VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DIVISION: Behavioral and Social Sciences
2015
DATE: 2014-
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: SOCI 1301 Introductory Sociology
CREDIT HRS: 3
I.
HRS/WK LEC: 3
HRS/WK LAB: 0
LEC/LAB COMB: 3
VERNON COLLEGE GENERAL EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
General education at Vernon College reflects the institution’s deep conviction that
successful, satisfying lives require a wide range of skills and knowledge. Through the
Texas Core Curriculum and through support and reinforcement in all non-core courses,
students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and
natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse
world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning.
CORE OBJECTIVES (GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES)
 Critical Thinking Skills – to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and
analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information
 Communication Skills – to include effective development, interpretation, and
expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication
 Empirical and Quantitative Skills – to include the manipulation and analysis of
numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
 Teamwork - to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work
effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal
 Personal Responsibility – to include the ability to connect choices, actions and
consequences to ethical decision making
 Social Responsibility – to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic
responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global
communities
II.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Prerequisite: Texas Success Initiative complete in reading and writing. The scientific study
of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals
affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the
application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods
of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such
as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. Special Fee: $2.00
III.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
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VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: SOCI 1301 Introductory Sociology
Prerequisite: Texas Success Initiative complete in reading and writing. High school
graduate, successful completer of GED, or concurrently enrolled high school student and
consent of instructor.
IV.
TEXTS, OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS:
A.
B.
Henslin, James. Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 11th
Edition. Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon, 2013 and MySocLab access code.
Access to a computer: current browser with e-mail capabilities, working valid,
e-mail address, access to the internet, Microsoft Word, Adobe reader free at
www.adobe.com/products/reader – Required for reading documents in Bb.
C.
SOCI 1301 Course Syllabus, Outline, calculator, Vernon College Catalog.
Above documents plus Course WELCOME and Additional Files found in the
SOCI1301 Bb class.
*In case of problems accessing VC Homepage, go directly to Blackboard:
https://vernoncollege.blackboard.com
V.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Face to face and/or on-line documents.
Class discussions.
Appropriate use of interactive and instructive supplements and/or activities.
Assessments
Students desiring auxiliary aids and services for this course should make their requests to
the Special Services Director at Vernon College.
VI.
COURSE CONTENT:
The Sociological Perspective
Culture
Socialization
Social Structure and Social Interaction
Social Groups and Formal Organizations
Deviance and Social Control
VII.
Global and U.S. Stratification
Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
Inequalities of Gender and Age
Social Institutions in Societies
Population and Urbanization
Social Change
COURSE OUTCOMES:
On completion of this course at a passing level of 60% or greater, the student should be
able to demonstrate competency in the following:
1. Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology.
2. Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data
in sociology.
3. Describe key concepts in sociology.
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VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: SOCI 1301 Introductory Sociology
4. Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.
5. Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional
forces.
(SEE COURSE OUTLINE FOR PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES)
VIII.
ASSESSMENT:
The student will demonstrate mastery of the stated learner outcomes through assessment
of performance objectives derived from the course learning outcomes.
A 60% minimum proficiency level is required for passing. Assessment measures include
examinations, quizzes, reports, and/or other assessment methods scheduled during the
semester. Examination schedules, types of examination questions, other assessing
procedures and grading computation are specified in the Course Outline.
See Vernon College Catalog for grade descriptions.
Vernon College does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, gender, age, religion, national
origin, or disability.