Structural Functionalism- Causation - Social Stratification - Reference Group - Field Research - Status Inconsistency - Master Status - Primary Group - Front
Stage -
Principles of Sociology - Sociological Imagination - Social Construction of Reality – DuBois - Sociology vs. Common Sense
Research Design
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Sociological Theory – Weber – Comte - Conflict Theory
Values Norms – Culture - Ethnocentric
Fall 2011
Cultural Relativism – Taboo – Stratification – Addams - Reference Group – Survey - Ethics Status
Kennesaw State University
Role - Symbolic Interactionism Correlation - Primary Group – Norm - Social Statics - Function
Totemic Principle – Data - Ethics – More - Reference Group – Addams - Master Status – Community Research – Research Design – Systematic- Interaction
Principles of Sociology
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
College of Arts and Sciences at Kennesaw State University
Raeda (ray-duh) Anderson, Professor
Office: Social Sciences Building Room # 4005
Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 5:00-6:00 pm and by
appointment
Contact Information
Office Number: 770.423.6919
Cell Phone: 770.354.6205
rander74@kennesaw.edu
Please e-mail any questions/information about class through Georgia View Vista
Course Times:
Soci 2201 Section 01: Principles of Sociology Monday and Wednesday from 3:30-4:45 pm
Soci 2201 Section 10: Principles of Sociology Monday and Wednesday from 8:00-9:15 pm
Required Text: SOC by Nijole V. Benokraitis (Wadsworth Cengage Learning 2009-2010)
Required Technology: Access to Georgia View Vista, email, YouTube, and other online resources
Course Description: Fundamentals of Sociology, focusing on basic concepts, theories, and methods of research
and inquiry. Emphasis is on applying the sociological perspective to understanding social inequalities and social
stratification, culture, social institutions and groups, social change, and the relation to the individual to society.
This course is worth 3 hours of credit.
Prerequisites: Reading 99 and Writing 99 if applicable.
General Educational Outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate cross-cultural perspectives and knowledge of other societies.
2. Students will use computer and information technology when appropriate.
3. Students will express themselves, clearly, logically, and precisely in writing and in speaking, and they will
demonstrate competence in reading and listening.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultural heritages in the arts, the humanities, and the social
sciences.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze, to evaluate, and to make inferences from oral, written, and
visual materials.
6. Students will demonstrate knowledge of principles of ethics and their employment in the analysis and
resolution of moral problems.
Course objectives: By the end of this course students should be able to explain the fundamentals of Sociology
especially core ideas, sociological theory, research methods, culture, social stratification, and ethics. Students
will be able to apply the Sociological Imagination along with theory to have a greater understanding of their
world and the interactions within their lives.
Attendance: Attendance is required. If a student misses more than 6 classes without prior notification (and
approval) or a documented personal/family emergencies and approval by Professor Anderson you will receive an
automatic F in the course. Missed assignments and unexcused absences cannot be made up without approval of
Professor Anderson.
Late Work Policy: Situations will arise that will inhibit you from completing an assignment on time; for that
reason you will be allowed once during the semester to turn an assignment in late. You will need to fill out the
“Life Happens” form and turn the assignment in within 48 hours of the assignment due time. The process is very
simple. Just attach a completed “Life Happens” form and submit it with your late assignment. Any other late
work will not be accepted. Late is defined as the time the assignment is due. Do not wait until the last minute to
submit assignments on Georgia View Vista as the system may shut down or take a long time to upload your
document(s). Please e-mail Professor Anderson with any questions prior to the 48 hour window ending.
Academic Honesty: Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Any student that is caught cheating,
intentionally or unintentionally which includes plagiarism will receive a zero on that assignment. By taking this
course, you agree that all required coursework may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to
SafeAssign.
If a student is caught cheating more than once they will fail the class, no exceptions. Refer to KSU handbook for
a formal definition of what is considered cheating. It is located in “II. ACADEMIC HONESTY” of the student
handbook, and is printed in the student handbook and daily planner on page 44.
Technology:
1. If Georgia View Vista is down your assignment is still due. Do NOT wait until the last minute to submit
your assignment.
2. If Professor Anderson cannot open your paper/assignment you will receive a zero, unless you catch the
error and use your “Life Happens”.
3. Submit all work in Microsoft Word format. My computer will NOT open any other types of documents.
If you have any doubt copy and paste the assignment into the assignment drop box AND attach the
assignment.
4. Laptops, cell phones, or any other distracting technology can NOT be used during class. If a student
uses distracting technology or any other distracting behavior they will be asked to leave class and will
be counted as absent for the day as well as receive a 0 as their daily question grade.
Test Day: Everyone’s favorite day! Okay not really but there are some norms that you need to know.
-
Come at least 5 minutes early
Bring your KSU student ID, pens/pencils, and blank notebook paper with you
Before the test you must move your backpack, purse, coat, hat, etc., to the front of the room
After the test begins any form of communication is considered cheating
Once you leave the room you are not allowed to come back
Everyone must stay the first 10 minutes of the test, even if you decide not to take the test
Test policy: If a student misses a test without either documentation of a personal/family emergency (that is
approved) or approval prior to the test by Professor Anderson he or she will not be able to make the test up.
Test Grades:
If a student fails a test (makes lower than 45/75 of possible points) they will have one week from the return of
the test to complete an assignment given by Professor Anderson in its entirety and turn it in. I will re-grade the
test starting at a 45, so if you make a 75/75 on your ‘retake’ you will get a 45 rather than your original grade. If
you miss a question it will be deducted from 45. Ex. A test is worth 75 points and you earn a 30. If you retake the
test and miss 5 points you’re previous test grade will be replaced with a 40.*
If a student passes a test (makes higher than 45/75 of possible points) they will have one week from the return
of the test to complete an assignment given by Professor Anderson in its entirety and turn it in. I will grade the
test starting at 5 points higher then what you made on the test. Points will be deducted for wrong answers. Ex. A
test is worth 75 points and you earn a 70. If you retake the test and do not miss any points your test grade will
be replaced with a 75. *
* This is optional. No one has to take advantage of this offer. If you decide to retake your test you will receive the
grade you earned during the retake, even if that grade is lower than your original test grade.
Special Needs: Students requesting classroom accommodations or modifications because of a documented
disability must contact the Disabled Student Services (extension 6443) and provide documentation from the
Disabled Student Services to Professor Anderson.
“Class Pick Week”: Week 13 of the course the students will pick the sociological topic they want to cover in
class. The class will vote sometime during the semester to decide what our topic will be. This material will be
testable. So start thinking throughout the semester what you would like to cover!
Grades
Assignment
Meet the Professor
Theory in Real Life
Sociological Imagination
Campus Event
Ethics- The Great Debate
Test #1
Test #2
Test #3
Final or Sociology in the Community
Daily Questions
Possible Points
5
20
12
15
10
75
75
75
75
78
Your Grade
A= 440-396 B= 395-352 C= 351-308 D= 307-264 F= 263-0
No grades will be dropped
Your Total Points
Final Grade
2%
1%
5%
3%
3%
18%
Meet the Professor
Theory in Real Life
Sociological Imagination
Campus Event
Tests
17%
Final
51%
Daily Questions
Ethics- The Great Debate
General Course Descriptions
Final test grade or SOCI in the Community (75 possible points- see rubric for SOCI in the Community)
Due either to Professor Anderson by 9 pm on Monday December 5th by 9 pm or via Georgia View Vista by 11:59
pm on December 6th.
You can NOT use your Life Happens on this assignment.
Students will choose one of the following options.
1. Take a cumulative final during the assigned final time.
2. Complete “Sociology in the Community” project. This project includes 20 hours of community service
and examining the culture of the organization you are working with using your sociological tools and
imagination. More information on Georgia View Vista.
Assignment #1- Meet the Prof (5 possible points)
Due by Thursday, September 1st at 3:00 pm.
You can NOT use your Life Happens on this assignment.
Here it is- the easiest way to get points all semester. You just need to stop by my office for about 5 minutes and
tell me about yourself. To get full credit you need to come by any time during my office hours during the first
two weeks of school. My office number and hours are listed above. During the first two full weeks of school (the
weeks starting on August 22nd and August 29th) I have reserved room 4059 in the Social Sciences building during
the following times. My office hours will be held there so we can meet one on one.
If you cannot meet during these times e-mail Professor Anderson via Georgia View Vista by Wednesday August
21st at 5 pm to schedule a different time to meet.
Monday August 22nd- 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Tuesday August 23rd- 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Wednesday August 24th- 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Thursday August 25th - 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Monday August 29th - 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Tuesday August 30th - 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Wednesday August 21st- 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Thursday August 1st - 12 (noon) to 3:00 pm
Assignment #2- Ethics- The Great Debate (10 possible points)
Due in class on Week #11
Outline/suggestions available on Georgia View Vista
This is an in class assignment where students will divide themselves into groups and have a debate either for or
against research cases based on ethics, research design, and importance of research. Each side will present their
case which will be followed by a debate based on questions by the opposing group. The class will decide which
side ‘wins’ based on their presentation of materials on ethics, research design, and importance of research. The
winning team will automatically receive full credit while the loosing team must submit their notes immediately
following the debate which will be graded by Professor Anderson. Since neither group will know who ‘wins’ until
the class votes both groups need to have notes ready to submit to Professor Anderson.
Assignment #3- Theory in Real Life (20 possible points- see rubric)
Due by 8 am on October 12th via Georgia View Vista
This assignment will require a little quality time with YouTube, a stack of CDs, or yes even some TV surfing. I
want you to find social theory in your everyday life (trust me it is there). Find something in your daily life that is
an example of the building blocks of Conflict Theory, Structural Functionalism, OR Symbolic Interactionism. This
could range from song lyrics, to a board game, a television show, a magazine article or picture, basically anything
in your daily life.
You will submit the item (copy of the article, date and time of the show, music lyrics) along with you identifying
how it is using the ideas of Conflict Theory, Structural Functionalism, OR Symbolic Interactionism. Make sure
that you identify which theory you are going with, a brief description of that theory (1-2 paragraphs), and WHY
that theory is applicable to the item you found.
Example on Georgia View Vista.
Paper #1- Sociological Imagination (12 points possible- see rubric)
Due by 8 am on September 7th via Georgia View Vista
This short paper (2-3 pages) will give you the opportunity to flex your sociological muscles. This paper should
have three sections.
1. What is Psychology’s Perspective? (1-2 paragraphs)
2. What is Sociology’s Perspective (include Sociological Imagination here)? (2-3 paragraphs)
3. Apply the Sociological Imagination to one of the following situations (3-4 paragraphs)
a. Unemployment today
b. Suicide
c. Any other topic approved by Professor Anderson
Paper #2- Campus Event- Groups (15 points possible- see rubric)
Due by 8am on October 26th via Georgia View Vista
One time during the semester you will attend a KSU event. I am asking you to do a little people watching while
you are at the event noting what groups are present. These groups can range from an informal group, such as a
group of friends, to more formal groups, such as athletic teams.
You will submit a 1.5-2 page paper on the following. Each section must be included and defined but you may
choose how in depth you go for each topic.
- Groups at the event
- One formal group and identify any statuses that are identifiable within the group
- Pick a status from one of the formal groups identified. Identify 3-5 potential roles, role conflict and role
strain that may exist for that status
Along with your paper submit one of the following
- Ticket/Program to event
- A picture at you at the event (near something that shows you were at the event such as the scoreboard)
- Some sort of proof that you actually went to the event (get pre-approved if you have any doubt of
validity)
Daily Questions (78 possible points)
The majority of class meetings students will be given a “Daily Question” which will generally range in point
potential from 1-3 points. The question will be over either 1. The material covered in class that day or 2. The
information listed on the syllabus as material for that week. Attendance will be taken via submissions of Daily
Questions. The questions may be a multiple choice (A, B, C, or D) or a short answer question. Students are
allowed to and encouraged to use their notes and book for the daily question. Students are not allowed to use
classmates (or any other person’s) notes, book, or knowledge on the daily question. The daily question will
either be at the beginning of class or end of class, if a student is absent for the daily question they will be
marked as absent for the day.
Tentative Course Schedule
May be changed by Professor Anderson with adequate notice
What is so-se-ol-le-je?
- Introduction to Class
- Sociology vs. Common Sense
Week #1- August 22nd
Sociological Glasses- Really Seeing the World.
- Sociological Imagination
- Social Construction of Reality
Readings: pg. 3-7
No Class on September 5th- Labor Day
Social Construction of Reality continued (if needed)
Week #2-3 August 29th
Week #4- September 12th
Week #5- September 19th
Week #6-7- September 26th
Week #8- October 10th
What is Culture?
- Characters, Symbols, Language
- Ideal/Real Culture
- Values and Norms
- Ethnocentric and Cultural Relativist
- Observing Culture (“in” class assignment)
Readings: pg 39-53 & A Look Behind the Veil (BlazeVIEW)
“Sociological Imagination” Paper due by 8 am on Wednesday,
September 7tt at 8 am via Georgia View Vista
“Meet the Prof” due by Thursday, September 1st by 3 pm
- Review for Test #1
- Test #1 (over weeks 1-4)
Readings: none
What influence does Socialization and Social Interaction have?
- Nature/Mixed/Nurture
- Status
- Role
Readings for this week: Chapter 4 and Chapter 3
Sociological Theory. How a Perspective Can Really Change
Things.
- Conflict Perspective
- Structural Functionalism
- Symbolic Interactionism
- Application of Theory
Readings: pg. 15-19
How do different groups influence our lives?
- Primary/Secondary Groups
- Formal/Informal
- Reference Groups
- Group Conformity
Readings: pg. 99-104
“Theory in Real Life” due by Wednesday, October 12th at 8 am
via Georgia View Vista
Week #9- October
17th
Week #10-11- October 24th
Week #12- November 7th
Week #13- November 14th
Week #14- November 21st
Week #15- November 28th
Week #16- December 5th
- Review for Test #2
- Test #2 (over weeks 5-8)
Readings for this week: pg. 15-19
Research- Finding what you want to know ethically.
- Methods (qualitative and quantitative)
- Statistics
- Mock research (“in” class assignment)
Readings for this week: Chapter 11
“Campus Event” due on Wednesday, October 26th by 8 am via
Georgia View Vista
Ethics- Doing the right thing is sometimes hard to do.
- Basics of Ethics
- Zimbardo
- Milgram
- Asch
“The Great Ethics Debate” (in class assignment)
Social Stratification- Can you really work your way up in life?
- Social Stratification basics
- Monopoly… yes the game
Readings: Saints and Roughnecks (Georgia View Vista)
Class Pick Week!
Review will previous week. Announced at later date.
- Test #3 (over weeks 10-13)
Course Wrap up
Review for the Final
Review for the Final
“Sociology in the Community” due either to Professor
Anderson by 9 pm on Monday December 5th by 9 pm or via
Georgia View Vista by 11:59 pm on December 6th
Tentative Course Schedule (may be changed by professor with adequate notice to students)