Course Outline
Principles of Sociology
SOCI 211
Spring 2016
3 Credits
Mr. McKay
Butler Senior High, Room 315, 12:30-1:12 p.m.
jonathan_mckay@butler.k12.pa.us, 724-214-3200 ext: 5310
I. Course Description: This course is an orientation to the field of sociology dealing primarily
with social institutions and their functions.
II. Text: Macionis, John J. Society: The Basics. 13th ed. Pearson, 2015.
III. Course Objectives: The student will be able to:
A. Define basic sociological concepts and identify factors in each of the major
sociological perspectives.
B. Identify the various social institutions and processes operating in American society.
C. List the major socio-economic problems confronting Americans today and explore
possible solutions.
D. Utilize the sociological method of investigation to study important sociological
phenomena in our nation.
IV. Content/Schedule of Topics:
February 3: Intro to Sociology (Chapter 1)
February 9: Culture (Chapter 2)
February 17: Socialization (Chapter 3)
February 23: Social Interaction (Chapter 4)
February 29: Social Groups, Sexuality and Society (Chapters 5 and 6)
March 7: Crime and Deviance (Chapter 7)
March 14: Social Stratification (Chapter 8)
March 18: Midterm Exam (Lecture Notes on Chapters 1-8)
March 21: Global Stratification (Chapter 9)
March 31: Gender (Chapter 10)
April 6: Race (Chapter 11)
April 12: Economics and Government (Chapter 12)
April 18: Family and Religion (Chapter 13)
April 25: Education and Healthcare (Chapter 14)
April 29: Population and Urbanization (Chapter 15)
May 5: Final Exam (Lecture Notes on Chapters 1-15)
May 10: Debate #1
May 16: Debate #2
May 18-May 27: Final Project Research
May 31-June 6: Final Projects Due
V. Grading Policy: Student evaluation will be determined by results of chapter tests, a research
paper and presentation, participation in class activities and discussions, and a midterm and final
examination. No extra credit will be offered.
VI. Attendance Policy: The attendance policy is based on the Butler Senior High School
Student Handbook, 2015-2016.
VII. Makeup Policy: Students, if absent for an excused or exempt reason, will have one day
from the day they return to turn in missed work or complete missed exams. For example, if you
miss a quiz on Monday and return on Tuesday, it must be made up by Wednesday. The
instructor has the right to administer a different exam to students who missed the original posted
exam date. Make-up tests will not be given during class time, the absent student must make
arrangements with the instructor to take the make-up quiz test.
VIII. Special Notes: Classroom expectations and guidelines are aligned with those found in the
Butler Senior High School Student Handbook, 2015-2016. Assignment due dates and exam
dates will appear on the in-class white board and on Schoolwires. The instructor reserves the
right to make adjustments to assignments, due dates, exam dates, etc. as needed.
IX. Academic Dishonesty Policy: If a student is found to have been academically dishonest, a
score of 0 will be given for that assignment, test, etc. If the same student is involved in academic
dishonesty again, dismissal from the college will be recommended to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs, and a failing grade will be reported to Butler High School.
BC3’s Plagiarism Statement:
The student shall not plagiarize. Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work as
one’s own, a serious offense in the academic and professional environments. Plagiarism
includes purchasing or borrowing an entire assignment, having someone else complete an
assignment or rewrite an assignment in his/her own words, and using source material to complete
an assignment without giving proper credit for that source material. Students must comply with
the style guide required by the course instructor; style guides include, but are not limited to:
MLA, APA, and Chicago Style.