Salem Community College Course Syllabus
Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Course Code: SOC 101
Summer II Dates: June 28th – July 30th
Hours: 5:30 – 9:15
Credits: 3
Adjunct Professor:
Email Address:
Kristin P. O’Neil
koneil@wdeptford.k12.nj.us
Text:
Botterwick, Micheal, Everyday Sociology, 4th ed., Starpoint Press, 2003.
Materials needed:
Post-it notes
A computer with internet access.
Course Description:
This course covers the fundamental concepts and methods of the scientific study of
group behavior: institutional foundations of group life; social roles and interpersonal
relations, and values and social processes. Students also relate sociological
principles to current social issues and to comparable principles in other cultures.
Place in College Curriculum: This course is a requirement for social science majors. It is a social
science elective for others.
Co-Requisite:
ENG 101 or higher
Introduction to Sociology / Page 2
Course Performance Objective #1
Identify the methods used in the study of society and group behavior as well as the most common theoretical
models.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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Define sociology and distinguish it from other social sciences.
Identify the three social behaviors Durkheim found to be influenced by social factors.
Define the focus of the functional perspective and name two functional theorists.
Define the focus of the conflict perspective and name one conflict theorist.
Identify one modern social theory.
Identify the difference between subjective and objective data collection.
Name the five steps in the research process.
Identify three types of research bias.
List five types of research methodology.
Identify the four major ethical considerations in research.
Course Performance Objective #2
Examine the internalization of values and the impact of social groups on the self in society.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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Define culture.
List the five institutions found in every society and describe the manifest and latent functions of each one.
Define cultural relativity and cultural universals.
Differentiate between ethnocentrism, xenocentrism and chauvinism.
Identify three types of social norms.
Differentiate between subcultures and countercultures.
Identify the four principles of Calvinism and their impact on Capitalism.
Discuss Marx' conflict model.
Create a personal genogram.
Define norms and values.
Define anomie.
Differentiate between exchange theory and the theory of reciprocity.
Differentiate between cooperation, competition and conflict.
List Weber's six characteristics of a bureaucracy.
Introduction to Sociology / Page 3
Course Performance Objective #3
Describe the development of the social self and the response of individuals to unsuccessful attainment of
societal norms.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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List three effects of social isolation.
Name the four major agents of socialization in the U.S.
List four theories of development of self.
Name three agents of social control.
Discuss how norms are established.
Discuss the functional necessity of deviance.
Discuss the stigma of mental illness.
Name three models of how norms become law.
Name the two major sources used to measure crime.
List five types of criminal behavior.
Name three responses to total institutionalization.
Differentiate between the juvenile justice systems and the adult system.
Course Performance Objective #4
Use critical thinking skills to assess the current stratification system in American and possible social outcomes
of that system.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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Name three determinants of social power as defined by Weber.
Name the three determinants of socioeconomic status used to determine stratification.
List the programs provided for in the welfare budget.
Discuss the major problems within the welfare system.
Name three projected welfare reform programs.
Name the four reasons why, according to the functional perspective, poverty is useful in society.
Introduction to Sociology / Page 4
Course Performance Objective #5
Describe how achieved and ascribed characteristics influence social worth and unequal treatment.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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Explain the role of sexual scripts.
List the three distinct periods of sexual history in the U.S. prior to 1970.
Compare the sexual behavior of teens in the U.S. to teens in other industrialized countries.
Name three types of sexual violence.
Differentiate between sex and gender.
Describe how age is used as a determinant of status.
Differentiate between minority and majority status in society.
Define prejudice and discrimination.
List four current major issues concerning Afro-Americans.
Define the purpose of religion in society.
Define civil religion.
Distinguish between the sacred and profane.
Distinguish between secular and religion.
Relate Christian denominations to socio-economic status.
Define fundamentalism, Pentecostal and evangelical.
Course Performance Objective #6
Examine the concept of structural differentiation whereby the institutional spheres essential to the survival of
society become more complex and distant from one another.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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Define three types of economic systems.
Explain the role of unions in modern society.
Name three types of power.
Define the role of politics in society from the functionalist perspective.
List three ways all governments manipulate public opinion.
Name the three types of social control.
Define military-industrial complex.
Differentiate between power-elite and pluralist models.
Define the manifest function of education.
Define meritocracy.
Explain the difference in education in urban, suburban and rural settings.
List five proposals for changing the educational system in the U.S.
Define the link between health and illness and the level of economic development.
Explain how socio-economic status, age gender and education affect health care.
Define the medical model.
Differentiate between the professional model of health care and socialized medicine.
Introduction to Sociology / Page 5
Course Performance Objective #7
Identify the traditional functions of marriage and family in society and identify changes in both: Describe
forces, which influence violent or dysfunctional behavior in families.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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Name five functions of the family.
Name five functions of marriage.
Discuss the concept of the exchange theory and reciprocity in relationships.
Identify trends in modern marriage in the U.S.
Identify five reasons for violence in the family.
Differentiate between nuclear and extended family.
List factors which influence marital success.
Course Performance Objective #8
Identify mechanisms and consequences of social change and critically examine the values, beliefs and
institutions within society in order to become effective agents of social reform when necessary.
Learning Outcomes: The student will:
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Name three sources of demographic information.
Define zero population growth and the consequences on society.
Differentiate between immigrant and emigrant.
Determine the major factor in population growth.
Define carrying capacity.
Define greenhouse effect.
Define gentrification.
Name three conditions necessary for the growth of a city.
Define white flight.
Define popular culture.
Explain the theory of production of culture.
List three forms of transmission of popular culture.
Define stacking in professional sports.
Define nationalism.
List five major trends in society today.
Introduction to Sociology / Page 6
Course Schedule:
Week #
Chapter # / Test #
June 28th / 30th: Introduction to Course
Chapter 1: What is Sociology?
Chapter 2: Scientific Methods and Tools
Chapter 3: Socialization
June 30th – July 7th
Blog: Are you more of a structural functionalist or social conflict theorist? Why?
Provide examples.
July 7th
First Article Due – Find a scientific study. Print a copy of it and bring it to class or email me a
copy of the study. Attached to the study – complete a one page written response that
includes the following:
1st: Provide a BRIEF synopsis of the study. 2nd: Identify the variables (dependent
and independent). 3rd: Identify the control variable. 4th: Was the study quantitative or
qualitative? How do you know? 5th: What research methods were employed? 6th:
What was the hypothesis? 7th: What was the conclusion?
July 7th
Chapter 4: Groups and Organizations
Chapter 5: Individual Development
Chapter 6: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
Chapter 7: Social Stratification
July 7th – July 12th
Blog: How does George Herbert Mead’s work relate to who you are? What are
your thoughts?
July 12th / 14th: Chapter 8: Social Inequality: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 9: Social Inequality: Gender
Chapter 10: Marriage and Family
Chapter 11: Education
July 14th
Article #2 due: TBD
Research Paper or Presentation topics must be approved by this date.
General outline must be submitted for instructor’s review.
July 14th – July 19th:
Blog: TBD
July 19th / 21st: Chapter 12: Religion
Chapter 14: health Care
Chapter 13: Political Institutions
Chapter 15: Economics and the Workplace
Chapter 16 and 17: Population, Environment, and Urban Life
July 21st
3rd Article Due: TBD
July 21st – July 26th:
Blog: TBD
July 26th
Research Papers or Presentations are due.
July 28th
Final Exam
Introduction to Sociology / Page 7
Grade Requirements and Means of Evaluation:
For successful completion of the course, the student will be required to complete the project / written assignment on
time, have no more than three unexcused absences during the summer session, and receive a passing grade for the
final exam. The final average will be computed as follows:
Final Exam Total Value
End of Course Project/Research Paper REQUIRED FOR CREDIT
Articles with one page analysis (three)
Blog responses (four)
--------------_________
_________
__________
30 %
30 %
25 %
15 %
_____
100 %
Remember: a research paper OR project are REQUIRED. Therefore, failure to complete a comprehensive project or
paper will result in failure in the class regardless of your other grades.
Exams:
One final exam will be given for this course. This exam will be administered on the final day of class. Only extreme
extenuating circumstances will be considered for a make-up exam opportunity. In NO circumstances should a student
assume that the final exam can be administered as a make-up exam.
Make-up exams, if approved by the instructor, must be made up within one week of original date. In NO
circumstances should a student assume that make-up exams are obligatory.
Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to do their own work, both in their research papers, projects, and on their exams. It is
imperative that students understand the use of references in their research paper or project and that proper credit is
given for information used in either. Failure to credit references is considered plagiarism and will place the student in
jeopardy of failure in the course, and/or suspension from the college. If you have any questions regarding referencing
your paper or project, see your instructor, your English professor, or the learning lab.
Classroom Expectations:
Problems have arisen in the past regarding disruptions, which make learning difficult; therefore, on behalf of those
students who truly want to learn, I ask that you observe certain rules of etiquette.
1.
Disruptive or distracting behavior will not be tolerated. You are adults and adult behavior is expected. Please
complete personal grooming before entering the classroom.
2.
No beepers or phones unless you have advised the instructor as to the necessity of having the beeper in class.
3.
If you must leave class before the end of the session, or arrive late, please sit near the door so as not to
interrupt the flow of information.
Regular attendance is expected. Missing the equivalent of two weeks during the traditional semester will result in an
inquiry. If you are having trouble attending class please see the instructor immediately. Do not withdraw from class
without seeing the instructor first.
Introduction to Sociology / Page 8
Research Paper Requirements
The goal of your research paper is to increase your ability to relate social theory to social events. Papers will be
graded on content and grammar. Papers turned in on the due date are not eligible for rewriting. Dates will be assigned
at the first session. NO PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DUE DATE. Papers may be turned
in to the instructor in person or emailed on the due date.
1.
2.
3.
Each student must have his/her topic approved by the instructor by July 14th and before beginning the
paper/project.
Students have the option of turning in a rough draft at any time.
All “paper” work must be stapled. Loose papers will not be accepted. Projects may be turned in on a
thumb-drive or uploaded to the wiki.
The tutoring lab is available for assistance in writing research papers. You will need to call and make an appointment.
You will be asked to drop off your paper twenty-four hours before your appointment so that the tutor will have time to
read and make suggestions for corrections. The lab should have guidelines for citing internet information.
Instruction for Required Paper: (The topic is just an example. Other topics will be considered upon adjunct
professor approval).
1.
2.
3.
Choose a book or movie with a strong sociological theme. Remember, many comedies are sociological satires
so don’t limit yourself to one type of movie choice.
Choose a possibility and have it approved by the instructor. The instructor has the authority to ask you to choose
another topic.
Read ALL instructions for the composition. After you become familiar with the requirements read/watch your
approved choice again; noting all scenes which meet requirements.
Content Requirements
1.
2.
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4.
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6.
7.
Identify the major sociological theme of your chosen work. (Check the chapter headings in your text for help.
Not all social issues are covered in the text so you may choose to go to another source.) Also, identify any sub
themes.
Identify the social perspective used by the writer to present the issue to the viewer/reader.
Section I or paragraph one should give the storyline as it relates to the sociological theme. (Example: Titanic
deals with social stratification from a functional perspective.)
a. Give a brief description of the movie (think about a movie blurb on the back of a rental case).
b. Define your social issue; i.e., stratification.
c. Define the writer’s theory; i.e., structural functional
Read the chapter in the text or other source dealing with your social issue. Pay special attention to bold print,
italicized, and offset words and terms. Match these words and phrases to scenes from your movie/book. These
become your paragraphs. Congratulations! You are now using your sociological imagination to show
relationships between theory and real life.
Conclusion: What changes, if any occur 1) in the immediate social situation; 2) in the major characters; 3) in the
larger society?
How does this compare to your text’s ideas about change, correcting the social problem, etc.?
Personal opinion: does the movie/book reflect the real world?
Introduction to Sociology / Page 9
Submitting a Topic:
The above topic was only an example. When you submit your own topic for your paper/project, you must also
submit an outline as to how you will relate that topic to this Sociology Course. Please use the rubric on the wiki as a
guide.
Blog Responses:
Every student will be responsible for responding to a blog topic each week. The goal of the blog is to post your
thoughts and opinions and respond to the thoughts and opinions of others. It is like a conversation continuing outside
of the classroom. Students will be graded on their blog responses. Please review the rubric posted on the Grading
Rubric page of the wiki. Please remember that each individual is expected to be respectful of everyone’s thoughts and
opinions. Disrespect, inappropriate remarks, or inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Using the Adjunct Professor’s Wiki:
The Adjunct Professor will invite each student to join the Sociology 101 wiki. PowerPoint presentations, grading
rubrics, the blogs for the semester, etc….. are all posted on that wiki. Students MUST utilize this site. The wiki can
be found on: www.wikispaces.com.
Google Docs:
Students will be responsible for taking notes and contributing to google docs. The professor will post the
link on the wiki for the appropriate chapter. Students will be assigned a topic/category to take notes and
record in the google document. With so little time and so much material to cover, this will be a great
asset to every student in the class.
ACADEMIC GRADES
Grade Report
Official grade reports are issued at the end of fall and spring semesters, and each summer session. Faculty
are asked to submit reports of academic progress midway through the semester for students not making
satisfactory progress. Only final grades become part of the student’s permanent record.
Grading
Students should be graded on their performance throughout the semester and receive back all essays,
examinations, assignments within one week.
The following symbols and honors values are used to describe the work done by students:
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
Numerical Value
Grade Points
93 – 100
90 – 92
88 – 89
83 – 87
80 – 82
78 – 79
73 – 77
70 – 72
68 – 69
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
D
F
FA
60 – 67
≤ 59
≤ 59
1.0
0
0
Introduction to Sociology / Page 10
FA
Failure due to attendance – student will fail the course if they miss 30 percent or more of the
course (effective Fall 2001).
W
Official withdrawal before midterm deadline (no credit granted). – July 15, 2010
P
Pass – This grade is given upon the satisfactory meeting of requirements through such nontraditional learning methods as credit by examination and independent study as well as
educational development, practicum, and co-op courses.
I
Incomplete work – a conditional grade given at the discretion of the faculty member when
student emergencies allow for the completion of all course requirements within 30 class days of
the following semester or term. If this condition is not met, the “I” will automatically become an
“F” grade.
R
Audit – no credit