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Texas State University-San Marcos
SOCIOLOGY 1310 SPRING 2013
Course Number 18334 Section 12
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 3:30 to 4:50pm UAC 209
Dr. Gloria P. Martínez-Ramos
Office: 512-245-2470
E-mail: gm21@txstate.edu
Sociology Dept. Phone: 245-2113
Office: UAC #457
Office Hours: MW 10Am-12pm
TA: Jonafa Banbury UAC #429 Phone: 512-245-2769
Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:30-2:00 and by appointment
E-mail: js13016@txstate.edu
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human societies. Sociologists
examine not only how social structures shape our daily interactions but also how
society constructs social categories and social meanings. The purpose of this course is
to offer an overview of the major concepts and methodologies of sociology. While it is
impossible to expose you to the entire discipline of sociology in one semester, this
course will cover key sociological theories, concepts, and issues. Through film, readings
and class discussions, you will begin to develop the “sociological imagination”
necessary to understand how society works, and learn the relationship between
individuals and groups of people in a diverse society. There are no prerequisites for this
class.
SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Learn basic concepts of sociology
2. Develop critical thinking and a sociological imagination
3. Develop an in-depth understanding of racism, discrimination, prejudice, and
stereotyping
4. Develop an attitude of tolerance.
5. Develop an enthusiasm for sociology as a way of understanding society at the local and
global level.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Anderson, Margaret, and Howard Taylor. 2013. Sociology: the essentials. Cengage.
and can be purchased through Cengage, the University Bookstore, Textbook Solutions
or Colloquium Books.
COURSE EVALUATION COMPONENTS AND CRITERIA:
1. Quizes =35%
2. Midterm Exam=30%
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3. Final Exam =30%
4. Attendance & Participation= 5%
To calculate your grade please see the following example: For each exam multiply your percent
score by the weighted percent. 85x.30 (weight)=25.5percentage points See “calculating your
grade” handout. It is against FERPA policy for the instructor to discuss grades over email so I
will not email you your grades. You will need to come to my office hours to speak with me
about your grade and academic progress.
Extra Credit (Due November 25): These points will be added to your lowest exam
grade (s). You may from the following choices:
1) 20 points- Essay of a Social Group or Community event on or off campus (due on
November 25). For the photo essay you will need to have at least 6 photos and
permission slips from persons that you take pictures of. Minors under the age of 18
cannot be photographed. The instructions of the assignment are available on TRACS.
At the end of the semester all of your weighted percentage points are added to
calculate your final grade. Incomplete grades “I” are not give in this course.
FINAL GRADING
A
=
(90-100)
D
=
(60-69)
B
=
(80-89)
F
=
(below 60
C
=
(70-79)
OFFICE HOURS
The Professor and the TA will be available to you outside of class during office hours should you
desire help, clarification, etc. The best way to contact me is by email or leave a message on my
office phone voice mail, or drop by my office during office hours. I will return student phone calls
only in the case of an emergency. You must leave a clear message and contact telephone
number. Please allow 24 hours for me to return your email.
CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
If you are being disruptive in class in any way with your cell phone, for example, texting, talking
and browsing the instructor has the right to ask you to turn it off or physically leave the
classroom. Class participation is strongly encouraged, and will be evaluated as a part of the final
grade. Class lectures cannot be audio or video recorded in any way (telephone, camera,
taperecorder) without my (the Professor’s or Teaching Assistant) permission. It is your
responsibility to complete all the work in the class and it is your responsibility to find out about
any missed course material, including announcements and handouts given at any time during
the class meeting. Dropping a class is the student’s responsibility. Never assume that I will drop
you from the class. If you fail to drop the class, you may end up with a failing “F” grade at the
end of the class session. Make sure your drop the class before the “W” deadline date. Incomplete
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will be assigned in cases where students can show documentation that they had a medical
emergency.
In Class DISCUSSION and GROUP ACTIVITIES
All students will be treated with respect, dignity and civility. When you are in class I expect that
students to not disrupt or distract others students learning. This means that all students will
have their cell phones turned off (this includes no text messaging) during class. You may use
your notebook for taking notes in class, but it cannot disrupt the class lecture or student
learning. If your computer use is disruptive it is up to Professor Martinez’s discretion to ask you
to turn it off or ask you to leave the classroom. A careful and complete reading of the
assignments is required. Be prepared for class. Attention and courtesy: Just as I will not be
inattentive or impolite to you, I will not tolerate inattention, incivility, or vulgarity either to me or
to other students. When I am speaking to you and the rest of the class, I expect to have your
undivided attention. When another student is speaking, I expect you to give him or her your
undivided attention. If you disagree with something that is said in class, you will be given the
opportunity to express your disagreement politely. Promptness/Staying the entire class period:
You should arrive to class on time because it is disruptive to the class. Do not get up and leave
during a class session or an exam, unless you are ill and have spoken with me prior to the class
meeting. Attention to the course material during our class meetings: Do not read newspapers,
magazines, or any other material during this class meeting unless it pertains to what we’re
doing. Turn off cell phones and pagers. Do not sleep during class. If you are going to sleep,
don’t come to class. Everyone will contribute sharing the responsibility in making are class a
positive experience. You’re thorough understanding of the readings is crucial for meaningful
class discussion as well as your own learning. If you are disruptive in class the Professor will ask
you to leave and you will not receive credit for attendance.
LATE WORK
Late assignment will not be accepted. Make up exams will only be given in the event of a medical
or other serious emergency and must be documented with a doctor’s note or a police report. I
need to be notified 3 days in advance of the exam day that you will not be taking the exam. All
make up exam will be held on the day of the scheduled final exam.
EXAMS
Exams focus on lectures, textbook chapters, and films shown in class. All exams will comprise of
multiple choice, true/false questions, and short answer essay. On the day of the exam students
will be required to show their student ID. If you wear a hat you will have to take the hat off. Make
up exams will only be honored to student who have a personal medical or other serious
emergency. Students must show documentation, for example, an original doctor’s note or a
police report. I need to be notified 3 days by email in advance of the exam day that you will not
be able to turn in the exam on time. All exams are made up the day of the scheduled Final
Exam. If you choose to stop taking the exam for some reason while in the middle of taking an
exam and you do not complete it your score will be noted and will not be allowed to make up the
exam.
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
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If you are a student with a disability who will require an accommodation(s) to participate in
this course, please contact me as soon as possible. You will be asked to provide
documentation from the Office of Disability Services. Failure to contact me in a timely
manner may delay your accommodations. Texas State University seeks to provide
reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. This University will
adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with
respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational
opportunity. You will need to follow the proper procedure to file a request for
accommodations including exams used by the office of disability. It is the student’s
responsibility to register with Disability Support Services and to contact the faculty member
in a timely manner to arrange appropriate accommodations. Students with special needs as
documented by the Office of Disability Services should identify themselves at the beginning
of the term. The Department of Sociology is dedicated to providing these students with
necessary academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to facilitate their participation and
performance in the classroom. Please indicate special needs on your student index card.
COLLEGIALITY/CRITICAL THINKING AND EVALUATION
As part of this course, we will be discussing issues that are very controversial. This course is
for you to explore various histories, demographics and theories of multicultural relations.
All ideas will be held up to examined intellectually with civility. You will be presented with a
variety of thoughts about these topics and it is up to you to decide where you stand on the
various issues. I will make an effort to help you learn the class material. In other words, I
will be prepared for class and when you are speaking, you will have my undivided attention.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Students who cheat on an exam this includes looking at another persons exam while taking
the exam will receive an automatic semester grade of an F and be reported to the Vice
President of Student Affairs. I do not give out grades over the phone or via e-mail in order to
protect student confidentiality and its is again FERPA law. If you do not feel that you can
finish the requirements of this course, then you should drop the course by the Texas State
University-San Marcos drop/withdraw deadlines. If you need to earn a certain grade in this
course (e.g. to maintain a scholarship, to graduate, or to maintain your athletic status), then
it is your responsibility to earn that grade. The phrase, academic dishonesty, includes a
variety of violations. It refers to acts such as cheating on a test to committing plagiarism
when writing a paper. The Sociology Department assumes that it is the responsibility of
each student to know what constitutes academic dishonesty. A lack of understanding of the
phrase is no excuse when academic dishonesty is at issue. Similarly, a student may not be
excused from a current violation because he/she committed a similar act in the past and was
not charged with a violation of university policy. Any student who is accused with academic
dishonesty has the right to challenge the accusation, but the challenge must be submitted in
writing and in accordance with Texas State University-San Marcos policy. University
statements regarding academic dishonest can be found at the following websites:
http://www.mrp.txstate.edu:16080/studenthandbook/rules.html#academic
http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps/upps-07-10-01.html
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The complete statement on the policy of the Department of Sociology regarding academic
dishonesty (including plagiarism) is available on the departmental website
www.soci.txstate.edu
Introduction to Sociology 1310 Fall 2013 Course Schedule
Week 1 August 26 & 28
Chapter 1 Introduction to the Sociological Perspective and Introduction to Aplia
Assignments
Practice and Quiz 1 Due September 3 11:45pm
Week 2 September 4
Chapter 3 Doing Sociological Research
Quiz 2 Due September 8 11:45pm
Week 3 September 9 & 11
Chapter 2 Culture and Media
Quiz 3 Due September 15 11:45pm
Week 4 September 16 & 18
Chapter 4 Socialization and the Life Course
Quiz 4 Due September 22 11:45pm
Week 5 September 23 & 25
Chapter 5 Social Interaction and Social Structure
Quiz 5 Due September 29 11:45pm
Week 6 September 30 & October 2
Chapter 6 Groups and Organizations
Quiz 6 Due September 8 11:45pm
Week 7 October 7 & 9
Chapter 7 Deviance and Crime
Quiz 7 Due October 13 11:45pm
Week 8 October 14 (review for Exam 1) and
October 16 (take Exam 1)
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Social Inequalities and Social Institutions
Week 9 October 21 & 23
Chapter 9 Global Stratification and Chapter 8 Social Class and Social Stratification
Quiz 9 Due October 27 11:45pm
Week 10 October 28 & 30
Chapter 10 Race and Ethnicity
Quiz 10 Due November 3 11:45pm
Week 11 November 4 & 6
Chapter 11 Gender and Chapter 12 Sexuality
Quiz 11 Due November 12 11:45pm
Week 12 November 11 & 13
Chapter 13 Families & Religion
Quiz 12 Due November 17 11:45pm
Week 13 November 18 & 20
Chapter 14 Education and Health Care
Quiz 13 Due November 24 11:45pm
Week 14 November 25
(Nov 27 NO CLASS)
Chapter 15 Politics and the Economy
Quiz 14 Due Dec 2 11:45pm
Week 15 Dec 2 & 4 (Review for Final Exam)
Chapter 16 Population, the Environment and Social Change
Final Exam Monday December 9, 2013 at UAC 209 2-4:30pm
How to access your Aplia course
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SOCI 1310 - Fall 2013
Instructor: Gloria P. Martinez
Start Date: 08/26/2013
Course Key:
S5UN-Q2NQ-VBCH
Registration
Aplia is part of CengageBrain, which allows you to sign in to a single site to access
your Cengage materials and courses.
1. Connect to www.cengage.com/sso (bookmark this log in page)
If you already have an account, sign in.
If you don't have an account, click the Create
a New Account button.
USERNAME: Use your TXSTATE email.
Password: Write it down here:______________
From your Dashboard, enter your course key
Enter your course key when prompted:
(
S5UN-Q2NQ-VBCH)
in the box provided, and click the Register
button.
S5UN-Q2NQ-VBCH
Continue to follow the on-screen instructions.
Payment
Online: After registering, you can buy access to Aplia from
myhome.cengagebrain.com.
Bookstore: Purchase access to Aplia from your bookstore. Check with the bookstore
to find out what they offer for your course.
If you choose to pay later, you can use Aplia without paying until 11:59 PM on
09/15/2013. After paying, you will have the option to purchase a physical book at a
discounted price.
If you need further help:
View the MP4 video – “Registration and Getting Started with Aplia” on TRACS
For Technical Assistance, please go to the Cengage Learning 24/7 CHAT PAGE:
http://poweron.cengage.com/magellan/TechSupport/login.aspx
OR
Go to:
http://support.cengage.com/magellan/ClassLandingPage.aspx?optyId=1-1MU9PEZ
Electronic Devices in Classroom Policy Department of Sociology
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The absence of unnecessary distractions and interruptions being essential for an
effective learning environment, the Department of Sociology requires that each and
every student adhere to the following rules regarding the use of electronic devices in
the classroom. These guidelines constitute department policy and the student’s
receipt and acceptance of a course syllabus containing a course instructor’s rules on
the use of electronic devices shall constitute acceptance of this policy.
Definition
Electronic device includes cell phones (including smartphones), computers (laptops,
notebooks, netbooks, and handhelds), mp3 and other digital audio and video players
(including DVD players), and analog and digital audio and video recording devices
(still and movie cameras).
1. A student may not use an electronic device during class time without the express
permission of the instructor. Use of cell/smartphones during class time is always
prohibited, as is leaving the room to answer or make a call.
2. A student with a diagnosed disability must present to the course instructor the
appropriate paperwork from the Office of Disability Services in order to work out an
accommodation for the use of otherwise prohibited electronic devices.
3. In all cases, when permission has been granted by an instructor for the use of an
electronic device in the classroom, the student shall employ such device solely in a
manner appropriate to the course work and avoiding distractions or interruptions to
fellow students or the instructor, including leaving the room to use such device.
4. The course instructor has the discretion to grant either individual or a blanket
approval or prohibition for the use of one or more types of electronic devices in the
classroom.
5. The course instructor reserves the right to withdraw previously granted approval
for the use of an electronic device, on an individual or blanket basis, if in the
instructor’s best judgment continued use of such device detracts from the
effectiveness of the classroom-learning environment.
6. The course instructor shall include in each course syllabus a statement establishing
under what conditions electronic devices may be used in the classroom, and the
manner in which a violation of the instructor’s rules of use of such devices shall be
addressed. In case of a change in status of an electronic device in the course of the
semester, the instructor will update the course syllabus as appropriate.
7. A student violating an instructor’s classroom policy or individual instructions on the
use electronic devices in the classroom shall be subject to any or all of the following
actions:
 Confiscation of the device by the instructor for the remainder of the class
period
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

Dismissal from the class for the day on which the offense occurs
Referral of the student to the Office of Student Justice for disciplinary action
under the Code of Student Conduct.
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