PIERCE COLLEGE
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Instructor: Corina Diaz, M.A.
Office Hours: Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm and by
appointment
Office: BEH 1306D
E-mail: sociologypierce@gmail.com
Sociology 1
Section 6553
T & TH. 3:30pm-5:05pm
Fall 2015
Room #: D5
Course Description:
This course was designed to introduce students to Sociology. Students will use sociological concepts to
understand social issues that affect individuals and their surroundings today. Students will learn about culture
and society, social interactions, deviance, stratification, global inequality, gender inequality, ethnicity and
race, in addition to globalization in a changing world. This course is composed of a combination of lecture,
documentaries, short clips, in-class assignments, class discussion, exams, and a research paper.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will be able to demonstrate what C. Wright Mills called the sociological imagination; that is the
ability to situate his or her life in a social context and to understand the impact of social forces on the
individual.
2. Students will be able to describe the differences between sociology and other academic disciplines
3. Students will gain proficiency examining the nature and significance of culture in people’s lives
4. Students will be able to explain what sociology is and the kinds of work professional sociologists do
5. Students will be able to explain social structure, provide examples and express how these structures
shape society and social experiences
6. Students will build skills that will allow them to describe the process of socialization and assess its
importance in understanding human behavior
Textbook: Introduction to Sociology; Second Edition. George Ritzer – ISBN 978-1-4833-0294-2
Course Grading
In-class assignments
In-class group assignments
Research paper
2 Unit exams
Applied concepts journal
Final exam
100
150
250
150
150
200
10%
15%
25%
15%
15%
20%
900-1000
800-899
700-799
600-699
599 and below
A
B
C
D
F
Course Requirements
This course design contains assignments that allow students to build the skills they need to accomplish the
learning outcomes. Each assignment builds on each other providing students with the tools they need to
develop a sociological imagination, and to practice critical thinking. Missing assignments can prevent
students from finishing this course successfully.
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In-Class Assignments (10%): Students are required to complete a total of 10 in-class assignments (10 pts.
each) to apply concepts to contemporary social issues around them. Each assignment builds on each other to
help student gradually develop the skills they need to apply new sociological knowledge to real life
experiences. The exercises must be turned in before the end of class to receive credit. Students are not
allowed to make-up any assignments without written verifiable documentation.
In-class Group Assignments (15%): There will be a total of 10 group assignments this semester (15 pts.
each). Students will work with 4-5 peers to apply the key concepts we will cover in class. Students will be
provided with social issues and case studies for analyses. Students then will apply sociological concepts to
the cases. Students will share in class and discuss their analysis with the purpose of having feedback from the
instructor as well as from the rest of the students in the classroom. All group analyses assignments must be
turned in before students leave class on the day they are assigned. It is the responsibility of each student to
write their name on the group assignment sheet to receive credit. Once again, students are not allowed to
make-up any assignments without written verifiable documentation.
Research Paper (25%): This research paper will allow you to practice the skills you will learn throughout the
semester. Students are required to submit their research paper in two sections throughout the semester with
the purpose of obtaining feedback and guidance from the instructor. Students will revise their papers, and
submit a final version on 12/1/15. Students will not receive a grade for turning in their drafts. However, I will
deduct 25 points from the final grade, every time a student fails to submit their draft. I will deduct 15 points
of the final grade every time students fail to take this assignment seriously. This means that I will analyze the
content of your work, and determine if you made an effort to complete the work to the best of your abilities.
I will provide a handout with detailed guidelines the second day of class. To prepare you for this assignment,
I will facilitate three (3) writing workshops (writing the introduction, literature, review, and applying
concepts). The writing workshops will help you build the skills that you need, to write your research paper.
You are required to participate in all phases of these sessions. The strategies will help you alleviate the stress
and anxiety that many students experience during the writing process. Even if writing is easy for you, I
encourage you to be open to these writing sessions since you can learn some strategies that can be useful in
your academic journey. At the end of phase three, your research paper will be almost ready for final
submission (APA format is required for this research paper. See student resource links listed on the last page
of this syllabus).
The research paper is due 12/1/15 at the beginning of class. I will accept papers from students who show up
late to class. However, I will deduct 15%. One-week late papers will be accepted (no questions asked). If you
missed the deadline, you will be asked to turn in your late paper the following week. The penalty for
turning in late papers is 50% unless verifiable emergency documentation is submitted.
Note: Students who are granted an extension due to an emergency are required to meet the deadline given by
the instructor. Remember that having an emergency does not mean I am obligated to give you a grade
without you doing the work. In addition, an emergency does not entitle you to turn in the research paper
whenever you want. All emergencies will be handled individually. Students must contact the instructor
immediately after the emergency occurs.
Unit Exams (150%): There will be a total of two unit exams this semester (75 points each). The exams will
test your knowledge and your ability to use your sociological imagination to able to apply concepts to social
issues. Students must be on time to take the exams, and should notify the instructor immediately if an
emergency has occurred that prevented the student from taking an exam. Make-up exams should be done
during office hours, and the student must submit verifiable documentation about the emergency. It is the
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responsibility of the students to communicate with the instructor about barriers that can prevent them from
taking an exam.
Applied Concepts Journal (15%): Students are required to keep a journal with all the key concepts for each
chapter. Students will turn in their journal with their exams. Students can earn up to 50 points each time they
submit their journal with all the key concepts. Cornell notes are highly effective for this class.
Final Exam (20%): The exam will allow me to assess your level of understanding about the theories and
concepts discussed in class. Further details will be discussed in class. Make-up exams are allowed only when
there is an emergency (illness, injury, quarantine). Verifiable documentation must be submitted. The date
for the final exam is 12/10/15
Course Policies
Class Participation and In-class Assignments: I will deduct 10 points for each in-class assignment you miss,
and 15 points for each in-class group assignment. Please remember that you cannot develop the skills you
need to succeed in this course, if you are not in class to learn them. Students are encouraged to attend each
class, and participate. Verifiable excuses for missing in-class work will be accepted to make-up the work.
Make-up Exams and Late Assignments: Students are required to take responsibility for their academics. I
understand that in many occasions emergencies occur. However, it is imperative that you collect the required
documentation that will excuse missed work. The exams are not designed to trick you in any way. I will
guide you through this process.
Electronics: IPads, laptops, and other electronic devices are allowed for note taking only. The use of
headphones during class is not allowed.
Texting: It is highly disrespectful to be texting during class. It is distracting for you, your classmates, and
your instructor. I will give you a verbal warning the first time, the second time I will ask you to leave. You
will not be allowed to make up any in-class work you miss due to misconduct.
E-mail: I will respond to e-mails within 48 business hours. Please do not wait until the last minute to ask for
help. If you were absent, late, or you left early, ask a classmate to help you update your notes. Please
write on the subject: your name, class number, and college. If you do not hear from me within 48 business
hours please re-send your e-mail since many things can happen to electronic mail such as spam filters.
During Class Sessions: Please be mindful that certain topics may produce different points of view among
your classmates. Therefore, I expect everyone to be respectful of each other. Different cultures and points of
view allow us to see society in different ways. These discussions are important to us because they allow us to
explore possibilities and learn about how our peers understand society.
Attendance: Students are required to attend class, to be on time, and to remain for the entire duration of the
class. Students who are absent the first day of class will be dropped. Students who are absent due to illness,
injury, or quarantine should contact the instructor immediately to avoid being dropped.
Withdrawal
Students in need to drop the course: It is the responsibility of the student to drop the course.
Please do not engage in side conversations during class. It is highly disrespectful and disruptive to be
talking during class. I will ask you to leave if you are being disruptive.
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Services for Disabled Students: There is support on campus for students with permanent and temporary
disabilities. If you require support for special academic accommodations please call the Student Disabled
Services Office at (818) - 710-4219. You are also responsible to submit the documentation timely. You can
find detailed information at:
http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/special_services/
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty: Your student handbook and campus policies outline the consequences
of plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Please make sure that your work is properly cited, and that you use
your own ideas to complete your work. There are disciplinary consequences for plagiarism and academic
dishonesty (pages 18-37 of your student catalog), and you are accountable if you violate these policies. To
learn about academic integrity and plagiarism visit:
http://207.62.63.167/schedules/catalog/Pierce_Catalog_2014-2016.pdf
Tentative Schedule
Students will be notified in class if changes to the schedule occur
Unit I
Week 1
9/1 & 9/3
Chapter 1 &
Chapter 2
Week 2
9/8 & 9/10
Chapter 4
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Week 3
9/15 & 9/17
Chapter 5
Week 4
9/22 & 9/24
Chapter 6
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Week 5
9/29 & 10/1
Chapter 7
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Introduction & class expectations
An introduction to sociology in the global age
Thinking Sociologically
Group in-class assignment # 1 – McDonaldization of Society (p. 30)
Culture
Individual in-class assignment # 1
Group in-class assignment # 2 – Female Genital Mutilation around the
Globe (p. 58)
Socialization and Interaction
Individual in-class assignment # 2
Group in-class assignment # 3 – The Self in the Global Age (p. 155)
Organizations, societies, and the global domain
Individual in-class assignment # 3 - Cricket in India (p. 205)
Group in-class assignment # 4 –Digital Living: A Virtual Bridge between
Palestinians and Israelis (p. 208)
Writing in Sociology – Workshop # 1
Deviance and crime
Group in-class assignment # 5 – Students can choose (1) Rethinking the
Dutch Approach to Marihuana Use (p. 218) or (2) Women and Crime in
Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan (p. 242)
Unit exam # 1- 10/01/15 & submit journal
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Unit II
Week 6
10/6 & 10/8
Chapter 13
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Religion
Group Assignment # 6 - Tongues of Fire (p. 464)
Writing in Sociology – Workshop # 2
Week 7
10/13 & 10/15
Chapter 8
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Social Stratification
Individual in-class assignment # 4 – What does your Facebook page says
about you? (p. 256)
Submit research paper draft – part I - 10/15/15
Race and ethnicity
Individual in-class assignment # 5 – Do you talk about race? (p. 313)
Group in-class assignment # 7 – Race and Ethnicity in the United States
activity
Gender and Sexuality
Individual in-class assignment # 6
Group in-class assignment # 8 – The McDonaldization of Sexuality (p. 332)
Submit research paper draft – part II - 10/29/15
Intersectionality – understanding the “isms” (Materials will be distributed in class)
Literature review for research paper due
Individual in-class assignment # 7 – Intersectionality in Everyday Life
The family
Unit exam # 2 distribution
Week 8
10/20 & 10/22
Chapter 9
Week 9
10/27 & 10/29
Chapter 10
Week 10
11/3 & 11/5
Chapter 11
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Unit III
Week 11
11/10 & 11/12
Chapter 12
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Week 13
11/24 & 11/26
Week 14
12/1 & 12/3
Chapter 17 &
Chapter 3
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Unit Exam # 2 due 11/10/15 & submit journal at the end of class
Education & Punished
Individual in-class assignment # 8
Group in-class assignment # 9– International Students and additional
revenue for U.S. universities
Writing in Sociology – Workshop 3
The body, medicine, health, and health care
Individual in-class assignment # 9 McBirth (p.524) & McDeath (p. 527)
Group in-class assignment # 10 – Universal Health Care: Health Care in
Mexico v Health Care in the United States
Thanksgiving Holiday – no classes
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Research paper due 12/1/15
Social change, social movements, and collective action
Researching the social world
Individual in-class assignment # 10
Week 15
12/8 & 12/10
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Rebel cities (materials will be provided in class) & submit journal
Class wrap up!
Final exam 12/10/15
Week 12
11/17 & 11/19
Chapter 15
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Characteristics of Successful Students:
1. They communicate with the instructor when the material is not clear, when students face challenges
completing assignments, and when students have barriers that can prevent them from being successful in
the class
2. They read the chapter(s) before class to be able to participate in class discussion, and to expand their
understanding of the concepts
3. They are on time to each class, and remain for the duration of the class period. They also take notes in
class.
4. They practice active listening during class lectures and discussions. Active listening means that students
are processing the information provided in class, and using their critical thinking skills to apply the new
knowledge to social issues in society
5. They actively participate in class discussion. Active participation in class means that students ask
questions when the material being presented is not clear. Active participation also means that students
contribute to class discussion by sharing social experiences for collective analysis. Active participation
will enrich the class discussion allowing everyone to learn, and apply concepts to real life situations
6. They practice professionalism by turning in their work on time and complete. Students also follow the
guidelines provided by the instructor, and ask questions when needed. In addition, students respect the
points of view of others in the classroom
7. They practice academic honesty by not plagiarizing, or engaging in any activity that can compromise
academic integrity
Student Resources:
Improving listening skills https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9LBUf1NzU0
Taking better lecture notes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvsf591rYWE&noredirect=1
Habits of successful college students https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJXOHKSnUNw
APA citation guidelines https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/
How to manage time, reduce stress, and increase happiness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4YVLkuRBe8
Tips to avoid accidental plagiarism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwOJvWhF_08
Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
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