Introduction to Sociology
Sociology 100
Fall 2005
Warren Wilson College
Course: 1:00-2:20 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (MWF1)
Classroom: Jensen 205
Professor: Jennifer N. Fish, Ph.D.
E-mail: jfish@warren-wilson.edu
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00-12:30 p.m.; also by appointment
Office: Jensen 108
A sociological perspective makes us see a new light
in the very world in which we have lived our whole lives.
--Peter Berger
Required Reading
1.
Ferguson, Susan J. 2005. Mapping the Social Landscape: Readings in Sociology. Boston:
McGraw Hill.
2. Neubeck, Kenneth J. and David S. Glasberg. 2005. Sociology: Diversity, Conflict, and
Change. Boston: McGraw Hill.
3. Handouts
Recommended Reading
1. Schlosser, Eric. 2002. Fast Food Nation. New York: Perennial.
2. Ehrenreich, Barbara. 2001. Nickel and Dimed. New York: Henry Holt & Co.
3. Kozol, Jonathan. 1991. Savage Inequalities. New York: Harper Perennial.
Course Goals
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of sociology, the exploration of societies,
and a wide range of social systems that operate at local, national and global levels. Sociology
broadens social insights, fosters critical thinking, guides students to think analytically, and helps
students to develop their writing skills. By actively thinking about the issues facing societies
today, students will learn to examine the influence of broader structures on people’s lives, careers,
hopes, fears, and personalities.
This course will emphasize social stratification: how organizations and institutions
influence the way we think, talk, feel, and act and how different groups (e.g., racial and ethnic)
and divisions (e.g., gender and social class) within society have different access to power and
privilege. We live our lives in relation to social and physical environments; sociology studies
these environments and their effects on our experiences and behavior.
Student Objectives
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
 Differentiate among the basic sociological concepts, theories, and research methods;
 Understand sociological perspectives on social issues; and
 Apply sociological knowledge to social life.
Summary of Course Assignments
Using Our Sociological Imaginations: Book Analysis
Exams (4 at 15% each)
Attendance and Participation
1
30%
60%
10%
Course Requirements
 Class Attendance and Participation
Completion of reading assignments on time, class attendance, and active participation
are expected of all students. I will take attendance everyday. Please do not disrupt the
class by arriving late. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you have
missed (first from a classmate and then from me).
I expect students to participate actively in class discussions, which means you will
need to do the assigned reading before each class. If you are not a big talker, push
yourself to contribute at least once per class.
 Exams
o In-class Exams (4 at 7.5% each for a total of 30%)
There will be four in-class exams in this course. Each will consist of multiple choice and
short-answer questions.
Exam #1 (scheduled in-class exam): September 12th
Exam #2 (scheduled in-class exam): October 10th
Exam #3 (scheduled in-class exam): November 14th
Exam #4 (scheduled in-class exam): December 12th
o Take-home Essays (4 at 7.5% each for a total of 30%)
There will be four take-home essays in this course. These take-home essays will be the
second part of the in-class exams and will cover related material. Your grades for your
in-class exams and take home essays will be added together for a final grade for each
exam. The essay assignment for each exam will be given to you in advance and will be
due in class, in the beginning of class. The essay questions will ask you to reflect
on course readings, classroom discussions, and films. The essays will give you the
opportunity to demonstrate that you have understood and can apply critical thinking
skills to the readings and other course resources.
Essay Exam #1 (Take-home essay): September 14th
Essay Exam #2 (Take-home essay): October 12th
Essay Exam #3 (Take-home essay): November 16th
Essay Exam #4 (Take-home essay): December 14th
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 Using Our Sociological Imaginations Assignment
Book Review Analysis (30% of final grade)
o Sociological Imagination Book Analysis
For this assignment, you will select one book from the following recommended reading list and
will write an in-depth analytical review, incorporating concepts and theories discussed in class
and found in the readings for this course. At a later date, you will receive a detailed handout
regarding this assignment.
1. Schlosser, Eric. 2002. Fast Food Nation. New York: Perennial.
2. Duneier, Mitchell. 1999. Sidewalk. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.
3. Ehrenreich, Barbara. 2001. Nickel and Dimed. New York: Henry Holt & Co.
4. Kozol, Jonathan. 1991. Savage Inequalities. New York: Harper Perennial.
*proposal (5% of final grade):
due: September 23rd
*book review analysis (25%):
due: November 2nd
Class Responsibilities and Expectations
Attendance and Participation
Your prompt attendance and class participation are expected. You are allowed three free
class absences—no questions asked—without any deduction in your class attendance and
participation grade. You remain responsible for all course material, schedule
changes and assignments for any course absence. After your third absence, each
additional absence will result in a 1% reduction in your attendance and participation
grade. Ten or more class absences will result in course failure.
Expectations for the Class
The sociological imagination requires a readiness to think critically or, in other words, a
willingness to question what we have “thought” or “known” all of our lives. It also
requires an openness to ideas that we may not have encountered before and answers we
have not expected. I propose the following guidelines (gleaned from Professor Lynn
Weber at Memphis State University) while in this classroom:
(a)
Acknowledge that all of us have learned misinformation about our own
group and about members of other groups, whether we belong to an
advantaged or disadvantaged group.
(b)
Agree to not blame others or ourselves for the misinformation we have
learned in the past, but accept responsibility for not repeating
misinformation after we have learned otherwise.
(c)
Assume that people—both those we study and those in this class—do
the best they can.
(d)
Never demean, devalue, or in any way put down people for their
experiences, backgrounds, or statements. This does not mean you
cannot disagree—only that you should do so respectfully. Dissent is a
healthy aspect of the learning environment with these principles of
respect shared by the group.
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Learning can only take place in an environment where both students and teachers feel
safe and respected. Insults; slurs directed against racial, ethnic, religious, sexual,
gender, or any other group; whispered comments; disruptive behavior; and disrespectful
language (even from one student to another) are all recognized as contaminating the
learning environment and will not be allowed. Please consider the group in relation to
your presence in the course. Behaviors, nonverbal/facial expressions, patterns and
mannerisms that distract the learning environment will be addressed as part of
participation expectations. Please inform me as soon as possible if you feel that any of
your classmates or I have violated these guidelines.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is a priority in this class. This refers to (but is not limited to)
violations such as cheating, plagiarism, signing the class roll for someone else, or leaving
the class without notifying the professor ahead of time.
Please note that plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s words or ideas and
passing them off as your own. If you use a source, cite it; failing to do is considered
plagiarism and constitutes a serious breach of academic honesty. Plagiarism can result
in a failing grade or expulsion from school.
By enrolling and participating in this class, you are agreeing to the College’s
standards of academic honesty. Please see me if you have any questions about general
academic violations and/or how they relate to the particular assignments for this course.
Assignments and Due Dates
If you have any questions about any of the assignments, please see me as soon as
possible. DO NOT WAIT until it is close to the assigned due date before you ask
questions.
Papers are to be typed, double-spaced (with reasonable margins and fonts), and
stapled. They must include page numbers. Please proofread your papers several times
before handing them in on the assigned due dates. You are expected to turn in your
assignments at the beginning of class on the scheduled due dates.
Late Assignments
This course is organized with particular assignment deadlines in place so that:
1)
Students will synthesize course material through a series of cumulatively
organized assignments.
2)
Consistency and fairness are instituted with standard expectations of all
students.
3)
Students will acquire time management skills to balance work and service
expectations parallel to the “real world.”
4)
I can dedicate appropriate time for individual feedback on every assignment
while managing a series of other academic priorities and personal goals.
In order realize these objectives, it is essential that all assignments be handed in
at the beginning of class on the day that they are due. You are provided every
assignment deadline in this syllabus. Please plan your semester accordingly in order to
balance your studies with work, service and personal involvements. All late
assignments will result in a 10% deduction in the overall grade for each day
that they are handed in beyond the due date (example: three days late makes a
95% paper a 65% paper). Late papers should be delivered directly to my office. I do
not accept papers as email attachments.
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Other Important Information
Grading and Workload
This is a 4-credit course, which means you should expect to spend an additional nine hours a
week on coursework outside the classroom.
A (90-100%) – Achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course
requirements
B (80-89%) – Achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course
requirements
C (70-79%) – Achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect
D (60-69%) – Achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course
requirements
Plus/Minus System
For example:
B+ = 87 to 89
B = 84 to 86
B- = 80 to 83
My Grading System
A = 95
A- = 91.5
A-/B+ = 89.5
B+ = 88
B = 85
B- = 81.5
and so on…
Students with Disabilities or Special Needs
One of the goals of this course is to create an environment that encourages and allows all students
to participate in and benefit from class activities. Students with disabilities and/or special needs
will be reasonably accommodated in this regard. If you have a disability and/or special need,
please see me as soon as possible to arrange appropriate accommodations. Documentation of
your learning disability must be on file with Cathy Clark, Assistant Dean of Student Life.
Requirements for disability documentation can be found on the Warren Wilson College website.
Writing Center
Please note that this course requires a great deal of writing. Please consider the services available
at the Writing Center. In particular, the individual consultation can be helpful in learning to write
sociologically.
Problem Resolution: No special problems are anticipated, but if they do arise please see me
first. Most conflicts are the result of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and/or confusion
that can be resolved by calmly speaking or writing to me. If I am unable to resolve your problem
to your satisfaction, you may contact Dr. Martha Knight-Oakley, Chair of the Division of Social
Sciences at 771-3705.
Other Important Policies
1)
If you absolutely must, please leave the class in a respectful manner that does not
distract the learning environment. Frequent “breaks” from class will be discussed as
relevant to participation.
2)
Please refrain from side conversations during our class time together as it distracts
from the learning environment.
3)
Pets are not allowed in class.
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The Course
The course syllabus provides a general plan for the class. Please know that changes from this plan
may be necessary.
I.
introduction: sociology and the sociological
imagination_____________________________________
*readings for this week: chapter 1 in Sociology
*assigned reading for next week: chapter 3 in Sociology; chapter 1 in Mapping
1. Wednesday, August 24th
Topic: Introduction to Sociology
2. Friday, August 26st
Topic: The Sociological Perspective and the Sociological Imagination
II.
societies, communities and social
change________________________________________
*readings for this week: chapter 3 in Sociology; chapter 1 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: review chapter 1 in Sociology; chapters 41 & 56 in
Mapping
3. Monday, August 29th
Topic: Communities through the Eyes of Sociology
4. Wednesday, August 31st
Topic: The Sociological Imagination, Social Structures and Social Change
III.
sociological theories and theorists________________
*readings for this week: review chapter 1 in Sociology; chapters 41 & 56 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: chapter 2 in Sociology; chapter 6 in Mapping
5. Monday, September 5th
Topic: Sociological Theory
6. Wednesday, September 7th
Topic: Sociological Theory, continued
7. Friday, September 9th
Topic: Sociological Theorists
*readings for this week: chapter 2 in Sociology; chapter 6 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: chapters 4 & 6 in Sociology
8.
Monday, September 12th
*exam #1: in-class exam
IV.
sociological
inquiry____________________________________
9.
Wednesday, September 14th
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Topic: Doing Sociological Research
*due: take-home reflection essay #1
V.
socialization and social
interaction_____________________________________
*readings for this week: chapters 4 & 6 in Sociology
*assigned reading for next week: pp.185-196 in Sociology; chapters 24, 25 & 39 in
Mapping
10. Monday, September 19th
Topic: Social Structures
11. Wednesday, September 21st
Topic: Social Structures and Socialization
12. Friday, September 23rd
Topic: Socialization; Society and Social Interaction
*due: proposals
VI.
social
class_____________________________________________
*readings for this week: pp.185-196 in Sociology; chapters 24, 25 & 39 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: pp.197-204 in Sociology; chapters 31, 32 & 33 in
Mapping
13. Monday, September 26th
Topic: What is Social Class?
14. Wednesday, September 28rd
Topic: Economic Inequality and Poverty
VII.
race and
ethnicity________________________________________
*readings for this week: pp.197-204 in Sociology; chapters 31, 32 & 33 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: pp. 204-208 and pp. 212-216 in Sociology;
chapters 11, 12 & 27 in Mapping
15. Monday, October 3rd
Topic: Defining Race and Ethnicity
16. Wednesday, October 5th
Topic: Social Construction of Race and Ethnicity
17. Friday, October 7th
Topic: Racial and Ethnic Stereotypes; Racism
VIII. gender and sexual
orientation________________________________________
*readings for this week: pp. 204-208 and pp. 212-216 in Sociology; chapters 11, 12 &
27 in Mapping
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*assigned reading for next week: pp. 217-220 and pp. 208-212 in Sociology
18. Monday, October 10th
*exam #2: in-class exam
19. Wednesday, October 12th
Topic: Gender and Social Inequality
*due: take-home reflection essay #2
**Note October 15-23 Autumn Break
IX.
age and
disability_____________________________________
*readings for this week: pp. 217-220 and pp. 208-212 in Sociology
*assigned reading for next week: chapter 8 in Sociology; chapters 9 & 29 in Mapping
20. Monday, October 24th
Topic: Age and Ageism
21. Wednesday, October 26th
Topic: Age and Ageism, continued
22. Friday, October 28th
Topic: Able-bodiedness and Inequality
X.
social location and
intersections_______________________________________
*readings for this week: chapter 8 in Sociology; chapters 9 & 29 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: chapters 10 & 11 in Sociology
23. Monday, October 31st
Topic: Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender
24. Wednesday, November 2nd
Topic: Intersecting Inequalities
**due: book review analysis
XI.
social movements and the
state____________________________________________
*readings for this week: chapters 10 & 11 in Sociology
*assigned reading for next week: chapter 12 in Sociology; chapters 28 & 42 in
Mapping
25. Monday, November 7th
Topic: Social Change and Social Movements
26. Wednesday, November 9th
Topic: Social Movements; the State
27. Friday, November 11th
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Topic: Connections between the State and the Economy
XII.
economy_________________________________________
*readings for this week: chapter 12 in Sociology; chapters 28 & 42 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: chapter 15 in Sociology; chapters 53 & 55 in
Mapping
28. Monday, November 14th
**exam #3: in-class exam
29. Wednesday, November 16th
Topic: The Changing Global Economy
**due: take-home reflection essay #3
30. Monday, November 21th
Topic: Characteristics of the Labor Force; Power and Inequality in the Workplace
**Note: November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break
XIII. families__________________________________________
*readings for this week: chapter 15 in Sociology; chapters 53 & 55 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: chapter 13 in Sociology; chapters 50, 51 & 52 in
Mapping
31. Monday, November 28th
Topic: Defining “Family”
32. Wednesday, November 30th
Topic: Diversity among Contemporary American Families
XIV. education________________________________________
*readings for this week: chapter 13 in Sociology; chapters 50, 51 & 52 in Mapping
*assigned reading for next week: chapter 17 in Sociology; chapters 59 & 60 in
Mapping
33. Monday, December 5th
Topic: Intersecting Institutions: Families and Education
34. Wednesday, December 7th
Topic: Education and Inequality
35. Friday, December 9th
Topic: Education and Inequality, continued
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XV.
you and social
change______________________________________
*readings for this week: chapter 17 in Sociology; chapters 59 & 60 in Mapping
36. Monday, December 12th
Topic: Thinking about the Future
*exam #4: in-class exam
37. Wednesday, December 14th
Topic: Synthesis
*due: take-home reflection essay #4
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