Sociology 108, 8:00am-8:50am, TuTh, 105 WHAM
Professor Darren E. Sherkat
Office: 3422 Faner Hall
Office Hours: M 9am-12pm, W 9am-12pm.
Phone: 453-7619
E-mail: Sherkat@siu.edu

Discussion Instructors: Brian Coleman (bcole02@siu.edu, Faner Hall 4341, Office hours Tuesday 9-11 and by appt.), and Angela Hines (Hines77@siu.edu, Faner Hall 4343, TTH, 9:00-9:50, and by appointment.).

What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of human behavior and interaction at the micro, group, organizational, and even global levels. It differs from psychology in that it primarily focuses on groups rather than individuals. It also analyzes the social structures that humans create and maintain such as organizations, religion, and political systems. Sociology is a rather broad discipline since all of human behavior is social. It is fair to say that it contains elements of psychology, political science, history, economics, anthropology, communications, and philosophy, yet is a unique discipline that differs from all of these in important ways---Gee, this is straight off of the Sociology department web site!

Course Objectives
Students will be able to: (a) demonstrate knowledge of basic sociological concepts about social processes (e.g., socialization, deviance, social control, and stratification by class, gender, and race) and social institutions (e.g., the family, religion, and the state); (b) summarize theoretical or explanatory arguments in sociology; (c) apply these arguments to contemporary events or personal experience; and (d) display knowledge of cultural, class, religious, and other differences within and between societies.

What Is Expected in the Course?

You will learn about many sociological theories and substantive areas, including crime, inequality, social conflict, family, and religion. We will follow Rodney Stark’s Sociology, Eight edition. However, I will also add additional materials in my lectures. At some point before an exam, the lecture notes will be posted on the my web site: http://www.siu.edu/~socio/Sherkat.htm
We will have 4 examinations (including the final) of equal weight, each comprising 20% of your grade. The additional 20% of your grade is tied to writing assignments that will be done in your discussion sections.

Examinations: All examinations and the due dates for assignments are fixed, and exam dates are below. Late examinations will not be conducted without a written excuse from the relevant university official (which depends on your college-Engineering, Ag, Communications, etc.). Those who need special consideration for athletics and other extracurricular activities (eg. Debate, theatre, etc.), may take the examinations early. All make up examinations must be completed within a week of the exam, and missing examinations and assignments are graded as 0. Students are required to have a pencil in all examinations-Remember to bring one! Materials from the lectures and the book will be covered in the examinations. The final examination is non-cumulative. If a student has a B or higher on every examination and on the written assignments, s/he may drop the final.

Attendance and Conduct: Your attendance is expected and required in your discussion sections. Lecture material from class will be on the examination. There is no attendance taken in the lecture class, but discussion grades may be tied to attendance. Missing discussion sections will result in missing assignments, and there will be no make ups for discussion assignments without a formal written excuse for absence. Scholar-athletes, debate team members, and any other planned excuses for absence MUST BE ARRANGED IN ADVANCE. In class, I expect that you will refrain from talking (except to ask questions about class material), reading the newspaper, and cell phones are to be turned off. I will ask you to leave it you converse during class. If you come in late or must leave early, please sit in the back of class. It is acceptable to ask questions during lecture, however it is usually best to save your questions for the discussion section.

Honor Policy: Soliciting, receiving or obtaining help on examinations or the written assignments is a violation of the honor code for this class, and will result in immediate failure (score of 0) of the examination or assignment.

Course Schedule.

Stark, Chapters 1-4, Core Principles:

First Examination, Feb. 6

Stark, chapters 5-8, Culture, Socialization, and Crime.

Second Examination, March 4

Stark Chapters 9-12, chapter 16, Stratification and inequality.

Third Examination, April 3

Stark, Chapters 13-15, chapter 21. Family, Religion, and Politics.

Final Examination: Thu., May 08 12:50-02:50p.m.