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Georgian Court University
School of Arts & Sciences
Department of Criminal Justice, Anthropology, Sociology, and Human Rights
Principles of Sociology SOC-101 Lec. TBD
Spring 2023 Course Syllabus
Catalog/Course Description:
An introduction to the study of society; emphasizes the basic social structure and processes of
group living. Included are analysis of culture, socialization, control and deviance, organizations,
power, stratification and social change. Several of the major theoretical perspectives are
explored within the course. There is an examination of gender, race, ethnicity and social class
and how they play an important role in society. Finally, there is a look into cross-cultural
development around the world. This course is a prerequisite for advanced courses in sociology
and should be taken in freshman or sophomore year by those planning advanced work in the
discipline.
Prerequisite: None
Course Day/Time: Tuesday evening 4:30pm to 7:05pm
Course Location: Jeffries Hall Room TBD
Instructor: Ms. Mary-Ann Conte
Office: Blackboard course: Principles of Sociology
Telephone: 609-410-9723 (text is the best way to reach me)
Campus E-mail: mconte@georgian.edu
Office Hours: by appointment only
Class Methodology:
Readings, lectures, class discussions, videos, blackboard engagement and online assignments
Number of Credits: 3
Course Modality:
Face to Face _X_
Hybrid
__ _
Online
___
Laboratory ___
Required Readings:
Book: "Sociology Matter 7th Edition", Schaefer, Richard T., McGraw-Hill Education. New York,
New York. copyright 2019. ISBN-13: 978-0077823276
ISBN-10: 0077823273
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Supplemental Materials/Readings:
1.) Aronson, Krista Maywalt; Callahan, Brenna D.; O'Brien, Anne Sibley. Messages Matter: Investigating
the Thematic Content of Picture Books Portraying Underrepresented Racial and Cultural Groups.
Sociological Forum. Mar2018, Vol. 33 Issue 1, p165-185. 21p. 1 Graph. DOI: 10.1111/socf.12404.
2.) Youtube video: How culture Drives Behaviours/Julien S. Bourrelle/TedX Trondheim. 12:07minutes.
July 10, 2015.
Learning Goals and Objectives
Institutional Learning Goals
GOAL 1: Foundational Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World
Learning Outcome:
a.
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply foundational knowledge in the
arts, humanities, languages, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences.
GOAL 2: Intellectual and Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate competence in
a.
Critical and creative thinking, grounded in inquiry, analysis, and synthesis of
information
b.
Written and oral communication
c.
Quantitative literacy
d.
Information literacy
e.
Teamwork and problem solving
GOAL 3: Personal and Social Responsibility
Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate
a.
Ethical reasoning
b.
Global awareness and respect for diverse cultural perspectives
c.
Knowledge of the university’s mission and Mercy charism
d.
Civic knowledge–local/global
GOAL 4: Integrative Learning
Learning Outcome:
a.
Students will demonstrate the ability to make connections among courses in
multiple disciplines, as well as between their experiences inside and outside the
classroom.
GOAL 5: Mastery of a Defined Body of Knowledge at a Baccalaureate Level
Learning Outcome:
a.
Students will attain their program’s objectives and complete their major
requirements.
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Program Goals & Objectives:
Georgian Court University has a defined plan to assess student learning at the course, program,
and institutional level. Courses are assessed through faculty self-reflection using an end-ofcourse survey as well as through student evaluation using the ETS Student Instructional Report II
(SIR II). Curricular and cocurricular programs follow a three-year assessment plan based on goals
and outcomes, with annual reporting. The Office of Assessment coordinates the assessment of
the institution’s Institutional Student Learning Goals using data from both curricular and
cocurricular programs.
Course Goals & Learning Outcomes
Knowledge Objectives:
• Understand the several theoretical perspectives
• Develop an understanding of the distinctive viewpoints of deviance, social stratification,
race and ethnicity, gender, social institutions, population, community, health and
environment, social movements, social change and technology.
• Understand the gender, race, ethnicity, social class play an important role in society.
• Learn about stratification in the United States and Globally
Skills Objectives:
• Analyze patterns of discrimination and prejudice
• Analyze how Education, Government and the Economy are major institutions that are
important in society
• Understand major social movements and how they create change.
Attitudes Objectives:
• Commit to the promotion of human rights and social justice
• Appreciate the critical importance of equity and the consequences of marginalization
and isolation
• Understand the potential effects of poverty, racism, sexism, and other forms of
oppression on human behavior
• Recognize cultural and structural influences
Course Structure & Expectations
Grade Distribution:
1.) Four essays: 20%
2.) Mid-Term paper: 20%
3.) Blackboard discussion forum: 20%
4.) Class Participation and attendance: 20%
5.) Final Examination: 20%
Total: 100%
1.) Four Essays: 20% (4 essays/5% each) Dates: (2/14, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11)
There will be four essays of one-two pages in which you discuss a current event or question
pertaining to the textbook and apply concepts being discussed in class. Essay should be 12 font,
double-spaced.
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2.) Mid-Term paper: (20%) Due March 7, 2023
The Student must write a paper (5-10) pages, 12 font, double-spaced about deviance, social
control and crime. Please incorporate theory and/or perspectives in the paper. Is Crime a
cultural explanation of deviant behavior? What types of crime are happening today? How does
U.S. compare to other countries regarding crime? Is the punishment or incarceration helping or
hurting? Explain your answer and use critical thinking skills. Please cite your references
appropriately The Mid-Term Paper is due in the beginning of class.
3.) Blackboard discussion forum questions: (20%) (4 questions/ 5% each) – (1/24, 3/17,
4/7, 4/25)
In addition to in class participation, students are expected to complete assignments posted in
the blackboard discussion forums.
4.) Class Participation and Attendance: (20%)
5.) Final Examination: In person final exam on May 9, 2023: (20%)
Final Examination:
A cumulative assessment of the material discussed throughout the semester
(Course Goal #1, #2 & #3: ISLG #3, #4, #5,)
Letter Grade Assignment:
A = 95– 100
A- = 90– 94
B+ = 87 – 89
B = 83– 87
B- = 80– 82
C+ = 77– 79
C = 73 – 76
C- = 70– 72
D+ = 67– 69
D = 60– 66
F = 59 or below
Student Expectations of Faculty:
•
•
•
You should expect to receive grades and comments on submitted work no more than
10 days after the due date or submission (if late).
You should expect a reply to emails left during normal business days (Monday
through Fridays, not including breaks/holidays) within 48 hours or less.
Should you have any questions or concerns that require voice/in-person
communication, Please contact me by text or cellular telephone: 609-410-9723
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Faculty Expectations of Student:
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Students should not attend class if they are feeling ill, may have been exposed to
the virus, or have a specific medical concern. Please contact me via email or text if you
are not able to attend class so that we can discuss the alternative means for you to
engage with the course content for that specific week. In class, we will follow all
established University guidelines for safety, including wearing masks and ensuring
appropriate social distancing.
•
Active engagement with the course materials, readings, and your attendance and active
participation in our classes (whether in person or on Collaborate) are critical predictors
of your ability to be successful in this class. Regardless of your ability to attend a class
session for a given week, you will be expected to be engaged with the course materials
and participate in assignments. All course materials for the entire semester are
available to you on Blackboard.
•
Consistent communication with me will assist in ensuring that you are progressing
successfully with the various outcome measures associated with this course. Please also
reach out to me if you anticipate having any specific issues with technology. In
short, active communication about any specific issues will assist in your success in this
course.
Course Policies:
Attendance & Participation:
We learn by sharing, questioning and discussing. Therefore a strong emphasis will be placed on
student engagement and participation. Please be prepared to come to class ready to actively
participate in the learning community. Students are expected to attend, arrive on time, and
participate in all classes. This means reading assigned materials before class. Since considerable
content is presented or experienced in class that cannot be learned through independent
reading or other means, students who miss multiple classes during the term place themselves at
risk of not passing the course. If you miss more than 2 classes you will experience a grade
reduction. Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive to the learning environment and counts as
an absence. Cell phone use is not permitted in class. Cell phones need to be silenced and put
away. If students fail to do so they will be counted as absent for the day.
Preferred Prefix, Name, and Gender Pronouns:
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Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name, pronouns, and prefixes that
correspond to their gender identity, including non-binary pronouns, for example:
they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. or prefix Mx.
Students:
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Class rosters and student dossiers provide me with a student’s legal name and legal
binary prefix, but they do not list gender or pronouns. I will gladly honor your request to
address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun.
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•
•
•
•
Please advise me of these preferences as soon as possible (preferably before the first
day of class) so that I may make appropriate changes to my records (please know you
are not obligated to do so).
Chosen names and pronouns are to be respected at all times in the classroom. Mistakes
in addressing one another may happen, so I encourage an environment of openness to
correction and learning.
Repeated comments which disrespect or antagonize students who have indicated
pronouns or chosen names goes against the Mercy Core Value of Respect.
Chosen names and personal pronouns may evolve over time, so if at any point during
the semester you would like to be addressed differently, please let me know.
Professor:
•
•
Please refer to me as: Professor, Professor Conte or Ms. Conte
My gender pronouns are She/Her
University Policies
Policy During Pandemic:
• All Students are required to adhere to all of GCU’s protocols regarding COVID-19. The
most up to date information on Georgian Court University’s COVID-19 safety protocols
can be found at this link: https://georgian.edu/health-services/coronavirus/
Academic Integrity:
Georgian Court strives to be a moral community with ethical convictions. Academic integrity is
essential to collegial pursuit of truth and knowledge, and academic dishonesty is a serious
offense which may result in failure for the course and even dismissal from Georgian Court.
Anyone who willfully assists another in the breach of integrity is held equally responsible and
subject to the same penalty. According to GCU policy, academic dishonesty is any act of
cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, abuse of resources, forgery of academic documents,
dissimulation, or sabotage, and any act of aiding and abetting academic dishonesty. One aspect
of academic honesty that often surprises students is the expectation that you hand in original
work that was not already handed in for a different course. Unless you have specifically obtained
your instructor’s permission to hand in previously-completed work, this is a breach of academic
honesty. See the catalog or student handbook for additional information. Check with your
instructor BEFORE an assignment’s due date if you have questions about this policy.
Add/Drop/Withdrawal from this Course:
GCU will allow a student to add this course with permission from the Registrar and Professor
when applicable. GCU policy permits undergraduate students to withdraw up to the 10th week
(or equivalent for courses of shorter duration) and receive a “W” grade. This requires a "Request
for Grade of W" form and a fee. You cannot withdraw from this course by not attending or by
telling your instructor of your desire to withdraw. It is your responsibility to complete the official
forms and procedures. An academic advisor must sign the form. A student who has not officially
withdrawn will receive a grade based on all work, whether completed or not, including work
assigned after the student stopped attending. The registrar publishes a list of deadlines to
request a grade of “W” at http://georgian.edu/academics/registrar/importantdates/.WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE CAN NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOUR FINANCIAL AID AND
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ACADEMIC STANDING – be sure to check with the Financial Aid Office and your advisor before
dropping any course.
The Office of the Registrar in the Mercy Center can answer questions, too. Telephone 732-9872228; email registrar@georgian.edu; web site: http://georgian.edu/academics/registrar.
Class Attendance Policy:
It is important that the students attend, arrive on time and participate in all scheduled classes.
We will be engaging during class and all reading assignments must be read prior to class so that
our time together can be used for discussion and collaboration. Since considerable content is
presented or experienced in class that cannot be learned through independent reading or other
means, students who miss multiple classes during the term place themselves at risk of not
passing the course. If you are unable to attend call due to an emergency, please contact me.
Academic Early Warning System – Intervention Tool:
Georgian Court University has an electronic intervention tool called the Early Warning
System. This tool will be invoked when a student is doing poorly in a course by demonstration of
sub-par academic performance, attendance, or disposition. Once an alert is activated in the
Early Warning System, you will be notified and a Georgian Court University professional will
reach out to you to discuss ways to help you succeed in this course. This process is only meant
to help you.
Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy:
It is policy of Georgian Court University to maintain an academic environment free of
discrimination, including harassment, regardless of gender, race, creed, color, religion, age,
national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. The University is
committed to creating an environment which is free from intolerance directed toward
individuals or groups. For details, see the current GCU undergraduate catalog. All inquiries shall
be addressed in the Office of Human Resources.
Grading and Grade Appeals: A student wishing to file an appeal about a final grade or a grade
received for a particular piece of work in a course should follow this procedure:
For a grade received for a particular piece of work in a course:
1. The student must first attempt to resolve the matter through discussion with the faculty
member who assigned it within 10 working days of receiving the grade.
2. If the issue cannot satisfactorily be resolved between the student and faculty member
within 10 working days after the student has conferred with the faculty member, the
student may specify in writing the basis for the grade appeal and request a review by
the appropriate department chair. This written appeal should reach the department
chair no later than 10 working days after the student has conferred with the faculty
member. The department chair shall attempt to resolve the issue between the student
and the faculty member, in consultation with the faculty members in the discipline.
Written notification of the determination by the department chair shall be sent to the
student within 10 working days of the receipt of the appeal. The department chair’s
decision is final.
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For a final grade:
1. The student must first attempt to resolve the matter through discussion with the faculty
member who assigned it within the first 10 working days of the next semester. If the
faculty member receives from the student convincing evidence that the original grade is
inaccurate, the faculty member shall correct the grade. If an inaccurate final grade has
been given, the faculty member shall submit a Change of Grade form to the Office of the
Registrar.
2. If the issue cannot satisfactorily be resolved between the student and faculty member
within 10 working days after the student has conferred with the faculty member, the
student may specify in writing the basis for the grade appeal and request a review by
the appropriate department chair. This written appeal should reach the department
chair no later than 10 working days after the student has conferred with the faculty
member. The department chair shall attempt to resolve the issue between the student
and the faculty member.
3. If the issue cannot be resolved satisfactorily within 10 working days, the student may
then submit the appeal in writing to the dean of the school of the particular discipline,
who will then attempt to resolve the issue between the student and the faculty
member.
4. If the issue is still unsatisfactorily resolved within 10 working days, the student may
submit the appeal in writing to the provost, who shall attempt to resolve the issue in
consultation with the student, faculty member, department chair, and school dean. If an
agreement is not reached in this consultation, the provost shall have the final authority
to resolve the appeal. Written notification of the determination by the provost shall be
sent to the student within 10 working days of the receipt of the appeal. The provost’s
decision is final. Copies of the decision shall be provided to the student, faculty member,
school dean, department chair, and registrar within 10 working days of the receipt of
the appeal. If the faculty member believes that their academic freedom has been
compromised by the provost’s decision, the faculty member may appeal the decision in
accordance with the grievance procedure and timelines set forth in the appropriate
section of the faculty personnel policies volume of the policy manual, which can be
accessed at http://www.georgian.edu.
Campus Life, Services and Support:
Counseling Center 732-987-2680
Accessibility Services:
Georgian Court University is committed to ensuring that all students receive equal access to all
services, programs, and activities. We support students with documented physical, sensory,
learning, or psychological disabilities by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations
in accordance with applicable laws, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
To request accommodations and/or academic adjustments, please contact the Accessibility
Office in Student Success, Jeffries Hall, Room 101. Call 732-987-2363 or send an email
tolfarh@georgian.edu.
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For more information, see http://georgian.edu/academics/adsc/#disabilities-services.
Technology Information:
For problems with the GCU computer system, contact the 24-hour help desk at 732 987 2222.
For specific questions about the course BBL site, contact the course instructor.
According to GCU policy, all email communications between students and faculty must be
conducted using the GCU email system. This means that students must email from their GCU
accounts if they are communicating with their professors, and faculty will not reply to any
address other than a GCU account.
Course Outline Schedule
Week 1 – January 17, 2023
Topic: Introductions
Course Overview
How do we define Sociology?
How do symbols carry social meaning?
Reading Assignments:
Read Chapter 1 in Sociology Matters
Week 2 – January 24, 2023
Topic: The Sociological View: Chapter 1 discussion
-Is Sociology a Science?
-What is Sociological Theory?
-Major Theoretical Perspectives
-Major Research Designs
Assignments:
*Watch Youtube video: How culture Drives Behaviours/Julien S. Bourrelle/TedX Trondheim.
12:07minutes. July 10, 2015.
*Answer question in discussion forum on Blackboard. Due by Friday January 27, 2023 by 4pm.
Week 3 – January 31, 2023
Topic: Culture and Behaviors.
*Discuss Question in Blackboard in class
*Definitions
*Is there a culture in prison, inner city, school, etc? How does that culture affect behavior?
*Small groups: select two current event topics that are happening now that involve culture and behavior
shifts.
- Give examples both positive and negative
- Is it related to politics, education, social class?
*Reading Assignments:
a.) Article from Georgian Court library:
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Aronson, Krista Maywalt; Callahan, Brenna D.; O'Brien, Anne Sibley. Messages Matter: Investigating the
Thematic Content of Picture Books Portraying Underrepresented Racial and Cultural Groups. Sociological
Forum. Mar2018, Vol. 33 Issue 1, p165-185. 21p. 1 Graph. DOI: 10.1111/socf.12404.
b.) Read Chapter 2 in Sociology Matters
Week 4 – February 7, 2023
*Discuss article in class
Topic: Culture and Socialization
-Culture meanings
-norms, mores, folkways, values
-agents of socialization in U.S.
Reading Assignment:
*Look for a Current topic in daily newspaper, online publication or current magazine. First current event
essay due next week.
Week 5 – February 14, 2023 “First Current Event Essay: Due by 4:30pm tonight”
1.) ***First current event essay due. Submit a (2-3 page) essay in Microsoft Word,
Double spaced, 12 font from a daily newspaper, online publication or current magazine that
pertains to any topic that has been discussed thus far. The student must incorporate terms,
theory or perspectives from the chapters. Be specific and use critical thinking and
demonstrate that you understand major topics from Chapters 1 and/or Chapter 2. Attach
article (s) or hyperlinks to paper. Please cite your references appropriately. Essay due by
Friday at 7pm tonight.
2.) Current event topics discussed in class
3.) Students will present their current events essay to discuss in classroom.
4.) Video shown in class
*Reading Assignment:
Chapter 3 Sociology Matters
Week 6 – February 21, 2023
Topic: Social Interactions, groups and social structure
-Elements of Social Structure
-Social Structure in Global Perspective
-Understanding Organizations
*Reading Assignment:
Chapter 4 Sociology Matters
*Mid-Term paper due March 7, 2023!
***SPRING BREAK FEBRUARY 28, 2023***
Week 7 – March 7, 2023 “Mid-Term paper due in beginning of class 4:30pm”
1.)*** Mid-Term Paper due. The Student must write a paper (5-10) pages, 12 font,
double-spaced about deviance, social control and crime. Please incorporate theory
and/or perspectives into paper. Is Crime a cultural explanation of deviant behavior?
What types of crime are happening today? How does U.S. compare to other countries
regarding crime? Is the punishment or incarceration helping or hurting? Please explain
your answer and use critical thinking skills. Please cite your references appropriately. The
Mid-Term Paper is due in the beginning of class.
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Topic: Deviance and Social Control
-What is Deviance?
-Sociological Perspectives on Deviance
-Crime
*Reading Assignment:
Chapter 5 Sociology Matters
*”Second Essay will be due on March 14, 2023 by beginning of class 4:30pm.” A one- two page
short essay in Microsoft Word, double-spaced, 12 font by answering the following
question:
-Take a look at your own personal family social class. How does your family measure? If you
were to study and assess your family's social class, would you have the chance for social
mobility? How would you achieve that? How does government, education or family values
influence your decision? Do these institutions hold you back?
Week 8 – March 14, 2023 Second Essay: Due by 4:30pm tonight
Topic: Stratification in the U.S. and Global Inequality
-Caste system
-Social media play a role in inequality?
-who are the poor?
Reading Assignment:
Chapter 6 Sociology Matters
**Answer question in discussion forum on Blackboard. Due by Friday March 17, 2023 by 4pm.
Week 9 – March 21, 2023
Topic: Inequality by Race and Ethnicity
-Social Construction of race and ethnicity
-Sociological Perspectives on Race and Ethnicity
-Patterns of Prejudice and Discrimination
Reading Assignments:
Chapter 7 Sociology Matters
*Third Essay will be due on March 28, 2023 by beginning of class 4:30pm. Submit a (1-2 page)
essay on a current topic in a daily newspaper, online publication or current magazine that
pertains to Gender Inequality. The student must incorporate terms, theory or perspectives
from chapter 7. Be specific and use critical thinking and demonstrate that you understand
major topics from Chapter 7. Attach article (s) to paper. Please cite your references
appropriately.
Week 10 – March 28, 2023 Third Essay: Due by 4:30pm tonight
Topic: Inequality by Gender
*Sociological Perspectives on Gender
-gender roles
-Transgender complexities
-laws in NJ
-athletics
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Reading Assignment:
Chapter 8 Sociology Matters
Week 11- April 4, 2023
Topic: Social Institutions: Family and Religion
-Sociological Perspectives on Social Institutions
-The Family-Global View
-Sociological Perspectives on the Family
-Labeling and Human Sexuality
-Religion as a Social Institution
Assignment: Answer question in Black board discussion forum due by Friday April 7, 2023 4pm
Reading Assignment:
Chapter 9 Sociology Matters AND:
*Fourth Essay will be due on April 11, 2023 at beginning of class 4:30pm. A one-two page short
essay in Microsoft Word, double-spaced, 12 font. Answer the following:
-How has social institutions (Family, Religion, Education, Government, Economy) played an
important role with the advantaged and disadvantaged? Please give specific examples.
What economic system would be preferable (Capitalism, Communism, Socialism)?
Week 12 – April 11, 2023 “Fourth Essay due by beginning of class at 4:30pm”
Topic: Social Institutions: Education, Government and The Economy
-small groups in class: Is Socialism, Communism, or Capitalism best?
-Education change in curriculum
-Change of workers in industries
Reading Assignment:
Chapter 10 Sociology Matters
Week 13 – April 18, 2023
Topic: Population, Community and Health and Environment
-Demography
-How did communities originate?
-Urbanization and consequences
-Health and Illness
-Social Epidemiology
-The Environment
Reading Assignment:
Chapter 11 Sociology Matters
Week 14 – April 25, 2023
Topic: Social Movements, Social Change and Technology
1.) Social Movements
-small groups discussion
2.) Final exam review
Assignment: Answer question in Black board discussion forum due by Friday April 28, 2023,
4pm
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*****Tuesday May 2, 2023 NO CLASS---STUDY DAY****
Week 15- May 9, 2023
FINAL EXAMINATION: In person class final examination.
Best wishes for a successful semester!