|
Fall 2018 Course Syllabus
Course: SOCI-1301- Section: 01 Introduction to Sociology |
|
| Instructor Information | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor | Sonya Briscoe | ||||||||
| briscoesy@lamarpa.edu | |||||||||
| Phone | (409) 984-6335 | ||||||||
| Office |
|
||||||||
| Department |
|
||||||||
| Course Information | |||||||||
| Description | The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. | ||||||||
| Prerequisites | Competency in reading. | ||||||||
| Learning Outcomes |
1. Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology. (PSLO 1,2,& 5) Measured by embedded test questions, video assignment, group discussion, and/or research project rubric 2. Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.(PSLO 1, 2, 5, Alpha) Measured by test, video assignment, group discussion, and/or research/proposal project rubric; pre-test/post-test 3. Describe key concepts in sociology.(PSLO 1,2,3,5,alpha) Measured by Measured by test, video assignment, group discussion, and/or research/proposal project rubric; pre-test/post-test 4. Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.(PSLO 1, 2,3,5, alpha) Measured by Measured by embedded test questions, video assignment, group discussion, and/or research project rubric; pre-test/post-test 5. Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces.(PSLO 1,2,5, Alpha) Measured by Measured by test , video assignment, group discussion, and/or research/proposal project rubric; pre-test/post-test |
||||||||
| Core Objectives |
Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts. Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making. |
||||||||
| Program Student Learning Outcomes |
PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion. PSLO 2: Communication Skills Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication. Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task. PSLO3: Empirical and Quantitative Skills Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. Identifies mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; uses mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; analyzes how to use the principles; and applies problem-solving skills in mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task with correct informed conclusions. PSLO 5: Social Responsibility Skills - Expresses intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. Identifies cultural characteristics (including beliefs, values, perspectives and/or practices); demonstrates knowledge of civic responsibility; provides evidence of experience in civic- engagement activities; and describes what she/ he has learned as it relates to a reinforced and clarified sense of civic identity in local, regional, national, or global communities; and shows awareness of one�s own culture in relation to others. |
||||||||
| Textbooks |
SOC5, Introduction of Sociology, Nijole V. Benokraitis, Cengage Learning. ISB: 978-1305660625. Students may purchase the text via the bookstore, the publisher, or other sources. However, please note that we WILL NOT utilize the digital access card. |
||||||||
| Lecture Topics Outline |
Lecture and Coursework described in detail in Assignment Section below. | ||||||||
| Major Assignments Schedule |
MODULE 1 Orientation, introduction, Syllabus review Reading: Ch1-Thinking Like a Sociologist Ch2-Examining Our Social World Wk 2 Discussion 1: Due Thur (Sep 6) by 11:59pm Two (2) Replies: Due Sun (Sep 9) by 11:59pm MODULE 2 Reading: Ch3-Culture Ch4-Socialization Wk 4 Exam 1: Complete by 11:59pm Sun (Sep 23). MODULE 3 Reading: Ch5-Social Interaction in Everyday Life Ch6-Groups, Organizations, and Institutions Wk 6 Discussion 2: Due Thur (Oct 4) by 11:59pm Two (2) Replies: Due Sun (Oct 7) by 11:59pm MODULE 4 Reading: Ch7-Devienance, Crime, and Social Control Ch8-Social Stratification: United States and Global Wk 7 Exam 2: Complete by Sun (Oct 14) by 11:59pm Wk 8 *MIDTERM: Essay Due Sun (Oct 21) by 11:59pm MODULE 5 Reading: Ch9-Gender and Sexuality Ch10-Race and Ethnicity Wk 10 Discussion 3: Due Thur (Nov 1) by 11:59pm Two (2) Replies: Due Sun (Nov 4) by 11:59pm MODULE 6 Reading: Ch11-The Economy and Politics Ch12-Families and Aging Wk 12 Exam 3: Complete by 11:59pm Sun (Nov 18) MODULE 7 Reading: Ch13-Education and Religion Ch14-Health and Medicine Wk 14 Discussion 4: Due Thur (Nov 29) by 11:59pm Two (2) Replies: Due Sun (Dec 2) by 11:59pm MODULE 8 Reading: Ch15-Population, Urbanization, and the Environment Ch16-Social Change: Collective Behavior, Social Movements, and Technology Wk 15 *FINAL: Comprehensive Paper Due Dec 7 by 11:59pm (FRIDAY) Exam 4: Complete by 11:59pm Sun (Dec 9) NOTE: Because the syllabus fully outlines the expectations and schedule for this term, there should be very little reason for needing to schedule makeup exams or assignments. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete the work that is due. Be mindful that the vast majority of your assignments will be electronically submitted, so be aware and always consider the possibility of technical difficulties. |
||||||||
| Final Exam Date | December 9, 2018 - 8:00 AM Through December 9, 2018 - 11:00 PM | ||||||||
| Grading Scale | 90 - 100 = A 80 - 89 = B 70 - 79 = C 60 - 69 = D 59 – below = F | ||||||||
| Determination of Final Grade |
Four (8 pts ea.) Online Discussions: 32% Four (10 pts ea.) Exams: 40% MidTerm Essay (12 pts): 12% Final Essay (16 pts): 16% NOTE: Class Participation can affect your grade. Exams and discussions will include material discussed during in-class lectures. |
||||||||
| Course Policies | |||||||||
| Instructor Policies |
• You are responsible for all materials (including textbooks, computer, and the technology) required for coursework. • Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. • No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. • Silence your cell phones for the duration of class. • Electronic devices - (cell phones, laptops, the internet) may be used only as part of classroom activities. • Unrelated use of electronic devices (talking/texting/scrolling/social media) during class is a distraction for you, your classmates and your instructor. Having to address such wastes valuable time. Problematic behavior may result in you being asked to exit the classroom. • Respectful behavior: Be respectful of instructors, fellow students and the academic environment. Instructors have NO obligation to tolerate disruptive behaviors of any kind. This includes excessive/disruptive talking. Problematic behavior may result in you being asked to exit the classroom and/or dismissal from the course. • Sleeping in class: Please be aware that attendance requires not just your presence but your attention. If you sleep in class you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day. NOTE: In accordance with the attendance policy, five (5) absences can result in administrative removal from the course. • Please be mindful of students with disabilities: Some may be visible and others may not. Most of us are extremely considerate of disabilities we recognize, but less aware and thus less sensitive to those we cannot see. Invisible disabilities may include such conditions as (ADHD, asthmas, allergies, chronic pain, hearing impairments, migraines, seizures, vision impairments, and many more). Something as simple as body sprays and fragrances may affect/trigger asthma or migraines. Lighting or excessive noise can become problems for those with hearing disorders or epilepsy. Let us all keep these things in mind, and BE CONSIDERATE OF THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND US. |
||||||||
| Attendance Policy |
Absences, Tardiness, and Make-ups: Attendance is required, and punctuality is expected. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will be marked absent (unless prearranged with instructor). If you miss 5 classes with unexcused absences, you can be administratively dropped from the course. STUDENT ATHLETES are responsible for providing the instructor with a travel schedule from your head coach/athletic department at the beginning of the semester/season. NOTE: A schedule of game dates and locations will not suffice (it does not account for actual travel time and will not be accepted as a manner of tracking absences). Excused absences include medical and family emergencies and are determined at the instructor’s discretion. Written proof from a physician will be required for medical and family emergencies. Poor preparation or conflict with other scheduled exams or activities are not valid excuses for missing exams or assignments. The privilege of making up an assignment (including exams) should not be assumed. If possible make arrangements in advance, for known scheduling problems/conflict. If you miss an exam or assignment because of an excused absence that was not prearranged, speak to the instructor as soon as possible regarding the missed work. Failure to attend class: If you stop coming to class and do not officially drop, your grades (including zeros for all missing assignments) will be averaged, and you will receive the grade represented by this average. The administrative details of dropping/withdrawing from a course are your responsibility; you must do so officially and in a timely manner to avoid academic consequences. See LCS-PA policies for details and associated dates. |
||||||||
| Academic Honesty | Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty. | ||||||||
| Facility Policies |
|
||||||||
| Important Information | |||||||||
| ADA Considerations | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241. | ||||||||
| MyLamarPA | Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA. | ||||||||
| Other | Detailed discussion of grades (or matter affecting grades) will need to be handled in person. Please arrange appropriate meeting times after class on Tues/Thur | ||||||||
| HB 2504 | This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504. | ||||||||