UNDERSTANDING TECHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
STS 201
NJIT
Semester: Winter 2012
December 27-January 12
Room: Kupfrian Hall 211
Instructor: Narendra Neel Khichi, Jr
Office: Cullimore 314
Office Hours: By appointment
Office Phone: 973-642-7402
Email: nkhichi@njit.edu
Course Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the social sciences: anthropology,
communication, economics, sociology, geography, history, political science,
sustainability, and psychology. The course introduces ideas, theories, and issues in the
various subject areas that appear in the social sciences. Furthermore, we will analyze
the role these issues play in our ever growing and changing technological world. Part of
the course focuses on technology and its presence in improving our global ecological
system. Lastly, this course will evaluate the role of the individual and how the issues
impact us locally, regionally, nationally, and globally in the twenty-first century and a
rapidly changing and evolving technological society.
Course Objectives:
1. To develop an understanding and appreciation for the social sciences on human
behavior and in the various fields in the social sciences
2. To stimulate students to look behind the apparent meaning of social events to a
deeper meaning
3. To introduce the basic areas of the social sciences and to use this ability to gain
a better understanding of the society and groups in which we live in the social
world
4. To be aware that our individual life is bound to and shaped by our social and
cultural environment
5. To enable the student to describe and explain such social phenomena as:
culture, social dynamics, socialization, deviance, social stratification, gender,
racial/ethnic relations, and power.
6. To focus on the environment and technology, paying special attention to the
human impact on the environment; in addition we will analyze the role technology
plays in our constantly evolving culture and society.
Required Textbooks:
Through the Global Lens: An Introduction to the Social Sciences 3rd Edition
By Michael Strada
Handouts (sent via email)
Grading Policy:
Quiz #1
20%
Quiz #2
20%
Quiz #3
20%
Final
40%
______________________________
Total
100%
Student Accountability Statement:
Students are expected to read and understand NJIT’s academic integrity policy. Members of the
NJIT community are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors.
There is a zero tolerance policy on any and all forms of cheating.
Student’s that require special accommodations
Disabilities Service Policy
Students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and are college able will receive
reasonable accommodations to support their special needs. Students must self-identify to the
Disabilities Services office to qualify to receive services. NJIT is in full compliance with the
regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act.
Cell Phone and Laptop Use
Turn all cell phone to silent mode.
Laptop use is for note taking. Any abuse of this privilege will result in laptops not
allowed in class. For everyone. Be respectful and courteous to those around you.
Schedule:
(This schedule is subject to change without warning or prior notification)
(Each chapter should be read prior to the class it is assigned)
December 2011
No classes on December 26th
Day 1 (27th)
Introductions, Review of course, Preview of semester
Chapter 1 Globalization
Chapter 8: Global Ethics and Human Rights
Day 2 (28th)
Chapter 2: Social Science Philosophy and Methods
Day 3 (29th)
Chapter 4: Global Ecological Problems
Chapter 5: Solving Ecological Problems
Day 4 (30th)
Quiz #1 online via Moodle
Quiz will be open from 9am-11am
Film will be posted on line. Watch and answer discussion question.
January 2012
No classes on January 2nd
Day 5 (3rd)
Chapter 4: Global Ecological Problems
Chapter 5: Solving Ecological Problems
Day 6 (4th)
Chapter 6: Identity Amid Human Diversity
Day 7 (5th)
Chapter 7: Psychology and Human Motivation
Day 8 (6th)
Quiz #1 online via Moodle
Quiz will be open from 9am-11am
Film will be posted on line. Watch and answer discussion question.
Day 9 (9th)
Chapter 10: Sociology and Human Social Activity
Chapter 11: Comparative Cultures
Day 10 (10th)
Chapter 12 and 13: Political Science, Ideologies and Beliefs
Cyberpsychology: Past, Present, and Future
Day 11 (11th)
Session Recap and Exam Review
Film:
Day 12 (12th)
Final Exam
On line via Moodle
9am-12pm