Instructor: Mr. Steffes
Hours: Monday – Friday 11:341-12:27
E-mail address: nsteffes@isd599.org
Intro to Sociology
Course Description
This course is intended to introduce students to the sociological perspective as part of
understanding the larger society and themselves. Topics reviewed include basic concepts of
sociology, the process of socialization and social change, deviant behavior, social inequalities of
various groups, sociological theories, and major social institutions.
This class is part of the college in the classroom and may be taken for college credit if
requirements are met.
Textbook
The text for the course is Sociology, by John Macionis (10th edition). Examinations will come
from lecture, AS WELL AS the text. Please keep up with reading. Class attendance is important
for achieving success in class. I have attached a tentative schedule of class topics.
Course Outcomes and Objectives.
1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use
to investigate the human condition.
a. Demonstrate a basic understanding of sociological perspective of human
behavior.
b. Understand the need and importance of social research.
c. Able to discuss issues, ethics, and outcomes of social research
d. Review, recognize and apply scientific methods of social research.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and
cultures.
a. Recognize and describe the various components of culture, as well as the
agents, process and outcome of socialization.
b. Identify and discuss elements of the social structure
c. Review, identify, and discuss how major social institutions impact and
influence societies and social interaction from a historical, contemporary,a nd
cross cultural perspective.
3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
a. Identify and critique how theory influences and shapes human behavior
b. Understand and critique the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology
c. Explain and understand social behavior through application of sociological
theories.
d. Explore and understand the relationship between theory and research.
4. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary
social issues.
a. Understand and discuss social class determination and outcomes and review
US/global poverty populations.
b. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of racial, gender, age and ethnic
inequalities from a historical, contemporary and cross cultural perspective.
c. Examine and discuss problems, trends and diversity in marriage, the family,
and religious and educational institutions.
d. Analyze, apply, and discuss theories of deviant behavior as well as review and
critique crime statistics.
e. Understand and discuss population growth, social revolutions, social change
and social movements.
Cheating:
There will be no tolerance of cheating in class. If you are caught cheating on an exam, you will
receive a zero on that exam.
Plagiarism:
You must use appropriate citations for use of any published work that is not your own. Any
plagiarism will result in a zero
Grading Scale: (For College Credit)
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
59 and below F
Your High School report card will reflect the grading scale used throughout the school using
minus and plus grades.
Grading:
Exams will be worth 80-100 points usually covering several chapters a quiz may be given
following a chapter that will be worth 30-40 points. In class and out of class assignments will be
worth ten points with about 10 assigned for the semester. You also will have a final project due
at the end of the semester worth approximately 80 points.
Tests:
The expectation for exams is that they will be taken on the day of the exam. If I am not
contacted and an exam is missed, the student will receive a 0 on the exam. Illnesses and family
emergencies do come up, however you are required to call or e-mail me ASAP BEFORE the
exam if you are going to have to miss. You will also be required to provide a doctor’s note for
illness, or the excuse will not be accepted. Missed exams will be made up within two days of the
absence. You will be allowed one make-up exam.
In Class Assignments:
We will periodically break into groups and discuss items in class. These assignments will be
typically graded, if you are not in class you will receive a zero.
Course Competencies:

Utilize research methods to investigate sociological topics.

Seek multiple perspectives on select social issues through the use of various sociological paradigms

Search for cause-effect relationships pertaining to various sociological topics, such as class relationships,
gender dynamics, and inter-ethnic relationships

Employ sociological methods in the process of conducting their own research projects

Examine social institutions, social characteristics and social processes of various cultures and subcultures

Develop alternative explanations and solutions for contemporary social issues

Examine the development of and the changing meanings of group identities (gender, age, ethnicity) in the
United States

Utilize functional, conflict, and interactionist perspectives in developing a more thorough awareness of the
individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society

Analyze personal attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity issues

Discuss the experience and contributions of some of the many groups that shape American society and
culture
MnTC goals
1: Critical Thinking
To develop thinkers who are able to unify factual, creative, rational, and value-sensitive modes of thought. Critical
thinking will be taught and used throughout the general education curriculum in order to develop students'
awareness of their own thinking and problem-solving procedures. To integrate new skills into their customary ways
of thinking, students must be actively engaged in practicing thinking skills and applying them to open-ended
problems.
2: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
To increase students' knowledge of how historians and social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and
explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge
will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing
humanity.
3: Human Diversity
To increase students' understanding of individual and group differences (e.g. race, gender, class) and their
knowledge of the traditions and values of various groups in the United States. Students should be able to evaluate
the United States' historical and contemporary responses to group differences.
Course Topics to be covered:
Ch. 1 & 2 Sociological Perspective, Sociological Investigation
Test on Ch. 1 & 2
Ch. 3 Culture
Ch. 4 Society
Ch. 5 Socialization
Test on Ch. 3,4,5
Ch. 6 Social Interactin
Ch. 7 Groups and Organization
Test on Ch. 6&7
Ch. 8 Deviance
Ch. 9 Sexuality
Test on 8&9
Ch. 10 Social Stratification
Ch. 11 Social Class Issues
Ch. 12 Global Stratification
Ch. 13 Gender Stratification
Test on 10-13
Ch. 14 Race and Ethnicity
Ch. 18/19 Family and Religion
Test on 14,18,19