Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus, Rm. 4102
Fall Term 2005-1
Introduction to Sociology
SYG 2000-308133-/3 Credits
M/W 7:05-8:20 P.M.
INSTRUCTOR:
DEPARMENT:
OFFICE HOURS:
TELEPHONE:
E-MAIL:
WEB PAGE:
Teresita Pedraza Moreno.
Social Science, Rm. 6206
M/W 2:50-5:00 P.M., T/R: 10:10-12:30 P.M.
T/R: 2:50-5:00 P.M.; F: 12:00-4:00 P.M.
(305) 237-2443
tpedraza@mdc.edu
http://faculty.mdc.edu/tpedraza/
TEXTBOOK: Introduction to Sociology by Henry L. Tischler
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A scientific study of society, with emphasis on the structure of that society, the role of the
individual as a group members; and the implications of social change.
The course provides a survey of the main topics of the field of sociology. Sociology
encompasses all aspects of society, therefore, we will be concerned with common "every
day" things, such as family life, education, religion, politics and ethnicity.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR AND COURSE POLICIES:
The classroom is a learning environment, therefore, talking and-or disruptions while the
lecture is being given or discussion is taking place is rude and inappropriate behavior.
Those who engage in distracting or disruptive behavior will not be allowed to attend class.
Beepers and cellular phones are to be disconnected prior to entering the classroom.
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students involved in any form of academic
dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will receive a grade of “F” for the course.
GRADING POLICY AND EXAM DATES:
Exams: There will be three exams. Each exam is worth 100 points. Exams will consist of a
combination of MULTIPLE CHOICE and TRUE OR FALSE questions, which will be
extracted from material covered during class lectures and discussions. Each exam is
composed of 50 questions (25 True or False Questions and 25 Multiple Choice Questions),
each question is worth 2 points.
Exam Dates: The first exam is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 28th.
The Midterm exam is tentatively scheduled for Monday, October 24th, and the Final exam
is scheduled by the College Administration on Wednesday, December 14th, from 7:30 to
9:00 p.m.
Group Research Project and Essay: Worth 100 Points. Students will conduct research on
one of South Florida’s numerous ethnic subcultures. The research must combine secondary
sources (books, newspapers, magazine or web articles) with information obtained through
interviews with members of the community that is investigated. Students may incorporate
pictures, video, music, and/or other media or artifacts in their class presentation. Essay
(Gordon Rule): Each student is required to write a 2,000 word essay based on the
community research project. The essay, properly written in academic format, including a
bibliography or list of sources consulted is due on November 19th, 2005. No essays will be
accepted after that date. The essay must be submitted through TurnItin.com. To log in
your must follow these steps:
1. Go to the website: http://turnitin.com. On the right hand corner, you must click
create a user profile.
2.. Identify yourself as a student. Click Next.
3. Enter your class ID: 1331368 Password: 308133. Click Next
4. Enter your email address. Click Next.
5. Enter a password. Click Next.
6. Enter your name. Click Next.
7. Choose and answer a security question. Click Next.
8. Click on I agree.
9. Now you can upload your paper.
Papers that have less than the required 2,000 words will not be read, and will be assigned a
grade of F (No points). Papers that the website identifies as plagiarized will received a
grade of F. (No points)
GRADING POLICY, AND GRADING SCALE:
Final grade will be determined by obtaining the average of the sum of the student’s highest
grade from: the first or the second exam, plus the grade obtained on the final exam, plus the
grade earned from the research project/presentation/essay.
Example:
Exam 1 = 60 (Lowest Grade is Dropped)
Midterm = 78
Final
= 84
Essay = 78 SUM of Midterm + Final + Project-Essay = 240/ 3 = 80.
Final Course Grade 80 = B.
SCALE:
90-100 = A
89-80 = B
79-70= C
69-60= D
59-0 = F
MAKE UP POLICY:
Make-ups will be given only to those students who can bring a doctor's note
indicating the inability of the student to be present for the scheduled exam due to illness.
ATTENDANCE:
Students are responsible for signing the attendance roll as soon as they enter
the classroom. Final grade will not be affected by attendance. Students are responsible for
all material covered in class regardless of their absence. Students are encouraged to be
punctual; however, you may enter the classroom even if you are late as long as you do not
disrupt the class.
INCOMPLETE GRADES:
Incomplete grades will be assigned at the instructor's discretion.
DISCLAIMER:
The syllabus is for informational purposes only and may be changed at the
discretion of the instructor. Students are responsible for all announced changes.
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWING FROM
THE COURSE. LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITH A GRADE OF W: November
1st, 2005
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
The Sociological Perspective
The Concept of Culture
Social Interaction, and Social Groups
Socialization and Development
EXAM I
Deviant Behavior and Social Control
Social Class in the United States
Racial and Ethnic Minorities
MIDTERM EXAM
Gender Stratification
Education
Social Change
FINAL EXAM