**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Soc 1A: Introduction to Sociology
Fall 2010
Meeting time: Wednesday 6- 9:10 PM
Location: Morgan Hill Campus RM 13
Instructor: Dr. Robin Kreider
Phone: 848 - 4862
Email: rkreider@gavilan.edu
Website: http://hhh.gavilan.edu/rkreider/
Office: MA 108 (near math lab and MESA)
Office Hours: Mon: 11:30am – 12:30pm; Tues 1-3pm; Wed: 2:30-3:30pm and by appointment
“[Humans] make their own history, but they do not make it just as they please; they do not make it under
circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted
from the past.” - Karl Marx
Course Description: This course is designed to provide a general introduction to the discipline of
sociology and is intended for students that have not taken a college course in sociology. The purpose of
this course is to introduce the basic problems, concepts, methods, and theories of sociology. Students will
be introduced to the sociological perspective and will be presented with a set of core sociological concepts
and tools to examine the social world and explore social issues. This course will demonstrate the inherent
analytical and critical nature of sociological inquiry. It is my hope that this course will not only provide
students with a sound and comprehensive introduction to the discipline of sociology, but it will make
sociology relevant and useful in their own lives.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course, however this course is a transfer-level course
and I have the same expectations of students in this class that I would have of students at a CSU or UC.
There is a respectable amount of reading and writing in this course as well as a high level of critical and
analytical thinking and writing expected. This course will not require you to ‘memorize’ things, but to
engage with the material, analysis it, and critically reflect on yourself, society, and others.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
 To provide students with a survey of the major areas of interest within sociology and to enable them
to define, apply, and use basic sociological theories, terms, and concepts
 To introduce students to analytical approaches that will provide them with a critical understanding of
social phenomenon and social issues facing the world today
 Identify and explain the sociological "scientific method" and employ the sociological "scientific
method" in solving simple research problems
 Explain the process by which an individual becomes a functioning member of society and to identify
and describe the basic social institutions in the United States
 To help students broaden their view of society beyond their own immediate experience and
understand how and why their own experiences may be similar or different to the experiences of
others
 To encourage students to employ a sociological imagination in analyzing everyday life
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Required Texts: The following books are available at the campus store and most Internet booksellers
(*be sure to get the correct edition if you buy on the Internet – check the ISBN #*).
 Introduction to Sociology by Giddens, Dunier, and Appelbaum 7th Ed.[ ISBN:9780393932324]
 Threads: Gender, Labor, and Power in the Global Apparel Industry by Jane Collins [ISBN:
9780226113722]
 Additional readings available online or as handouts
Readings: Readings are assigned to prepare you for the upcoming lectures and discussion section. It is
your responsibility to do the assigned readings on your own BEFORE class so you are familiar with
the topics and issues being discussed. All lectures and in-class activities will be based on the
assumption that students have completed the readings assigned up to that date.
Course Requirements: All detailed directions for assignments will be passed out in class. **You must
complete ALL of the following assignments to pass the class**
 Three Exams (300 points): These exams will be take-home, essay exams.
 Commodity Chain Analysis Research Paper & Journal & Presentation (300 points): You will
complete a research paper and present your results. More detailed instructions will be distributed.
 Homework Questions (200 points): Over the semester homework questions will be assigned 7 times
and worth 40 points each. The lowest 2 scores for homework will be dropped.
 Class Participation (100 points): This class is highly interactive. Your regular attendance,
preparation, and active participation in the course is required and expected. One way I will measure
your participation in the class is through “Active Reflection Index Cards.” Over the course of the
semester you are expected to hand in 10 index cards with a question or comment about the topics of
the current week or previous weeks. I will use these questions/comments to start class discussion and
clarify concept, theories, and readings. The purpose of these index cards is for me to assess how well
you are keeping up with the readings, your understanding the readings and other course material, and
an anonymous way for you to ask questions or make comments. Each index card is worth between 010 points depending on the quality of the question/comment. **You can earn extra credit point for
each index card over 10 that you hand in, up to 10 extra index cards**
On each index card you need to put:
1. Your full name
2. A question or comment
3. Reference to readings from class
Grades for the course will be determined as follows: I do not grade on a curve. I am happy to give
everyone an A if everyone does A-quality work.
Grading Scale:
A: 100- 95.0%
A-: 94.9 – 90%
B+: 89.9 – 88.0%
B: 87.9% - 84%
B-: 83.9% - 80%
C+: 79.9 – 78.0%
C: 77.9% - 74%
C-: 73.9% - 70%
D+: 69.9 – 68.0%
D: 67.9% - 60%
F: 59.9% and below…
Policy on Due Dates:
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
 All homework assignments are due IN THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF CLASS on the date
indicated in the syllabus or on the assignment handout. It is the student’s responsibility to be
aware of these dates.
o No late homework assignments will be accepted.
 All exams and term paper assignments must be turned in at Turnitin.com.
o For each calendar day an assignment/paper is late the student will lose one full letter grade
from the grade assigned to the student’s work. No late assignments/papers will be accepted
after three days.
o No make-up exams allowed.
Important Dates to Know:
 September 7: Last day to ADD a class
 November 25-28th: Thanksgiving
th
Instructional Break
 September 14 : Last day to DROP a
class with a refund
 November 19th : Last day to drop with a
“W”
 September 30th : NRS deadline
 December 12-18th: Final Exams
 November 12: Holiday - Veterans' Day
Student Responsibilities:
 Course Etiquette: The success of a large class depends on everyone’s cooperation. Actions such as
arriving late, leaving class early, talking to friends, making/receiving phone calls, and reading
newspapers or other non-course materials are disruptive, distracting, and unacceptable. Do not
shuffle papers or pack up your things until I have dismissed the class – it is extremely rude and will
not be tolerated. Students should let the instructor know if they are having difficulties reaching class
on time or if they need to leave class early. Cell phones, pda’s, iPod’s and other electronic
equipment are not allowed in class at any time. Course grades will be affected if students persist in
disruptive activities without an explanation. Students will be asked to leave the classroom if their
behavior disturbs others.
o NOTE: Students will be required to leave class under the following circumstances:
Arriving late, talking on or texting on cell phones, sleeping, or doing homework for other
classes.
 Attendance and Participation: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” - Woody Allen
o While attendance will not count for 80% of your grade, it will be difficult to be successful
in this class without regular attendance and participation. Attendance will be taken at each
class meeting and engaged participation is expected during all class meetings.
 If you are absent it is your responsibility to contact the instructor for any missed
assignments or announcements
o This class requires a high level of interaction and engagement with me and your fellow
students. Opinions and class debates are encouraged, but I ask that students provide well
informed arguments preferably related to class materials (by doing this we avoid getting
into debates based solely on emotion).As a participant in the course, you are expected to
respect the ideas and opinions of others even if you do not agree with them. Some of the
lectures, readings, and discussions in this class may challenge your own beliefs and ideas.
Therefore, you should be prepared to have an open, engaged mind.
*I reserve the right (but not obligation) to drop students with more than four consecutive or six
cumulative unexcused absences or incidents of tardiness.* However, if you decide to drop the course it
YOUR responsibility to take the necessary actions to drop the course.
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
 Academic Integrity: You are responsible for your own work. If you are questioning whether you
have documented or cited your sources properly, it is your responsibility to see me about these issues
prior to submitting an assignment. If you find yourself thinking about submitting work that is not
your own due to pressure, frustration, or any other reason, please talk with me. I am here to help you
resolve these issues before they could negatively affect your academic career. Misrepresenting your
work will not be tolerated in this class. Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and
integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in an F for the assignment and further
disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.
 Special Needs: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or
other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, and the Disabled Student Services Office. If
you have any temporary or long-term special needs (academic, physical, personal) please contact me
during my office hours or after class. Do not wait till the last minute to inform me of a problem, as it
will be more difficult personal situation occurs let me know as soon as possible. I am supportive and
understanding of most situations (I respect your right to privacy, so details are not a requirement to
find a way to work it out.)
Course Schedule
DATE
TOPIC
READINGS DUE
Week One
9/1
Introductions & Social
Intersections:
Individual and Society
9/8
The Sociological
Imagination &
Sociological Analysis
Film: The Story of Stuff
9/15
Sociological Inquiry and Review student papers on the website
Analysis Commodity
Chain Analysis and
Research Workshop
Film: Black Gold
9/22
Modern Consumer
Culture & Socialization
Film: “Overspent
American”
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 16 (only
pages 513-519)
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 3
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 4
Making and Supporting
a Sociological Argument
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 5
ASSIGNMENT DUE
Week Two
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 1
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 2
Homework #1 Due
Week Three
Week Four
CCA Research Topic Due
Homework #2 Due
Week Five
9/29
Exam #1 Outline
Social Interaction & the
Construction of Social
Differences
Week Six
10/6
Social Difference and
Power
Introduction to Sociology: pages 279-287, 317324,590-603
Exam #1
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Social Stratification
McIntosh, Peggy “White Privilege”
http://www.nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivileg
e.pdf
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 8
Week Seven
10/13
Racial Stratification:
Institutional Racism
Film: The House We
Live In
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 11
Wise, Tim “Whites Swim in Racial Preference”
http://www.alternet.org/story/15223/
CCA Outline and
Annotated Bibliography
Due
Homework #3 Due
Week Eight
10/20
Gender Stratification
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 9
Global Inequality
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 10
Globalization,
Rationalization, and the
Global Corporate
Society
Introduction to Sociology: pages 147-167
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 20
Exam #1 Rewrite optional
Week Nine
10/27
Film: Modern Meat
Homework #4 Due
Pollan, Michael “Power Steer”
http://www.mindfully.org/Food/Power-SteerPollan31mar02.htm
“The Meatrix 1”(for fun!)
http://www.themeatrix1.com/
Week Ten
11/3
Production & Work in
the Postmodern Global
Society
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 14
11/9
The State,
Globalization, and
Global Politics
Film: Life and Debt
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 13
Threads
Threads Preface, Chp1 and 2
CCA Research Paper
Rough Draft
Week Eleven
Homework #5 Due
Final Papers Due
Week Twelve
11/16
Exam #2
Week Thirteen
11/23
Threads
Threads Chps 3and 4
Homework #6 Due
Week Fourteen
11/30
Threads
Film: China Blue
Threads Chp 5, 6 and 7
Exam #2 Rewrite –
optional
Homework #7 Due
Week Fifteen
12/7
Consumption in the
Postmodern Global
Society
Introduction to Sociology: Chapter 19
Student Presentations
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Course Conclusions &
Student Presentations
Week Sixteen
12/15
Final Exam & Student
Presentations @ 6pm
Student Presentations
Exam #3
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