SYLLABUS HANDOUT
for
Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 1010-7B
Gary J. Toth, M.A.
Spring 2015-16
Textbook Companion Website:
Instructor’s Website: http://faculty.mccneb.edu/gtoth/socsci/default.htm
12:00 – 1:50PM
Mondays / Wednesdays
South Omaha Campus
MHY Room 111
WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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Metropolitan Community College
CLASS SYLLABUS – Spring 2015-16
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
PREFIX/SECTION:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS:
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES:
NO CLASS DAYS:
CENSUS DATE:
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
CLASS LOCATION:
Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 1010 7B
4.5 ECH
3/14/16 – 5/25/16
Monday/Wednesday; 12:00 – 1:50PM
N/A
3/21/16
5/11/16
South Omaha Campus, MHY Room 111
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:
Gary J. Toth, M.A.
OFFICE LOCATION:
South Omaha Campus MHY 110V
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
(402) 738-4678
FACSIMILE:
(402) 738-4535
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon/Wed 10:00-12:00 & Tues/Thurs 12:00-1:00
EMAIL
GToth@mccneb.edu
ADDRESS:
Students enrolled in online and hybrid classes are required to check and use MCC
Email (https://outlook.com/mccneb.edu) for all official course correspondence. See also
STUDENT EMAIL REQUIREMENTS.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM AREA: Social Sciences
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to the scientific study of society and human social behavior. It focuses on the
concepts of research methods, research findings, sociological theories, society, institutions, groups, social
structure, culture, social interaction, socialization, social problems, social inequality, and social change. This
course is transferable. Reading assessment and college-level reading skills are recommended for success in this
course.
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COURSE PREREQUISITES:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. The ability to read and write at the college level is highly recommended.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Compare the major sociological perspectives, their sources and applications.
Apply the scientific method to a sample problem and evaluate the major research methods used in sociology.
Analyze the social structure and its major components.
Describe the major forms of inequality in society and compare the theoretical explanations for each.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of major sociological terms and concepts.
Cite theoretical explanations for and treatment options applicable to selected deviant patterns of behavior.
Identify and correlate the functions of the social institutions on the others.
Appraise the impact of collective behavior, social movements, technology, and multicultural contacts on social
change.
9. Analyze the inter-relation of social and physical environments.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Required Textbook:






TITLE:
AUTHOR:
EDITION:
COPYRIGHT:
PUBLISHER:
ISBN:
Materials:
SOCIOLOGY POP CULTURE TO SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Brym & Lie
3rd
2012
Cengage Learning
9781285113586
As distributed by the Instructor
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do
the same. You may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your
software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
CLASS STRUCTURE:
Major activities will include lectures, group activities,
guest speakers when available, student presentations, readings, tests and papers
TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE:
I.
Introduction to Social Theory
A. Theoretical Basis for Sociology
B. Research Methods in Sociology
C. Culture
D. Social Structure
II. Individual and Group
A. Socialization
B. Organization and Groups
C. Sexuality and Society
D. Deviance
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III. Institutions
A. Education
B. Marriage and The Family
C. Religion
D. Politics and Economy
E. Emerging Institutions
1. Health Care
2. Sport, Entertainment and Leisure
TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE: (continued)
IV.
V.
Inequality
A. Stratification
B. Prejudice and Discrimination
C. Racial and Ethnic Categories
D. Gender
E. Age
Social Change
A. Collective Behavior
B. Population
C. Urbanization
D. Multicultural Issues in a Changing World
E. Globalization
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
This course will be primarily lecture, discussion and team activity. There will be some outside reading and activities.
Audiovisuals will be included as supplemental to the topics of discussion. There may be some experimental class
activities as well as outside speakers. In class discussion or lecture may or may not follow the text reading.
CRITERIA FOR ASSIGNMENTS:
Sample essays and other assignments are to be typed (word processor), and double spaced. Assignments hand written will
not be accepted and will be assessed a penalty for lateness.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades will be earned on the basis of the total points accumulated throughout the quarter. A point system will be used to
determine the grades. The grades will be assigned as indicated below:
Activity
A)
B)
C)
Four (4) Assessments (Exams & Essays)
Attendance/Weekly Research
Group Presentation/s
Maximum Points
400 Points
100 Points
100 Points
Total – 600 points
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90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failing
METHODS OF ASSESSING STUDENTS PROGRESS:
Students will be assessed on four (4) exams, which include four (4) abstracts, and one (1) Research Paper/Presentation.
The tests may include all or some of the following: Multiple Choice, True/False, Matching/Identification. This exam will
be based on the text and the items covered in class. Inevitably, for some students, problems arise. But in the event of
serious illness, and or family issues such as death or child care issues, the instructor should be contacted and students
should make arrangements for taking the test on a different date and time. Exams (except the final exam) will be returned.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
For full credit, your assignments should be turned in by the due date. I realize that unexpected things may occur that may
result in late assignments. Therefore ten (10) points will be subtracted for every day the assignment is late. The
assignments will only be accepted up to one (1) week after the due date.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked
to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other
cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment
purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on,
modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The
institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
Attendance is important as it will affect grade and team participation. Students who miss more than two weeks of class
may be administratively withdrawn and it will affect the overall grade.
Furthermore, as is true in a business setting, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor prior to or on the day
of absence. Failure to do so is noted in the instructor’s grade book and is utilized, as in business setting.
Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for the class, the
instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date. Students in this section of
Introduction to Sociology must attend a class meeting by 3/21/16.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS: When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the
Student Conduct Code (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Course-Catalog/StudentServices/Student-Conduct), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask
questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and
maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information
at http://www.albion.com/netiquette.
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RECORDING IN THE CLASSROOM: Students may not video or audio record class sessions without the
instructor’s knowledge and permission. If recording of class sessions is authorized as a reasonable
accommodation under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the instructor must have the appropriate
documentation from College Disability Support Services. Permitted recordings are to be used only for the
individual student’s educational review of the class session and may not be reproduced, posted, sold or
distributed to others. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the
Student Conduct Code.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT: Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for
classwork may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the
library website at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Library.aspx or by your instructor.
In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), the
College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course,
suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the
Advising/Counseling Centers or at https://www.mccneb.edu/About-MCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Board-ofGovernors/Procedures.aspx.
TURNITIN.COM: To promote ethical use of source materials and integrity in students' written work,
Metropolitan Community College subscribes to Turnitin.com, a service that provides document source analysis
in order to detect plagiarism. Students enrolled in this class agree that all required work may be submitted to
Turnitin.com.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you are encouraged to
contact your instructor and consult an MCC advisor, counselor, or the Financial Aid Office to evaluate the
consequences of dropping the class. You can officially withdraw through My Services on the MCC My Way
portal at https://myway.mccneb.edu or by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. The
last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer
friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members
in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Selfpaced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language,
and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way portal, the
College Catalog, and online at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools.aspx.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Metropolitan Community College will provide
reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s
responsibility to request accommodations from Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each Student
Services Office. After students have arranged for accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should
privately discuss these accommodations. For further information, please contact DSS or
visit https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Disability-Support-Services.aspx.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Metropolitan Community College does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual
orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.
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TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.
If you need help connecting to the course from the Blackboard login page, refer to “Getting Started Online”
at https://www.mccneb.edu/Online.
If you are unable to solve the problem, email BlackboardSupport@mccneb.edu or call 402-457-2834.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES: By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer
systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan
Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources.
It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures
Memorandum may be found at the following website: https://www.mccneb.edu/About-MCC-Nebraska/AboutMCC/Board-of-Governors/Procedures.aspx.
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SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS:
Unit
Date
Exam /
Assignment
Textbook
Topic
I
3/14/16
I
3/16/16
Chapter 1
Sociology/Scientific Method
I
3/21/16
Chapter 2
Culture
I
3/23/16
Chapter 3
Socialization
I
3/28/16
Chapter 4
Social Interaction
I
3/30/16
II
4/4/16
Chapter 5
Deviance
II
4/6/16
Chapters 5/6
Social Stratification
II
4/11/16
Chapters 6/7
Globalization
II
4/13/16
Chapters 7/8
Race/Ethnicity
II
4/18/16
Chapter 8
“
II
4/20/16
III
4/25/16
Chapter 9
Sexuality/Gender
III
4/27/16
Chapter 10
Families
III
5/2/16
Chapter 11
Religion/Education
III
5/4/16
Chapter 12
Politics/Work/Economy
III
5/9/16
Introduction / Sociology
Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 3
Last Day to Withdraw from Course – May 11th
III
5/11/16
IV
516//16
Chapter 13
Health/Medicine/Aging
IV
5/18/16
Chapter 14
Collective Action
IV
5/23/16
Chapter 15
Population/Urbanization
IV
5/25/16
Unit I - Chapters 1-4
Unit II - Chapters 5-8
Unit III - Chapters 9-12
Unit IV – Chapters 13-15
Assessment 4
Course Overview
COURSE OUTLINE 6/11
SYLLABUS 3/16
*The Instructor reserves the right to adjust this schedule as necessary
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TENTATIVE TEST AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE/REQUIREMENTS:
Essays (Part of the Exams/Assessments):
Requirements:
To be eligible for credit, your abstract must have the following:
1) Must be typed and double spaced
2) Must not be a recap of the story you have read
3) Must be at least two (2) pages in length
4) Must include your own opinion
5) Must correlate to issues you have learned about in class or community issues
6) Must have at least three (3) references
7) Must be based on one of these four (4) Sociological Perspectives (select a different perspective for each
abstract):
8) Must Have Reference Page
a.
b.
c.
d.
Symbolic Interaction
Functionalist Perspective
Conflict Theory
Feminist Perspective
Due Dates:
Essay One
Essay Two
Essay Three
Essay Four
-
Assessment 1 date
Assessment 2 date
Assessment 3 date
Assessment 4 date
No Late Abstracts will be accepted
EXAMINATION DATES:
Assessment One:
Assessment Two:
Assessment Three:
Assessment Four:
March 30, 2016 (Chapters 1-4)
April 20, 2016 (Chapters 5-8)
May 9, 2016 (Chapters 9-12)
May 23, 2016 (Chapters 13-15)
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2016 (15/SP) Spring Quarter Important Dates
Classes begin Mar 10 Th
★Census Date/Tenth Day* date
Mar 23 W
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade Varies by
Class**
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund varies See Refund
Policy★★
Spring Break/College Closed
Mar 26-27 Sa-Su
Winter quarter “I” incomplete grades are due
May 11 W
Classes end
May 25 W
Spring grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m.
May 31 Tu
Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins…….Mar 18 F
Current Student (less than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins Mar 22 T
General Registration Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins Mar 24 Th
*Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked.
**To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class schedule found online at
https://catalog.mccneb.edu/Pages/Home.aspx then, find the course section and click on the Important Dates link on the
same line as the course title. Dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates
and the number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid an “F” grade.
Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office prior
to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date★ is the date on which Financial Aid Student’s enrollment is
checked to determine the type and amount of authorized funds for the quarter. Payment is based on enrollment as of
that date.
★★ REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Non-attendance or non-payment
does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may entitle the student to a refund.
Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition Refund Modeler” to see the refund percentage received
through midnight of the same day you “drop” withdraw from a class.
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