SYLLABUS HANDOUT
for
Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 1010-7D
Gary J. Toth, M.A.
Fall 2014/15
Textbook Companion Website:
Instructor’s Website: http://faculty.mccneb.edu/gtoth/socsci/default.htm
10:00 – 11:50AM
Mondays / Wednesdays
South Omaha Campus
MHY Room 102
WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
page 1
Metropolitan Community College
CLASS SYLLABUS – Fall 2014
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
PREFIX/SECTION:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS:
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES:
NO CLASS DAYS:
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
CLASS LOCATION:
Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 1010 7D
4.5 ECH
9/3/14 – 11/17/14
Monday/Wednesday; 10:00 – 11:50AM
N/A
11/3/14
South Omaha Campus, MHY Room 102
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:
OFFICE LOCATION:
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
FACSIMILE:
OFFICE HOURS:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
FACULTY WEB SITE:
ACADEMIC AREA:
Gary J. Toth, M.A.
South Omaha Campus MHY 110V
(402) 738-4678
(402) 738-4535
Monday-Thursday 8:30-10:00
gtoth@mccneb.edu
N/A
Social Sciences
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to the scientific study of society and human social behavior. It focuses on the
concepts of research methods, research findings, sociological theories, society, institutions, groups, social
structure, culture, social interaction, socialization, social problems, social inequality, and social change. This
course is transferable. Reading assessment and college-level reading skills are recommended for success in this
course.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. The ability to read and write at the college level is highly recommended.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:
1. Compare the major sociological perspectives, their sources and applications.
2. Apply the scientific method to a sample problem and evaluate the major research methods used in sociology.
3. Analyze the social structure and its major components.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Describe the major forms of inequality in society and compare the theoretical explanations for each.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of major sociological terms and concepts.
Cite theoretical explanations for and treatment options applicable to selected deviant patterns of behavior.
Identify and correlate the functions of the social institutions on the others.
Appraise the impact of collective behavior, social movements, technology, and multicultural contacts on social
change.
9. Analyze the inter-relation of social and physical environments.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Required Textbook:






TITLE:
AUTHOR:
EDITION:
COPYRIGHT:
PUBLISHER:
ISBN:
Materials:
SOCIOLOGY POP CULTURE TO SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Brym & Lie
3rd
2012
Cengage Learning
9781285113586
As distributed by the Instructor
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do
the same. You may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your
software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
CLASS STRUCTURE:
Major activities will include lectures, group activities,
guest speakers when available, student presentations, readings, tests and papers
TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE:
I.
Introduction to Social Theory
A. Theoretical Basis for Sociology
B. Research Methods in Sociology
C. Culture
D. Social Structure
II. Individual and Group
A. Socialization
B. Organization and Groups
C. Sexuality and Society
D. Deviance
III. Institutions
A. Education
B. Marriage and The Family
C. Religion
D. Politics and Economy
E. Emerging Institutions
1. Health Care
2. Sport, Entertainment and Leisure
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TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE: (continued)
IV.
V.
Inequality
A. Stratification
B. Prejudice and Discrimination
C. Racial and Ethnic Categories
D. Gender
E. Age
Social Change
A. Collective Behavior
B. Population
C. Urbanization
D. Multicultural Issues in a Changing World
E. Globalization
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
This course will be primarily lecture, discussion and team activity. There will be some outside reading and activities.
Audiovisuals will be included as supplemental to the topics of discussion. There may be some experimental class
activities as well as outside speakers. In class discussion or lecture may or may not follow the text reading.
CRITERIA FOR ASSIGNMENTS:
Sample essays and other assignments are to be typed (word processor), and double spaced. Assignments hand written will
not be accepted and will be assessed a penalty for lateness.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades will be earned on the basis of the total points accumulated throughout the quarter. A point system will be used to
determine the grades. The grades will be assigned as indicated below:
Activity
A)
B)
C)
Maximum Points
Four (4) Assessments (Exams & Essays)
Attendance/Weekly Research
Group Presentation/s
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
400 Points
100 Points
100 Points
Total – 600 points
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failing
METHODS OF ASSESSING STUDENTS PROGRESS:
Students will be assessed on four (4) exams, which include four (4) abstracts, and one (1) Research Paper/Presentation.
The tests may include all or some of the following: Multiple Choice, True/False, Matching/Identification. This exam will
be based on the text and the items covered in class. Inevitably, for some students, problems arise. But in the event of
serious illness, and or family issues such as death or child care issues, the instructor should be contacted and students
should make arrangements for taking the test on a different date and time. Exams (except the final exam) will be returned.
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LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
For full credit, your assignments should be turned in by the due date. I realize that unexpected things may occur that may
result in late assignments. Therefore ten (10) points will be subtracted for every day the assignment is late. The
assignments will only be accepted up to one (1) week after the due date.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked
to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other
cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment
purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on,
modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The
institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
Attendance is important as it will affect grade and team participation. Students who miss more than two weeks of class
may be administratively withdrawn and it will affect the overall grade.
Furthermore, as is true in a business setting, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor prior to or on the day
of absence. Failure to do so is noted in the instructor’s grade book and is utilized, as in business setting.
Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for the class, the
instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date. Students in this section of
Introduction to Sociology must attend a class meeting by 9/15/14.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please
think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them
politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.html.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to copyright protection. Additional
information about copyright is provided on the library website at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In
response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may
include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the
College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw through My Services on the MCC
My Way portal at http://myway.mccneb.edu or by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553.
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Failure to officially withdraw will result in a failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS
IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly, supportive learning
environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members in these centers provide free
drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted
instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course
orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way portal, the
College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/ltc/.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations from Disability Support
Services (DSS) located in each Student Services Office. After students have arranged for accommodations with
DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss these accommodations. For further information, please
contact DSS or visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its
treatment or hiring of employees.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at 457-2900 or
mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones), you acknowledge
and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on
Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these
procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
IMPORTANT DATES www.mccneb.edu/sos/enrollman.asp.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR: http://www.mccneb.edu/academics/calendar.asp
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes.
However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will
not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of
Metropolitan Community College.
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SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS:
Unit
Date
Exam /
Assignment
Textbook
Topic
I
9/3/14
I
9/8/14
Chapter 1
Sociology/Scientific Method
I
9/10/14
Chapter 2
Culture
I
9/15/14
Chapter 3
Socialization
I
9/17/14
Chapters 3/4
Social Interaction
I
9/22/14
Chapter 4
“
I
9/24/14
II
9/29/14
Chapter 5
Deviance
II
10/1/14
Chapters 5/6
Social Stratification
II
10/6/14
Chapters 6/7
Globalization
II
10/8/14
Chapters 7/8
Race/Ethnicity
II
10/13/14
Chapter 8
“
II
10/15/14
III
10/20/14
Chapter 9
Sexuality/Gender
III
10/22/14
Chapter 10
Families
III
10/27/14
Chapter 11
Religion/Education
III
10/29/14
Chapter 12
Politics/Work/Economy
Introduction / Sociology
Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Last Day to Withdraw from Course – November 3, 2014
III
11/3/14
Assessment 3
IV
11/5/14
Chapter 13
Health/Medicine/Aging
IV
11/10/14
Chapter 14
Collective Action
IV
11/12/14
Chapter 15
Population/Urbanization
IV
11/17/14
Assessment 4
Unit I - Chapters 1-4
Unit II - Chapters 5-8
Unit III - Chapters 9-12
Unit IV – Chapters 13-15
COURSE OUTLINE 6/11
*The Instructor reserves the right to adjust this schedule as necessary.
Course Overview
SYLLABUS 8/14
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TENTATIVE TEST AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE/REQUIREMENTS:
Essays (Part of the Exams/Assessments):
Requirements:
To be eligible for credit, your abstract must have the following:
1) Must be typed and double spaced
2) Must not be a recap of the story you have read
3) Must be at least two (2) pages in length
4) Must include your own opinion
5) Must correlate to issues you have learned about in class or community issues
6) Must have at least three (3) references
7) Must be based on one of these four (4) Sociological Perspectives (select a different perspective for each
abstract):
8) Must Have Reference Page
a.
b.
c.
d.
Symbolic Interaction
Functionalist Perspective
Conflict Theory
Feminist Perspective
Due Dates:
Essay One
Essay Two
Essay Three
Essay Four
-
Assessment 1 date
Assessment 2 date
Assessment 3 date
Assessment 4 date
No Late Abstracts will be accepted
EXAMINATION DATES:
Assessment One:
Assessment Two:
Assessment Three:
Assessment Four:
September 24, 2014 (Chapters 1-4)
October 15, 2014 (Chapters 5-8)
November 3, 2014 (Chapters 9-12)
November 12, 2014 (Chapters 13-15)
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2014 (14/FA) Fall Quarter Important Dates
Classes begin ..................................................................................................................... Sep 2 Tu
Census Date/Tenth Day* date ........................................................................................ Sep 15 M
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade ......... Varies by Class**
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund varies...........See Refund Policy
Summer quarter “I” incomplete grades are due .................................................................. Nov 3 M
Classes end ....................................................................................................................... Nov 17 M
Fall grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m. .......................................................................... Nov 20 Th
Thanksgiving Day recess/college closed ................................................................ Nov 27-28 Th-F
Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Winter 2014 (14/WI) Registration begins……. Sep 25 Th
Current Student (less than 50 hours) Winter 2014 (14/WI) Registration begins ................ Sep29 M
General Registration Winter 2014 (14/WI) Registration begins ........................................ Oct 2 Th
*Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked.
**To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class schedule found
online at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp . Then, find the course section and click on the
Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. Dates for each course section are automatically
calculated based on the start and end dates and the number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw
by this date to avoid an “F” grade.
Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the Financial Aid
Office prior to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date is the date on which Financial Aid
Student’s enrollment is checked to determine the type and amount of authorized funds for the quarter.
Payment is based on enrollment as of that date.
 REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Non-attendance or
non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may entitle the student
to a refund. Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition Refund Modeler” to see the
refund percentage received through midnight of the same day you “drop” withdraw from a class.
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