INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY: SOC 108
Instructor: Martha Heltsley Office #3429 Faner
Class Times: MWF 10:00-10:50 Phone 453-7621
Office Hours: MW – 8:00-9:50 & 12:00-1:00 heltsley@siu.edu
Course Description:
This course has been
designed to expand knowledge of theory, concepts, research, and methods of
sociology. An emphasis will be placed
upon socialization, culture, group processes, social institutions, and social
change. Students will be given the
opportunity to expand their skills in evaluating research, writing, applied
work, and personal reflection. This course is a prerequisite
to a number of
courses in this and related areas of study.
Course Objectives:
Specifically, students should be able to:
1)
Demonstrate an
understanding of concepts such as socialization, ethnocentrism, norms, social
structure, discrimination, and prejudice.
2) Differentiate between commonly held myths and truths concerning society.
3) Develop awareness of the social forces that govern one’s own life.
4) Demonstrate critical thinking about sociological theories and perspectives.
5) Apply sociology to real situations.
6) Understand the greater society, culture, and social change.
General Education across the
Curriculum Competency:
Students will accomplish this through reading varying interpretations in the text as
well as outside materials.
Integrated Learning – to think critically and make connections in learning across the
disciplines. This will be accomplished in different areas of sociology.
Creative Thinking – to elaborate upon knowledge to create thought processes, and/or products
that are new. Students will achieve this in participation in interpretive discussions,
brainstorming, and reading varying interpretations.
Ethics/Values – to demonstrate an awareness of ethical considerations, in making value choices.
This will be accomplished through creating alternative choices in regard to historical
decisions and the use of “what if” scenarios.
Writing – to communicate effectively using standard written English. This will be accomplished
through an evaluation of all written work such as essays, book reviews, and research
papers as assigned.
Instructional Materials:
Required text: Stark, Rodney. Sociology (10th edition)
Grading System:
The course will have four exams (value 50 points each), two short essays/projects (value 25 points each), one final group project/presentation (50 points), and a final comprehensive exam (value 100 points). Additional handouts will accompany the assignment of essays/projects. All assignments must be typed and checked for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. All assignments are due at the beginning of class. . Dates of exams will be listed in syllabus.
A- 360-400 points
B- 320-359 points
C- 280-319 points
D- 240-279 points
F – less than 240 points
In order to pass the class the student must do the following: 1) earn a minimum of 240 points, 2) make a passing grade on at least one of the exams, and 3) complete final group essay/project.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is not optional. Six unexcused absences during the semester will result in an automatic reduction of one letter grade (equivalent to 40 points) from final grade for the class. (Excused absences will include documented illness, participation in team events such as sports, death in family, etc. Student is responsible for bringing documentation to instructor’s attention.)
Make-up Policy:
Make-up exams will be given after the final exam has been completed. There will be no make-ups for essays/projects.
January 14-18 Overview of course, Chapter 1,2,3,4 – The basics of sociology
January 21-25 (No class Monday) Continuation of topics,
review
January 29-30 Continuation of topics, review
February 1- test one
(Friday)
February 4-8 Chapters 5 and 6 – Biology, Culture, and Society; Socialization and Social Roles
February 11-13 Chapters 7 and 8 –Crime and Deviance; Social Control
February 11-13 Continuation of topics and review
February 15 Test two (Friday)
February 18-22 Chapters 9 and 10 Stratification
February 25- March 1 Chapters 11 and 12 Race and Gender
March 1 – March 6 Continuation of topics, review
March 8 – Test three
(Friday)
March 11-15 – Spring Break
March 18-22 Chapters 13 and 14 Religion; Politics
March 25-29 Chapter 15 Education and Occupation
April 1-3 Continuation of topics, review
April 5 – Test four
(Friday)
April 8-12 Special topics in sociology
April 15-22 Presentation of group projects
April 28-May 3 Presentation of group projects