Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
1
Dr. George Weissinger
Course Outline-Soc 201
Introduction to Sociology-All Sections
Instructor: Dr. George Weissinger
Course Description: FULLY ONLINE COURSE
This course covers the scientific study of human interaction utilizing basic
themes that give sociology a distinctive character. The textbook covers six
central themes sociology in everyday life (down to earth), globalization,
cultural diversity, critical thinking, the new technology, and the growing
influence of the mass media in our lives. Sociology studies controversial topics
and is a foundation course in any liberal arts education.
Textbooks: Required
Henslin, James, Essentials of Sociology: A Down To Earth Approach, 10th
Edition, NJ: Pearson-Allyn & Bacon, 2011 ISBN: 10: 0—205-90657-5
Description from website: ISBN10: 0205898475
Summary: A Down-to-Earth Approach James Henslin shares the excitement of sociology. With his acclaimed ''down-toearth'' approach and personal writing style, the author highlights the sociology of everyday life and its relevance to
students' lives. With wit, personal reflection, and illuminating examples, Henslin shares with readers his passion for
sociology. In addition to this trademark down-to-earth approach, other distinctive features include: comparative
perspectives, the globalization of capitalism, and visual presentations of sociology.
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
2
Dr. George Weissinger
Optional
Weissinger, George, Law Enforcement & the INS 2nd ed.,
Lanham, MD: University Press, 2004. ISBN: 07618-2996—2.
There is one assignment on the American immigration problem and this book
will help you understand the issues surrounding the immigration laws. Copies
may be ordered through the bookstore, or online. There are many other
reliable scholarly works on immigration, and you may use any of them as long
as they are scholarly publications. Avoid opinion/editorial commentary on this
topic, and rely on the available research in answering the question.
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
Readings & Test Dates:
3
Dr. George Weissinger
1. Read
Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
Chapter 2: Culture
Assessment Ch 1_2 Online Quiz (2.5 points)
Due: 1/30
2. Read
Chapter 3: Socialization
Chapter 4: Social Structure and Social Interaction
Assessment-Ch 3_4 Online Quiz (2.5 points)
Due: 2/13
3. Read
Chapter 5: Social Groups and Formal Organizations
Chapter 6: Deviance and Social Control
Assessment Ch 5_6 (2.5 points)
Due: 3/6
4. Assignment 1-Global Stratification & Social Class in the US: Ch’s 7-8
textbook.
Due: 3/13 (15 Points)
Henslin provides a summary of the functionalist and the conflict views
on social class (sometimes referred to as the conservative vs. the radical
thesis). Using these and the other theories discussed in chapter's 7-8, which
do you think provides the most accurate description of social class, or
inequality.
In addition to the textbook, find at least two sources to support your
report and cite them in proper format (bibliography included). You should use
the NCC virtual library to find academic journal articles. Avoid
newspaper/magazine articles and rely on academic research. Do not use
Wikipedia, or other similar databanks. The NCC virtual library allows you to
access the latest academic material, including FILMS ON DEMAND for relevant
and reliable information.
I recommend keeping a copy of the report in case submission fails, or
errors are encountered in submitting the report. Please do not use Microsoft
Works file format (.wps). If you have Works software you should be able to
convert the file to an acceptable format (.doc, .rtf, .txt), or copy and paste the
report into the submission box.
Points may be deducted for late submissions. Please comply with the
due dates.
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
4
Dr. George Weissinger
5. Midterm Examination: Chapter’s 1-8 (25 points)
Assignment: Online Assessment-Midterm
Due: 3/20
6. Read
Chapter 9: Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 10: Inequalities of Gender and Age
Assessment-Ch 9_10 (2.5 points)
Due: 4/3
7. Read
Chapter 11: Politics and the Economy
Chapter 12: Marriage and Family
Assessment Ch 11_12 (2.5 points)
Due: 4/24
8. Assignment 2-The Immigration Debate
Due: 5/1 (15 points)
The controversial debate over amnesty for undocumented immigrants
continues.
Answer all parts of this question.
(a) Discuss the pros and cons of this debate, and offer your opinion
(supported by properly cited research) regarding amnesty for
undocumented aliens. Use academic research articles and avoid
Wikipedia, or magazine/newspaper editorials. The optional book, Law
Enforcement & the INS, 2nd edition, offers ome insights and data about
this debate. Use the Henslin textbook, especially pp. 268-270 for some
basic background, or any other reliable research material to support
your opinion. Cite the sources you use and include bibliography.
(b) Watch the films listed below and use these as sources of information.
We now have access to Films on Demand here at NCC. I found some videos
that will assist you in understanding this controversial debate. Note: If the link
does not work, simply log into the NCC library and search for the topics in the
Films on Demand section. You may also use other sources besides the linked
topics.
The Immigration Debate
Films on demand-Illegals Still Migrate
NumbersUSA offers an interesting view on immigration and the environment.
Total growth depends on immigration+birth rate-mortality, or the death rate.
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
5
Dr. George Weissinger
This brief ad fails to mention mortality rates offsetting the growth.
Immigration & Environment
9. Read
Chapter 13: Education & Religion
Chapter 14: Population and Urbanization
Assessment Ch 13_14 (2.5 points)
Due: 5/1
Assessment: Final Examination: Chapter’s 9-15. (25 points)
Due: 5/15
Last Day of Class-May 19, 2014 (Tuesday)
Course Requirements:
All students are expected to log on to the course on a regular basis. The
amount of time you devote to this online course should equal the same
amount of time you would spend in a regular lecture class. Most online
students exceed this guideline. Participation in the online requirements is
mandatory for a satisfactory outcome. Evaluation of your grade will be
determined by a Midterm Exam, Assessments, Assignments,
Discussions, and a Final Exam.
Many documents, lecture, and review notes, and other important information
will be placed in the Course Documents section for this course. All
quizzes/exams will be administered online. The quizzes are untimed but must
be completed by the due dates listed. You must take the test by the scheduled
due date. All required work will be posted on the Calendar as well. Once you
open an assessment, you must complete it. You should not open an
assessment until you are ready to complete it at one sitting.
Grading Policy:
NOTE: ALL ASSIGNMENTS, DISCUSSIONS, AND ASSESSMENTS/EXAMS MUST
BE COMPLETED WHEN DUE. THERE WILL BE LIMITED EXCEPTIONS TO
SUBMISSION OF WORK AFTER THE DUE DATE. ANY LATE WORK SUBMITTED
WILL LOSE SIGNIFICANT POINTS. FORGETTING TO DO THE ASSIGNMENT
DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A VIABLE EXCEPTION. TAKING A VACATION IS FINE
AS LONG AS YOU ARE IN A PLACE THAT HAS AN INTERNET CONNECTION AND
YOU CAN SUBMIT THE WORK BEFORE THE DUE DATE.
Assignments will be graded on how well you incorporate the textbook
information, research on the topic under consideration, and your personal
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Course Outline
Introduction to Sociology
All Sections
6
Dr. George Weissinger
observations/experiences that might relate to a specific question. All
assignments require the use of the textbook, listed sources, and additional
research. Research materials cited should be scholarly sources of information
such as the American Journal of Sociology, American Sociological Review,
Social Science/Criminal Justice Journals, etc., and not popular magazines,
newspapers, or encyclopedias. Use of the NCC virtual library is available and
highly recommended. Participants are encouraged to embed videos from
reliable scholarly sources such as the NCC Films on Demand database, or
other media. All such sources must be properly cited and in accordance with
copyright law. Avoid lengthy citations from other work, and focus on
answering the question in your own words with your sources as references.
Avoid Wikipedia or other such sites. Plagiarism is prohibited.
2 Assignments, 15 points each=30 points
6 Assessments (quizzes) 2.50 points each=15 points
Midterm=25 points
Final=25 points
Class Participation=5 points (based on compliance with course
requirements and quality of work).
Extra Credit=5 points based on the optional submission of relevant
posts in the discussion area.
Telephone; Sociology Dept. Office: 516-572-7257 (leave message)
Email: George.Weissinger@ncc.edu
The quickest way to reach me is via email. Please use the Blackboard mailbox
for communication. Do not send any work via email attachment. All work for
the course must be submitted in the Blackboard submission utilities on the
course.
"If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may
have an impact on your ability to carry out the assigned coursework, I urge
you to contact the staff at the Center for Students with Disabilities(CSD),
Building U, (516) 572-7241, TTY (516) 572-7617. The counselors at CSD will
review your concerns and determine to what reasonable accommodations you
are entitled as covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All information and documentation
pertaining to personal disabilities remains confidential."
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