Eastern Kentucky University
Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Social work
SYLLABUS
WINTER SESSION 2015
SOCIOLOGY 131 CRN: 70015
INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY
Online Course: December 14, 2015 – January 15, 2016
Dr. Dionne F. Smith
Office: Keith 110
Office Phone: 859-622-1653
E-mail: dionne.smith@eku.edu
Office Hours: Online by appointment
Catalog Course Description: SOC 131 Introductory Sociology. (3) I, II.
Basic principles and concepts of sociology, including culture, socialization, social structure, groups, social
processes, and social change. Gen. Ed. E-5B.
Sociology 131 is a general education course within the social and behavioral sciences designed to help
students:
1) Use appropriate methods of critical thinking and quantitative reasoning to examine issues and to
identify solutions.
2) Analyze the social and behavioral influences that explain how people relate to each other, to
institutions, and to communities.
3) Distinguish the methods that underlie the search for knowledge in the social sciences.
4) Integrate knowledge that will deepen their understanding of, and will inform their own choices about,
issues of personal and public importance.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Recognize and communicate orally and in written form the influence of social forces on human
behavior.
2) Distinguish major sociological paradigms and levels of analysis in oral discussion,
written-essay, or exam formats.
3) Demonstrate through oral discussion, written-essay, or exam formats how sociology, as
distinguished from other disciplines, interprets the social world.
4) Identify orally, in written form, or in exam formats how sociologists use the scientific
method, including interpreting data in table and graphic form.
5) Apply core theories and concepts to personal experiences of one or more of the
following: inequality (race, gender, class), crime, and social institutions (family, economy, military,
religion, education) in oral discussion, written-essay, or exam formats.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Essentials of Sociology: A Down-To-Earth Approach by James M. Henslin; Pearson Publishing, 2015,
CourseConnect eTextbook (online textbook) 11th Edition:
Important Note: This course is taught completely online in “Blackboard” and requires the purchase of a
“CourseConnet” access code to view the eTextbook and to complete assignments in the “Blackboard”
course. You may purchase the “access code” from the EKU Bookstore (around $88.00) or directly from the
textbook website.
SOC 131 WINTER 2015 (Online) D.F. Smith
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CourseConnect Access Code Purchase and Registration:
You should purchase the “CourseConnect” access code prior to or on the first day of class in order to begin
completing assignments in the required “modules” for the course (see “module” descriptions under “Course
Schedule and Assignments” below).
This is a really helpful video (see the link below) for understanding how to register your “CourseConnect”
access code if you purchase the code from the EKU Bookstore and it also provides instructions for
purchasing an access code directly from Pearson (instructions at the end of the video). The video also
includes a quick “first look” at the CourseConnect online environment. I recommend that you view the video
before registering your access code. Click the link below to view the video.
How to Register for your CourseConnect Course
COURSE PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the study of human society and social behavior. The
primary goal is to expose students to a wide range of concepts and issues, which will contribute to an
understanding of society from the sociological perspective.
This is a concentrated 5-weeks course (4 instructional and 1 holiday). The course consists of Lesson
Modules that cover various topics. Each module includes a required list of assignments that must be
completed before the module closes. Modules typically include the following assignments (see “Course
Schedule and Assignments” below for specific requirements for each module):
1) Read the textbook chapter (or specific sections for some chapters).
2) View the “CourseConnect” “Textbook Lesson Presentation”: Note: These presentations are short, but
good reviews of the textbook chapter and include interactive ungraded practice activities to help test
your initial understanding of what you have been reading in the chapter. Important Note: This lesson
presentation format has been proven to increase students’ success in on-line classes when
coupled with “PowerPoint Lectures” and other assignments.
3) View the “PowerPoint Lecture”: Note: The PowerPoint Lectures are focused discussions of the most
significant topics, terms, concepts, and other material essential for understanding the sociological
perspective overall, and as it relates to issues in societies. You should take notes on the PowerPoint
Lectures just as you would if you were taking an “in-class” course.
4) Complete the module “Assignment” and/or “Quiz”: Note: For most modules, you are required to
complete an “application” assignment and/or a terms and concepts quiz. Assignments may consist of
short written responses to specific questions or application of theories and concepts (typically one to
two paragraphs). Terms and Concepts Quizzes will consist of matching, multiple-choice, true-false,
and short-answer questions. Assignments and quizzes will help you prepare for exams, and provide
the basis for understanding other topics discussed throughout the term. Assignments will be worth 510 points each. Quizzes will be worth 10-20 points each (I will post “quiz reviews” to help you prepare
for quizzes).
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EXAMS
Three exams and a final will be given during the term. Exam questions will be designed primarily to emphasize
the application of sociological knowledge, concepts, and findings. Exams will consist of a combination of
multiple-choice, true-false, and short-answer essay questions. Exams 1, 2, and 3 will be worth 100 points and
will cover separate sections of material. The final exam (120-130 points) is partially cumulative in that some
questions will require an understanding of various concepts and issues discussed throughout the term.
There are no make-up exams (this includes the final exam). If, for any reason, you do not complete a
course exam (exam 1, or 2, or 3) the value of your final exam will increase by that number of points
(will increase by 100pts.). This policy is allowed for only one course exam. For example, if the final
exam is worth 120 points, your final would be worth 220 points to make up for points lost on the exam you did
not complete. This means that each question on your final exam would be worth more points than for those
who completed all course exams. This also means that you would need to do very well on the final exam to
make up points lost by not completing a course exam.
Important Note: Exam study guides and exams will be available for a two to three day period toward the
end of the weeks in which exams are due. You should have completed all required assignments for the week
before reviewing the exam study guide or taking the exam. Due dates are included in the “Course Schedule”
below.
GRADING:
Final course grades will be based on three course exams, the final exam, assignments, and quizzes.
3 Course Exams 100 points each
1 Final Exam
Assignments/Quizzes
= 300 points
= 120 - 130 points
= 110 - 120 points
530 – 550 points possible
Course grades will be assigned according to the following scale (based on the total points possible): (A) 90%
(B) 80% (C) 70% and (D) 60%
Student Progress
Grades for exams, assignments, and quizzes will be posted in the “Blackboard” Grade Center. You should
monitor your progress by checking “My Grades” on Blackboard, located under the “Tools” Menu.
Last Date to Drop the Course
The last day to drop the course without receiving a “W” is available at http://registrar.eku.edu/winter-sessionacademic-calendar
Important Note: This link also includes dates to withdraw without paying a withdrawal fee.
Academic Integrity
Students are advised that EKU’s Academic Integrity policy will strictly be enforced in this course. The
Academic Integrity policy is available at www.academicintegrity.eku.edu. Questions regarding the policy may
be directed to the Office of Academic Integrity.
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Disability Accommodations
A student with a "disability" may be an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits
one or more major life activities such as learning, seeing or hearing. Additionally, pregnancy accompanied by
medical conditions that causes a similar substantial limitation may also be considered under the ADA.
If you are registered with the Office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities, please obtain your
accommodation letters from the OSID and present them to the course instructor to discuss any academic
accommodations you need. If you believe you need accommodation and are not registered with the OSID,
please contact the office in the Whitlock Building Room 361, by email at disserv@eku.edu or by telephone at
(859) 622-2933. Upon individual request, this syllabus can be made available in an alternative format.
Official E-mail
An official EKU e-mail is established for each registered student, each faculty member, and each staff member.
All university communications sent via e-mail will be sent to this EKU e-mail address.
COURSE SCHEDULE and Assignments: Important Note: “Blackboard” technology issues (or other issues)
may require changes in the course schedule. This is typically not the case, but any changes to the schedule
will be sent to students by e-mail and/or “Blackboard” “Announcement,” so be sure to check your EKU e-mail
and Blackboard “Announcements” on a regular basis, but particularly at the beginning of each week.
Important Technology Note: If you experience technology problems (e.g., you can’t access links, view videos,
lessons, etc.), you should contact me to determine whether the problem is within the course. If the problem is
not within the course, you should contact the EKU Blackboard Help Desk at 859-622-3000 or in Combs 208.
They should be able to help resolve technology issues with your computer. You should check your progress
toward completing assignments on a regular basis throughout the period in which the module is available. This
will alert you to any technology problems and will allow resolution of problems before assignments are due.
Important Note: I cannot reopen modules after they are closed if the problem is with your computer. In
addition, you should use the “Firefox” browser to access Blackboard courses and make sure you have a
reliable internet connection. This is particularly important for taking quizzes and exams.
Important Note: You are required to complete all assignments for each module before the module closes.
Important note on completion of each module: Remember, this is a concentrated 5-week course. The pace
at which you complete each module will of course depend on the time you have available in your schedule
each day, but you should plan to take no more than 1-2 days to complete each module in order to
complete all required assignments before the end of the week.
Week 1: Monday, December 14 – Sunday, December 20: Complete Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4
Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 will open on Monday, December 14th at 8:00am and will close at 11:00pm on
Sunday, December 20th.
Module 1
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Sunday,
December 20th
Topic: The Sociological Perspective
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 1 in the textbook: The Sociological Perspective, pp. 2-12

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: The Field of Sociology
(Overview and Topic 01)

Read the essay “Invitation to Sociology” by Peter Berger
SOC 131 WINTER 2015 (Online) D.F. Smith
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Week 1 continued: Monday, December 14 – Sunday, December 20
Module 2
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Sunday,
December 20th
Module 3
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Sunday,
December 20th
Module 4
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Sunday,
December 20th
Note: See the
Exam 1 Due Date►
Topic: The Sociological Perspective and The Origins of Sociology
Required Assignments:

If you have not already done so, you should read Chapter 1 (pp. 2-12)
in the textbook and view the Textbook Lesson Presentation (The Field
of Sociology: Overview “00” and Topic “01) before completing Module 2
assignments.

View the PowerPoint Lecture: The Sociological Perspective

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Origins of Sociology
Topic: Theoretical Perspectives and Sociological Research
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 1 in the textbook: The Sociological Perspective, pp. 1236

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: The Field of Sociology (Topics
02, 03, 04, and 05)

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Theoretical Perspectives

Read the article (summary): “Migration and Social Order: The Examples
of Suicide and Crime”

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Sociological Research

Complete the Terms and Concepts Quiz: See the Quiz 1 Review
Topic: Culture and Exam 1
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 2 in textbook: Culture, pp. 38-64

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: Culture

View PowerPoint Lecture: Culture and Social Interaction

Complete the Terms and Concepts Quiz: See the Quiz 2 Review

Complete Exam 1: See the Exam 1 Study Guide

Note: Exam 1 will be posted on Thursday, December 17th and must be
completed by Sunday, December 20th at 11:00pm.
You are only allowed to take the exam one time, so be sure you have
reviewed all class notes and the Exam 1 Study Guide before beginning
the exam.
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Week 2: Monday, December 21 – Thursday, December 24: Complete Modules 5 and 6
Modules 5 & 6 will open on Monday, Dec. 21st at 8:00am and will close at 11:00pm on Thursday, Dec. 24th.
Module 5
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Thursday,
December 24th
Topic: Socialization
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 3 in the textbook: Socialization, pp. 66-96

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: Socialization

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Socialization Process and Perspectives
Module 6
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Thursday,
December 24th
Week 2 – Week 3
Dec. 25 – Jan. 1
Topic: Social Structure
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 4 in the textbook: Social Structure and Social Interaction,
pp. 98-127

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Components of Social Structure

Complete the extra credit Terms and Concepts quiz: See the Quiz 3
extra credit Review (optional quiz)
WINTER SESSION BREAK
There are no required assignments over Winter Session Break, but if you
would like to continue reading and studying you should:

Read Chapter 5 in the textbook: Social Groups and Formal
Organizations, pp. 129-145; Note: on p. 144 read through “Technology
and the Control of Workers…” (“Group Dynamics” is not required). On
p. 145 read the Sociology and the New Technology Box: (“Cyberloafers
and Cybersleuths: Surfing at Work”

Begin review for Quiz 4 (Chapter 5): See the Quiz 4 Review

Read pp. 158-175 in Chapter 6 in the textbook: Deviance and Social
Control (Read through the Conflict Perspective)

Begin review for Exam 2. See the Exam 2 Study Guide (only posted
for Week 2 Modules 5 and 6). Exam 2 will be assigned for Module 8.
Important Note: These assignments are required for Modules 7 & 8.
Modules 7 & 8 will open at 8:00am on Saturday, Jan. 2nd after Winter Session
Break, and will close at 11:00pm on Monday, Jan. 4th (Modules 7 & 8 open
only three days).
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Week 3 – Week 4: Saturday, January 2 – Monday, January 4: Complete Modules 7 & 8
Modules 7 & 8 will open on Saturday, Jan. 2nd at 8:00am and will close at 11:00pm on Monday, Jan. 4th (only
three days).
Module 7
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Monday,
January 4th
Topics: Social Groups and Formal Organizations
Required Assignments:

If you have not already done so, you should read Chapter 5 in the
textbook: Social Groups and Formal Organizations, pp. 129-145; Note:
on p. 144 read through “Technology and the Control of Workers…”
(“Group Dynamics” is not required). On p. 145 read the Sociology and
the New Technology Box: (“Cyberloafers and Cybersleuths: Surfing at
Work”

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Social Groups

Complete the Terms and Concepts Quiz: See the Quiz 4 Review
Module 8
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Monday,
January 4th
Note: See the
Exam 2 Due Date►
Topics: Deviance and Exam 2
Required Assignments:

If you have not already done so, you should read pp. 158-175 in Chapter
6 in the textbook: Deviance and Social Control (Read through the
Conflict Perspective)

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Deviance Questions and Perspectives

Continue review for Exam 2: See the complete Exam 2 Study Guide

Complete Exam 2: See the Exam 2 Study Guide

Note: Exam 2 must be completed by Monday, January 4th, at
11:00pm.
You are only allowed to take the exam one time, so be sure you have
reviewed all class notes and the Exam 2 Study Guide before beginning
the exam.
Week 4 continued: Monday, January 4 – Sunday, Jan 10: Complete Modules 9, 10, & 11
Modules 9, 10, & 11 will open on Monday Jan. 4th at 8:00am and will close at 11:00pm on Sunday, Jan. 10th
Module 9
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Sunday,
January 10th
Topics: Social Stratification and Inequality
Required Assignments:

Read pp. 190-210 in Chapter 7 in the textbook: Global Stratification

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Social Stratification Principles and
Perspectives
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Week 4 continued: Monday, January 4 – Sunday, January 10
Module 10
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Sunday,
January 10th
Topics: Social Class, Racial and Ethnic Stratification
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 8 in the textbook: Social Class in the United States, pp.
221-251

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: Social Class and Decision
Making (Optional)

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Social Class (Slides 1-7)

Complete the Terms and Concepts Quiz: See the Quiz 5 Review

Read pp. 253-264 in Chapter 9 in the textbook: Race and Ethnicity

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Race and Ethnic Stratification (Slides 8-10)
Module 11
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Sunday,
January 10th
Note: See the
Exam 3 Due Date►
Topics: Gender Stratification and Exam 3
Required Assignments:

Read pp. 291-316 in Chapter 10 in the textbook: Inequalities of Gender

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Gender Stratification

Complete Exam 3: See the Exam 3 Study Guide

Note: Exam 3 will be posted on Thursday, January 8th and must be
completed by Sunday, January 10th at 11:00 pm.
You are only allowed to take the exam one time, so be sure you have
reviewed all class notes and the Exam 3 Study Guide before beginning
the exam.
Week 5: Monday, January 11 – Friday, January 15: Complete Modules 12, 13, and 14
Modules 12, 13, & 14 will open on Monday, Jan. 11th at 8:00am and will close at 11:00pm on Friday, Jan. 15th
Module 12
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Friday,
January 15th
Topics: Political and Economic Institutions
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 11 in the textbook: Politics and the Economy, pp. 332-365

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: Politics and Economics
(Optional)

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Political and Economic Institutions

Complete the Terms and Concepts Quiz: See the Quiz 6 Review
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Week 5 continued: Monday, January 11 – Friday, January 15
IMPORTANT NOTE: The class ends on Friday, Jan. 15th at 11:00pm.
Module 13
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Friday,
January 15th
Topic: Family and Education
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 12 in the textbook: Marriage and Family, pp. 367-401

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: Marriage and Family
(Optional)

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Family Issues and Perspectives

Read pp. 403-426 in Chapter 13 in the textbook: Education

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: Education, Topics 00 and 01
only (Optional)

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Education Issues and Perspectives
Module 14
Note: This module
will close at 11:00pm
on Friday,
January 15th
Note: See the Final
Exam Due Date►
Topics: Social Change and Final Exam
Required Assignments:

Read Chapter 15 in the textbook: Social Change and the Environment,
pp. 457-500

View the Textbook Lesson Presentation: Social Change (Optional)

View the PowerPoint Lecture: Processes of Social Change

Complete the Final Exam: See the Final Exam Study Guide

Note: The Final Exam will be posted on Wednesday, January 13th and
must be completed by Friday, January 15th at 11:00pm.
You are only allowed to take the exam one time, so be sure you have
reviewed all class notes and the Final Exam Study Guide before
beginning the exam.
Important Note: As stated above, the Final Exam must be completed by
Friday Jan. 15th at 11:00pm. This will allow time to grade the exam and
post course grades by the required deadline.