Sociology Text Required -Free Online

Introduction to Sociology 3e, Open Stax,

Rice University. Published date June 3, 2021.

Download at:  https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-sociology-3e.                                                    

Hardcover: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-98-5;  Paperback: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-97-8

Published June 3, 2021

Required Equipment:

Students must have a reliable computer and reliable internet connection. Mobile devices (cell phones and tablets devices) do not adequately support or run course content.

Computer Skills and Digital Information: All students are required to use a computer for this course. The required Browser is Google Chrome for Blackboard navigation.  Do not attempt to use Explorer or Safari for as they will not allow access to all Blackboard course content.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your computer is set up properly to navigate through all aspects of the class. 

All students should be able to use a word processor and its options such as spelling and grammar check and computer tutorials.

Blackboard Collaborate 

Blackboard Collaborate is a webinar platform for use in online virtual teaching. In order to use Bb Collaborate you will need: a built-in or external microphone, a built-in or external webcam, and a secure internet connection

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

Course Schedule

Week 1 – Introduction and Course Overview
Week 2 – Introduction to Sociology
Week 3 – Sociological Research
Week 4 – Culture
Week 5 – Society and Social Interaction
Week 6 – Socialization
Week 7 – Groups and Organizations
Week 8 – Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
Week 9 – Media and Technology
Week 10 – Social Stratification in the United States
Week 11 – Race and Ethnicity; Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
Week 12 – Age and Aging; Relationships, Marriage, and Family
Week 13 – Religion, Education, Government, and Politics
Week 14 – Work, Economy, Health, and Medicine
Week 15 – Environment, Social Movements, and Social Change
Week 16 – Final Review and Exam

GRADING CRITERIA

PLAGIARISM/CHEATING/AI USE

Plagiarism (Intentional or Unintentional), collusion, or cheating (in any form) will result in an “F” in the course.  Each student’s work must be original and his or her own work.   Cheating will be defined as using unauthorized materials during an exam (notes, books, cell phones, etc.), using, or being in possession of a pirated exam, copying from or “conferencing” with another student during a test, and plagiarizing journals, papers, or other written assignments. 

Any work which requires research requires appropriate documentation.   Sources must be documented completely and accurately.  Failure to accurately and completely cite your research sources will be considered as plagiarism; therefore, resulting in an “F” in the course. 

If a student is directly observed to be cheating or if there is ample evidence of cheating, then the student guilty of cheating will result in an “F” for the course.

When a grade of “F” is issued for the above reasons, then the numeric grade will be

recorded as a “0” (Zero) for the semester.

AI Use prohibited: Students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2) on assignments in this course. Each student is expected to complete each assignment without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.  The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you.
• Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete course assignments.

However, there are times where the instructor will ask you to use AI as part of an assignment.  This use of AI will be used as a tool and will be used responsibly.  

ONLINE CLASS WORK:

Online classes require a greater degree of independence and responsibility than traditional classes.  You must learn to pace yourself, and find time in your schedule to work on the class.  Online classes typically take as much time as traditional classes overall but allow more flexibility with the time.  You still have to put in the time.  If you allow yourself to neglect your studies you will fall quickly behind and end up performing below your expectations.  You should also have a reliable computer or access to a computer.  Computer problems or lack of internet are not a valid reason for not completing work by the due date. If you are dual credit high school student, you must plan around your extra curriculum and work schedule.  

CORRESPONDENCE WITHIN THE CLASS:

Communication regarding the online class (emails, turning in assignment, etc.) should be done using the Mail/Messages Link within Blackboard.  I will typically respond to e-mails within 24 hours within Blackboard.  I expect the same response time from students.   Do not expect a response on weekends. I am typically unavailable from Friday beginning at 8pm until Monday morning at 6am.  There may be times I check my emails and text on the weekend.  However, you should not wait until the last minute before something is due before trying to contact me.  The due dates for assignments will not be changed and extensions will not be given.  All assignment must be submitted in Blackboard through the ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION BOX or attached files.   The attachment must be in Microsoft Word or RTF.  Do not send attachments using MS Works.  If I can’t open it, then I can’t grade your assignment.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The college experience frequently questions, researches, evaluates and assesses controversial issues.  The classroom may serve as a forum for the presentation of a variety of ideas, none of which are intended injuriously. 
 

Welcome to Sociology 1301 - Spring 2026

Instructor: Kristi Clark

Course Duration

Fully Online

Dates: January 20, 2026 thru May 14, 2026

Course Overview

Introductory Sociology (3 Credit Hours)

Sociology is the scientific study of human society, examining how individuals, groups, and social institutions influence one another. Topics include:

• Social interaction
• Gender
• Race & ethnicity
• Deviance

Total Lecture Hours: 48

Getting Started – What to Review First

1. Syllabus (under “Welcome–Start Here”)
2. Read the full syllabus to understand:

• Course structure
• Grading breakdown
• Instructor contact information

1. Key Syllabus Sections:

• Materials: Introduction to Sociology 3e (OpenStax, Rice University – Free download, published June 3, 2021)
• Evaluation: Breakdown of your final course grade
• Accommodations: If you had or may need accommodations, contact Office of Disability Services early. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this process.

1. Course Schedule Document (also under “Welcome–Start Here”)

• Outlines what we’ll cover and when
• Lists deadlines for assignments and exams
• Download and keep it handy

Blackboard Tools to Use

• Announcements: Frequent course updates—check regularly
• Calendar: Track due dates for assignments and exams
• Gradebook: Monitor your progress (Course total = 1,000 points)

First Week Assignments

Due: January 27, 2026

These are mandatory. Failure to submit them on time will result in being dropped from the course.

1. Syllabus / Orientation Test
2. Discussion Post – Introduction
3. Discussion Post – Avoiding Plagiarism

Major Assignments

(Open on Day 1 – Start early!)

• Sociology Storytelling and Socialization (Chapter 5) – 50 points
• Community Action Assignment – 50 points

Modules I–IV

Each module includes:

• Overview & learning goals
• Required reading
• PowerPoints & videos
• Chapter Quizzes and Assignments
• Discussion post
• Review terms
• Matching activity
• Module exam

To Do Immediately

Complete and submit all First Week Assignments by January 27, 2026
 

Start Module I

Looking forward to a great and successful semester with you!
 

– Kristi Clark