SOC 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
Spring 2016 (Sixteen Weeks)
Sociology
Instructor: Anthony Mark Pearson
Instructor Contact Information:
Email: anthony.pearson@hccs.edu
Phone: 713 -718- 5631
The best way to get in touch with me is by email. Phone messages can take
longer to return. Make sure you include the day and class time of the course
you are enrolled in on the subject line or your email may be deleted.
Please schedule all appointments in advance:
Office location and hours
8:30-9:30am Mondays through Thursdays (Spring Branch)
12:00-3:00pm Saturdays (Spring Branch)
Office Location: Room AD2- Spring Branch Campus
Departmental Chair:
Jennifer Graves: jennifer.graves@hccs.edu
Phone: 713-718-2087
Text: Introduction To Sociology (2nd edition). George Ritzer
Course Description
Sociology 1301 is a survey course intended to introduce the student to the field of sociology.
Defined as “the scientific study of society and the social activity of human beings,” sociology is a
broad discipline which studies the nature and arrangement of society and its institutions, and
social behavior in all its forms.
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At the micro level, sociology focuses on social interaction and how people interpret and
make sense of their everyday social world. In this context, sociology studies how people
internalize and navigate the social worlds they inhabit.
At the macro level, sociology focuses on major social institutions such as the family,
government, the economy, the media and religion. It also tries to understand global processes,
such as how societies change over time, and globalization (the way in which societies are
becoming more interconnected politically, culturally, and economically).
Core Curriculum Statement: Sociology 1301 is a core curriculum course. It may be used to
fulfill the requirements for a core Social and Behavioral Sciences course OR a core Cross/MultiCultural Studies course. All core curriculum courses prepare students for living in a diverse
world, and establish a foundation of knowledge that be used to understand various human
cultures and the physical and natural world they inhabit.
Core Curriculum Objectives
 Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis,
evaluation and synthesis of information
This objective will be accomplished through classroom discussions, group assignments,
the paper on group conformity, and the exam review worksheet for each test.
 Communication Skills - to include effective development, interpretation and expression
of ideas through written, oral and visual communication
This objective will be accomplished through classroom discussions, group
presentations, student check-ins, and the group conformity paper.
 Empirical and Quantitative Skills - to include the manipulation and analysis of
numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.
This objective will be met through web assignments, group work, and analysis of statistical
charts and graphs in class.
 Teamwork - to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work
effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal
This objective will be met through group assignments, group discussions,
and classroom discussions
 Personal Responsibility - to include the ability to connect choices, actions and
consequences to ethical decision-making
This objective will be met through lecture material, student check ins, group
work, group discussions, and the maintenance of clear and well defined boundaries in the
classroom.
 Social Responsibility: to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic
responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global
communities.
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This objective will be met through class discussions, lecture material, web
assignments, student check ins, and group discussions
Prerequisites
SOC 1301 requires college-level reading and writing skills. Research indicates that you are
most likely to succeed if you have already taken and passed ENGL 1301. The minimum
requirements for enrollment in SOC 1301 include placement in college-level reading (or take
GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and placement in college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349
as a co-requisite). If you have enrolled in this course without having satisfied these
prerequisites, you are at higher risk of failure or withdrawal than students who have done so,
and you should carefully read and consider the repeater policy notice that follows.
Student Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
1. Apply the three major perspectives in Sociology: Conflict, Functionalist, and Symbolic
Interactionism.
2. Identify the basic principles of the social science research process.
3. Evaluate the various aspects of stratification as they affect American society and the world.
4. Evaluate the various aspects of the institutions of society as they affect American society and
the world.
One or more of these outcomes may be measured by the department during the semester.
Instructional Methods
The course will use a variety of instructional methods including lecture, group activities, films,
videos, and internet resources. Tests are usually multiple choice, but might include short
answer questions and essays.
HCC Policy Statements:
HCC Policy Statement – ADA Services to Students with Disabilities
Any student with a disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange special accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office
at their respective campus at the beginning of each semester. Faculty can only provide the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. More information can be
found at the Houston Community College ADA Website. The following are contact numbers for
the ADA offices at some northwest campuses:
Spring Branch Campus ADA Office: 713 718 5422
Katy Campus ADA Office: 713 718 5422
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HCC Policy Statement- Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions have
policies and procedures that protect students’ rights with regard to sex/gender
discrimination. Information regarding these rights are on the HCC website under the
section on Students-Anti-discrimination. Students who are pregnant and require
accommodations should contact any of the ADA Counselors for assistance.
It is important that every student understands and conforms to respectful behavior
while at HCC. Sexual misconduct is not condoned and will be addressed promptly.
Know your rights and how to avoid these difficult situations.
HCC Policy Statement- Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, demonstrating that the coursework
has not been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students.
The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for
ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor
has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the
University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are
charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are
responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements.
Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a
student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
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Copying from another students’ test paper; using cheat notes
Using materials not authorized on the test (including electronic devices)
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of
that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F
in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or
dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statement- Attendance
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class. Attending class regularly is the
best way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in
student success is attendance. Simply put, coming to class greatly increases your ability to
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succeed. You are expected to attend all lectures and labs regularly. You are responsible for
materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is
your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to
drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are missing important information. As the material
discussed in class is an important component of the course, students may be dropped from
after accumulating absences in excess of six hours of class time. This would include total
classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early. You may choose to not come
to class for whatever reason, but be aware that this will affect your performance in the course
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including
the first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is recommended to find a friend or
a buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or be able to hand in paper if you
unavoidably miss a class.
HCC Policy Statement- Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course
prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course, it is a good idea to
meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be
able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your
success is very important to me and the college. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature
passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals
throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early
Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a
class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is recommended
to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might
be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay
in class and improve your academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you must withdraw yourself online (except for flex
entry classes) OR contact a HCC counselor to withdraw you. This must be done PRIOR to the
withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. Final withdrawal deadlines vary each
semester depending on class length. Please visit the online academic calendars, the HCC
schedule of classes and catalog, or any HCC Registration Office, or HCC counselor to
determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow sufficient time (at least 24-hour
response time) when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or
counselor. Remember:
STUDENTS MUST WITHDRAW THEMSELVES FROM
THE COURSE BEFORE THE FINAL DROP DATE OR
RISK RECEIVING AN “F” AS THE FINAL GRADE
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HCC Policy Statement- Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice,
are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students
to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate
to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course
withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor
as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills,
attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be
available.
HCC Policy Statement- International Students
Receiving a W in a course may affect the status of your student Visa. Once a W is given for
the course (after you have submitted withdrawal form formally), it will not be changed to an F
because of the visa consideration. Please contact the International Student Office at 713-7188520, if you have any questions about your visa status and other transfer issues.
HCC Policy Statement- Classroom Behavior
Both students and instructors share a responsibility to develop and maintain a positive
learning environment in the classroom. This responsibility is taken very seriously and I will
monitor your behavior to ensure it does not adversely affect the focus in the room and ability of
other students to learn. It is also important to show the instructor respect and courtesy at all
times.
Sleeping in the classroom is a distraction- so if you cannot stay awake please remove yourself
from the room and find an appropriate place to rest. Please be as wakeful as possible while
in the classroom. This is an important part of the learning process.
HCC Policy Statement- Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
Cell phones and other electronic devices present a serious distraction in the learning
environment and thus must be turned off while in the classroom unless you have specific
permission from the instructor. I will attempt to enforce this rule gently, but I will be mindful and
deliberate in its enforcement. If you fail to respond to warnings about cell phone use you may
be asked to leave the room so please be aware of your behavior.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring,
or testing occurs.
Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable
accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding
reasonable accommodations
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and a detailed grading formula explaining how student grades
are to be determined
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Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and
lectures
Clearly describe all assignments and projects
Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
tests
Provide a course outline, a class calendar, and keep students informed of test dates and
other due dates
Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class to deal with any relevant
issues that present themselves
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Perform assigned readings
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
 Remain wakeful and focused while in the classroom
GRADES
There are four major grades in the course: two regular tests, the final and a required paper.
Your grade on the paper is recorded twice in the gradebook, giving you a total of five major
scores.
Grading Formula
Test One
Test Two
Final
Paper (x2)
20%
20%
20%
40%
To figure out your final grade in the course, drop the lowest of your five scores, excepting the
final- then average the remaining scores together and round to the nearest whole number.
Assign a letter grade based on the grading scale below:
90- 100 =
80 - 89 =
70 - 79 =
60 - 69 =
0 - 59 =
A
B
C
D
F
Make-Up Tests will automatically be given only if the student contacts the instructor by
email before or on the day of the test. Make up tests will be placed in the Testing Center. It is
the student’s responsibility to schedule the make up with the testing center by the date required
by the instructor. Also be aware that make up tests may not be returned as promptly as tests
taken in class on the assigned date. Please be patient when awaiting make up test grades.
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WRITING ASSIGNMENT: As a requirement for completion of the course, students will
need to turn in a research paper due at the end of the semester. The paper must be on the
topic assigned by the instructor. Any unapproved paper that is turned in will not be accepted, so
please stick to the approved guidelines. All papers must be at least five pages and double
spaced. Each paper must have the name and class time on a cover sheet. A separate
assignment sheet will be given outlining the paper assignment in detail.
Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At the end of the course you will be asked to participate in an online survey regarding the
course and the instructor. The anonymous results of this survey will be made available to your
professors and administration for the improvement of the course delivery. A link to this survey
will be available near the end of the semester through the HCC student web portal. Classes
that have more than a 75% response rate will receive a bonus on the final exam.
Course Calendar- Fall 2015
Please note that the calendar can be changed on short notice. It is necessary to
come to class in order to be fully informed about topics, test dates, etc. as these may
change. Readings should be done before the corresponding lecture, so that you can
better integrate the material and ask more informed questions. Remember you get out
of the course what you put into it. Reading will greatly expand your comprehension and
understanding of the material. The last day to withdraw without a grade is April 5,
2016
Week One (Jan 19- Jan 22)
-Introduction to the Course
“The Sociological Imagination”
Read Ritzer, Chap 1
Week Two (Jan 25- Jan 29)
-The Sociological Perspective
Malcolm Gladwell Video/ Outliers
Read Ritzer, Chap 1
Week Three (Feb 1- Feb 5)
-History/ Evolution of Sociology as a Discipline
Read Ritzer, Chap 2
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-Theoretical Perspectives:
Functionalist/Conflict Perspectives
Applied to:
Social Class
Gender
Race
Week Four (Feb 8- Feb 12)
-Theoretical Perspectives:
Functionalist/Conflict Perspectives
Applied to:
Social Class
Gender
Race
Read Ritzer, Chap 9,10
Interactionist Perspective
“The Social Construction of Reality”
Read Ritzer, Chap 2
Week Five (Feb 15- Feb 19)
-Sociological Methods:
Qualitative Methods (Ethnography)
Quantitative Methods (Surveys, Questionnaires)
Read Ritzer, Chap 3
Week Six (Feb 22- Feb 26)
Exam One/ Review
Week Seven (Feb 29- Mar 4)
-Culture
Read Ritzer, Chap 4
-Socialization
Stages of Socialization
Read Ritzer, Chap 5
Week Eight (Mar 14- Mar 18)
Spring Break Holiday (No Classes)
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Week Nine(Mar 21- Mar 25)
Stages of Socialization (cont’d)
Stages of the Life Course
Read Ritzer, Chap 5
Week Ten (Mar 28- Apr 1)
Film: “Inside Job”
Week Eleven (Apr 4- Apr 8)
Organizations/ Deviance
Read Ritzer, Chap 6,7
Week Twelve (Apr 11- Apr 15)
Exam Two/ Review
Week Thirteen (Apr 18- Apr 22)
Stratification and Social Class
Read Ritzer, Chap 8
Week Fourteen (Apr 25- Apr 29)
Stratification and Social Class
Read Ritzer, Chap 14
Week Fifteen (May 2- May 6)
History of Human Societies/Sociocultural Evolution
Post Industrial Society/
Globalization and Social Change
Read Ritzer, Chap 16, 17
Week Sixteen (May 9- May 13)
Finals
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FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Monday, May 9
For classes which start between:
7:00 a.m. — 7:30 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. — 9:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10
For classes which start between:
7:00 a.m. — 7:30 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. — 9:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 11
For classes which start between :
8:00 a.m. — 8:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
12:00 pm. — 12:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 12
For classes which start between:
8:00 a.m. — 8:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
12:00p.m. — 12:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
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Friday, May 13
Classes that meet on Friday will have their final at the normal class time
Grades should be posted by noon, Monday, May 16. If you have any issues about your grade
you can email me at anthony.pearson@hccs.edu and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
I am committed to handling any issues to your satisfaction, but please be patient when awaiting
a response as the campus may be closed for the holidays.
Last Day To Withdraw Without a Grade: April 5
final week
of class.