Introduction to Sociology
Sociology 105/Fall 2013
Professor Stuart Eimer
Office: LC 239 B
Office Phone: 499-4640
E-mail: speimer@widener.edu
Office Hours: TBA
http://www2.widener.edu/~spe0001/
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce you to the basic concepts of sociology and to teach you how to
apply a sociological perspective to the world around you. Throughout the course the core goal will
be to develop your ability to “think sociologically,” that is, to recognize the crucial links between
individuals and the society in which they live. Using this perspective, we will explore a broad array
of topics relevant to contemporary American society.
While this course is an important introduction for sociology majors, the material covered is useful
for everyone. Many of the topics and issues we will consider are the subject of political debate,
media coverage, and conversations among friends and family. Studying sociology will enable you
to better understand these issues and to be an informed participant in these discussions and
debates. It is my hope that by the end of this course you will be better prepared to carry out your
responsibilities as a citizen in a democratic society.
REQUIRED BOOKS
Readings posted on http://www2.widener.edu/~spe0001/
Optional: Penguin Dictionary of Sociology or Oxford Dictionary of Sociology (Available in many
bookstores and online)
ATTENDANCE
Needless to say, you are expected to attend class. While readings and class material fit together,
many topics will only be covered in class. If you do not attend class, you can expect to do poorly
on the exams. You will also miss many in-class assignments. Attendance will be taken on a regular
basis. It is not necessary to contact me about absences, unless a situation arises which will cause
you to miss a number of classes. Please plan to arrive before the beginning of each class period, and
plan not to leave until each class period is over. If you need to leave class early, please let me know
and I’ll arrange to have you sit near the door.
2
PARTICIPATION (5 percent of grade)
Everyone begins this class with a participation grade of zero, and gains points through active
participation in class To insure that you receive a good participation grade, you should complete
the readings prior to Tuesday’s class, and should come prepared to participate. Text messaging
should be reserved for your time outside of the classroom. Chronic text addicts will be called out
and will have their participation grade lowered.
ASSIGNMENTS (20 percent of grade)
Throughout the semester, assignments will be given both in and out of class. Failure to complete
these assignments will obviously lower your assignment grade. At times, we will do group work.
Each time we do group work, a member of the group will keep notes and must be prepared to report
and discuss the group’s findings with the rest of the class. The performance of your group and the
quality of the work handed in by your group will be a factor in determining each member’s
participation & assignment grade.
EXAMS (75 percent of grade)
There will be three exams given in this class. All exams will be closed book and will consist of
multiple-choice questions. We will discuss this more as the exams approach. Please note that exam
dates are subject to change.
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
10/3
11/7
12/5
EXAM DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Exam Make-Up Policy: If you miss class on an exam day you receive a 0 for the exam. Make ups
will only be given if you contact me before the day of the exam with a verifiable excused absence
or if you have an excused absence verified by the Assistant Provost.
GRADING
Final grades will be determined as follows:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Final Exam
Assignments
Participation
TOTAL
25
25
25
20
5
100
Individual students will not be given opportunities to do extra credit.
3
FINAL GRADING SCALE
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
93-100
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
60-66
less than 59
NOTE: You are responsible for all of the policies explained in this syllabus. Ignorance of these policies is not an
acceptable excuse for failing to meet the course requirements. You are encouraged to read over this syllabus very
carefully and refer to it regularly throughout the course. On rare occasion, changes in policy or readings that supersede
the syllabus may be announced in class. You are responsible for knowing any updated policies regardless of whether
you were in attendance when new policies were announced.
FOR CLASS SCHEDULE AND READING
ASSIGNMENTS SEE WEBSITE:
http://www2.widener.edu/~spe0001/