Sociology 101: Analyzing Society - An Introduction to Sociology
Southeastern Louisiana University Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Fall Semester 2007
Mr. Russell A. Castro, MA
University of Colorado
Office: Fayard Hall 358A; Phone: (985) 549-5984
Email: Rcastro@selu.edu
URL: http://www.selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/rcastro
Office Hours: TBA. Please Email for an Appointment.
Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
Establish a working knowledge of the sociological discipline and its three paradigms.
Replace “common sense” notions of society with empirical facts, analyses, and generalizations.
Achieve a more accurate understanding of “the self” through ongoing processes of socialization.
Develop a healthy and practical sense of skepticism through enhancing “critical thinking” skills.
Attendance
Attendance is necessary to achieve success in this class, is strongly recommended, and will be recorded on a
regular basis. THERE WILL BE NO ADMINISTRATIVE DROPS FOR FAILURE TO ATTEND.
Unexcused absence resulting in your missing one or more exams will result in a grade of “F” for the course.
Examinations
There will be THREE exams altogether: two regular exams, plus the Final Exam. All exams are cumulative & may
be comprehensive. Exams are in a multiple choice, true-or-false, short answer, and/or essay question format, and
may range from 1 to 100 items in length. Exams may include ANY and/or ALL information from any previous
lecture or reading assignment, even if not specified as important in lecture. Makeup exams—usually not
permitted—must be pre-arranged with documentation.
Grades
Grades in this course are earned, not given. Grades are based upon the average of your 3 exam scores. A
missed exam WILL count as a ZERO. All grades are final. There will be NO CURVES.
100 84 69 54 39 -
85
70
55
40
00
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
Required Text Books
Required:
Sociology (10th Edition) John J. Macionis, Prentice Hall Publishing, Inc. New York (2004).
Intersections: Readings in Sociology Pearson Publishing, Inc. Houston; (2007)
Lectures Will Be Over Selected Materials On or Related to the Following Topics:
Sociology 101: Analyzing Society - An Introduction to Sociology
WEEK
August 18th
August 25th
September 3rd
September 10th
September 17th
September 24th
October 1st
October 8th
October 15th
October 22nd
October 29th
November 5th
November 12th
November 19th
November 21st 22nd
SCHEDULED READING* and EVENTS
2
PAGES
Chapter I & IV
Major Perspectives & Contributors
Chapter II
Epistemology & Research
Chapter III
Culture
Chapter VI
Social Interaction
Chapter V
Socialization & Mass Media
EXAM I (ALL Exams are during the last lecture period of the week)
Chapter X & XI
Social Class & Stratification
Chapter XIV
Race & Ethnicity
Chapter VIII
Deviance & Drug Policy
Chapter VII
Groups & Organizations
EXAM II (ALL Exams are during the last lecture period of the week)
Chapter XX & XXI
Education & Health Care
Chapter XVII
Politics & Government
Chapter XXII
Population & Environment
Thanksgiving Holidays (begins Wednesday at Noon)
1-24
25-58
59-88
139-162
115-138
115-138
247-325
353-382
191-219
163-189
Chapter XXIII & XXIV Social Change and Social Movements
Final Exam Week
(SCHEDULED BY SECTION)
600-646
517-565
435-462
569-600
23rd
November 26th
December 3rd – 7th
4 Pointers for Success
1) ALWAYS attend class: each time you skip class represents some exam questions you will miss, or worse.
2) Stay current: do small amounts of reading on a very regular basis, reviewing & enhancing lecture notes.
3) Teach others: talk about the ideas, topics, and theories discussed in class with friends.
4) Contribute: you help yourself & classmates when you participate in debates & discussions.
Behavior
The single rule is respect. No personal conversations, interruptions, smoking, chewing tobacco, tardiness, or
unapproved early departure will be tolerated. Anyone disturbing the class or interrupting lecture will be asked to
leave the room immediately upon the infraction.
ANYONE IN THIS CLASS WITH A DOCUMENTED DISABILITY WHICH MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, PLEASE INFORM
THE INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACT THE OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE, STUDENT UNION ROOM 203: 549 - 2247.
ONLY THOSE WITH A DOCUMENTED DISABILITY MAY USE TAPE RECORDERS, DICTATION MACHINES, OR RECORDING DEVICES.
rcastro@selu.edu (e-mail “ATTN: Mr. Castro” in subject line) http://selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/rcastro
*All dates, materials, and information stated herein is subject to change by the instructor.