SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
FALL 2014
SYLLABUS
Sociology 101 (23)
#23147
Introductory Sociology: The Study of Society
Class Time: 2:00-3:15 pm
Tuesday/Thursday
Classroom: SH 109
Text: You May Ask Yourself
Dalton Conley (any edition)
Instructor: David Gauss
Office: NH 210
Office Hours: 1:00-1:45 pm
or by appointment
Phone: (619) 594-5522
e-mail: dgauss @mail. sdsu.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
As described in the General Catalog, “Major ideas, concepts, and methods in the study of society
to include socialization, culture, social structure, social stratification, deviance, social control, and social
change.” The emphasis in this course will be on applying the perspectives of sociology to our everyday
lives thus enhancing our understanding of our social worlds, our relationships, and ourselves.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Exams. There are two exams with objective multiple-choice questions based on the text and
class discussions.
Make-up Exams. An exam can be made up only with an excusable absence, such as a
medical emergency. You must make arrangements to make up the exam, or the exam grade will
be entered as a zero.
Writing Assignments. There will be a total of four required writing assignments: two are Personal
Application Essays, one is a Book Analysis and one is a Research Article Review. The essays are
intended to increase students’ knowledge, refine critical thinking skills, improve writing skills, and provide
opportunity for self-understanding.
Subculture Analysis: In five typewritten pages, the student will analyze a subculture with which
they are personally familiar. An outline will be provided.
Stigma Analysis: In five typewritten pages, the student will analyze their experience with a social
stigma. An outline will be provided.
Book Review: In five typewritten pages, the student will analyze a non-fiction book related to
sociology. Sociological concepts and terminology are to be applied. Choices should be approved by the
instructor.
Research Article Review: In two page typewritten pages, the student will summarize an article
published in a social science research peer reviewed journal. Proper citation is required.
Grading Scale.
Points are awarded as follows
Exam
Application Essay Journal Review Reaction Papers
A-100
50
A-20
1-10
B- 90
40
10
C- 80
30
5
D- 70
20
Grades are based on a curve with the median grade being a “C”. Note that the exams are worth twice the
essays.
Late assignments are not accepted without a valid medical excuse.
Grading Criteria: A-Outstanding
B-Above Average
C-Average
D-Below average
F-Unsatisfactory
The textbook website has practice exams that may be helpful
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTE RS
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from the class should they stop attending. It is
not done automatically and the instructor does not do it. Not officially withdrawing will result in an “F”.
DSS (Disabled Student Services) at SDSU are described on page 15 of the 2001-02 General
Catalog. Please check in with that office right away if you will need special test-taking accommodation.
And speak with me about this matter during the first two weeks of the semester.
Plagiarism involves using someone else’s work without giving proper credit and constitutes a serious
academic violation. Any plagiarized work will not receive credit and cannot be made up. Two offenses
will result in a failure. Other types of cheating will also result in an F. Administration will be informed.
Expectations: Students are to be in compliance with University policy as stipulated in the SDSU general
catalog. Students are expected to behave in a responsible, courteous, scholarly manner. Each student
necessarily influences the learning environment. Tardiness is disruptive to the class and is not
tolerated.
The text and a study guide are on reserve in the library.
Blackboard will be utilized for communication between the students and the instructor and the Teaching
Assistant. Students should regularly review Blackboard for important messages.
Graded papers are returned to the students and they should keep a record of their grades. If the students
have questions about their grade they may discuss this during office hours.
SCHEDULE
CLASS
MEETS
READING
ASSIGNMENT*
DISCUSSION
Week 1
8/26-28
Chapter 1
Sociology: What is it? What’s in it for you?
Week 2
9/2-4
Chapter 2
Culture: Human Product/Human Producer
ASSIGNMENT
RESEARCH ARTICLE DUE 9/4
Week 3
9/9-11
Week 4
9/16-18
Cross-cultural Awareness
Chapter 3
Socialization: How You Became You
SUBCULTURE ANALYSIS DUE 9/18
Week 5
9/23-25
Growing Up—Eternally
Chapter 4
Social Interaction: Games People Play
Week 6
9/30-10/2
Week 7
10/7-9
EXAM # 1-10/9
Week 8
10/14-16
Roles, Relationships, Romance
Week 9
10/21-23
Stigma
Week 10
10/28-30
Week 11
11/4-6
Chapter 5
Groups: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
Bureaucracy: Benefit or Beast?
STIGMA ANALYSIS DUE 11/6
Week 12
11/13
VETERANS’ DAY HOLIDAY TUES. 11/11
Week 13
11/18-20
Week 14
11/25
Chapter 7
Deviance: Forms and Functions
Understanding Crime
THANKSGIVING VACATION 11/26-28
Week 15
12/2-4
Chapter 8
Social Stratification: The Pecking Order
BOOK ANALYSIS DUE 12/4
Week 16
Week 17
12/9
Costs of Inequality
FINAL EXAM: TUESDAY 12/16 1:00-3:00 pm