Social & Behavioral Sciences
SYG 2430 General Sociology CRN # 21718
SPRING 2008
Venice
Monday & Wednesday 1:00-1:20
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…) Look for my schedule on the glass. I am in a cubicle in
there.
Office Hours:
Directly after class, 2:00 until around 2:30, by appointment only.
Telephone:
941-408-1488 . This is the Venice Campus Social and Behavioral
Sciences Departmental phone. An MCC employee will answer and
then forward the message on to me, probably via a note in my box.
If you call after 2:30, I will not get the message until the next
“business” day that I am on campus. Therefore, EMAIL is the BEST
way to get a hold of me! .
Email Address:
manninm1@mccfl.edu
Web page Address:
http://faculty.mccfl.edu/ManningM/index.html
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:
Daily attendance will be taken, recorded and applied towards your
grade. (See grading policy below for details.) If you miss two or
more classes in a row, please contact me to let me know what is going
on. Are you having personal problems? Are you thinking of
withdrawing from class? Contact me before you give up.
Grading Policy: Four components will make up your grade. Look over this part very carefully. It is
different from what you are used to; however, I think you will 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 MC 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
? Is class attendance required?
? Do you accept work late?
? Is there any extra credit?.
YES, it is part of your grade
YES, with 10% per class day penalty
YES, for the entire class, not individuals, included in the
grading system
? 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.
? Can we make up Section tests if I have an emergency?
YES, but you must take the exam BEFORE it is passed
back to class. Arrangements MUST be made through
Testing Center
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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 fourth late entry, we will arrange a meeting to discuss
your options.
Withdrawal Policy:
The Social and Behavioral Sciences Department cares about the
success of all students. Students may benefit from consulting their
instructor prior to withdrawing from a course. Often the instructor
can assist with challenges that arise during the semester so that
withdrawal may be avoided. In particular, scheduling problems (such
as changes in work hours) may be resolved by simply switching to
another section of the course. Students may also be eligible for
support services the college provides, including tutoring and other
academic support, as well as assistance with personal problems. If
however, it becomes necessary to withdraw, the following
information will apply:
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 March 19th 2008. 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. In
addition, I expect students will observe acceptable classroom
behavior, which is behavior that fosters an atmosphere of learning,
free and open exchange of thought, and respect for the professor
and classmates within the learning environment. I will not tolerate
inappropriate behavior, in any form, and it may result in the student
being asked to leave the classroom, make a course section change,
removal from the course, or suspension/dismissal from the college.
Email:
Students are required to communicate with their instructor using
their official MCC email address.
Online Tutoring/Support:
A collection of Web sites to help students enhance their study skills
and to provide tutoring support for their coursework is available
24/7. Emphasis is on mathematics, English and reading improvement.
Support for many other subjects is also available. Accessing these
resources is as easy as ABC: Go to mccfl.edu/Title3.
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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.
Here is a suggestion I hope you will heed.
Use this area for random class notes.
Even better, 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. In addition, study groups are a great way to prepare for
the sections test and the Final Exam. Seriously, I am speaking from experience here. Get the digits!
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Course Assignments: The following is subject to change. We will discuss assigned readings ON the dates
listed here. READ ASSIGNMENTS BEFORE COMING INTO THE CLASSROOM. Use your textbook &
reader as resources, you paid for them! In addition, the Website may help you keep up with definitions and
major concepts. The testing function is great. 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
Monday January 7th, 2007
Wednesday January 9th, 2007

Day 1 - Class Introduction.


Musical Prelude-I Should Be Allowed to Think

Lecture:
Pictures, Role, Syllabus (homework), Scan Kendall: Contents,
Boxes, Preface, email instructions
The Virtues of Saliva
Day 2 – Sociological Imagination
Survey Due =
1 point _____





Musical Prelude-This is me in Grade Nine
Lecture:
Who are you?
Lecture:
Paradigm Shift
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1. pp. 1-8
Have Read Adler & Adler, Part 1, Articles 1 & 2, pp. 1-15
WEEK TWO
Monday January 14th, 2007

Day 3 – Origins of Sociology
Email me from your MCC email




Wednesday January 16th, 2007



(no point for hotmail, yahoo, etc.)
=
1 point _____
Have Read Mills: The Sociological Imagination
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1. pp. 9-13
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 3, pp. 16-23
Lecture:
Mills and the Gang
Day 4 - Theories of Sociology
Puzzling Over Theoretical Perspectives
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1, pp. 14-21
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 4, pp. 24-33
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WEEK THREE
Monday January 21st, 2007
NO CLASS
Wednesday January 23rd, 2007

MLK
Day 5 - Research Methods/Doing Sociology -
Puzzles Due =
2 point _____




Have Read Kendall: Chapter 1, pp. 21-37
Have Read Adler & Adler, Articles, 5, 6 & 7pp. 34-56
Lecture:
Methods
Email Section Test Essays
WEEK FOUR
Monday January 28th, 2007

Day 6 - TEST
SECTION TEST #1 =
Wednesday January 30th, 2007
6 points______






Day 7 - Culture
Return Section Tests
Have Read Kendall Chapter 2 pp 38-69
Have Read Miner: “Body Ritual
Lecture:
of the Nacirema”
A View of Ourselves
God’s Must be Crazy clip
Nacirema/Gods Questions Due
1 point _____
WEEK FIVE
Monday February 4th, 2007
Day 8 – Culture


Wednesday February 6th, 2007
Have Read Adler & Adler, Part II, Article 10, pp. 86-96
Core Concepts-Dimensions of Culture
Day 9 – Socialization





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
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WEEK SIX
Monday February 11th, 2007
Day 10 – Socialization




Lecture:
Sam’s Pain
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 11 pp. 315-345
Have Read Curry, “Socialization, Pain…”
Pain Questions Due =
Wednesday February 13th, 2007
2 point _____


Day 11 – Socialization
Merchants of Cool
Email Section Test Essays
WEEK SEVEN
Monday February 18th, 2007


Day 12 – TEST
Deconstruct Cool Questions Due =
SECTION TEST #2 =
Wednesday February 20th, 2007





2 points _____
6 points______
Day 13 - Social Structure & Interaction
Return Section Tests
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
WEEK EIGHT
Monday February 25th, 2007
Day 14 - Groups & Organizations



Wednesday February 27th, 2007

NASA Due =
Musical Interlude- Space Oddity
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 5, pp.132-
The NASA Task/Group Decision-Making
Day 15 - Groups & Organizations



2 points _____
Have Read Kendall: Chapter ___ POLITICS/ECONOMICS
pp. 346-378
The Meth Epidempic
Email Section Test Essays
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WEEK NINE
Monday March 3rd, 2007


Day 16 – Test
Meth Questions Due =
SECTION TEST #3 =
Wednesday March 5th, 2007
2 points _____
6 points______
Day 17 – Deviance & Crime







Return Section Tests
Musical Prelude-Been Caught Stealing…
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 6, pp. 158-191
Have Read Four Stories
Four Stories
Four Stories clips
Four Stories Due =
2 points _____
WEEK TEN SPRING BREAK
Monday March 10th, 2007
NO CLASS
Wednesday March 12th, 2007
NO CLASS

Monday March 17th, 2007
WEEK ELEVEN
GO OVER POINTS EARNED THUS FAR
Day 18 – Class & Stratification in the U.S
GO TO WWW.PBS.ORG/peoplelikeus



Wednesday March 19th, 2007
People Like Us games
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 7, pp.192-225
The Working Poor
Day 19 – Class & Stratification in the U.S.

Monopoly My Way
WEEK TWELVE
Monday March 24th, 2007

Day 20 - Global Stratification
Monopoly My Way Questions Due =


Wednesday March 26th, 2007
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 8, pp 226-251
1st ½ Learning From Ladakh
Day 21 – Global Stratification


2 points _____
2nd ½ Learning From Ladakh
Email Section Test Essays
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WEEK THIRTEEN
Monday March 31st , 2007


Day 22 – TEST
Ladakh Questions Due
SECTION TEST #4 =
Wednesday April 2nd, 2007

2 points _____
6 points______
Day 23 – Sex & Gender




Return Section Tests
Have Read Kendall: Chapter 10, pp 286-315
Have Read Adler & Adler, Article 28, pp. 273-280
Intersexuals
Intersexual Questions Due
1 point _____
WEEK FOURTEEN
Monday April 7th, 2007
Wednesday April 9th , 2007

Day 24 – Sex & Gender
Content Analysis Due

Children’s Books Content Analysis
Day 25 – Race & Ethnicity
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
Monday April 14th, 2007

Day 26 – Race & Ethnicity
GO TO WWW.PBS.ORG/RACE before class
Race, Episode #1 Questions Due

Wednesday April 16th, 2007

1 point _____
Race: The Power of an Illusion. Episode Two: The Story We
Tell
Day 27 - Race & Ethnicity
Race, Episode #2 Questions Due
1 point _____

Race: The Power of an Illusion. Episode Three: The House We
Live In

Email Section Test Essays
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WEEK SIXTEEN
Monday April 21st, 2007


Day 28 – TEST
Race, Episode #3 Questions Due
SECTION TEST #5 =
Wednesday April 23rd, 2007
1 point _____
6 points______
Day 29 – Exam Review


Return Section Tests
Study Groups –Make your choices-4 GOOD, 1BAD.
EXAM WEEK
April 28th May 1st

DAY 30
CUMULATIVE FINAL =
The entire exam schedule can be found at
30 points______
http://www.mccfl.edu/pages/153.asp
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT EXAMS ARE NOT NECESSARILY GIVEN AT THE SAME TIME AS
REGULAR CLASS. YOU MUST CONSULT THE EXAM SCHDULE FOR ALL YOUR CLASSES.
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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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