Spring 2024 Course Syllabus
Course: SOCI-1301 (Section: 3E, CRN: 10895)
Introduction to Sociology 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Lawanda Brown
Email brownl1@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6185
Office Student Center - Room: 308
Office Hours Please make an appointment via CONEXED.   

Tuesday and Thursday 1-2
Additional Contact Information
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.
Required 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.

  • Introduction to Sociology, 3e. Openstax, Rice University (a free textbook)
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites A desire to learn. 
Learning Outcomes
  • Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology.
  • Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.
  • Describe key concepts in sociology.
  • Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.
  • Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces.
Core Objectives
  •  Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or 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.

Lecture Topics Outline Class topics are discussed in Modules.  Each module assignment will only cover subjects in major. Remember, a syllabus serves as a guideline to the course and some changes may be required. 

Module 1
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Sociology
Chapter 2: Sociological Research
Chapter 3: Culture
Chapter 4: Society and Social Interaction
            Assignment 1 (25pts): checking for Understanding
            Exam 1- Feb. 16th
            Feb. 19th - 23rd: Group Assignment (50pts)


Module 2
Chapter 5: Socialization
Chapter 6: Groups and Organizations
Chapter 7: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
Chapter 8: Media and Technology
 
Assignment 2 (25pts ): checking for Understanding
            Exam 2 - Mar. 8th
            Mar. 11th - 15th: SPRING BREAK

 
Module 3 Group Presentations
Chapter 9: Social Stratification in the United States
Chapter 10: Global Inequality
Chapter 11: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 12: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
 
Assignment 3 (25pts): checking for Understanding
            Exam 3 – April 5th

 
Module 4
Chapter 13: Aging and the Elderly
Chapter 14: Relationships, Marriage, and Family
Chapter 15: Religion
Chapter 16: Education

Assignment 4 (25pts): checking for Understanding
           
 
Module 5 
Chapter 17: Government
Chapter 18: Work and the Economy
Chapter 19: Health and Medicine
Chapter 20: Population, Urbanization, and the Environment
Chapter 21: Social Movement and Social Change
            Assignment: (Group Module: 50pts Assignment)
  
  • Final Exam – May 6th
Major Assignments Schedule All test and assignments are major and determines your final grade. 
Final Exam Date May 6, 2024 - 8:5 AM   Through  May 6, 2024 - 9:0 AM
Grading Scale
540-600=A
480-539=B
420-479=C
360-419=D
359-Below=F
Determination of
Final Grade		 4 Assignments (100pts)
2 Pop Quizzes/Assignments (25pts each)
4 Exams (400pts)
1 Group Assignment (50pts)

600 Possible Points = 67% Exams and 33% Assignments



Course Policies
Instructor Policies
  • Please show respect to the learning environment. 
  • Restrain from any cell phone use including the viewing of the assigned text book.
  • Most assignments are class assignments and are due at the end of each assigned class period.
  • Any take home assignments are due the following class period. 
  • No late assignments are accepted. 
  • There are no make up exams without prior notification of absence. 
  • All group members must participate in group assignments. Group members are randomly selected.
  • No charging electronics during class time. 
Attendance Policy
  • Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Please make ever efforts to be on time and attend regularly. 
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern 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.
Department Information
Academic Advising
Chair:Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431