Rev 082007
SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College
FALL 2014
Course: 1113 Introduction to Sociology
Section #: 190-192 Call #: 23703/201510
Day(s) and Time(s): Online
Start and end dates: 8/18/14-12/12/14
Course Delivery Method: Blackboard & Mindtap
Instructors: Dr. Gay Phillips
Office Email: gay.phillips@tulsacc.edu
Office Phone: (918) 595-8842
Office Hours For Dr. Phillips:
Room - MC 514
Mon. 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Tues. 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Wed. 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Thurs. 1:30 am - 2:30 pm
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Liberal Arts
Division Phone Number: (918) 595-7118
May leave a message.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a general survey of the field of Sociology. The course examines the basic concepts, theories
and perspectives in sociology. Topics include the nature of society and the foundations of social
life, along with such specialized areas as groups, culture, social class, social institutions and social
change. Sociological concepts are used to help students to understand the social influences in
everyday life. Foundations of social interaction including patterns of social structure, culture,
socialization, family, primary relationships, social differentiation/stratification, organization,
collective behavior, and social change. Scientific methods and sociological theories will be
discussed.
NEXT COURSE(S) IN SEQUENCE:
Social Problems
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Title: Sociology in Our Times
Edition: TCC Edition (10th Edition)
Author: Diane Kendall
Publisher: Cengage Learning
ISBN: ISBN 9781305424302
TEXTBOOK MAY BE PURCHASED: ONLINE OR AT THE METRO CAMPUS BOOKSTORE
Buy directly from the publisher using the following ISBN; use a discount college textbook
company; or purchase the book from one of the TCC bookstores. Renting this textbook may also
be cheaper (directly from the publisher). You WILL need the online password.
Page 1
Rev 082007
TEXTBOOK MAY BE PURCHASED AT TCC BOOKSTORES OR ONLINE.
Used copies are available. Use a discount college textbook website or rent the textbook from the
publisher.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
o Identify and compare sociological perspectives and theories.
o Describe social research methods and statistics.
o Describe social processes such as socialization, culture development, social interactions, and
stratifications.
o Describe social structures including institutions, organizations, and families.
o Explain social deviance, collective behavior, and social change and the various theories attached
to these concepts.
o Demonstrate academic writing skills.
o Demonstrate critical analysis skills.
TEACHING METHODS:
The course includes chapter readings and quizzes; application exercises, video’s, and research
assignments.
ASSIGNMENTS:
All of the assignments listed below will be posted under the Content Tab by a weekly Module
(weeks run from Monday a.m. through Sunday p.m. of each week). Modules can be found in the
Content section of Blackboard for this course. Your first assignment is to complete a Class Student
Introduction found under the Discussion tab in Blackboard. Please complete the Introduction by
10:00 pm, Saturday, August 24th so your attendance in the class can be noted. Carefully review
the following assessment activities for this course. The due dates for these assignments are listed
under each Module but a Tentative Schedule at the Chapters can be found at the end of this
syllabus. Assignments are usually due toward the later part of each week. Generally all
assignments under each Module are due by 10:00 pm, on Sunday night of each week. The
exceptions are Class Discussions described below.
Chapter Readings, Exercises, & Quizzes:
You will be reading approximately one chapter per week. Once you read and study the chapter,
you will complete online exercises, applying concepts, watching a quiz, and/or taking a Chapter
Quiz. These activities are worth approximately 31 points per week.
 Quizzes: If you do not take a quiz by the due date you will receive a “0” -- NO
EXCEPTIONS. Quizzes cannot be made up. Be sure to give yourself a day or so before a
quiz deadline in case there is a computer problem. (Worth between 1-50 points)
 Concept Exercises: There are a number of Think About (90% are non-graded), and Apply
a Concept Activity (these are graded) exercises to complete each week. These are usually
worth between 5-35 points each.
 Class Discussions: (Worth between 15-30 points each)
You will have the opportunity to do participate in 3-4 class discussions during the semester.
Once you complete your Discussion Question you will post it and then respond to one of
your classmates. Class Discussions are listed under the Content/Module tab for that week,
Page 2
Rev 082007
and you will be directed to the Class Discussion tab where you will find the instructions and
where/when/how to post.
Written Assignments: (Worth up to 50 points each)
You will have four (4) written assignments this semester. Each of these will be posted under the
Module tab for that week where you will find the instructions and where/when/how to post.
Research Paper: (Worth up to 100 points)
By the end of October you will have the opportunity to identify a social research topic. You will
have the rest of the semester to be working on and completing this paper. It will be due the week
before finals. Specific instructions for this paper will be posted by October 31st and located in the
Content Section of Blackboard.
You are responsible for keeping track of your grades, both by individual assignment
and in relation to your overall course grade throughout and at any time in the
semester. Please be patient as we grade your assignments. There are 80 students in
this course, along with several other courses that we teach. Use the information below
to figure your letter grade throughout the semester. Grades will be posted to
Blackboard Gradebook as quickly as possible.
Total Assignments:
Chapter Quizzes & Exercises – 13 Chapters
approximately 31 points per chapter
Written Assignments – 50 points each x 4
Research Paper – 100 points
Point Breakdown:
630 – 700
90-100%
560 – 629
80-89.9%
490 – 559
70-79.9%
420 – 489
60-69.9%
419 & below
0-59.9%
= 400 points possible
= 200 points possible
= 100 points possible
700 total
A
B
C
D
F
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK:
Students are expected to complete assignments by the day and time they are due. Assignments
(except for quizzes and the research paper) will be accepted after the due date, although points
will be automatically deducted for late assignments at 10% per week the assignment is late.
All late assignments must be in no later than November 30th.
Course Withdrawal: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration
of any class. Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course
('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for deadlines.
Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of
“F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex:
jane_doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course
Page 3
Rev 082007
assignments will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email
to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates
gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education
and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical
Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
INTERNET COURSEWORK: This Internet class demands that the student be self-motivated and
self-disciplined. You are responsible to keep up with the schedule and assignments. TCC
Blackboard IT assistance available 24/7, call (918) 595-2000.
What You Should Understand About Internet Classes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Be realistic about the amount of time required to do the coursework
Plan to spend 3 to 5 clock hours per week for assignments
Schedule class time just as if you were attending class on-campus
Turn in your work ON TIME
On-line is NOT easier!
Participate actively in the class
Use e-mail and the discussion boards to communicate often with your instructor and
other classmates
8. Log onto the class at least 3 times a week (every day is best)
9. Do NOT fall behind in your assignments
10. ASK for help when you need help
CLASS DISCUSSIONS/ON-LINE ETTIQUETTE
The content of this class, like in other subjects, contains opinions and information that may at
times be socially controversial. It is imperative that students respectfully share their thoughts
and opinions. It is expected as well, that students respectively listen to the thoughts and opinions
of others. In as much as is humanly possible, it is expected that students maintain an academic
objectivity to the course material and group discussions.
Presenting an opinion or idea in a respectful manner can be a challenge using an internet platform
when visual and auditory signals are unseen. Therefore it is wise to consider the “tone” of your
comments or questions before you send them. Miscommunication can occur easily when
chatting on the internet, particularly for some of the topics we will be discussing which can be
socially loaded. Therefore CAUTION is advised. Name-calling, rude comments, or jokes will not be
tolerated and could result in your immediate removal from this class. Please use the name you
would use in a typical on-campus course, e.g. no nicknames, email user names, etc.
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will
be notified of any changes to the syllabus through email or on specific assignments.
Page 4
Rev 082007
EXTRA CREDIT: No extra credit points are available for this course. With the number of quizzes
and assignments already assigned, your time is better spent fully completing the assignments
listed above.
DISABILITIES RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create
inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To
request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call
(918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating/plagiarism) is defined as the
deception of others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or
misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system.
Tulsa Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary
action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited
to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic
dishonesty a faculty member may:




Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test;
Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from the class;
Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request
that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies & Resources Handbook, and semester
information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website:
www.tulsacc.edu
Page 5
Rev 082007
DATES
August 18th
through 24th
Tentative Schedule of Activities
PREPARATION/TOPICS
Student Introductions
ASSIGNMENTS DUE
Class Introductions 10:00 pm,
Thursday, August 22nd;
(Discussion Board of
Blackboard)
Aug. 25th – 31st
Week 1 – Sociological Perspective (Chapter 1)
See items under Week 1 –
Content Section (CS)
Sept. 1st – 7th
Week 2 – Sociological Research (Chapter 2)
See items under /CS
Sept. 8th – 14th
Week 3 – Collect. Beh./Social
Movements/Change (Chapter 20)
See items under Week 3/CS
Sept. 15th – 21st
Week 4 – Families & Intimate Relationships
(Chapter 15)
See items under Week 4/CS
Sept. 22nd – 28th
Week 5 – Culture
See items under Week 5/CS
Sept. 29th – Oct.
5th
Week 6 – Culture (Chapter 3, Continued)
See items under Week 6 +
Written Assignment 1/CS
Oct. 6th – 12th
Week 7 – Socialization (Chapter 4)
See items under Week 7/CS
Oct. 13th – 19th
Week 8 – Social Structure & Interactions
(Chapter 5)
See items under Week 8 +
Written Assignment 2/CS
Oct. 20th – 26th
Week 9 – Groups & Organizations (Chapter 6)
See items under Week 9/CS
Oct. 27th – Nov.
2nd
Week 10 – Deviance & Crime (Chapter 7)
Pick research topic and begin researching
See items under Week 10/CS
See Research Paper/CS
Nov. 3rd – 9th
Week 11 – Class & Stratification (Chapter 8)
See items under Week 11 +
Written Assignment 3/CS
Nov. 10th – 16th
Week 12 - Global Stratification (Chapter 9)
See items under Week 12/CS
Nov. 17th – 23rd
Week 13 – Race and Ethnicity (Chapter 10)
See items under Week 13 +
Written Assignment 4/CS
Nov. 24th- 30th
Thanksgiving Break
No new assignments due.
Dec. 1st – 7th
Week 14 – Sex, Gender, & Sexuality
(Chapter 11)
See items under Week 14/CS
Late Assignments (except
quizzes) due Dec. 1st.
Dec. 8th-12th
Finals Week
Research Paper – See Content
section in Blackboard
Page 6
Rev 082007
Page 7