SOC 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
Fall 2015 (Sixteen Weeks)
CRN 73464 Th 7:00-10:00
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 and Wednesdays
Room AD2- Spring Branch Campus
8:30-9:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays
Faculty Offices/ Alief 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- 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, going to class greatly increases your ability to
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 not learning the information. As the information
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 decide NOT to come
to class for whatever reason. Be aware that this may result in serious consequences ,
however. Attendance is important.
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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 may 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 and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars,
HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any 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
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.
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.
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Classroom Behavior
Both students and instructors share a responsibility to develop and maintain a positive learning
environment in the classroom. I take this responsibility very seriously and 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.
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
 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
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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, 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 - 60 =
A
B
C
D
F
Make-Up Tests will automatically be given only if students contact 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.
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. Students
who complete this assessment may be given bonus points on the final as an incentive to fulfill
this important responsibility.
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final
week of class.