Social Sciences
Southwest
SOCI 1301 – Introduction to Sociology
CRN 95108 - SPRING 2016
CRN 95109 - SPRING 2016
Progressive High School –Room _____ [5:00pm-6:30pm] Tuesday/Wednesday
[6:30pm-8:00pm] Tuesday/Wednesday
3 hour lecture course / 48 Hours per semester / 16 Weeks Face to Face
Instructor Contact Information
Gloria W. Anderson, M.A.
E-mail: gloria.anderson@hccs.edu
Chair, Department of Sociology, Jennifer L. Graves: Jennifer.graves@hccs.edu 713-718-7529
West Loop, Room 215
Office location and hours:
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. You do not
need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. Your performance in my
class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns. Please e-mail me and set up an
appointment.
Course Description: SOCI 1301 is a survey course and the scientific study of human society, including
ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and
social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and
related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include
topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. Core curriculum course.
Course Prerequisite: 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/Multi-Cultural Studies
course.
Core Curriculum Objectives: Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need
to take into account global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students
will develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in their
communities, and in life. Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of
knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social
responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for
all learning.
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Student Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the theoretical, historical and applied nature of the discipline
2. Distinguish the fundamental quantitative and qualitative techniques in the study of human group
behavior
3. Apply sociological and theoretical perspectives to the study of human group behavior
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Students enrolled in this core curriculum course will complete several assignments designed to cultivate the
following core objectives.
 Critical Thinking Skills
 Communication Skills
 Empirical and Quantitative Skills
 Social Responsibility
4.
5.
Evaluate our socially and culturally diverse society and world
Develop skills in using computers and the Internet for research
Learning Objectives
1.1 Appreciate information about the background and history of Sociology.
1.2 Analyze the seminal theorists in Sociology, their theories, and how those theories translate to the
real world.
1.3 Discriminate among and between various critical thinking fallacies.
1.4 Evaluate theories of collective behavior and social movements and how they impact real people's
real lives in the real world.
2.1 Illustrate Sociological experiments as found in a textbook or a peer-reviewed journal and discuss the
study in terms of the scientific method.
2.2 Delineate scientific research methods.
3.1 Evaluate theories of stratification and how they impact real people's real lives in the real world.
3.2 Evaluate theories of globalization and social change and how they impact real people's real lives in
the real world.
3.3 Evaluate theories of population, urbanization, and environment and how they impact real people's
real lives in the real world.
4.1 Evaluate the major theories of each of the institutions of society.
COURSE CALENDAR
Introductions
Overview of Course
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Sociology the Global Age
Page 8-Digital Living, Sociologist as Bloggers
Page-12 Globalization (Sex Trafficking)
Korgen: Chapter 2 (Differences between Actual and Perceived Norms)p14
DATE
Jan 19
Jan 20
Week 2
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Sociology the Global Age (cont’d) Assigned
Autobiography Due
Jan 26
Jan 27
Week 3
Chapter 2: Thinking Sociologically
Page 53- Globalization(Contentious India-China border
Page 57- Digital Living (Chatroulette)
Feb 2
Feb 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Chapter 3: Researching the Social World
Page 78 – Globalization (Port Security)
Quiz 1 (Chapters 1&2)
Observation Assignment Due
Chapter 4: Culture
Body Rituals of the Nacirema (Internet reading)
Page 131 - Globalization (Starbucks in Singapore)
Korgen: Chapter 5 (Unmarried With Children)p37
Examination #1: Chapters 1-4
Chapter 5: Socialization and Interaction
Page 155 - Globalization (The Self in the Global World)
Feb 7
Feb 10
Feb 16
Feb 17
Feb 23
Feb 24
2
Week 1
ASSIGNMENT
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WEEK
Week 7
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Chapter 6: Organizations, Societies and the Global Domain
*(Powerpoints assigned for studying independently)
Chapter 7: Deviance & Crime
Page 218 – Globalization (Rethinking the Dutch Marijuana Use)
Korgen: Chapter 12 (Bullies Move Beyond the Schoolyard)p88
Quiz #2: Chapter 5
Examination #2: Chapters 5 -7
Chapter 8: Social Stratification
Korgen: Chapter 15 (Doing Class in a Coffee Shop)p117
Journal Article Assignment Paper Due
Mar 1
Mar 2
Mar 8
Mar 9
Chapter 8: Social Stratification (cont’d)
Chapter: 9 Race and Ethnicity
Korgen: Chapter 13 (Mass Imprisonment & the Life Course)p99
Page 311 – Globalization (The Warao of Venezuela)
Mar 22
Mar 23
Chapter: 9 Race and Ethnicity (cont’d)
Chapter 10: Gender and Sexuality
Page 358 Globalization (Rape As a Weapon of War)
Quiz #3 Chapter 9
Mar 29
Mar 30
Chapter 10: Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 17: Social Change, Social Movements, and Collective Action
Korgen: Chapter 33 (Corporate Citizenship & Social Responsibility in a
Globalized World)p250
Apr 5
Apr 6
Chapter 17: Social Change, Social Movements, and Collective Action
Examination #3 chapters 8-10
Chapter 17: Social Change, Social Movements, and Collective Action
Quiz #4 Chapter 17
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 19
Apr 20
Chapter 11: Family
Chapter 12: Education
Chapter 13 Religion
Social Institutions Group Assignments
May 3
May 4
Final Examination
Inclusive
May 10
May 11
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Student Assignments
Assignments and activities are designed to enhance your learning. To help you master the course material
and develop some specific skills, you will be asked to complete assignments and activities that cover key
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Instructional Methods
The primary methods of instruction in this course are class discussion and in-class group activities. It is
imperative that all students come to class prepared and confident in their mastery of the material. Any
lectures in this course will be extremely discussion-oriented and will involve an on-going dialogue between
the instructor and the students. Additional instruction methods may include games, the use of multimedia,
and student presentation of material.
information necessary for success in this course and beyond. Below is a description of all the assignments
and activities planned for this course.
Readings: You are required to read all of the assigned material in its entirety if it is listed under Required
Readings/Videos. This material includes the textbook and any additional readings. This will ultimately
improve your ability to be an effective, efficient, perceptive and critical reader and will ensure you are
prepared to participate in all assigned activities. Your ability to succeed in this class is dependent on your
preparedness each day and your ability to stay focused and not procrastinate, so it is imperative that you
complete the readings as they are assigned (refer to the Course Calendar for details).
Quizzes: You will be required to complete four quizzes from the chapters indicated on the tentative course
calendar. Quizzes will be administered before lecture begins. NO MAKEUP’S ON QUIZZES
Exams: There will be four (4) unit exams which includes the final. The exams will be a combination of
multiple choice, fill-in blanks and written (essay, short answer) questions. They will include information
from textbook, class notes and required reading. All exams are worth 100 points each.
Assignments: Assignments have been planned to help you master important concepts and ideas and to give
you an opportunity to develop and enhance several specific skills (such as building presentations, giving
speeches, creating videos, researching, writing, etc.). All of your submissions should be well-written and
well thought-out meaning they should utilize full sentences with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
and should demonstrate critical thinking skills and subject knowledge. I strongly encourage you to avoid
procrastinating and to work on the assignments early and often. In all writing assignments use New Times
Roman.
Participation: In order to best facilitate your success and to nurture the most productive and useful learning
community possible, you are expected to arrive on time, to be fully prepared for class, to actively
participate, and to remain in class for the entire period every single meeting.. As such, arriving late or
leaving early counts as half of an absence. You are responsible for any material that you miss as a result of
arriving late, leaving early, or being absent. If a situation arises that may impact your attendance, you
should contact me as soon as possible. You may be dropped from the class for excessive absences or
tardiness, and both will factor heavily into your final participation grade.
.
Extra Credit: No extra credit is allowed, you must master the syllabus.
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EGLS3: The EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) is available for most
courses near the end of the term before finals start. (Not all courses are available for this survey.) This brief
survey will give invaluable information to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and
will be available to faculty and division chairs a month after the end of the term. Website:
http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/egls3/
ASSIGNMENTS
Autobiography Rubric
Criteria
Excellent (5)
Good (4)
Satisfactory (3)
Needs
Improvement
Introduction
The introduction
includes the
student's name,
date of birth, and
place of birth.
There are at least 3
important events
from the student's
life included.
Events from baby,
toddler and school
years are included.
Paragraph has a
topic sentence,
supporting details,
and a closing
sentence.
The introduction
briefly describes
the student.
The introduction
does not describe
the student.
Ideas are unclear.
Poorly developed
ideas
There are only 2
important events
from the student's
life included. Most
events from baby,
toddler and school
years included.
Paragraph is
missing either the
topic sentence,
supporting details,
or the closing
sentence.
There is only 1
important event
from the student's
life included. Few
events from baby,
toddler and school
years included.
Paragraph does not
include a topic
sentence,
supporting details,
and a closing
sentence.
There are no
important events
from the students
life included.
Spelling
There are 0-1
spelling mistakes.
There are 2-3
spelling mistakes.
Grammar
There are no runon sentences, and
no punctuation or
capitalization
errors.
All work is very
neatly organized,
easily readable typed/written.
There are some
run-ons, or
punctuation or
capitalization
errors.
Most work is
neatly organized;
readable
There are 4 or
more spelling
mistakes.
There are many
run-ons, and
punctuation and
capitalization
errors.
Some organization
Neatness
Paragraph is not
complete and does
not include a topic
sentence,
supporting details,
and a closing
sentence.
There are multiple
spelling mistakes.
There are many
errors which cause
difficulty in
understanding the
topic.
No organization;
not easily readable
5
Organization of
paragraphs
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Content
1. Observation Assignment
You will complete a 2-3 page observation assignment. You are to study or participate in a particular group
event or social organization. Samples of events could include a visit to a religious group other than the one
you usually attend, hang out at café or coffee shop, or attend a sporting event. To complete the assignment
simply write down your observations, note any patterns you observe, or point out any observations or
patterns that particularly surprise you.
Summarize your 1-hour observation. Discuss how observed behaviors relate to symbolic interaction theory
Observations:
Please make arrangements to spend at least 1 hour in the company of the group or at the
event. The goal is to carefully observe behavior and to document what occurs during your
observation window.
When observing, document the details of how group members you are observing behave
during the observation window. The key here is to both document behaviors – in as much
detail as you can – and to tie what you witness into what we’ve talked about in class/what
you’ve read in the text. What do you see that is consistent with what we’d expect, given
the purpose of the group or event? What do you see that is inconsistent or surprising?
What is the significance of some of the behaviors you are witnessing, or not witnessing?
In your report, you must "specific" details of symbolic interaction theory to specific
instances within the observation.
The purpose of this exercise is helping get you into the observation mode – to help you
become sensitive to the ways in which the things we are learning about in class are
actually happening in the world around us!
Below Standard
79% and below
At Standard
80 - 89
Above Standard
90 - 100
Observation with
general descriptions of
setting and observed
behaviors. Observations
are little more than
outlines…with out-ofcontext behaviors
noted/listed. Analyses
tend to look like a list of
behaviors observed with
generally unsupported
association to broad
theory terms rather than
thoughtfully-conceived
narrative connections to
precise, concepts/terms
of symbolic interaction
theory.
Observation is in
narrative form. Analyses
offer generally rich
descriptions of behavior
and definitions of broad
rather than precise
terms. There are
implied associations
among the behaviors and
terms rather than
thoughtfully-conceived
narrative connections to
precise, concepts/terms
of symbolic interaction
theory. There is some
evidence of personal
insight with at least one
“This reminds me of…”
example.
Observation offering a
richly detailed, narrative
account of encounter
with group/activity. The
observation includes
date, setting and context
of observation, the
group/activity observed,
and the behaviors
observed. In addition,
the observation includes
a thoughtful analysis of
the encounter based on
the work of symbolic
interaction theorist. The
analysis reads like a
story into which precise
concepts/terms from the
theorist is/are woven.
On occasion, personal
connections are offered
(perhaps an “I remember
when I…” or “This
reminds me of…”)
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Grading Criterion
6
Observation Assignment Rubric
2. Journal Article Review Assignment
Journal Article Review Rubric
Grading Criterion
Below Standard
79% and below
At Standard
80 - 89
Above Standard
90 - 100
Content and
Development
Content is not
comprehensive, major
points are not clearly
stated or research does
not support major
points.
The structure of the
paper is not easy to
follow. Introduction
and/or paragraphs lack
transition of thought.
Content is moderately
comprehensive, most
major points are
supported by research.
Content is
comprehensive, and
includes major points
that are supported by
research.
The structure of the
paper is somewhat easy
to follow OR
Introduction is missing
or does not preview
major points. Paragraph
transitions need
improvement OR
Conclusion is missing or
does not flow from body
of paper.
Paper has extensive
APA formatting errors.
Paper meets few specific
requirements required
by Instructor.
Paper has moderate
APA formatting errors.
Paper meets most
specific requirements
required by Instructor.
Paper contains many
spelling, grammar or
punctuation errors.
Paper contains few
spelling, grammar, or
punctuation errors.
The structure of the
paper is clear and easy
to follow. The
introduction provides
sufficient background
and preview of main
points. Transitions are
logical and maintain the
flow of thought.
Conclusion is logical
and flows from the body
of the paper.
Paper has minimal APA
formatting errors.
Paper meets specific
requirements required
by Instructor page length
4-6, includes references,
and uses mandatory
format topics.
Paper contains correct
spelling, correct usage
of grammar, and
punctuation. No
contractions or run on
sentences. Pronoun
references are clear.
Verbs correspond.
Capitalization is used
correctly. Sentences are
clear and concise.
Proper forms of
homonyms are used.
Organization and
Structure
APA Format
Mandatory Given
Format
Spelling Punctuation
and Grammar
1. Social Institutions Group Assignment
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Students will be assigned to present a designated Social Institution. Assignment must be in the form of a
PowerPoint presentation (copy to the professor). The presentation must include three external sources, a
minimum of 15 slides, and an activity related to the chapter for class participation.
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Instructional Materials
Text: Ritzer, George (2014). Introduction to Sociology, Second Edition, California: SAGE Publications,
Inc. 2015. Reader: Contemporary Readings in Sociology, Korgen, Kathleen ed., Sage Publications
HCC Policy Statement: ADA
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective
college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations
requested by the Disability Support Services Office. For more information, go to the HCC ADA Website or
call (713) 718-6164.
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. If you
engage in any form of academic dishonesty, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and you will
receive a failing grade for the course. Note: If you are caught engaging in any form of academic dishonesty
in this course, you will fail the course.
HCC Policy Statement: Meningitis Immunization
Texas Senate Bill 1107 passed in May 2011, requires that new HCC students and former HCC students
returning after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester who are under the age of 30 are required to
present a physician-signed certificate showing they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.
Students must satisfy this requirement prior to enrollment. For more information and a list of exemptions
please go to http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/admissions-registration-center/new-student-general-admissionssteps/submit-meningitis-documentation.
HCC Policy Statement: Repeating Courses
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.
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Information on other policies and additional information on these policies can be found in the HCC Student
Handbook (available on the HCC website).
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HCC Policy Statement: Withdrawal
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; please take the time 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. 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. If you
plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior to
withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and 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 a
24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor.
Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not
withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your
final grade.
HCC Distance Education Policy Statement
The Distance Education Student Handbook contains policies and procedures unique to the DE student.
Students should have reviewed the handbook as part of the mandatory orientation. It is the student's
responsibility to be familiar with the handbook's contents. The handbook contains valuable information,
answers, and resources, such as DE contacts, policies and procedures (how to drop, attendance
requirements, etc.), student services (ADA, financial aid, degree planning, etc.), course information, testing
procedures, technical support, and academic calendars. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by visiting this
link: http://de.hccs.edu/de/de-student-handbook.
Requirements
As your instructor, it is my responsibility to:
Inform you of policies and procedures through the class syllabus
Describe any special projects or assignments.
Make adjustments and changes to the course as necessary to best serve the needs of the class.
Keep an open line of communication.
Provide the course outline and calendar.
Provide a detailed grading formula explaining how student grades will be derived.
Inform students of HCC and classroom policies.
To be successful in this course, it is your responsibility to:
Participate meaningfully in all activities, discussions and other assignments before the due date.
Successfully complete all of the scheduled quizzes and exams
Take responsibility for your own learning.
Comply with all policies and expectations.
Ask for assistance when you need it.
Additionally, it is your responsibility to actively engage in the process of learning and thinking. Learning is
not a passive process whereby experts impart knowledge upon you; rather, learning is an active process that
requires extensive effort and involvement from both the teacher and the student. I expect you to focus on
truly learning and understanding the material, not simply committing it to memory. You will get as much
out of the class as you are willing to put in. Please note that your education is not simply a means to an end
(such as a better career or higher income), but is also an end in and of itself – try to slow down and enjoy
the learning process!
Program/Discipline Requirements
Per the HCC Sociology program requirements, we must cover the following topics: Research Methods,
Culture, Socialization, Society, Social Interaction, Deviance, Groups, and Class Stratification. Additionally,
we must cover two additional forms of stratification (e.g. Race, Gender, and Aging) and three social
institutions (e.g. Government, Religion, Economy, Education, Family, and Health). Lastly, we must cover
at least one topic related to social change (e.g. Urbanization, Social Movements, and Social Change).
HCC Grading Scale
A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 D: 60-69 F: <60
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Tentative List of Topics: The Sociological Perspective, Sociological Investigation, Culture, Society,
Socialization, Social Interaction in Everyday Life, Groups and Organizations, Sexuality and Society,
Deviance & Crime, Social Stratification, Social Class in the U.S., Gender, Race, Aging and the Elderly,
Economy and Work, Politics and Government, Families, Religion, Education, Health and Medicine,
Urbanization and the Environment, Collective Behavior and Social Movements, Social Change
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Instructor Grading Criteria
The quizzes, assignments, and other assessments that you are given throughout the semester are tools that
you can use to determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of
course content and skills) outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills,
I encourage you to reflect on how you study and prepare for each class.
Specific Classroom Policies
Participation: In order to best facilitate your success and to nurture the most productive and useful learning
community possible, you are expected to actively participate in this course throughout the semester.
Attending all in-class sessions, being on time for class and staying the entire time, coming to class
prepared, and actively participating in all discussions and activities.
Late Work: If assignments (journal articles & observation) are not submitted on due dates, you will
automatically lose 35 points. No e-mail copies will be accepted.
Technical Compliance: Students are expected to maintain a state of technical compliance, including (but
not limited to): up-to-date software as required by the instructor; a stable Internet connection. The
instructor will not give consideration for lost/missing/unacceptable work stemming from technical noncompliance and/or end-user technical issues.
Electronic Devices: Because it severely disrupts the learning environment and distracts you from the
important tasks we complete during class, the use of any electronic device (cell phones, pagers, mp3
players, hand-held games, etc.) during class is not allowed unless specifically requested by the instructor.
Each violation of this policy will result in a three-point decrease in your final grade.
Respect: To create a safe and enjoyable learning community, you are expected to respect each other’s
opinions and experiences at all times. Disrespectful behavior may result in a decrease in your final grade.
Disclaimer
The material in this syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Any changes made will be
clearly described.
A
B
720-800
640-719
C
D
560-639
480-559
F
0-479
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POINTS
POINTS
400
80
10
5
100
100
5
100
800
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GRADE
ASSIGNMENT
4 Semester Exams
4 Quizzes (20 points each )
Notebook
Class Participation
Special Project
Observation Assignment
Autobiography
Journal Article Assignment
TOTAL
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