Fall 2018 Course Syllabus Course: SOCI-1301- Section: 71 Introduction to Sociology

Instructor Information
Instructor	Kristi Clark
E-mail	clarkkb@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 382-3248
Office	Location: Instrumentation Technology - Room: 133 Hours: N/A
Department	General Education and Developmental Studies Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341
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	None
Learning Outcomes	Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1.    Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology. 2.    Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology. 3.    Describe the key concepts in sociology. 4.    Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology. 5.    Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces.
Core Objectives
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 ones own culture in relation to others.
Textbooks	SOC5, Introduction of Sociology, Nijole V. Benokraitis, Cengage Learning. ISB: 978-1305660625.
Lecture Topics Outline
Major Assignments Schedule	There are a total of 6 major exams in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. These exams will be over lecture notes, discussions, journals, critical thinking questions, and chapter readings. A major exam review will be provided prior to each exam. There will also be assigned 10 Journal Entries which each entry will be worth 10 points. If taking this on-line the “The Journal Instructions” Handout is posted on the homepage under “Course Tools”. In order to receive credit for these assignments, each assignment must be at least 300 words in length. ON-LINE students will be required to complete Chapter Discussions through the Assignment Link in Blackboard. The Chapter Discussions are located under the ASSIGNMENT LINK on the homepage. These discussions are similar to class lectures if you were taking this class face to face. The discussions will be worth 6.25 points for a total of 100 points. For each chapter discussion, I will post specific instructions. There will also be 10 “Critical Thinking” questions that each student will be responsible for answering. A detailed instruction sheet will be posted under the Course Tools link in Blackboard for ALL students. Each question will be worth 10 points which will total 100 points. In order to receive credit for these assignments, each assignment must be at least 300 words in length. There will be 20 extra credit points available near the end of the semester. This will be provided to you after Exam Three. The Extra Credit consists of additional journals and critical thinking questions. A handout will be provided with detailed instructions SOCIOLOGY 1301 COURSE CALENDAR Fall 2018 WEEK 1/2 Course Introduction, Orientation, Syllabus WEEK 3 Chapter One Introduction to Sociology Week 4 Chapter Two Research Week 5 Chapter Three Culture Week 6 Chapter Four Socialization Week 7 Chapter 5 Social Interaction, Groups, and Social Structure Week 8 Chapter 6 The Mass Media Week 9 Chapter 7 Deviance, Crime, and Social Control Week 10 Chapter 8 Stratification and Social Mobility Week 11 Chapter 9 Global Inequality and Chapter 10 Racial and Ethnic Inequality Week 12 Chapter 11 Stratification by Gender and Sexuality Week 13 Chapter 12 The Family Week 14 Chapter 13 Education and Religion Week 15 Chapter 14 and 15 Government and the Economy and Health, Population, and the Social Environment.
Final Exam Date	December 7, 2018 - 12:00 AM   Through  December 11, 2018 - 11:00 PM
Grading Scale	A = 90% 810-900 pts B = 80% 720-809 pts C = 70% 630-719 pts D = 60% 540-629 pts F = 50% below 539 pts
Determination of Final Grade	16 Discussions                      6.25 pts each =100 10 Journals                     10 pts each = 100 10 Critical Thinking Questions/Responses    10 pts each = 100 Syllabus and Orientation Exam          100 pts 100 Exam 1                     100 pts 100 Exam 2                         100 pts 100 Exam 3                         100 pts 100 Exam 4                         100 pts 100 Exam 5 100 pts 100                             TOTAL 900
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
Attendance Policy	Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. A student with three absences may be dropped from class. Consistent and punctual attendance is mandatory. Students who leave class early or habitually come to class late (over 10 minutes) will be counted as absent. A student may be dropped after three consecutive or five cumulative absences. It is the students responsibility to initiate a drop form if wishing to withdraw. Students should not assume that they will automatically be dropped by the instructor. Students failing to initiate appropriate action for withdrawing from the course through the Admissions office could risk receiving the grade of F. If class is an online class, the student must log in at least two times per week.
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	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
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.
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Other
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.