Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
1
Dr. George Weissinger
Course Outline-Soc 201 Online
Introduction to Sociology-All Sections
Instructor: Dr. George Weissinger
Course Description:
This course covers the scientific study of human interaction utilizing basic
themes that give sociology a distinctive character. The textbook covers six
central themes sociology in everyday life (down to earth), globalization,
cultural diversity, critical thinking, the new technology, and the growing
influence of the mass media in our lives. Sociology studies controversial topics
and is a foundation course in any liberal arts education.
Textbooks: Required
Henslin, James, Essentials of Sociology: A Down To Earth Approach, 10th
Edition, NJ: Pearson-Allyn & Bacon, 2011 ISBN: 10: 0—205-90657-5
Description from website: ISBN10: 0205898475
Summary: A Down-to-Earth Approach James Henslin shares the excitement of sociology. With his acclaimed ''down-toearth'' approach and personal writing style, the author highlights the sociology of everyday life and its relevance to
students' lives. With wit, personal reflection, and illuminating examples, Henslin shares with readers his passion for
sociology. In addition to this trademark down-to-earth approach, other distinctive features include: comparative
perspectives, the globalization of capitalism, and visual presentations of sociology.
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
2
Dr. George Weissinger
Optional
Weissinger, George, Law Enforcement & the INS 2nd ed.,
Lanham, MD: University Press, 2004. ISBN: 07618-2996—2.
There is one assignment on the American immigration problem and this book
will help you understand the issues surrounding the immigration laws. Copies
may be ordered through the bookstore, or online. There are many other
reliable scholarly works on immigration, and you may use any of them as long
as they are scholarly publications. Avoid opinion/editorial commentary on this
topic, and rely on the available research in answering the question.
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
3
Dr. George Weissinger
Readings & Test Dates:
1/22-2/1
Read
Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
Chapter 2: Culture
Assessment Ch 1_2 Online Quiz (2.5 points)
Available: 1/22
Due: 2/1
2/1-2/15
Read
Chapter 3: Socialization
Chapter 4: Social Structure and Social Interaction
Assessment-Ch 3_4 Online Quiz (2.5 points)
Available: 2/1
Due: 2/15
2/15-3/1
Chapter 5: Social Groups and Formal Organizations
Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control
Assessment –Ch 5_6 (2.5 points)
Available: 2/15
Due: 3/1
Assignment 1-Global Stratification & Social Class in the US: Ch’s 7-8
textbook.
Due: 3/1 (12.5 Points)
Henslin provides a summary of the functionalist and the conflict views
on social class (sometimes referred to as the conservative vs. the radical
thesis). Using these and the other theories discussed in chapter's 7-8, which
do you think provides the most accurate description of social class, or
inequality.
a. In addition to the textbook, find at least two other sources of
information and cite them in your report.
b. Answer the question in 300-500 words.
c. In your own words, explain why you believe the functionalist, or
conflict view provides the most accurate description of social
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
4
Dr. George Weissinger
inequality. Support your beliefs/opinions with the other sources of
information cited in your report.
3/1-3/15
Read
Chapter 7: Global Stratification
Chapter 8: Social Class in the United States
Assessment Ch 7_8 (2.5 points)
Available: 3/1
Due: 3/15
Midterm Examination: Chapter’s 1-8 (25 points)
Assignment: Online Assessment-Midterm
Midterm Available 3/15
Due: 3/22
Assignment 2-The Immigration Debate
Due: 4/26 (12.5 points)
The controversial debate over amnesty for undocumented immigrants
continues.
(a) Discuss the pros and cons of this debate, and offer your opinion
regarding amnesty for undocumented aliens. The book, Law
Enforcement & the INS, 2nd ed., (a few copies should be in the
bookstore) offers some insights and data about this debate. Use the
Henslin textbook, Law Enforcement & the INS or any other reliable
research material to support your opinion in 300-500 words. Cite the
sources you use.
(b) Watch the films listed below and use these as sources of information.
We now have access to Films on Demand here at NCC. I found some videos
that will assist you in understanding this controversial debate. Note: If the link
does not work, simply log into the NCC library and search for the topics in the
Films on Demand section. You may also use other sources besides the linked
topics.
The Immigration Debate
Films on demand-Illegals Still Migrate
NumbersUSA offers an interesting view on immigration and the environment.
Total growth depends on immigration+birth rate-mortality, or the death rate.
This brief ad fails to mention mortality rates offsetting the growth.
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
5
Dr. George Weissinger
Immigration & Environment
(c)
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 into state law. Although
critics claim the law is discriminatory, the law itself clearly states that
racial profiling will not be used in enforcement. Read the law, and based
on the facts available give your opinion on it. See also the US Supreme
Court decision on SB1070.
3/15-4/5
Read
Chapter 9: Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 10: Inequalities of Gender and Age
Assessment-Ch 9_10 (2.5 points)
Available 3/15
Due: 4/5
4/5-4/19
Chapter 11: Politics and the Economy
Chapter 12: Marriage and Family
Assessment Ch 11_12 (2.5 points)
Available 4/5
Due: 4/19
4/19-5/3
Chapter 13: Education & Religion
Chapter 14: Population and Urbanization
Assessment Ch 13_14 (2.5 points)
Available 4/19
Due: 5/3
5/3-5/10
Chapter 15: Social Change: Technology, Soc Movements, Environment.
Assessment-Ch 15 (2.5 points)
Available: 5/3
Due: 5/10
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
6
Dr. George Weissinger
Assessment: Final Examination: Chapter’s 9-15. (25 points)
Available: 5/10
Due: 5/17 (the final will remain open until 12/19 for late
submissions).
Last Day of Class-5/20/2013
Course Requirements:
All students are expected to log on to the course on a regular basis. The
amount of time you devote to this online course should equal the same
amount of time you would spend in a regular lecture class. Most online
students exceed this guideline. Participation in the online requirements is
mandatory for a satisfactory outcome. Evaluation of your grade will be
determined by a Midterm Exam, Assessments, Discussion Assignments,
Forum Participation Area, and a Final Exam.
Many documents, lecture, and review notes, and other important information
will be placed in the Course Documents section for this course. All
quizzes/exams will be administered online. The quizzes are untimed but must
be completed by the due dates listed. You must take the test by the scheduled
due date. All required work will be posted on the Calendar as well.
Grading Policy:
NOTE: THIS IS A FULLY ONLINE COURSE. ALL ASSIGNMENTS, FORUM
DISCUSSIONS, AND ASSESSMENTS/EXAMS MUST BE COMPLETED WHEN DUE.
THERE WILL BE LIMITED EXCEPTIONS TO SUBMISSION OF WORK AFTER THE
DUE DATE. ANY LATE WORK SUBMITTED WILL LOSE SIGNIFICANT POINTS.
FORGETTING TO DO THE ASSIGNMENT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A VIABLE
EXCEPTION. TAKING A VACATION IS FINE AS LONG AS YOU ARE IN A PLACE
THAT HAS AN INTERNET CONNECTION AND YOU CAN SUBMIT THE WORK
BEFORE THE DUE DATE.
Assignments will be graded on how well you incorporate the textbook
information, research on the topic under consideration, and your personal
observations/experiences that might relate to a specific question. All
assignments require the use of the textbook, listed sources, and at least one
additional research source. Research materials cited should be scholarly
sources of information such as the American Journal of Sociology, American
Sociological Review, Social Science/Criminal Justice Journals, etc., and not
popular magazines, newspapers, or encyclopedias. Use of the NCC virtual
library is available and highly recommended. Participants are encouraged to
embed videos from reliable scholarly sources such as the NCC Films on
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
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Dr. George Weissinger
Demand database, or other media. All such sources must be properly cited
and in accordance with copyright law. Avoid lengthy citations from other
work, and focus on answering the question in your own words with your
sources as references. Avoid Wikipedia or other such sites. Plagiarism is
prohibited.
2 Assignments, 12.5 points each=25 points
8 quizzes 2.50 points each=20 points
Midterm=25 points
Final=25 points
Class Participation=5 points (based on submissions in the forum
discussion area and compliance with course requirements).
Telephone; Sociology Dept. Office: 516-572-7257 (leave message)
Email: George.Weissinger@ncc.edu
The quickest way to reach me is via email. Please use the Blackboard mailbox
for communication.
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