Heartland Community College
Social and Business Sciences
Course Syllabus for Students
Course Prefix and Number: SOC 101-06
Course Title: Sociology
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0
SPRING 2012
Days and times the course meets: 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. MW
Room: ICB 2707
Introduction:
This course will familiarize students with the basic problems, methods, concepts, and theories of sociological
analysis. It is important that students come away from an introductory course in sociology with knowledge of
how a sociological perspective differs from or agrees with other perspectives (e.g., psychological, theological,
philosophical, or biological) as well as an appreciation of how sociology compares with various “ common
sense” interpretations of the social world. In order to see these differences, it is crucial to recognize that
sociology has a scientific basis. Among the topics to be covered are the family, religion, education, politics, the
environment, deviance, gender, race, and social change. Particular attention will be paid to the inequality
within and between societies.
Catalog Description:
This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of society. Topics include power and inequality,
change, deviance, education, occupations, organizations, family/gender, religion, and racial/ethnic groups.
Students will develop a critical understanding of social forces. Prerequisite(s): None.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: Liz Hoisington
Phone number to contact instructor: 268-8579
Instructor e-mail address: liz.hoisington@heartland.edu
Location of instructor’s office: ICB 2116 (inside Suite ICB 2100)
Hours and days of instructor’s office hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:30-10:45, and by appointment.
8:00-9:30
9:30-10:45
11:00-12:15
12:30-1:45
Textbook:
Required:
M
Class
Office Hour: 9:30-10:45
T
Class
Office Hour: 9:30-10:45
Class
W
Class
Office Hour: 9:30-10:45
R
Class
Office Hour: 9:30-10:45
F
Class
Class
Class
Hughes and Kroehler. (2011) Sociology: The Core. New York, NY: McGraw Hill
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
(Indicate if course is General Education/IAI)
This course fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social Sciences required for the A.A. or A.S. degree.
This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois
Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students
should consult an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI
web page at www.itransfer.org for more information.
General Education Program and Course Learning Outcomes:
SOC 101 is a course within the General Education Program at Heartland, and as such, contains learning
outcomes that help students develop proficiency in Communication, Diversity, Problem Solving, and Critical
Thinking. Specifically, upon completion of this course, students will develop an increased proficiency in the
following areas:
Communication:
1.
Apply the basic sociological paradigms – structural functional, social conflict and symbolic
interaction.
Diversity:
1.
Define, give examples and demonstrate the relevance of the following sociological notions:
culture, socialization, deviance, stratification, social structure and social change.
Problem Solving:
1.
Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the science and research methods developed in
sociology.
Critical Thinking:
1.
Analyze the major social institutions such as family, government, economy, religion, education
and medicine.
Course Specific:
1.
Identify and offer explanations of social inequality while considering the relationship to social
process, social interaction and institutions.
2.
Examine and explain the impact of human relations on patterns of urbanization and the physical
environment.
3.
Analyze and demonstrate awareness of the impact of cultural diversity in our society.
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
1. Developing a Sociological Consciousness
2.
Culture and Socialization
3.
Social Structure, Groups and organizations
4.
Deviance and Crime
5.
Social stratification
6.
Inequalities of Race, Ethnicity and Gender
7.
The Family
8. Social Institutions
9.
Population and Environments
10. Social Change
Methods of Instruction:
Classes will include discussion and application of textbook content, videos, and in-class activities.
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
There will be five “regular” exams and the final exam. Each regular exam will cover two textbook chapters and
will be worth 50 points. The final exam will cover the last three textbook chapters and will also include an essay
question assessing your ability to apply the three theoretical perspectives to an issue. The final is worth 90
points. The exams will consist of multiple-choice and true/false questions.
Article Papers
There are 13 articles for you to read and there is one question to answer about each article. These articles
correspond to textbook topics covered in class and each paper is due within 15 minutes of the start of
class on the date when we discuss the related topic (see due dates on the calendar at the end of this syllabus).
The articles are on reserve (as a paper copy) in the Library and are on electronic reserve. To access the
electronic reserves:
Login to “myheartland,” click on the “Library” tab, click on “E-Reserves,” and find “SOC 101-01” on the dropdown menu. Click on “Find” to go to the link listing the articles. The list of articles and questions to answer is
available in this syllabus and on Blackboard.
Your answers to the questions must be typed. Papers are due within 15 minutes of the start of class on the due
dates or you may email them as Word attachments (liz.hoisington@heartland.edu) before class begins on the
due date. You may also leave papers with the secretary in ICB 2100 by the due date/time. NO HANDWRITTEN PAPERS OR LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED (regardless of technical errors sending it by
email). Each paper is worth 7 points.
Assessments:
Points:
Perspectives Assessment
15 points
Article Papers
7 points each for 13
Exam 1 – Chapters 1 & 2
50 points
Exam 2 – Chapters 3 & 4
50 points
Exam 3 – Chapters 5 & 6
50 points
Exam 4 – Chapters 7 & 8
50 points
Exam 5 – Chapters 9 & 10
50 points
Final Exam – Chapters 11, 12, 13 & essay
90 points
Grading Scale:
400-446 (90-100%) = A
355-399(80-89%) = B
310-354 (70-79%) = C
266-309 (60-69%) = D
less than 266 (below 60%) = F
Total Points Possible:
15 points
91 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
90 points
Total = 446 points
Writing Expectations:
For the Perspectives Assessment, the Article Papers, and the final exam essay you will earn points based on the
extent to which you do each of the following:
*accurately answer the question in your own words; avoid quoting the text and the article
*provide examples where requested
*use proper grammar and punctuation (points will be deducted for unconventional abbreviations such as
“w/o”, for wrong word usage such as using “there” instead of “their”, for not capitalizing the first word in a
sentence, and for missing or misused apostrophes)
Scoring rubrics for the written assignments are provided with this syllabus and on Blackboard.
Participation and Attendance:
You made the commitment to come to this class when you registered. Thus, I expect you to attend class every
time except for extreme circumstances. If something comes up that will cause you to miss class on a fairly
regular basis, you need to consider withdrawing from the class. Participation while in class is expected. Please
do not come to class late except on rare occasions when circumstances beyond your control cause you to be
late. Also, do not walk out and come back into the classroom during class, unless you experience some kind of
health emergency that requires you to leave the room.
Incompletes: See the official College policy in the catalog.
Extra Credit: There are no extra credit opportunities in this class.
Policies regarding missed tests and assignments:
If you miss an exam due to circumstances beyond your control, you may take a make-up exam in the Testing
Center. The make-up exam must be taken within one week of the missed exam. Please contact me
(liz.hoisington@heartland.edu) immediately regarding the make-up exam arrangements.
Class Cancellation: If class is cancelled on a day when an exam is scheduled, we will have the exam during
the next class meeting. If class is cancelled on a day when an Article Paper is due, the paper will be due within
15 minutes of the start of the next class meeting, or by email (liz.hoisington@heartland.edu) by the due
date/time, or left with the secretary in ICB 2100 by the due date/time.
Policy regarding an early final exam:
If you have a situation that you know about ahead of time that will conflict with the final exam, you may make
arrangements to take the final exam during the last week of class if the situation justifies taking the exam
early. You need to discuss this with me before May 1.
Midterm Grade:
Your midterm grade will be based on all the points you have earned through Exam 3 (207 points possible).
WITHDRAWAL: The last date to withdraw from a 16-week class and receive a “W” is April 12.
Required Writing and Reading:
We will usually cover only a portion of each chapter in class. The pages covered each day are specified on the
calendar. You are expected to have read the specified pages from the text before coming to class. Writing in the
class will be required for the perspectives assessment, the article papers, and the final exam essay. PLEASE
USE FORMAL WRITING FOR THIS COURSE.
Student Conduct:
ANYONE CONTINUING TO ENGAGE IN DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR DURING CLASS WILL BE
ASKED TO LEAVE. If you truly do not want to be in class or you have other things to do such as textmessage or catch up on sleep, please do not come to class.
Food and beverage in the classroom: There is an official policy of no food or beverages other
than water in HCC classrooms.
Cell Phones: Please TURN THEM OFF. Reduce your stress and let your phone rest for a while.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Please refrain from using electronic devices during class. Electronic devices of
any type (laptop computer, cell phone, iPod nano, PDA, mini-computer, CD player, AM transistor radio,
Playstation 3 with Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City, Nintendo Wii playing Zelda connected to a Sony 40"
widescreen LCD TV, Roboraptor, Viewmaster Incredibles Telescope, etc.) tend to distract from learning.
If you absolutely insist on taking notes on a laptop during class, please sit in the front row.
Electronic devices are also not allowed during exams.
CHILDREN:
Heartland Community College has a policy which restricts all children from attending any class at Heartland. If
you have a conflict between family and academic responsibilities, other arrangements will need to be made.
COMMUNICATION:
You may call my office number at any time and leave a message: (309) 268-8579. Please be sure to include
your name and which class you are in (SOC 101-06) in your message.
You may also send e-mails to: liz.hoisington@heartland.edu. Please use your Heartland e-mail account to send
e-mail and identify your class (SOC 101-01) in the subject line of the e-mail message. Please do not ask for
copies of documents via e-mail.
HCC Portal
Just a reminder that to access Blackboard, IRIS, and your Heartland Student Email, you will need to log into
myHeartland, at https://my.heartland.edu.
BLACKBOARD
The class syllabus, list of articles and due dates for the Article Papers, and your personal gradebook are
available in Blackboard. If you are not familiar with Blackboard, please let me know and I can walk you
through it.
TEXTBOOK WEBSITE
The textbook website has practice quizzes and flash cards for reviewing textbook content. It’s very helpful!
Find it at: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073528196/student_view0/index.html
Syllabus Disclaimers:
Any of the information contained in this syllabus is subject to change and any changes will be communicated to
students in class.
Some of the statements in this syllabus have been adopted, with permission, from other sources.
SOC 101-06
SP12
DATE
JAN
FEB
18
CALENDAR
TOPIC/PAPER DUE/EXAM
Introductions
pages to read before class
---
23
Overview of Sociology
Article Paper #1 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 3-17
25
Theoretical Perspectives & Assessment
pp. 18-24
30
Methods
pp. 24-35
1
Culture
Article Paper #2 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 41-54
6
Social Structure
pp. 54-61
8
EXAM #1 -- Chapters 1 & 2
13
Socialization
Article Paper #3 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 67-91
15
Social Groups
pp. 97-109
20
Formal Organizations
Article Paper #4 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 109-127
22
EXAM #2 – Chapters 3 & 4
27
Deviance and Crime
Article Paper #5 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 133-170
29
Stratification
Article Paper #6 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 175-206
MAR 5
7
EXAM #3 – Chapters 5 & 6
Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
Article Paper #7 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 211-241
DATE
MAR 12-16
APR
MAY
TOPIC/PAPER DUE/EXAM
pages to read before class
SPRING BREAK
19
Gender Inequality
Article Paper #8 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
21
EXAM #4 – Chapters 7 & 8
26
Political Power
Article Paper #9 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 279-296
28
Economic Power
pp. 297-305
2
Family
Article Paper #10 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 311-343
4
EXAM #5 – Chapters 9 & 10
9
Religion
pp. 349-363
11
Education
pp. 364-374
16
Medicine
Article Paper #11 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 374-386
18
Population
pp. 393-408
23
Urbanization
Article Paper #12 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 408-415
25
Ecological Environment
pp. 415-423
30
Social Change
Article Paper #13 DUE by 11:15 a.m.
pp. 429-441
2
Collective Behavior
pp. 441-446
Social Movements and the Future
pp. 446-454
7
9
pp. 247-275
Review for Final Exam
FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, May 16, 10:00 a.m.
Chapters 11, 12, 13, and Theoretical Perspectives Essay
Please bring a pencil for the Scantron portion of the exam but you
may use a pen for the essay portion.
SOC 101-06: Article Papers and Due Dates
Papers may be handed in within the first 15 minutes of the start of class on the due date,
sent as a Word attachment by email (liz.hoisington@heartland.edu) by the due
date/time, or left with the secretary in ICB 2100 by the due date/time.
The specific pages needed to answer each question are noted in brackets under the
article title.
Article #1: DUE January 23
“Drinking Game Behaviors among College Students: How Often and How Much?”
[Article: “Introduction” p. 176, “Results and “Discussion” pp. 177-178]
[Text: “New Levels of Reality” pp. 5-6]
The text describes Elliot Liebow’s study as an example of using sociology to go beyond assumptions.
Describe how the study in the article also goes beyond assumptions.
Article #2: DUE February 1
“Perceptions of Mobile Phones in College Classrooms: Ringing, Cheating, and Classroom Policies”
[Article: pp. 280-282 to “RQ1”, “Discussion” pp. 289-290]
[Text: “Norms” pp. 43-44]
(Note: This article was published in 2006. Cell phones have more capabilities now.)
Using information from the article, what do you think should be the norms regarding cell phones in
college classrooms?
Article #3: DUE February 13
“The Effect of a Woman’s Smile on Men’s Courtship Behavior”
[Article: entire article]
[Text: pp. 76-79]
How does the Thomas theorem described in the text explain the finding of the study described in the
article?
Article #4: DUE February 20
“Everyday Forms of Employee Resistance”
[Article: 28-39]
[Text: pp. 116-117, 124-125]
Use examples from the article to describe the concept of the informal organization and Marx’s view of
alienation.
Article #5: DUE February 27
“Cyberbullying in High Schools: A Study of Students’ Behaviors and Beliefs about This New
Phenomenon”
[Article: pp. 373-374]
[Text: p. 134]
Using the definition of “deviance” from the text, explain how each of the seven forms of cyberbullying
in the article are examples of deviance. (Be sure to state what norm each form of cyberbullying is
violating.)
Article #6: DUE February 29
“Peacocks, Porsches, and Thorstein Veblen: Conspicuous Consumption as a Sexual Signaling System”
[Article: first paragraph on p. 664, “Conspicuous Displays and Mating Strategies” pp. 665-666,
“General Discussion” pp. 675-676]
[Text: “conspicuous consumption” discussion on pp. 179-180]
Summarize and critique the main finding of the study regarding men, conspicuous consumption, and
short-term mating.
(“Critique” means give your opinion about the finding using reasons and/or personal observations to
support your opinion.)
Article #7: DUE March 7
“Racial Dialogues: Challenges Faculty of Color Face in the Classroom”
[Article: introduction on pp. 331-332, “Participants” p. 332, “Results” for the first four domains pp.
333-336, “Discussion” pp. 338-339]
[Text: “Race as a Social Construct” p. 213]
Describe evidence of internalized “racial identities” and of the Thomas theorem in the classroom
experiences discussed in the article.
Article #8: DUE March 19
“Making a Name: Women’s Surnames at Marriage and Beyond”
[Article: pp. 143-146, “Correlates of Name Retention” section pp. 155-159, “Conclusion” pp. 159-160]
[Text: “Patriarchy” p. 250]
The text suggests that patriarchy explains why such a low percent of married women in the U.S. keep
their last name when they get married. Using information from the article, how would you explain
why so few women keep their last name when they get married?
Article #9: DUE March 26
“Kids, Cops, Parents and Teachers: Exploring Juvenile Attitudes Toward Authority Figures”
[Article: “Purpose of the Present Study” pp. 81-82, “Discussion” pp. 85-86 – ignore statistical details
other than correlations]
[Text: authority descriptions on pp. 284-285]
Parents and teachers have a mix of traditional authority and legal-rational authority, while police
have mainly legal-rational authority. The study in the article finds that juveniles (grades 6-12) who
have positive attitudes toward their parents and teachers tend to have more positive attitudes toward
police but generally hold “indifferent attitudes” (neither positive nor negative) toward the police. Do
you think the type of authority makes a difference in their attitudes? Use the study’s findings to
explain why or why not.
Article #10: DUE April 2
“Cheating in a wired world: How the Internet has redefined infidelity”
[Article: entire article]
[Text: “The Interactionist Perspective” p. 343, and review pp. 21-22 in Chapter 1]
Describe the issue of “internet infidelity” as discussed in the article using the symbolic interactionist
perspective.
Article #11: DUE April 16
“All the News that’s Fat to Print: the American ‘Obesity Epidemic’ and the Media”
[Article: “Fat in America” pp. 44-46]
[Text: the fourth function of the medical institution on p. 383]
Use information from the article to show that the medical institution is an “agency of social control”
as described in the text.
Article #12: DUE April 23
“For healthy people, build a healthy city”
[Article: entire article]
[Text: “Metropolitan Cities” p. 409]
According to the article, what are the negative effects of living in metropolitan cities (as defined in the
text) and what changes need to be made?
Article #13: DUE April 30
“Parental Monitoring or an Invasion of Privacy?”
[Article: entire article]
[Text: p. 437]
Do you think parental monitoring of teens as discussed in the article does more harm than good? Why
or why not?
Scoring rubric for these papers:
5-7 points The answer includes elaboration and examples needed to show an
understanding of how the article information relates to the text
information, and there are minimal grammar, spelling, and punctuation
errors.
3-4 points The answer could use more elaboration and/or examples, and/or there are
some grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation errors that should have been
corrected.
1-2 points The answer is lacking elaboration and/or examples, and/or grammar,
spelling, and/or punctuation errors are so numerous that they are
distracting.
0 points
The question was misunderstood, the answer is completely lacking in
elaboration and/or examples, and/or there are numerous grammar,
spelling, and punctuation errors. Or there was no answer.