VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DIVISION: Behavioral and Social Sciences
DATE: 2013-2014
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. We are
dedicated to providing educational opportunities that develop the academic, career, and
personal capabilities of individuals so they may achieve self-fulfillment and participate
fully and positively in a democratic society. Vernon College has identified the following
college-level competencies generated from the general education core:
GENERAL EDUCATIONAL CORE OUTCOMES:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
II.
Critical Thinking: Students will evaluate the validity of ideas through a creative
process of questioning, analyzing, and synthesizing.
Communication/Interpersonal: Students will develop effective reading, writing,
speaking, and listening skills to communicate verbally and nonverbally.
Scientific and Mathematical Literacy: Students will apply an understanding of
mathematical, natural, and behavioral scientific principles and methods to solve
abstract and practical problems.
Information Literacy: Students will develop the information literacy skills to
confidently and competently locate, use, and evaluate information.
Cultural Literacy: Students will develop an appreciation of human culture and its
diversity and the role of the creative arts in society.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
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. Prerequisite: Texas Success Initiative complete in reading and writing. Special
Fee: $2.00
III.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
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.
PAGE 2
VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: SOCI 1301 Introductory Sociology
IV.
TEXTS, OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS:
A.
B.
Henslin, James. Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 13th
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, reliable access to the internet, Microsoft Word, Adobe reader
free at www.adobe.com/products/reader – Required for reading class documents in
the Blackboard (Bb) class.
C.
Access to SOCI 1301 Course Outline, calculator, Vernon College Catalog
plus Course WELCOME and Additional Files found in the SOCI1301 Bb class.
*In case of any problems accessing VC Homepage, go directly to Bb:
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.
Various types of Assessments specified in Course Outline.
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.
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)
PAGE 3
VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: SOCI 1301 Introductory Sociology
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 and Additional
Files located within Additional Files in the Bb class.
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.