Sociology 1101 N/0
Introduction to Sociology
FALL 2014
1:00 p.m. –2:15 pm T/R
AH N126
Instructor:
Office Phone:
E-mail:
Office:
Office Hours:
Ms. Lisa Smoot
(706) 737-1735/ (706) 250-1842
lsmoot@gru.edu
SH 1064
Office Hours 4:00 PM-5:00 PM (TR) and by appointment
Sociology 1101: Introduction to Sociology
Prerequisite: None
Semester Hours: 3
Introduction to the Course:
Sociology is the study of symbolically created relationships. Have you ever wondered why there is inequality
within our society or how society shapes who we are and what relationships are developed? This is a form of sociological
thinking!
This course is designed to introduce students to the various sociological perspectives and recognizing the
importance of using the sociological imagination to study/explain various social, political and economic plethora’s in
regards to social structures, social forces and group relations. In the coming weeks we will examine issues such as
inequality, socialization, poverty and race relations—in regards to the overall structure of society).
This course will rely on lectures, discussions, in-class activities, and videos. Class lectures and assigned readings
are informative yet to understand the entire premise of this course discussions, activities and videos will help you fully
grasp the sociological form of thinking but be able to recognize these relationships in all facets of your daily live(s). This
course focuses on sociological terms and concepts. However, the main objective is for students to be able to use the basic
concepts as interpretive tools. Students will be expected to apply the terms and concepts to assigned readings, class
discussions and videos.
This class is NOT a lecture based class. To me, the study of sociology is more than learning key terms and
memorizing facts. To truly see how sociology operates in our lives, one must be willing to think critically about society
and current events. Thus, I usually will not lecture but will ask questions and expect students to respond and engage not
only myself but other classmates in discussion/activities. I assume that students have read the assigned material before
class and will come prepared to discuss. My goal is for students to engage their sociological imaginations in order to
understand how their lives have been shaped. The textbook will be used to supplement critical sociological concepts and
to facilitate more in-depth conversations in class as well as on exams.
Learning Goals:
I: Students understand and can apply the four major sociological paradigms (Functionalist, Conflict,
Symbolic Interaction, and Feminism).
II. Students understand the importance of the sociological imagination (as it relates to various topics and the structure of
society).
III. Students understand the basic historical data, sociological processes and concepts, and
contemporary issues concerning the social construction of race, ethnicity, gender, social status, economic
class, and learn how these change over time.
IV: Students become familiar with multiple types of social institutions and how they have adapted over time.
V: Using Sociology in real life experiences and in the workplace. Using it to communicate effectively and understand
various social issues within society.
Competencies/Student Learning Outcomes: After successfully completing this course, the student will be able to
identify, define, describe, analyze, and respond to or apply sociological principles in everyday situations.
Students will be able to:
I. Identify basic sociological concepts
1. Describe sociology as a science
2. Discuss theoretical perspectives
3. Identify and explain research methods
II. Define socialization
1. Recognize heredity verses environment in socialization
2. Identify theories of development
3. Explain agencies of socialization
4. Explain views of socialization
III. Describe culture
1. Define, differentiate, and explain culture
IV. Analyze social structure and social interaction
1. Describe, define, and explain social structure
V. Identify social groups and institutions
1. Identify and explain types of groups
2. Recognize and describe institutions
3. Identify organizational models
4. Identify and discus government and economic systems
VI. Define deviance and social control
1. Describe explanations of deviance
2. Discuss, explain, and differentiate sources of crime
VII. Describe social stratification
1. Define social stratification
2. Describe theories of stratification
3. Describe and identify socioeconomic issues
4. Identify, explain, and discuss inequality issues
VIII. Identify social change
1. Discuss the major theories of social change
2. Define and discuss the various forms of collective behavior
3. Describe and trace social movements
4. Describe world population growth
5. Describe, identify and discuss urban society
IX. Analyze marriage and family
1. Discuss courtship and mate selection
2. Describe variations in family life
3. Discuss child rearing
4. Define and discuss divorce
5. Discuss diverse life styles
6. Describe family
Required Text(s): A Brief Introduction: Sociology
By Richard T. Schaefer
Course Requirements and Evaluation
Attendance and participation
Reading Response Papers (total 2)
Other Assignments (pop quizzes, etc.)
Research/Project
Exams - 3
TOTAL POINTS
GRADING SCALE:
30
20
150
150
150
510
459-510= A
408-458= B
357-407= C
306-356= D
305-BELOW= F
Please address grading concerns early in the term. If there is an error or if you would like to discuss your
assignments-please come during assigned office hours or schedule a meeting. I always advise students to address
any concerns in a respectable manner.
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NSS):
* No laptops/recorded devices allowed due to the sensitive conversations we have in class.
* Plagiarism is not allowed: Any work that is “not” your own-must be properly cited.
* Emails must be in proper format (not in text message format). If emails are non-professional it is up to the
instructors’ discretion to respond.
* It is the students’ responsibility to check emails/D2L daily for any announcements or assignments. (Not knowing
will not be a valid excuse for missing an assignment)
* Any emailed assignment(s) sent without prior approval will be automatically deleted and the student will be
assigned a “0”, for that assignment.
*It is the students’ responsibility to withdraw from the course not the instructor. If you fail to withdraw you will be
given the overall grade at the end of the course.
* Books are not an option-they are a required element of the course. If you cannot afford a textbook-please see me
at the beginning of the course.
* Emails are important for course communication-make sure you are able to log into D2L and your gru.edu
account by the first week of class (not having the proper log-in credentials or etc—is not an excuse for missed
assignments/emails).
Initial: ____________
Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: _________________________
Attendance and participation:
Your attendance and participation in class discussions will be an important element in regards to this course and
each student should come prepared to take part. Attendance and participation will consist of thirty points of your overall
course grade. I believe that students that attend and actively participate in class will get more out of this course. I
understand that not all students are comfortable in class discussions so this grade will also based on attendance. Tardiness
is not accepted and if a student is more than 15 minutes late for class, they will be marked absent for that day.
Excessive tardiness and absences will be detrimental to the participation grade, as will inappropriate in-class behavior
(disruptive comments, sleeping, reading newspapers, doing homework from other courses--and cell phones-- (turn them
OFF when you come in the door). If you miss, three days or more it is up to my discretion to drop you from the
course.
D2L Assignments:
Students must submit assignments through Desire2Learn as directed. D2L is essential to our class and your
overall productivity in this course. Therefore, you must be able to browse the web, use D2L, and have access to word
processor programs (availability of on campus computer labs is not always promised—so manage your time effectively).
Most of our assignments will be uploaded in the drop box located in D2L. We will have class activities and lectures in
class however, 95% of all your work is posted in D2L. Most of your assignments are posted in D2L at the beginning of
the course—I always encourage students to start early (we will discuss settings in class-to get reminders sent via text
message/email). In the interests of fairness/ethics, I will hold all to course deadlines. Not having internet access or
computer issues is not a valid excuse for missing deadlines.
(NOTE: I am not able to help with technical issues- If you are having issues with D2L; I suggest that you try another
browser prior to contacting technical support).
Reading Response Papers:
Students will be required to complete 2 reading response papers based on supplemental readings/materials. You
may include information from lectures, textbook readings and videos to display your knowledge of the material. They
must be turned in as stated on the syllabus calendar. The guidelines/readings for these papers are posted in D2L.
The readings are listed in D2L online in the content section. You may turn these assignments in anytime from
08/18/2014-10/19/2014.
******************************** NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED********************************
Exams:
There will be three exams online (D2L). Exam questions will be drawn from assigned readings, videos, class
discussions and lectures. Exams will be open on scheduled date(s) from 9:00 am- 11:55 pm. If you miss the scheduled
time—THE EXAM WILL NOT BE REOPENED. The exam(s) will be forced completion- meaning, that once the
exam is open you are not allowed to close or reopen it.
In-Class Assignments:
All in-class assignments must be typed, stapled, and handed in at the beginning of class on the day on which the
assignment is due. In addition, papers must be Times New Roman 12 font and doubled spaced. f these rules are not
followed, the assignments will be deducted one-point for each page/each offense.
In Class/homework assignments:
In and out of class homework assignments will be assigned during various times in the semester. In class
assignments will usually consist of your response to a reading, a chapter of the book, a movie, or a group project that will
be completed in class and require a paper to be written. In class assignments will not be listed and credit will only be
given to students who are either University excused or in class that day.
Project/Research:
Limit of four persons per group (unless approved by instructor). Sociology is about people and the relationship
between people within society. This project requires you to direct a 15-20 minute script (scene, movie) utilizing the
concepts/themes we have discussed in class. The team will be graded as an entirety—meaning if someone is not actively
participating or contributing to the group inform the instructor of concerns/issues. Instructor must approve your topics
before starting research. Grading will be based on a paper and presentation/performance.
Examples:
Media/Body Image (How do I look?) – How a females/males self perception is/can be shaped by that of
society—the media, diet fads—etc.
Gender Roles/Sexuality (Not Wearing Pink) - How an athletic female is teased because she is not conforming to the
traditional gender roles placed upon her by society. Instead of wearing dresses and high heels she decides to wear baggy
pants and long shirts—causing people to question her sexuality/identity as a female.
These are my ideas and are only examples of what you may create. Be creative and remember sociology is fun—
embrace it.
(Guidelines on requirements will be given out in another handout)
Extra Credit:
There will be ample extra credit opportunities! Since there are many opportunities please do not ask me at the end
of the semester if I can give you extra points so your final grade will be higher or if there will be any more extra credit. I
suggest that you complete at least one extra credit assignment. If you are missing more than two regular assignments it is
up to my discretion on whether to allow your extra credit points to be counted.
Academic Honesty:
Students enrolled in this class are responsible for knowing and abiding by the University's Student Conduct Code,
particularly as it pertains to academic dishonesty. Students who violate the University's code of academic honesty and
integrity run the risk of failing this course. I encourage all students to work together—because a collection of ideas is
essential for learning, however, do not copy or submit any work that is not yours.
Student Needs
Students with disabilities enrolled in this course and who may need disability-related classroom accommodations are
encouraged to make an appointment to see me before the end of the second week of the term. All discussions will remain
confidential, although the Student Accessibility Services office may be consulted to discuss appropriate implementation of
any accommodation requested.
Date(s)
Topics or Activities
08/19
Introduction to the
Course
Class Activity
What is Sociology?
RACE: Matters
CRASH
CRASH
GENDER
GENDER
Review
08/21
08/26
08/28
09/02
09/04
09/09
09/11
09/16
09/18
09/23
09/25
09/30
10/02
10/07
10/09
10/14
10/16
10/21
10/23
10/28
Learning
Objectives
Addressed
Assignments, Exams, or
Readings
Read: Syllabus
I
I
I, VII, VIII
Syllabus Quiz
I, II, IV, VII
I, II, IV, VII
Exam 1/Project Day
Class Activity: Class
Presentation (group
assignment)
Deviance
Class Activity:
Deviance
Socialization
Family
BOB
BOB (con’t)
Review
Project Day 2/Exam 2
Mass Media
10/30
11/4
11/6
11/11
Mass Media
Project Day 3
Review
11/13
11/18
11/20
11/25
11/27
12/2
12/4
Exam 3
Project Day 4
Presentations
Presentations
Holiday (27-29)
Presentations
Presentations
I, V, VI
I, VI
I, II
I, IX
I,II,IV,VI, VII
I,II,IV,VI,VII
All Research Papers
Due!!!!
NOTE: Students must ALSO be aware of assignments posted and due through D2L. It is the student’s responsibility
to check D2L daily for assignments and announcements.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Sept-
Student Contract
I have read the entire syllabus and understand all rules and regulations set forth by Ms. Smoot. Please also understand that
the items listed within the syllabus are tentative and can be altered at anytime. This contract must be signed and returned
to Ms. Smoot after it is read in its entirety by January 21, 2014.
(POSTED IN D2L for grade- do not bring to class—submit via D2L)
___________________________________
Printed Name
___________________________________
Signature
________________________
Date