Introduction To Sociology

Introduction To Sociology

Sociology 1000, Section 010

Fall Semester 2002

Syllabus

Instructor: Dennis Brewster

Office Location: 7048 Haley Center

Office Telephone: (334) 844-2854

Office Hours: M-W-F 3:30—4:45

T-R: 9:00—11:30

or by appointment

Messages: brewsdr@auburn.edu

Graduate Assistant: Amelia Davies

Office Location: 2220 Haley Center

Office Telephone: (334) 844-5069

Office Hours: M-W-F 8:45—9:45

Course Information: Sociology 1000, Section 010

“Introduction to Sociology”

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

10:00—10:50

1203 Haley Center

Course Description:

“Introduction to Sociology” is the critical step in the exploration of how individuals interact with others in our society and the developing global system. In order to understand group behavior and relationships, it is necessary to look at society and the world through different lenses. What exactly do we study in Sociology? According to the author of our text, Rodney Stark, there is only one sociological topic of study, the group, and there are only two basic sociological questions, which underlie everything else: What unites us? What separates us? In order to better understand these key questions, it will be necessary to look at the world through the sociological perspective. The sociological perspective is a unique way of looking at our world and the cultures of the world in order to discover the causes of group solidarity (that which unites us) and group conflict (that which separates us).

The course will be composed of four important sections:

1. Define sociology

2. Understand how sociology is a science

3. Describe what a sociologist does

4. Define society and culture, and know how they are related

5. Know important structural and cultural concepts

6. Understand sociological theories, both structural and interactional

Goal: To examine human behavior and what influences that behavior both at the individual level and the group level.

Objectives:

1. Define socialization

2. Understand the five major agents of socialization

3. Define crime and understand why it is hard to define crime

4. Know major criminological theories

5. Explain formal and informal mechanisms of social control

6. Understand the differences in prevention, deterrence, and resocialization programs.

Goal: To define inequality and understand how race, class, and gender are intertwined in the study of inequality.

Objectives:

1. Define and understand stratification

2. Discuss the three major theories of stratification; functionalism, conflict, and social evolution

3. Discuss the class system in the United States

4. Describe the class system in the United States

5. Discuss the effects of structural changes on levels of poverty and wealth

6. Explain the effect on levels of gender inequality

Goal: To understand what factors are involved in social change and how social movements play a role in social change.

Objectives:

1. Define demography

2. Discuss why demography is an important field within sociological thought

3. Understand the six major shifts in human population patterns

4. Discuss how social movements are created

5. Discuss the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement and the importance of the actions of particular individuals

Required Text:

Stark, Rodney. 1998. Sociology. 8^th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Rodney Stark presents us with an exciting view of the world of sociology. Stark pays particular attention to the discipline of sociology and how as students of sociology we can use the material presented in our everyday lives. Stark provides and excellent opportunity for you to see not only what sociologists do, but also how sociologists go about the science of sociology.

Course Requirements:

Class Attendance:

One of the key findings of educational research is the correlation between class attendance and grades. I cannot stress enough the importance of class attendance; you cannot do well in this course (or any other) without attending class. While no grade for attendance is given, there are 14 quizzes that will be given during the semester and you must be in class in order to take the quiz. A further explanation of quizzes and their grading and effects on grades are discussed below.

If you miss a class period that consisted of graded work (exam or quiz) you may make up the work only with written documentation of a University approved absence. Examples of University approved absences are an illness for which a doctor gives proof it exists and absences due to University sponsored events. See “Tiger Cub” for university excused absences.

Tardiness will not be tolerated. Please be on time for class. When you come in late it disrupts the class. If tardiness becomes a problem, I will not hesitate in talking with the student in order to solve the problem. If you are not in class by the time quizzes are handed out, you will miss the quiz. Do not come up after class and ask for the quiz.

Reading:

You will learn more and find the course more enjoyable if you do the assigned readings. Among the many reasons I could provide for doing the reading, I will discuss the two most important. First, students will be called upon to answer questions about the readings during class periods. If you have not done the reading it will be hard to answer the questions. Second, part of the class will be based on class discussion. The readings will provide you, the student, necessary information to prepare for class discussions.

You will notice that each class period has a required reading for that class. This is designed to keep the reading for any class period to a minimum. If you will read these assignments in a timely fashion it will not be a burden.

The readings are tentatively listed in the "Semester Outline and Reading Assignments" section of the syllabus. Any changes to the syllabus will be announced in class at least one week prior to the date of change and repeated for at least a minimum of three class periods.

It is also very important that you bring your text to class for each class period. Several times during the class period we will use the text in explaining concepts and ideas. You will need the book in order to participate in the discussion.

Exams and Grading:

There will be a total of 4 exams for this course. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions and each exam will total 100 points. Material covered on each of the tests will be covered in class or the assigned readings. If you miss a test you must make up the test within one week of the exam and furnish written documentation for your absence. Those with excused absences will take a second version of the exam; those without an excused absence will take an essay exam covering all of the material.

Also, there will be 14 quizzes during the course of the semester. Each quiz is one multiple-choice question worth 10 points if your answer is correct and 5 points if your answer is incorrect. The quiz may take place on any day of the week (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday); therefore you should complete the reading for each class period prior to class. I will count your ten highest quiz scores, for a total of 100 points, over the semester. If you miss a quiz, you may only make it up with proper documentation for your absence. NO MAKEUP QUIZES WILL BE GIVEN WITHOUT WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION, OR IF YOU ARE LATE FOR CLASS!

There will also be 10 lab assignments for the course. Each assignment will be worth 10pts. and will be assigned as we finish several of the chapters. Each assignment will be due the Monday following the lab. There is a severe penalty for late assignments so make sure you turn in the assignments.

Exam dates are listed in the “Semester Outline and Reading Assignments” section of the syllabus. Any change in the exam dates will be announced in class at least one week prior to the change and will be announced at least three times in class.

Grading:

I will use the following grading scale for this class. The total points for the course will be 600 points (4 exams X 100 pts. each + 10 quizzes worth 10 pts. each + 10 lab assignments worth 10pts. each).

A (90% - 100%) = 540—600

B (80% - 89%) = 480—539

C (70% - 79%) = 420—479

D (60% - 69%) = 360—419

F ( 0% - 59%) = 0—359

Electronic devices:

Pagers and telephones going off during the class period are very disruptive. Please turn off all phones and pages during this class. If interruptions become a problem the student will be asked to leave the class and will not be allowed to return until they have met with me about the problem.

Disability Accommodations:

Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during my office hours the first week of class, or as soon as possible if accommodations are needed. If you have a conflict during my office hours, an alternative time can be arranged. To set up this meeting, please contact me by phone or via e-mail. Bring a copy of your Accommodation Memo and an Instructor Verification Form to the meeting. If you do not have an Accommodation Memo but need assistance, make an appointment with The Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, 844-2096 (V/TT). I will be happy to assist in your educational endeavor in any ethical and academic way.

Academic Misconduct:

I will not tolerate any academic misconduct in this class. I do not expect any problems with cheating, but if you are caught cheating in this class, I will pursue the appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in the Academic Misconduct Code as set out in the “Tiger Cub.”

©Copyright 2002, Dennis R. Brewster, as to this syllabus, web material, and all lectures. Students are prohibited from providing, either for a fee or for free, notes or exams of this course to any person or commercial firm, without the express written permission of the professor teaching this course.

All of the above policies for this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances and/or at the discretion of the instruction.