1
Course
SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology
Instructor Denise L. Bump
Credits 3 Credit Hours
Term Towanda II Summer 2011
Meetings 45% of the class will be online and 55% in the classroom
Office Phone
Emergency Contact
Office Location
Email Address
Office Hours
Syllabus Changes
Other Information
Instructor’s Contact Information
570-265-9241
In the event of an emergency, contact the Towanda Campus office at 570-265-9241 or
Instructor at 570-265-1959
Towanda Campus denise.bump@keystone.edu
Fridays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Instructors reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed, and you are responsible for keeping up with those changes. Please logon regularly to Blackboard to get the most current information.
The best way to reach me is by e-mail. I check my e-mail everyday, and usually respond within 24 hours. However, it is best when sending e-mails to allow at least two days for response to your e-mail.
Pre-requisites, Corequisites, & other restrictions
Course Description
Course Description & Information
Learning Expectations : To be successful academically in this class, students must be able to navigate and search the internet, use e-mail, attach and upload documents, download and save files, and have access to and use Microsoft Office.
This course is an introduction to basic sociological concepts, major contemporary sociological theories, social research methods, and content areas involved in the scientific study of societies. Specific attention is given to the social impact of culture, socialization patterns, deviance, and social forces relating to stratification based upon socio-economic status, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, and education. Analysis is made of selected aspects of social behavior at interpersonal, inter-group, and societal levels. Global perspectives are explored. An awareness of the connection between personal experience and the social environment “sociology imagination” will develop through this course.
The main course goal is to develop or improve your understanding of major sociological theories, common social science research methods, basic scientific methods, social forces that shape group and individual behavior, and major research findings from various topic areas. In addition, students will begin to: apply critical thinking skills within their profession, understand how to work and communicate with others from various demographic backgrounds without discriminating, recognize oppression, and how to reduce/eliminate it. Students will also form an understanding of how social policy
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Required Readings
Buying Textbooks
Recommended
Readings
Assigned Reading and
Field Assignments
(if applicable)
Special
Software/Hardware
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2 operates, and apply research to their profession and evaluate their work. Current events from the media and videos will be used at times to supplement lecture, readings, and discussions. Relevant questions, comments, interactions and examples from life experiences are encouraged from all students.
Course Objectives
1. To identify and understand the core sociological concepts and theories.
2. To underscore the pragmatic application of the sociological approach, especially in the formulation of social policies relating to the race/ethnicity, sex/ gender, income/class, and education.
3. To foster critical thinking of audio/visual portrayals of social issues; to encourage visual literacy.
4. To reinforce writing, analytical, visual and oral communication skills.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1.
define the term sociology and explain the elements of the definition
2.
describe the social context that social scientists use to understand various social issues, and to explain the significance of the sociological imagination
3.
explain the core concepts and sociological theories, and to explain how the theories are used in understanding social issues
4.
demonstrate skills necessary to construct a social impact statement
5.
identify biases that influence thinking about sociological issues
6.
articulate the respective arguments about the appropriate social policies that are advocated to alleviate or solve social problems
7.
develop basic research skills in the gathering of data about social problems
8.
understand why an international perspective is important when assessing behaviors in various cultures.
Henslin, J. M. (2011). Essentials of sociology: A down-to-earth approach (9 th ed.).
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Henslin, J. M. (2007). Down to earth sociology: Introductory readings, 14 th ed. New
York: Free Press.
Please note that the Keystone College Bookstore has the most complete and up-to-date information about your course textbooks. Be sure you are purchasing the correct edition and receive all the materials you need.
As Assigned by Instructor
Assigned Readings: Each student is expected to have assigned readings completed prior to class. The textbook and lecture work in tandem to create a comprehensive understanding of sociology. The textbook and its complimenting lecture, therefore, may provide different perspectives on the issues at hand. As a critically thinking student, it is in your best interest to make use of both your textbook and your lecture notes so that you may achieve an even greater understanding of the significance of society and it’s impact on human behavior.
Use APA style for text documentation and reference page.
Students are expected to provide accurate documentation and proper citation of all quoted, paraphrased, or inspired material. There is APA information available on Miller Library’s web page.
All students enrolled in this class are required to have active Keystone Blackboard and Email accounts. Students are expected to have basic computer skills such as word

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Browser/Plugin/Viewer
Info
Other Required
Materials
Netiquette & Online
Behavior processing, use of e-mail including sending file attachments, and searching the Internet are necessary. Installed software should include a web browser, Microsoft Office (Microsoft
Word/Excel), Windows Media Player, and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Internet connection to
Blackboard is only supported using Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher. Note: Javascript and
Cookies must be enabled.
For standard Browser/Plugin/Viewer visit this page: http://web.keystone.edu/library/syllabus/browser.htm
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It is essential that proper language is used in Blackboard Discussions. Maintaining respect for others must be continuous as we proceed through the course. Rudeness, disrespect, and inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Grading (credit)
Criteria
Assignments
Discussion Board
Criteria (if applicable)
Grading
Final accumulative grades for the course are based on the following:
Critical Thinking Assignments
Reflection Paper Assignments
Class Participation
Class Attendance
A 4.00 90%+
A- 3.67 88 - 89%
Comprehensive Final Exam
TOTAL POINTS
100
200
75
75
100
550 points
B+ 3.33 85 - 87%
B 3.00 80 - 84%
B- 2.67 78 - 79%
C+ 2.33 75 - 77%
C
D
2.00
1.00
70 - 74%
60 - 69%
F 0.00 50 - 59%
1.
Reflection Paper Assignments: For every Introductory reading chosen, you are required to write a 1-page reflection paper on the topic(s) discussed in the reading.
Your reflection papers will be discussed in class.
a.
Each reflection paper must be typed, 12 pt. font, double-spaced. NO BOLD! b.
Student’s full name, reflection #, and due date must be typed, 12 pt. font, in the upper-right hand corner of the paper. c.
For each assignment that is not completed as instructed will result in a subtraction of 2 points. d.
Late assignments will not be accepted. e.
Each reflection paper is worth 25 points (8 papers total).
2.
Comprehensive Final Exam: The final exam contains both objective questions and subjective essay questions. Further guidelines and expectations will be explained.
1. Critical Thinking: For every textbook chapter, you are required to read and answer the Critical Thinking question listed in the Course Schedule (last page of the syllabus).
The questions will be posted on the classroom Discussion Board and must be answered at this location. The following are requirements for answering the questions:
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4 a.
For each question posted, your initial answer must be a minimum of 2 substantial paragraphs (4-6 sentences in each paragraph). Initial responses are due Wednesdays, 11:59pm prior to the online weekend.
b.
For each question posted, you must respond to 2 classmates’ responses – your response to a classmate must be 1 paragraph minimum (4-6 sentences).
Peer responses due by Sundays, 11:59pm on the online weekends. c.
For each assignment that is not completed as instructed above will result in a subtraction of 2 points d.
Once the deadline for postings have been reached you will not be able to post, thus resulting in a loss of 10 points. e.
Each textbook reading discussion board assignment is worth 10 points (10 postings total).
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Make-Up & Late
Work
At Instructor’s Discretion
Extra Credit
Class Preparation &
Participation
Make-Up
Exams
Extra
Credit
Late Work
Extra credit may be available throughout the semester based on topics discussed.
Online Class Participation : Students should be self-motivated learners and able to use the
Bb course management system for the online portion of the class. Please go through the Bb orientation carefully to learn to use Blackboard. The manual can be found to the left of the main screen under the button area.
In-Class Participation: Each student is required to participate in class discussion because your thoughts, experiences, questions, and comments are important and worthy of being heard. Also, sharing your textbook reading assignment answers provide a thought-provoking learning experience for the entire class.
Course Policies
At Instructor’s Discretion
Extra credit may be available throughout the semester based on topics discussed.
Late Assignments will not be accepted
Special
Assignments
Class
Attendance
Class Attendance: Attendance will be recorded at each class meeting. It is pertinent that you attend each class in order to keep up with the lecture materials and receive attendance and class participation points. For students who have a perfect attendance, you will receive an attendance bonus of 5 points added to final grade.
Attendance will be recorded at each class meeting. Regular attendance is required. Class participation is expected, and reflects students’ understanding of materials. I do understand that family emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, out of courtesy, I expect the student to notify me if they are going to be absent from class, or provide me with a reason shortly after missing the class. Remember, you earn class attendance and participation points each class. You must be present to earn these points!
Notification from the Dean’s Office, while appreciated, does not make an absence excused. Any sickness, hospitalization, or personal emergencies are considered absences. For each absence over the allowed number (3), you will lose attendance and participation points for that class missed (10 pts. total for each class missed). If students are asked to leave the class for lack of preparation or disruptive behavior, it will count as an absence. An accumulation of 3 late arrivals or early departures will count as an absence. If you arrive after I have taken attendance, you are responsible for making sure that your attendance is recorded at the end of class. Master and Success students must
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Special
Procedures
Blackboard
Support
Technical
Support adhere to their stricter policies. If you have a serious illness or other problem, talk to me early in the semester. For students who have missed no classes, 5 points will be added to your final grade.
Past experience has shown me that without the following rules, class interruption and rudeness can occur. Both you and your classmates’ education will suffer from the lack of courteous behavior!
Cell phones are to be turned off during class.
If you are expecting an emergency-based call, please notify me prior to the start of class. To prevent instructor/classmate interruption in these situations, please keep your phone on silent/vibration mode, sit nearest to the door, and exit quietly when call comes in.
Arriving late and leaving class early should be avoided.
If you must arrive late to class, please quietly enter the classroom and sit nearest to the door. If you must leave class early, please notify me, sit close to door and exit quietly when the time comes that you must leave. By doing this, interruption of instructor’s lecture and classmates’ learning can be avoided.
Entering and exiting classroom during lectures.
Please be courteous to your instructor and classmates by avoiding to the urge to do a “walk about” during class (except in cases of illness). This behavior is rude and will not be tolerated.
For Blackboard assistance http://blackboard.keystone.edu/ or e-mail the Blackboard administrator at blackboard@keystone.edu
For a New Student Orientation to Blackboard, visit: http://academic.keystone.edu/ksussman/blackboard_student_training.htm
For tutorials on using specific aspects of Blackboard, visit http://academic/ksussman/blackboard_student_training.htm
You can get technical support or assistance by visiting the Technology Support page here: http://www.keystone.edu/current_students/technology_support/ or by contacting the IT Helpdesk at (570) 945-8778 or helpdesk@keystone.edu
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Plagiarism
&
Academic
Integrity
Academic misconduct and dishonesty includes any activity that compromises the academic integrity of the College or subverts the educational process. For information on dishonest acts including plagiarism, cheating, and fraud, consult your Student Information Guide or click on the link below. If you have any questions, talk with your instructor.
Copyright
Notice
Email Use http://web.keystone.edu/Library/syllabus/integrity.htm
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act. As a Keystone College student, you are required to follow the College’s copyright policy. For more information about the fair use exemption, see the Miller Library’s copyright page: http://web.keystone.edu/library/copyright.html
Keystone College states that all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s
Keystone email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a Keystone account. This allows the College to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals and the security of transmitted information. Keystone College furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with College personnel.
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Withdrawal from Class
Academic
Grievance
Procedures
Incomplete
Grades
The College has set deadlines for withdrawing from courses. These dates and times are published in the course catalog and on the Academic Calendar. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend once you are enrolled. If you are considering withdrawing from a class, talk with your Advisor and consult the College Catalog.
Procedures for student grievances are found in the College Catalog. Please consult the procedures before taking action.
Please note: The first step in attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, is to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor. The College Catalog outlines any subsequent steps.
According to the College Catalog, an Incomplete (“I”) will only be awarded in the case of exceptional circumstances. Mere inability to submit work on time, or missing the final exam, is not valid reasons for an Incomplete.
Students must make arrangements with the instructor prior to the final exam it they wish to receive a grade of incomplete. (Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.) The deadline for the completion of the coursework is four weeks into the next semester. If the course work is not completed within the specified time frame, the incomplete grade will become an “F.”
Keystone College does not discriminate in any of its programs on the basis of disability.
ADA
Statement
KC
Connect
Tutoring
Info
Advising &
Other
Student
Support
Info
Bookstore
Info
Library
Info
While there is not a deadline for the disclosure of a disability by a student, in order to facilitate the documentation and accommodation processes, students are encouraged to voluntarily and confidentially disclose and disability requiring an accommodation prior to the beginning of class. This disclosure should be made to Owen Conaghan, owen.conaghan@keystone.edu College Counselor &
Coordinator of Disability Services. Students who disclose a disability, and who are seeking an accommodation, ultimately will be expected to provide documentation verifying the disability.
For information about classes & advisers, to check midterm and final grades or to register for classes, logon to KC Connect.
The College does offer tutoring assistance for many courses. For more information or to schedule an appointment, consult the Tutoring webpage here: http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentresources/studentsuccess/tutoring.dot
For information about academic advising, visit the Academic Advising Center homepage here: http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentresources/studentsuccess/academicadvising.dot
For a list of Student Support Services, visit the Support Services webpage here: http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentresources/
Visit the Bookstore at this link: http://www.bkstr.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10117&langId=-
1&catalogId=10001
See Keystone Library Homepage
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COURSE SCHEDULE B
TOWANDA II WEEKENDER
In-Class Face-to-Face Meetings: Saturdays 11:45am-2:45pm & Sundays 8:00am-11:00am
45% of the class is online, 55% is in-class meetings
WEEKEND 1: June 4 th
& 5 th
Introductions, Discussion of Syllabus, and Defining Sociology
FACE-TO-FACE
Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
Introductory Readings Assignments (Due June 26 th )
1) Read all three Chapters in Section I then write a 1 page personal reflection paper defining sociology and the important role it plays in explaining human behavior.
2) Choose one of the Chapters in Section II to read and write a 1 page personal reflection paper on the chosen chapter.
I. THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Chapter 1: Invitation to Sociology
Chapter 2: What is Sociology? Comparing Sociology and Other Social Sciences
Chapter 3: The Promise
II.
DOING SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Chapter 4: How Sociologists Do Research
Chapter 5: “Riding the Bull at Gilley’s.”
Chapter 6: Would You Hire an Ex-Convict?
Chapter 7: Doing Research with Streetcorner Crack Dealers
WEEKEND 2: June 11 th
& 12 th
ONLINE LEARNING
UNIT
Chapter 2: Culture
Critical Thinking #1 & #2 (Discussion Board)
Read Chapter 1 & answer question: It was suggested that human behavior is, to a certain extent, shaped through our social interactions and cultural contexts.
Discuss ways in which members of our communities influence our everyday choices. More personally, to what extent are you alone responsible for your own condition or destiny?
Read Chapter 2 & answer question: The values of a culture are often represented by physical objects. What can you tell about American culture from studying the inside of a refrigerator?
Critical Thinking #3 (Discussion Board)
Read Chapter 3 & answer question: Think of characteristics you have in your personality that no one intended to socialize you to have. What events in your life socialized you to learn these characteristics?
WEEKEND 3: June 25 th
& 26 th
FACE-TO-FACE
Chapter 3: Socialization
Chapter 4: Social Structure and Social Interaction
Chapter 5: Social Groups and Formal Organizations
Introductory Readings Assignments (Due July 10 th )
Choose one of the Chapters in Section III & Section IV to read and write a 1 page personal reflection paper on each one of the chosen chapters (total 2 Reflection
Papers)
III.
THE CULTURAL CONTEXT OF SOCIAL LIFE
Chapter 8: Body Ritual Among the Nacirema
Chapter 9: Doing Fieldwork Among the Yanomamo
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WEEKEND 4: July 9 th
& 10 th
FACE-TO-FACE
WEEKEND 5: July 16
& 17 th
ONLINE LEARNING
UNIT th
Chapter 10: The Sounds of Silence
Chapter 11: Sympathy in Everyday Life
Chapter 12: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
IV.
SOCIALIZATION AND GENDER
Chapter 13: Extreme Isolation
Chapter 14: On Becoming Male: Reflections of a Sociologist on Childhood and Early
Socialization
Chapter 15: On Becoming Female: Lessons Learned in School
Chapter 16: Sexuality and Gender in Children’s Daily Worlds
Chapter 17: “But What Do You Mean?” Women and Men in Conversation
Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control
Introductory Readings Assignment (Read Only)
Choose one of the Chapters in Section V to read. “No Reflection Paper due for this section.”
V. SOCIAL GROUPS AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Chapter 18: Attacking Nicely: Women Selling Cars
Chapter 19: Religion and Morality in Weight Loss Groups
Chapter 20: Behavior in Public Places
Chapter 21: The Lives of Homeless Women
Chapter 22: Handling the Stigma of Handling the Dead
Introductory Readings Assignments (Due July 31 st )
Choose one of the Chapters in Section VI to read and write a 1 page personal reflection paper on the chosen chapter.
VI. DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL
Chapter 23: If Hitler Asked You to Electrocute a Stranger, Would You? Probably
Chapter 24: Eating Your Friends is the Hardest: The Survivors of the F-227
Chapter 25: Becoming a Hit Man
Chapter 26: the Saints and the Roughnecks
Chapter 27: The Pathology of Imprisonment
Chapter 28: On Being Sane in Insane Places
Chapter 7: Global Stratification
Chapter 8: Social Class in the United States
Critical Thinking #4 (Discussion Board)
Read Chapter 6 & answer question: Select a behavior, such as drug use, sexual behavior, or homosexuality. Using the views of deviance described in the chapter, think how this behavior has been defined traditionally. Then, examine ways in which this behavior may or may not be considered deviant, according to the dimensions of time, place, situation, and social status.
Critical Thinking #5 (Discussion Board)
Read Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 & answer question: Explore the town or city in which you live to see whether you can determine where different income groups reside, work, play, attend school, attend church, receive medical care, and so on.
Use specific examples from your town or city to illustrate the inequality and life chances of different classes, as discussed in this chapter.
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WEEKEND 6: July 30 th
& 31 st
FACE-TO-FACE
Critical Thinking #6 (Discussion Board)
Read Chapter 9 & answer question: Using information found in these chapters (& other relevant chapters), discuss why you think there is such a great deal of racial and ethnic inequality in American society.
Critical Thinking #7 & #8 (Discussion Board)
Read Chapter 9 and 10 & answer question: Discuss why you think occupation inequality exists in relation to race, gender and age in American society.
Read Chapter 12 & answer question: Choose to family forms (2-parent, single-parent, gay couples, etc.) to compare. Discuss whether or not each can meet the basic tasks required of family units. What can you conclude about
“what a family really is?”
Chapter 9: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 10: Gender and Age
Introductory Readings Assignments (Due Aug. 20 th )
Choose two of the Chapters listed below in Section VII to read and write a 1 page personal reflection paper on the chosen chapters (2 reflection papers total).
VII.
SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Chapter 33: The Uses of Poverty: The Poor Pay All
Chapter 34: Moving Up from the Working Class
Chapter 35: The U.S. Upper Class
Chapter 29: The Importance of Being Beautiful
Chapter 30: Fraternities and Rape on Campus
Chapter 31: Showing My Color
Chapter 32: The Racist Mind
Introductory Readings Assignments
VIII. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Choose one of the chapters in Section VIII to read and write a 1 page personal reflection paper on the chosen chapter.
Chapter 36: Nickel and Dimed
Chapter 37: The American Family
Chapter 38: Giving Birth the American Way
Chapter 39: Kindergarten as Academic Boot Camp
Chapter 40: India’s Sacred Cow
Chapter 41: Police Accounts of Normal Force
Chapter 42: Anybody’s Son Will Do
Choose one of the chapters in Section IX to read. “No Reflection Paper Required for the selected chapter.”
IX. SOCIAL CHANGE (READ ONLY)
Chapter 43: Over the Counter at McDonald’s
Chapter 44: Social Change Among the Amish
Chapter 45: Women in the Military
Chapter 46: Caught Between the Ages
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WEEKEND 7: Aug. 13
ONLINE LEARNING
UNIT th
& 14 th
WEEKEND 8: Aug. 20 th
at 9:00am
FACE-TO-FACE
Chapter 12: Marriage and Family
Chapter 13: Education and Religion
Critical Thinking #9 & #10 (Discussion Board)
Read Chapter 13 & answer question: If you were to become a high school teacher, what personal assumptions would you have to address? Do you hold stereotypes about particular groups? Do you believe children learn differently because of gender? Social class? How would being an observant sociologist guide your work as a teacher?
Read Chapter 14 & Chapter 15 and answer question: Discuss the accuracy of the statement, “People who live in cities are different from people who live in suburban or rural areas.”
Chapter 11: Politics and the Economy
Chapter 14: Population and Urbanization
Chapter 15: Social Change and the Environment
DUE: Comprehensive Final Exam
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