Jacksonville State University College of Arts and Sciences Updated January 2013 SY 221 – Introduction to Sociology
Course Description:
Basic concepts, principles, and methods of sociological analysis are examined. Subject areas
include culture, socialization, groups, communities, institutions, social inequality, and social
change.
Required Reading:
Giddens, A. et al. 2011. Introduction to Sociology (8 ed). New York: Norton.
*Additional Readings are required and will be available on Blackboard.
Blackboard: Blackboard is required to be used by students to keep track of their course
progress, receive announcements, and access course material.
Purpose of the Course:
The goal of this course is to develop a foundational knowledge of the Sociological discipline
in order to critically research and apply theories to study social life. Particularly, we will
examine the interface between social institutions and micro-interactions. Together we will
engage in a learning environment to reflect on how individuals develop interactions,
negotiate social institutions, and contribute to, respond to, and mitigate social inequalities.
This course will include discussion of sensitive topics. As a result, it is important to respect
each other and validate multiple perspectives. Furthermore, this course will help you develop
arguments that are supported by scholarly evidence and theory.
Course Goals/Objectives:
1. For students to be acquainted with the concepts of human behavior and social
relationships in groups within a cultural context.
2. For students to be acquainted with the importance and effects of social, economic,
educational, familial, and political factors on human behavior and social relationships.
3. For students to be familiar with the Sociological discipline, particularly its theories and
concepts, and apply them as a tool to investigate social phenomenon.
4. For students to comprehend the relationships social actors engage in with each other and
social institutions.
5. For students to examine the prevalence of social inequalities and how they constitute
social relations, and the degree of inclusion and participation in social institutions.
6. For students to examine social inequalities and devise social change in both theory and
practice.
Course Outline – Topical
Date
Week One
Topic
Readings
Assignments
Course Introduction
Chapter 1: What is Sociology?
Ch. 1 Theorists/Theories
Chapter 1
Week Two
Ch. 2 Sociological Methods
Chapter 2
Week Three
Chapter 3: Culture and Society
Chapter 3
Activity 1
Quiz 2
Activity 2
Week Four
Chapter 4
Quiz 3
Chapter 5
Week Five
Chapter 4: Socialization and the
Life Cycle
Chapter 5: Social Structure and
Interaction
Activity 3
Quiz 4
Chapter 6
Supplemental Reading
Week Six
Chapter 6: Groups, Networks,
and Organizations
Chapter 7: Conformity,
Deviance, and Crime
Chapter 7
Supplemental Reading
Due
Quiz 1
Quiz 5 & 6
Activity 4
Quiz 7
Week Seven
Film Showing
Week Eight
Study Review
Mid Term Exam
Ch. 8 Stratification, Class, and
Inequality
Chapter 8
Activity 5
Quiz 8
Week Nine
Chapter 9: Global Inequality
Chapter 9
Ch. 10: Gender Inequality
Chapter 10
Quiz 9
Week 10
In class Activities
Ch. 11 Ethnicity and Race
Ch. 11 Race continued;
Immigration
Ch. 14 Work
Chapter 11
Quiz 10
Activity 6
Ch. 14
Quiz 11
Week 12
Ch. 15 Families
Ch. 15
Week 13
Ch. 13 Government, Political
Power, and Social Movements
Study Review
Final Exam
Ch. 13
Week 11
Quiz 14 & 15
Week 14
Quiz 13