Spring 2020 Course Syllabus
Course: SOCI-1301- Section: 3C
Introduction to Sociology
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Sonya Briscoe
E-mailbriscoesy@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6364
Office
Location:Educational I - Room: 133
Hours:Adjunct - Student conferecnces by appointment. T/Th
Department
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Dr. Michelle Davis
E-mail:davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6341

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
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 Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Sociology (16th ed), John J. Macionis, Pearson.
ISBN-10: 0-13-420631-2 ISBN-13: 987-0-13-420631-8

Lecture Topics
Outline
Wk1 (Jan 21-26) (20th MLK Holiday)
Orientation, introduction, Syllabus review
Reading: Ch1- The Sociological Perspective
Ch2-Sociological Investigation

Wk 2 (Jan 27–Feb 2)
Discussion 1: Due Thur (Jan 30) - Two (2) Replies: Due (Feb 6)
Reading: Ch3-Culture
Ch4-Society

Wk 3 (Feb 3-9)
D1- Replies
Exam 1 (Ch 1-4)
Reading: Ch5- Socialization

Wk 4 (Feb 10-16)
Reading: Ch6-Social Interaction in Everyday Life
Ch7-Groups and Organizations

Wk 5 (Feb 17-23)
Reading: Ch8- Sexuality and Society
Ch9-Deviance

Wk 6 (Feb 24-Mar 1)
Exam 2: (Ch 5-9)
Discussion 2: Due Thur (Feb 27) - Two (2) Replies: Due(Mar 5)

Wk 7 (Mar 2-8)
D2 – Replies
Reading: Ch10-Social Stratification
Ch11-Social Class in the United States

Spring Break (March 11-15)

Wk 8 (Mar 16-22)
*MIDTERM PAPER: Essay Due Sun (Mar 19)
Reading: Ch12-Global Stratification

Wk 9 (Mar 23-29)
Reading: Ch13-Gender Stratification
Ch14-Race and Ethnicity

Wk 10 (Mar 30- Apr 5)
Discussion 3: Due Thur (Apr 2) - Two (2) Replies: Due (Apr 9)
Reading: Ch15-Aging and Elderly

Wk 11 (Apr 6-12)
D3 - Replies
Exam 3: (Ch 10-15)
Reading: Ch16-Education and Religion

Wk 12 (Apr 13-19)
Reading: Ch17-Health and Medicine
Ch18-Families

Wk 13 (Apr 20-26)
Reading: Ch19-Religion
Ch20-Education
Ch21-Health and Medicine

Wk 14 (Apr 27-May 3)
Reading: Ch22-Population, Urbanization, and Environment
Ch23-Collective Behavior, and Social Movements
Ch24-Social Change: Traditional, Modern, and Postmodern Societies
*FINAL: Comprehensive Paper Due Apr 30

Wk15 (May 4 - 10)
Exam 4: (Ch16-21)

Wk 16 (May 11-15)
No CLASS
Major Assignments
Schedule
Wk1 (Jan 21-26) (20th MLK Holiday)
Orientation, introduction, Syllabus review
Reading: Ch1- The Sociological Perspective
Ch2-Sociological Investigation

Wk 2 (Jan 27–Feb 2)
Discussion 1: Due Thur (Jan 30) - Two (2) Replies: Due (Feb 6)
Reading: Ch3-Culture
Ch4-Society

Wk 3 (Feb 3-9)
D1- Replies
Exam 1 (Ch 1-4)
Reading: Ch5- Socialization

Wk 4 (Feb 10-16)
Reading: Ch6-Social Interaction in Everyday Life
Ch7-Groups and Organizations

Wk 5 (Feb 17-23)
Reading: Ch8- Sexuality and Society
Ch9-Deviance

Wk 6 (Feb 24-Mar 1)
Exam 2: (Ch 5-9)
Discussion 2: Due Thur (Feb 27) - Two (2) Replies: Due(Mar 5)

Wk 7 (Mar 2-8)
D2 – Replies
Reading: Ch10-Social Stratification
Ch11-Social Class in the United States

Spring Break (March 11-15)

Wk 8 (Mar 16-22)
*MIDTERM PAPER: Essay Due Sun (Mar 19)
Reading: Ch12-Global Stratification

Wk 9 (Mar 23-29)
Reading: Ch13-Gender Stratification
Ch14-Race and Ethnicity

Wk 10 (Mar 30- Apr 5)
Discussion 3: Due Thur (Apr 2) - Two (2) Replies: Due (Apr 9)
Reading: Ch15-Aging and Elderly

Wk 11 (Apr 6-12)
D3 - Replies
Exam 3: (Ch 10-15)
Reading: Ch16-Education and Religion

Wk 12 (Apr 13-19)
Reading: Ch17-Health and Medicine
Ch18-Families

Wk 13 (Apr 20-26)
Reading: Ch19-Religion
Ch20-Education
Ch21-Health and Medicine

Wk 14 (Apr 27-May 3)
Reading: Ch22-Population, Urbanization, and Environment
Ch23-Collective Behavior, and Social Movements
Ch24-Social Change: Traditional, Modern, and Postmodern Societies
*FINAL: Comprehensive Paper Due Apr 30

Wk15 (May 4 - 10)
Exam 4: (Ch16-21)

Wk 16 (May 11-15)
No CLASS

Final Exam Date May 7, 2020 - 12:30 PM   Through  May 7, 2020 - 3:30 PM
Grading Scale 900 - 1000 = A 800 - 890 = B 700 - 790 = C 600 - 690 = D 590 – below = F
Determination of
Final Grade
Three (100 pts ea/300pts) Discussions: 30%
Four (100 pts ea.) Exams: 40%
MidTerm Essay (150 pts): 15%
Final Essay (150 pts): 15%

Course Policies
Instructor Policies If you have any questions and/or concerns, please make me aware of them.

If you need to speak to me in person, please see me after class or make an appointment for longer conversations. Such appointments will be immediately following class on Tuesday or Thursday (try to present two possible days to select from in case of scheduling conflicts).

Don’t wait until you have fallen far behind to seek help. I want you to succeed, I am here to assist you in your academic success.

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.
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
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  2. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  3. 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 the Office for Disability Services 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
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.