Social & Behavioral Sciences
SYG 2000 General Sociology
FALL 2007
Venice Campus Class
Wednesday 7:00 pm -9:50 pm
Instructor’s Name:
Mlisa Manning. You may call me Mlisa or Professor Manning
Office Number:
I am an Adjunct, so I share a cubicle on the Bradenton campus in the
Computer Building #6. Go into the entrance across from the Library,
take the first door on the right (Room 123, it says Foreign
Languages…) I am in a cubicle in there. I do NOT keep office hours
on the Venice or Lakewood Ranch campuses, so you must arrange all
meetings ahead of time through email.
Office Hours:
Make an appointment through email.
Telephone:
941-752-5203 . This is the Bradenton Campus Social and Behavioral
Sciences Departmental phone. A student assistant will answer and
then pass the message on to me, probably via a note in my box. If
you call after 2:00, I will get the message the next “business” day.
Therefore, EMAIL is the BEST way to get a hold of me! Please do
not call the other campuses; messages will not get to me.
Email Address:
manninm1@mccfl.edu
Web page Address:
TBA
Course Description:
SYG 2430 General Sociology (3) (A.A.)
This course meets
Area III requirements for the A.A. and A.S. General Education
requirements. The course is an introduction to the scientific study
of society and of basic sociological concepts, methods of
investigation, interpretation of professional and popular writings and
fields of application.
Course Performance Standards:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
The student, at the successful completion of this course, should be
able to:
Define the term sociology and the basic vocabulary of the discipline.
Differentiate between the three major sociological perspectives.
Distinguish between the variety of ways that sociological data is gathered, evaluated, and used.
Apply the basic terms and concepts used in analyzing cultures.
Examine the meaning and implications of socialization as a lifelong process.
Illustrate that deviance is a feature of all societies.
Analyze the role of sociological data in policy decisions.
Identify basic patterns of conflict present in social life on the interpersonal level and among groups
and nations.
Describe the organization and functions of the social institutions.
Examine course content through reading, writing, speaking and/or listening.
Demonstrate the use of technology through class assignments and/or activities.
Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and organize information from a variety of sources
through classroom discussion or activities.
Text and Materials:
The MCC bookstore packaged the Kendal and Adler books.

Kendall, Diana. (2007) Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials
6th edition. Thomson/Wadsworth ISBN#=0495096563

Adler, Patricia A. & Peter Adler (2007) Sociological
Odyssey: Contemporary Readings in Introductory Sociology,2 nd
edition. ISBN#=0534628001

Lancer Student Handbook & Planner, free all over campus
Attendance Policy:
There is a general attendance policy available in the MCC Catalog;
According to it, after missing 4 hours of class, students can be
withdrawn. Night class students, this is especially important.
Attendance in this class is vital to the acquisition and application of
the material. Daily attendance will be taken, recorded and applied
towards your grade. (See grading policy below for details.)
Grading Policy: There are 4 components that will make up your grade. Look over this part very carefully.
It is different from what you are used to! But, I think you’ll learn to like it.
DO NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY UNTIL THE SEMESTER IS OVER AND YOU ARE SATISFIED
WITH YOUR GRADE. COMPUTERS CRASH AND PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES. YOU ARE
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR GRADES.
Participation = Homework, In Class Writing/Exercises,
30 points
Grade A =
90-100 points
Unannounced quizzes, Attitude, & Courtesy.
Attendance=30 class days (.5 points earned each day)
15 points
Five In-Class Section Tests (6 points each)
30 points
Final Cumulative Exam (75% from section tests)
30 points
Total=105
Statement of Plagiarism:
Grade B =
80-89 points
Grade C =
70-79 points
Grade D =
60-69 points
Grade F =
59 points or less
Plagiarism is the use of ideas, facts, opinions, illustrative material,
data, direct or indirect wording of another scholar and/or writer—
professional or student—without giving proper credit. Expulsion,
suspension, or any lesser penalty may be imposed for plagiarism.
Policies & Procedures
Please take a moment to review this area, as it will answer many of your questions throughout the semester.
? Is class attendance required?
It is part of your grade
? Do you accept work late?
Usually, NO. Sometimes, YES, with 10% per day penalty
? Can we make up Section tests?
NO-Absolutely not.
? What if I have an emergency?
Contact me ASAP; I may require proof.
? Is there any extra credit?
It is included in the grading system.
? What happens if I cheat or plagiarize?
See above, you will fail the class.
? Can I eat and or drink during class?
NO
? Can I sleep during class?
NO
? Can I use my cell phone/pager during class? NO-I will turn my on Silent, so shall you!
? Can I email assignments?
NO, unless requested and approved first!
? Will you make special accommodations if MCC
has determined that I need them?
YES, please refer to the MCC handbook.
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Gordon Rule
This class does NOT satisfy Gordon Rule writing requirements
Tardy Policy
Please make every effort to come to class ON TIME. I understand
that every once in a while, being late is “unavoidable.” However, I will
keep track of everyone’s entry into the classroom, and after three
(3) late entries, I will deduct one point from your final grade. If
there is a 4th late entry, we will have a meeting with my chair to
discuss your options.
Withdrawal Policy:
In accordance with the Manatee Community College policy as stated
in the college catalog, students may withdraw from any course or all
courses without academic penalty of a WF by the withdrawal
deadline as listed in the Manatee Community College academic
calendar. This semester the date is OCTOBER 29TH 2007. The
student must take responsibility for initiating the withdrawal
procedure. Students are strongly encouraged to talk with their
instructors first before taking any withdrawal action.
Standards of Conduct:
Students WILL abide by all Lancer Student Handbook guidelines.
Meet Your Instructor:
I am a graduate of the University of South Florida, first with a BA
in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, concentrations in Sociology and
Geography, and then with an MA in Sociology. My areas of
interest/research are Popular Culture, Education, Environmentalism,
and Consumerism. If you are curious, you can read my Master’s
Thesis on the USF library website. I live in Nokomis, so, like many of
you, I will be commuting here for class. I will try to be present, on
time and prepared for all our classes together. Much of my time
outside of this class is spent working on my Ph.D. in Human Science
at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center in San Francisco
CA.
Here is a suggestion I hope you will heed.
Write down at least three students’ email addresses, and if you are comfortable, get their phone numbers
as well. You will be thankful you did this the day your car breaks down, your child gets ill, and you break
your leg. Things happen to us all, but if you are prepared, unexpected events WILL NOT have the power to
derail your academic career. Seriously, I am speaking from experience here. Get the digits!
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Course Assignments: The following is subject to change. Assigned readings will be discussed ON the
dates listed here. READ ASSIGNMENTS BEFORE COMING INTO THE CLASSROOM. Use your textbook
& reader as resources, you paid for them! Also, the Website may help you keep up with definitions and
major concepts. You will notice a blank next to all graded assignments-It is in your best interest to record
points earned as you get them. AGAIN, THROW NOTHING AWAY!
=Music Playing
= Housekeeping
= Lecture
= Graded quiz/assignment
 = Readings due
=Watch Film
= Activity
WEEK ONE
Wednesday August 22nd, 2007

Survey Due =
Day 1 - Class Introduction/Sociological Imagination


Musical Prelude-I Should Be Allowed to Think

Lecture:





Pictures, Role, Syllabus (homework), Scan Kendall: Contents,
Boxes, Preface, email instructions
The Virtues of Saliva
1 point _____
Musical Prelude-This is me in Grade Nine
Lecture:
Paradigm Shift
Have Read Mills: The Sociological Imagination
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1. pp. 1-8
Have Read Adler & Adler, Part 1, Articles 1 & 2, pp. 1-15
WEEK TWO
th
Wednesday August 29 , 2007

Day 2 – Origins & Theories of Sociology
Email me from your MCC email =







1 point _____
Musical Prelude- Mr. Cabdriver
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1. pp. 9-13
Lecture:
Mills and the Gang
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 3, pp. 16-23
Puzzling Over Theoretical Perspectives-(homework)
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1, pp. 14-21
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 4, pp. 24-33
WEEK THREE
th
Wednesday September 5 , 2007

Day 3 - Research Methods/Doing Sociology -
Puzzles Due =
2 point _____




Musical Prelude- I’ll Be Watching You
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1, pp. 21-37
Have Read Adler & Adler, Articles, 5, 6 & 7pp. 34-56
Lecture:
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Methods
WEEK FOUR
Wednesday September 12th, 2007

SECTION TEST #1 =
Day 4 Test/Culture


Have Read Kendall Chapter 2 pp 38-69
Have Read Miner: “Body Ritual

Lecture:


6 points______
of the Nacirema”
A View of Ourselves
God’s Must be Crazy clip
Nacirema/Gods Questions Due
1 point _____
WEEK FIVE
Wednesday September 19th, 2007
Day 5 – Culture/Socialization







Have Read Adler & Adler, Part II, Article 10, pp. 86-96
Core Concepts-Dimensions of Culture
Musical Prelude-The Logical Song & Cat’s in the Cradle
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 3 pp. 70-99
Lecture:
Agents of Socialization
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 27, pp. 261-272
The In Crowd and Social Cruelty
WEEK SIX
th
Wednesday September 26 , 2007
Day 6 – Socialization




Lecture:
Sam’s Pain
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 11 pp. 315-345
Have Read Curry, “Socialization, Pain…”
Pain Questions Due =
2 point _____

Merchants of Cool
WEEK SEVEN
Wednesday October 3rd , 2007


Day 7 – TEST/Social Structure & Interaction
Deconstruct Cool Questions Due =
SECTION TEST #2 =





2 points _____
6 points______
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 4, pp.100-131
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 16, pp. 146-158
Your Status Set/Role Set
Lecture:
Perspectives on Socialization
Homeless in America
WEEK EIGHT
th
Wednesday October 10 , 2007

NASA Due =
Day 8 – Groups & Organizations




Musical Interlude- Space Oddity
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 5, pp.132-
The NASA Task/Group Decision-Making
2 points _____
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 12 pp. 346-378
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
Devil’s Playground
WEEK NINE
Wednesday October 17th, 2007


Day 9 – TEST/Deviance & Crime
Playground Questions Due =
SECTION TEST #3 =






Have Read Kendall: Chapter 6, pp. 158-191
Have Read Four Stories
Four Stories
Four Stories clips
2 points _____
WEEK TEN
GO OVER POINTS EARNED THUS FAR
Wednesday October 24th, 2007

Musical Prelude-Been Caught Stealing…
Four Stories Due =

2 points _____
6 points______
Day 10 – Deviance/Class & Strat. in the U.S

The Meth Epidempic
Meth Questions Due =
2 points _____
GO TO WWW.PBS.ORG/peoplelikeus



People Like Us games
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 7, pp.192-225
The Working Poor
WEEK ELEVEN
DROP DEADLINE
Wednesday October 31st, 2007

Day 11 –U.S. and Global Stratification

Monopoly My Way
Monopoly My Way Questions Due =


2 points _____
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 8, pp 226-251
1st ½ Learning From Ladakh
WEEK TWELVE
th
Wednesday November 7 , 2007


Day 12 - Global Stratification/TEST

2nd ½ Learning From Ladakh
Ladakh Questions Due
SECTION TEST #4 =
2 points _____
6 points______
WEEK THIRTEEN
th
Wednesday November 14 , 2007
Day 13 –Sex & Gender




Musical Prelude-I’m Just a Girl & Testosterone
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 10, pp 286-315
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 28, pp. 273-280
Intersexuals
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WEEK FOURTEEN
Wednesday November 21st, 2007

Content Analysis Due
Day 14 – Sex & Gender/Race & Ethnicity

Children’s Books Content Analysis
2 points _____
GO TO WWW.PBS.ORG/RACE before class

Have Completed Sorting People Exercise from website
Bring in SCORE ONLY, i.e. “I got 6 out of 20 right.”


Have Read Kendall: Chapter 9, pp.252-285
Race: The Power of an Illusion. Episode One: The Difference
Between Us
WEEK FIFTEEN
Wednesday November 28th, 2007

Day 15 – Race & Ethnicity
GO TO WWW.PBS.ORG/RACE before class
Race, Episode #1 Questions Due


1 point _____
Race: The Power of an Illusion. Episode Two: The Story We
Tell
Race, Episode #2 Questions Due

1 point _____
Race: The Power of an Illusion. Episode Three: The House We
Live In
WEEK SIXTEEN
Wednesday December 5th, 2007


Day 16 - Race & Ethnicity
Race, Episode #1 Questions Due
SECTION TEST #5 =


1 point _____
6 points______
Return Test, study groups, Jeopardy
EXAM WEEK December 10-13
CUMULATIVE FINAL =
8:00 on Wednesday December 12th 2007
The entire exam schedule can be viewed here:
30 points______
http://www.mccfl.edu/pages/153.asp
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1st Homework Assignment:
1 point Some of the information can be found here in the syllabus, some can
be found from perusing the book, the rest will come from you;. This is your first lesson in handing in neat,
complete work. Signing your name is a physical representation to the contractual nature of this
syllabus. If you do not turn this into me, signed, you will be dropped from the course.
Print
Name
Freshman?
Major/Career
Sophomore?
Path:
Do you pay rent or a mortgage for your
living accommodations?
What is your birth order? IE only
child, first born, etc.
Where does your instructor live?
What has been your favorite class so
far at MCC or another college and
why? If this is your first college class,
what was your favorite class in high
school and why?
Tell me something descriptive about
your appearance.
What is your idea of "Free Will?"
Sign
Name:
Emergency
phone #
How does the Kendall text define
Sociology?
Tell me about one of your
hobbies or pastimes.
Name one movie you have seen,
or one book you’ve read, or one
song you listened to in the last
five years that influenced your
life-for better or worse. How
and or Why?
Tell me about a country, a state, or another
part of Florida that you have visited, or lived
that differs culturally (not the weather, not
the traffic) from Southwest Florida. How?
Have you ever taken a Sociology
course? If so when, where and
why are you taking it again?
Why do you think I am giving you
an assignment like this?
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