how a sociological perspective applies to the topic.
Sociological theory and concepts are absent or applied incorrectly.
Insufficient sources or nonsociological sources are used
OR relevance of sources to arguments is unclear.
Conclusion is irrelevant and does not summarize the paper OR no conclusion is provided.
Paper is very difficult to read. Writing is unclear or there is little organization to the development of ideas.
Many spelling or grammatical errors. Paper is either too short or too long.
Many instances of incorrect referencing. Major errors in the reference list.
Weight Marks x1 x1 x3 x2 x1 x2 x1 x1
48