Introduction to Sociology SOCI F CRN: Spring 2014

Transcription

1 Introduction to Sociology SOCI F CRN: Spring 2014 Instructor: Robert Bruce Office Hours: MWF 2:30 pm 4 pm or by appt. Office: Science Hall E-1064 Time: MW 1 pm 2:15 pm address: rbruce@gru.edu Classroom: University Hall 326 Course Description: The structure of society is examined along with the interacting forces which produce change, stability, and continuity in the society. Humankind as a social being is analyzed. Required Text: John J. Macionis (2011) Society, The Basics, 12 th Edition. (Note: All other editions are incompatible with the 12 th edition, so please do not ask whether you can use an earlier edition.) Prerequisites: None Course Goals and Objectives: Below are a few of the many things that this course will provide for you. You will master the common concepts and principles in sociology including the scientific methodology utilized by sociologists in their craft. Students will apply scientific principles to solve a variety of problems. This course should help you gain critical thinking skills, a necessary component of a college education. Students will demonstrate skill in logic and critical thinking. You should acquire a basic understanding of the sociological imagination. This is a way of objectively looking at ourselves and other individuals and cultures in their appropriate contexts. Among other things, we will examine theoretical and value perspectives in sociology, the social construction of individual consciousness, culture, and social structures, and class, race, gender, and other social inequalities. Students will study various values and cultures to better understand human behavior and diversity. Through the use of the Internet for keeping up with class assignments, ing your instructor, and performing research for class discussions, you will become more familiar with using technology for academic purposes. Students will access, manage, and present information available through traditional and electronic media. Through class discussions and written assignments you will learn to discuss sociological topics in a mature manner commensurate with your education. Students will read, write, speak, and listen with the competence necessary to succeed in higher education. You will develop study skills in order to achieve passing and even exemplary grades. Students will apply the study and learning strategies necessary to succeed in higher education.

2 Evaluation: 1) Exams (85% of your final grade): You will have five in-class exams (4 during term + 1 final). I will provide scantrons for each test. You must bring a #2 pencil. 2) Paper or optional test (15% of your final grade): You will be asked to write a college-level paper for this class, the guidelines of which will be handed out on the first day of class. This paper will be due on the last day of classes. Not the day of the exam, but the last day of classes. Or you may take a test over three chapters which I will not cover in class. This exam will be given on the last day of classes. The chapters over which the test will be given will be revealed within the first few weeks of classes. And please note that this particular test is NOT your final exam. 3)Attendance: This is a lecture class; therefore, regular attendance is expected. If you are not in my classroom at the beginning of each class, you will not be allowed into the lecture hall. If you decide to leave class before I have dismissed everyone, you will also be counted absent. You will be afforded six unexcused absences. Every absence thereafter will result in dropping your final average one letter grade.if you miss ten classes, you will automatically receive an F. 4) Out of Class Assignments: I will offer a series of extra credit assignments based on the chapters we are discussing. These assignments are not mandatory; however, I will take information from most extra credit questions and use it for each test. This means it is crucial that you know the answers to all the extra credit. ALL assignments must be typed and turned in at the appropriate time. I will not accept assignments that are hand-written. Grading: Term Paper/Optional Test 15% Five Tests (17pts each) 85% TOTAL: 100% GRADE LETTER: points = A points = B points = C points = D 59 points = F Make-ups and Late Assignments: Exams can only be made up if you have a documented excuse from an appropriate professional. Exams must be made up DURING MY OFFICE HOURS within one week of the exam date. If you do not have the proper documentation within a week, you can still take a makeup exam; however, you will also have to write a 5-7 page paper, whose topic I will choose for you. I do not accept extra credit assignments late.you must provide me with a timely written and acceptable reason on letterhead from the relevant professional (doctor, court administrator, insurance adjuster, etc.) clearly stating why you had to be elsewhere at the time of the class or exam. Normative Behavior: I suggest we use the following guidelines as general rules for class behavior. These guidelines are largely common sense things you would normally do anyway. Please observe the following rules: 2

3 Feel free to say what you have to say, but don t monopolize the conversation or interrupt. Criticize ideas, arguments, and approaches, but don t attack people. Listen to what others have to say don t talk when other people are talking, make snide remarks, or talk behind people s backs.feel free to talk about your own personal experiences, but only do so to the extent that you feel comfortable and be willing to put your experience in sociological perspective. This is a sociology class, not group therapy. If you want to sleep, stay at home. If you sleep in my class I will ask you to leave. Academic Honor: Keep your eyes on your own scantron when taking a test. And if you choose to write a paper at the end of the semester, it will be checked thoroughly for plagiarism. For further information regarding plagiarism, consult the GRU Honor Code. Student Needs: Students with disabilities enrolled in this course and who may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to see me before the end of the second week of the term. All discussions will remain confidential, although the Student Accessibility Services office may be consulted to discuss appropriate implementation of any accommodation requested. Also, if you need help with any other academic needs related to this course, please get in touch with me at any time. ** There is a chance that some of the material will not be completely covered on or by the days stated below. If this is the case, our tests will consist of everything we have learned up to the day of a particular exam. Moreover, all test dates are tentative. Date WEEK ONE Jan. 6, 8 Assignment Monday: First Day of Class, Syllabus Wednesday: Chapter One WEEK TWO Jan. 13, 15 Monday:Chapter One Wednesday: Chapter Two WEEK THREE Jan. 20, 22 Monday:Holiday, no class Wednesday: Chapter Two WEEK FOUR Jan. 27, 29 Monday:Chapter Two Wednesday:Test 1 3

4 WEEK FIVE Feb. 3, 5 Monday: Chapter Three Wednesday: Chapter Three WEEK SIX Feb. 10, 12 Monday: Chapter Four Wednesday: Chapter Four WEEK SEVEN Feb. 17, 19 Monday: Chapter Five Wednesday:Test 2 WEEK EIGHT Feb. 24, 26 Monday: Chapter Six Wednesday: Chapter Six WEEK NINE Mar. 3, 5 Monday: Chapter Seven Wednesday: Chapter Seven WEEK TEN Mar. 10, 12 Monday: Chapter Eight Wednesday: Test 3 WEEK ELEVEN Mar. 17, 19 Monday:Chapter Eight Wednesday: Chapter Eight WEEK TWELVE Mar. 24, 26 WEEK THIRTEEN Mar./Apr. 31, 2 Monday:Chapter Nine Wednesday: Chapter Nine Monday: Chapter Ten Wednesday: Test 4 WEEK FOURTEEN Apr. 7, 9 WEEK FIFTEEN Apr. 14, 16 Monday: Holiday Wednesday: Holiday Friday: Holiday Monday: Chapter Eleven Wednesday: Chapter Eleven WEEK SIXTEEN Apr. 21, 23 Monday: Chapter Twelve Wednesday: TBA WEEK SEVENTEEN Apr. 28 Monday: Last Day of Classes (Test or Paper) 4

5 FINAL EXAM (TBA) 5