Hill College
112 Lamar Drive
Hillsboro, Texas 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Prefix and Number
SOCI 1301
Section:
Course Title
Semester:
Introduction to Sociology
Instructor:
Contact:
Email:
ACGM Description:
SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology
The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and
individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through
the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods
of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as
social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance.
Catalog Description:
The course is a descriptive survey of the field of sociology. Topics include: theory and research
development, culture, social organization, socialization,
social control and deviant behavior, social class, social institutions, social and cultural change
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Semester Hours: 3
Co-requisites: none
Pre-requisites: none
Introduction and Purpose:
This course is the study of human behavior in society. Sociology helps shed light on the ways in
which social environment affects all aspects of our lives. Human behavior is shaped by the time
in which we live, our place in society, our resources, and our relationships. Understanding the
effects of society on the individual is a crucial component of our well-being in both our
professional and personal lives. To that end, our studies will focus on culture, group dynamics,
poverty and wealth, race, gender, dating and family, deviance, religion, education, and world
population issues. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on developing an understanding
of basic behavioral science methods, major sociological theories, and what C. Wright Mills has
termed “the Sociological Imagination.”
Instructional Materials:
Textbook: Henslin, J. (2014). Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach, 12th Edition. Pearson.
Supplies & Materials:
Pens, paper, and other basic school supplies; computing technology with internet access and
document-writing software (as per instructor); MySocLab (as per instructor); additional testing
materials such as Scantrons (per instructor); Hill College Email and Blackboard access
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology.
2. Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in
sociology.
3. Describe key concepts in sociology.
4. Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.
5. Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces.”
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described, in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Methods of Evaluation.”
An Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s)
Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account
global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will
develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in
their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the assistance of the Undergraduate Education
Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42 semester credit hour core
curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a statement of purpose, six core
objectives, and common component areas.
Statement of Purpose
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human
cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social
responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are
essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically evaluate the objectives included in the
Foundational Component Area of Behavioral Science.
Table: State of Texas Required Objectives for SOCI 1301: Intro to Sociology
Course
SLO
Core Objective
College SLO
Critical
Thinking Skills
CT1: Generate and
communicate ideas
by combining,
changing or
reapplying existing
information
1, 2, 3,
4, 5
Communication
Skills
Use Any
CS1: Develop,
interpret, and express
ideas through written
communication
1, 2, 3,
4, 5
Communication
Skills
Use Any
CS2: Develop,
interpret, and express
ideas through oral
communication
1, 2, 3,
4, 5
Communication
Skills
Use Any
CS3: Develop,
interpret, and express
ideas through visual
communication
1, 2, 3,
4, 5
Empirical and
Quantitative
Skills
EQS2: Manipulate
and analyze
observable facts and
arrive at an informed
conclusion
2,4
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR1: Demonstrate
intercultural
competence
3,5
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR2: Identify civic
responsibility
1,3,5
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR3: Engage in
regional, national and
global communities
5
General Learning Activities
Students will develop a clearly defined
problem statement on a sociological topic
out of the text, generate multiple solutions,
demonstrate implementation of the best
solution(s), and evaluate the quality of
solution(s) and revise as needed.
Students will apply sociological concepts
and theories as they relate to everyday life
through the media, books, movies, current
events, etc. by writing a research paper or
written assignment that demonstrates
knowledge of major perspectives or
concepts in sociology (three major
theoretical perspectives, sociological
perspective, etc).
Students will apply sociological principles
as they relate to everyday life through oral
interviews, assignments, online
discussions, or oral presentations over a
sociological concept.
Students will identify sociological concepts
by examining charts, tables and graphs.
Students will present their ideas utilizing
visual communication methods.
Students will be able to apply basic
research methods in sociology, including
research design, data analysis, and
interpretation, as well as identify the
independent/dependent variables in a
research study.
Student will identify sociological concepts
and demonstrate the ability to draw
abstractions from anecdotes and
individual-level experiences through
assignments that show understanding of
the sociological imagination.
Students will apply sociological concepts
and theories as they relate to everyday life
through journal articles, internet sources,
community contributions, and/or
interviews.
Students will examine cross-cultural
behavior and the influence of international
forces on national and local events while
applying sociological concepts and
theoretical perspectives through
assignments, projects or exams.
Assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Method of Evaluation”.
Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Method of Instruction:
This course will be taught face-to-face and/or by various distance learning delivery methods.
Audio-visual materials and computer-based technology will be used when appropriate.
Students will be shown how to use a calculator where appropriate.
Methods of Evaluation:
Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:
Exam Total, Including the Final:
All other Course Items (per instructor):
50%
50%
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Course Outline:
Course Policies
Regular attendance at all class meetings is expected. Disruptions in class will not be tolerated.
Topic Outline
Topics covered may include any or all of the following:
Part I:
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
The Sociological Perspective
The Sociological Perspective
Culture
Socialization
Social Structure and Social Interaction
How Sociologists Do Research
Part II:
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Social Groups and Social Control
Societies to Social Networks
Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations
Deviance and Social Control
Part III:
Social Inequality
Chapter 9: Global Stratification
Chapter 10: Social Class in the United States
Chapter 11: Sex and Gender
Chapter 12: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 13: The Elderly
Part IV:
Chapter 14:
Chapter 15:
Chapter 16:
Chapter 17:
Chapter 18:
Chapter 19:
Social Institutions
The Economy
Politics
Marriage and Family
Education
Religion
Medicine and Health
Part V:
Chapter 20:
Chapter 21:
Chapter 22:
Social Change
Population and Urbanization
Collective Behavior and Social Movements
Social Change and the Environment
Disabilities/ADA
Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504
coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to
comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which
incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended:
Name:
Dr. Heather Kissack
Position:
Executive Director of Human Resources
Address:
112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Telephone: (254) 659-7731
Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will
enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students
should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details at:
254 659 7650 for Hillsboro, 817 760 5650 for Cleburne, or 817 295-7392 for Burleson.
EEO Statement
Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The
college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in the administration of its
educational programs, activities, or employment policies.
Instructor Class Content
See next page or instructor’s individual course syllabus file.