Syllabus -- Regular Semester – Spring 2015
Mr. Edrick Hall
Special notice: "Students who repeat a course for a third time or more may soon face significant tuition/fee increases
at HCCS and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities
for tutoring or other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades."
HCCS WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Beginning in Fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting students to no
more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree. If you
plan on withdrawing from your DE class, you MUST contact a DE counselor or your DE professor prior to withdrawing
(dropping) the class and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript.
Course Information
Course title
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Course number
SOCI 1301 - 0011 Introduction to Sociology
CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Examines human social behavior. Topics covered include culture, social interaction, deviance,
social classes, social change, politics, religion, and the family. This course also considers the principal
perspectives in sociology for interpreting everyday events and for interpreting the social structures of
society. The course attempts to provide an understanding of the impact of social processes on organizational
structure and social change. This course is included in the core curriculum of HCCS.
EXPENDED COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Sociology is the scientific study of social life. However, sociology is far from a simple set of concepts
or groups of topics. Instead, sociology is a powerful and enlightening way of viewing and
understanding the world around us. It offers us a new way to understand the connections between
individuals and society, along with perspectives on the impact of social forces on individual behavior.
This course is intended to help you use a sociological perspective to enriching your personal,
academic, civic, and professional life. Class discussions, lectures, assignments and other activities
are designed to help the student.
Course date
January 20, 2015 through May 17,2015
Location
The course is offered on the Northeast Campus
Meeting day(s)
the class will meet physically meet Monday - Wenesday from 8:00AM-9:30AM,
at the Northline Campus Room 229, beginning, January 20,2015 through May 17,2015
Instructor Information
Name
Edrick Hall
Email
Edrick.Hall@HCCS.edu
Office location
North East Campus
Office hours
By appointment only -- Call 832-865-3493 to schedule a consult via phone or in person.
Phone
832-865-3493 (cell phone) or 713 718-8054 (sociology department)
Specific Course Objectives
COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES
1
Understand and develop a sociological perspective.
2
Comprehend and demonstrate knowledge of sociological research
methods.
3
Know and understand who major sociologists are and their important
contributions to the discipline.
4
Know and use three primary theoretical traditions in analysis of social
phenomena.
5
Learn and use basic sociological terms and concepts
6
Develop a working knowledge of charts, graphs, and other
presentations of sociological data.
7
Develop and implement the sociological imagination in analysis of
social phenomena.
8
Develop an appreciation for social diversity.
The INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS focused upon are as follows:
1) reading and comprehending a college level textbook,
2) writing clearly, correctly and effectively,
3) speaking persuasively and explaining ones view,
4) listening and responding to the view of others,
5) critical thinking to facilitate the construction of alternative strategies and,
6) computer literacy.
Textbook
Required reading
SOCIOLOGY: Introduction to Sociology 2nd ed
By: George Ritzer
Assignments: In-class and take home assignments will be given periodically as a way of employing the
knowledge that the student is acquiring in the course in a real world setting. The assignments will be scored
under the class participation section of the student’s final course grade.
Make-up Exams: There are no make-up exams for the first 3 exams since the student is able to drop the lowest score of
the three. All students must take the comprehensive final exam. If the student has a scheduling conflict for the final, a
make–up exam will be determined based upon university rules. The policy regarding late submissions is quite
strict. Generally, there are no late submissions.
Should an emergency arise that merits relaxing this written policy, the student will not receive full
credit for the assignment. Each case will be evaluated on its merit.
*Do not wait until the semester ends to mention your emergency.
In the event of an emergency you may request consultation with the instructor to determine appropriate
strategies to resolve individual problems.
Cell phones, laptops, and errata: While these are wondrous tools of the age we live in, they will be
unnecessary during class, so kindly render them inert. (I’m referring to texting, emailing, instancing, etc. in class)
Many ideas may be presented in this course that you may disagree with for any number of equally valid
reasons. You may feel free to debate them. However, to ensure that the classroom remains conducive to
learning, please treat each other respectfully while expressing your opinions.
I realize that you may have another class to reach or brunch to find, so I won't keep you late.
Understanding that others in the room are trying to learn and that I often do provide valuable information at the
end of the class please do not begin to pack up you books early before the end of class.
Grading Policy
Your grade will be
determined by the following
Sectional Exams
Details
Points
(if applicable)
The lowest of the 3 exam scores will be
dropped.
This is a comprehensive exam covering all
material.
Assignments, in-class participation in
discussions
Total:
Final Exam
Class Participation
Percent of
Final
Average
50
25
25
100%
LETTER GRADE ASSIGNMENT:
Letter Grade
A
Final Average in Percent
100.00% - 90.00%
B
89.99% - 80.00%
C
79.99% - 70.00%
D
69.99% - 60.00%
F
59.99% - 0.00%
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Receiving a "W" in a course may affect the status of your student visa. Once a "W" is given for the
course, it will not be changed to an "F" because of visa considerations. Since January 1, 2003,
international students in the number of distance education that they may take during each semester.
ONLY ONE online/distance education class may be counted toward the enrollment requirement for
international students per semester. Please contact the international student Office at 713 718-8520 if
you have any questions about your visa status and other transfer issues.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
(See last page of syllabus – Good to the Drop file)
The State of Texas imposes penalties on students who drop courses excessively. Students
are limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational
career at a Texas public college or university.
To help you avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, contact your professor
regarding your academic performance. You may also want to contact your counselor to
learn about helpful HCC resources (e.g. online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job
placement, etc.). HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor will
“alert” you and counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences
and/or poor academic performance.
In order to withdraw from your class, you MUST first contact your professor, PRIOR to
the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. After the withdrawal
deadline has passed, you will receive the grade that you would have earned. Zeros
averaged in for required coursework not submitted will lower your semester average
significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade of an “F”. It is the responsibility of
the student to withdraw from the class; however, your professor reserves the right to
withdraw you without your request due to excessive absences. If you do not feel
comfortable contacting your professor to withdraw, you may contact a counselor.
However, please do not contact both a counselor and your professor to request a
withdrawal; either one is sufficient.
Fall Final Withdrawal deadlines:
· REGULAR Fall COURSES:
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision,
hearing, etc) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
appropriate HCC Disability Support Service (DSS) Counselor at the beginning of each
semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the
Disability Support Services Office.
Students who are requesting special testing accommodations must first contact the
appropriate (most convenient) DSS office for assistance:
Disability Support Services Offices:
System: 713.718.5165
Central: 713.718.6164 – also for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Students
Outside of the HCC District service areas.
Northwest: 713.718.5422
Northeast: 713.718.8420
Southeast: 713.718.7218
Southwest: 713.718.7909
After student accommodation letters have been approved by the DSS office and
submitted to Counseling for processing, students will receive an email confirmation
informing them of the Instructional Support Specialist assigned to their professor.
NOTICE FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF HCC SERVICE AREA
Students who live or work outside the HCC service area and cannot take paper exams at
one of our HCC testing locations MUST make arrangements for a proctor. Please see the
Student Services Additional Resources webpage for more information.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is expected of all students at all times. This issue is of special
importance with reference to internet classes. An honor system is implied.
Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism and
collusion. Appropriate conduct during tests in class and online is the goal. This means
working independently when taking an examination. For specific detailed information on
this subject, please see a copy of the HCCS student handbook.
Part One - Introducing the Sociological Perspective
Objectives
To introduce the student to the sociological perspective and to differentiate sociology and
the other social sciences.
To introduce the student to the methods and strengths and weakness of the research
designs used by sociologists.
Week 1
1/19/2015 – 1/21/2015
Assignments
1. Familiarize yourself with the tools that accompany your textbook.
2. Visit textbook companion web site. There are many tools that you might find useful in
learning the content of the textbook.
3. Introduction of current events.
Readings
Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Sociology in the Global Age
Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 2
1/26/2015 – 1/28/2015
Readings
Chapter 2 - Thinking Sociologically
Chapter 3 - Researching the Social World
Week 3
2/2/2015 – 2/4/2015
Read
Chapter 4 – Culture
Exam 1
Chapter 1,2,3,4
Objective
Test Knowledge of Chapters 1,2,3 and 4. The exam will consist of multiple choice,
true/false and short answer questions. To prepare for the exam study the STUDY
Week 4
2/9/2015 – 2/11/2015
Read
Chapter 5 - Socialization and Interaction
Chapter 6 - Organizations, Societies, and the Global
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
WEEK 5:
2/16/2015 – 2/18/2015
Readings
Chapter 7 - Deviance and Crime
Chapter 8 - Social Stratification
Objective
Test Knowledge of Chapters 5,6,7 and 8. The exam will consist of multiple choice,
true/false and short answer questions. To prepare for the exam study the STUDY
QUESTIONS given in class after each chapter is completed
Week 6
2/23/2015 – 2/25/2015
Read
Chapter 9 - Race and Ethnicity
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 7
3/2/2015 – 3/4/2015
Readings
Chapter 8 - Social Stratification
Exam 2
Chapter 5,6,7,8
Objective
Test Knowledge of Chapters 5,6,7 and 8. The exam will consist of multiple choice,
true/false and short answer questions. To prepare for the exam study the STUDY
QUESTIONS given in class after each chapter is completed
Week 8
3/9/2015 – 3/11/2015
Readings
Chapter 9 - Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 10 - Gender and Sexuality
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 9
3/16/2015 – 3/18/2015
SPRING BREAK
Week 10
3/23/2015 – 3/25/2015
Readings
Chapter 11 - The Family
Chapter 12 - Education
Exam 3
Chapter 9,10,11,12
Objective
Test Knowledge of Chapters 9,10,11 and 12. The exam will consist of multiple choice,
true/false and short answer questions. To prepare for the exam study the STUDY
QUESTIONS given in class after each chapter is completed
Week 11
3/30/2015 – 4/1/2015
Readings
Chapter 13 - Religion
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 12
4/6/2015 – 4/8/2015
Read
Chapter 14 - Politics and the Economy;
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 13
4/13/2015 – 4/15/2015
Readings
Chapter 15 - The Body, Medicine, Health, and
Health Care
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 14
4/20/2015 – 4/22/2015
Chapter 16 - and Population, Urbanization, and the Environment;
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 15
4/27/2015 – 4/29/2015
17 - Social
Change, Social Movements, and Collective Behavior
Complete Lecture and/or Class Activity
(Present current events to the class)
Week 16
5/4/2015 Spring 2015 Reg. 16 Week Coleman: Final Examinations
FINAL EVAMINATION SCHEDULE
Exam 4
Final Exams are scheduled by HCCS. Times are generally posted on the HCCS webpage.
Final grades will be posted on the MYGRADES TOOL approximately two days after
final examination availability period ends
BEST WISHES IN ALL FUTURE ENDEAVORS
Dear Colleagues:
The HCC withdrawal deadlines will now be enforced as of Fall 2007 term. Here is a
summary of the new withdrawal procedures.
1. Faculty will no longer be able to issue a grade of W on the final grade roster. The “W”
option will not be available on the final grade roster. An actual grade must be entered for
the student (A, B, C, D, F or Incomplete, if appropriate).
2. Students, in order to withdraw, will need an instructional faculty or counseling faculty
consultation (in person, email, phone, etc.) before the withdrawal deadline each term in
order to receive a W on their grade reports.
3. To facilitate the withdrawal after the consultation, instructional faculty will need to use
the faculty withdrawal link recently added in the Peoplesoft instructional faculty website
where you access class rosters and enter grades (see first page). The link in Peoplesoft is
for instruction-initiated withdrawals, whether sought by a student after consulting with
the faculty person or whether sought by the instructor for excessive absences, etc. A
similar withdrawal link will be created as soon as possible for the staff side of Peoplesoft
for counseling faculty and others to utilize.
4. If an instructor has facilitated a consultation with the student regarding the withdrawal
request, the instructor should submit the withdrawal request using the withdrawal
link in Peoplesoft. There is no need to additionally refer the student to counseling to
facilitate the withdrawal. Also, do not send the student to Registration staff to facilitate
the withdrawal. Registration staff are not authorized to approve withdrawals.
5. As mentioned earlier, there are many negative consequences for students to withdraw
from classes, especially for international students. It is best to give students whatever
grades they have earned (A, B, C, D, F, or I, if appropriate). As always, for lowperforming students, please talk to them early in the semester and regularly throughout
the semester so that they can be helped to improve their grades.
6. We will be creating a similar link in Peoplesoft soon for you to activate the Early Alert
referrals and process.
If you have any questions, please contact your department chair or call Mark Tengler
(713-718-8535) or Robert Castillo (713-718-8537).
Spring 2015
Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals
March 30, 2015 - 4:30 p.m.
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