Summer Sessions 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: SOCI-1301 (Section: 71, CRN: 61179)
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 Monday -Thursday 1-2pm
Please make any needed appointments via CONEXED. 
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 You will find that I have provided links to so helpful videos to support your chapter readings. 
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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: June 2nd - June 6th
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Sociology
Chapter 2: Sociological Research
Chapter 3: Culture
Chapter 4: Society and Social Interaction
            Exam Opens June 6th - Due June 8th @ 10pm
             Assignment Due: June 8th @ 11:30pm

Module 2: June 9th  - June 13th 
Chapter 5: Socialization
Chapter 6: Groups and Organizations
Chapter 7: Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
Chapter 8: Media and Technology
              Exam Opens June 13th - Due 15th @ 10pm
              Assignment Due: June 15th @ 11:30pm


Module 3: June 16th - June 20st
Chapter 9: Social Stratification in the United States
Chapter 10: Global Inequality
Chapter 11: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 12: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
             Exam Opens June 20th - Due 22nd @ 10pm
             Assignment Due: June 22nd @ 11:30pm

 HOLIDAY: JUNE 19TH

Module 4: June 23th - June 27th 
Chapter 13: Aging and the Elderly
Chapter 14: Relationships, Marriage, and Family
Chapter 15: Religion
Chapter 16: Education
                Exam Opens June 27th - Due 29th @ 10pm
              Assignment Due: June 29th @ 11:30pm  
                Research Assignment is Due -June 30th @ 11:30 PM

HOLIDAY: JULY 4TH

 Module 5: June 30th - July 4th
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
          Final exam Opens July 1st; Due July 7th @ 8:00 am
  
Major Assignments Schedule This is a five week course. Therefore, all assignments and exams are essential to your success in this course. Please check your emails and Blackboard weekly.
Final Exam Date July 1, 2025 - 5:0 PM   Through  July 7, 2025 - 8:0 AM
Grading Scale 540-600=A
480-539=B
420-479=C
360-419=D
359-Below=F
Determination of
Final Grade

All test and assignments are major and determines your final grade. 

540-600=A
480-539=B
420-479=C
360-419=D
359-Below=F

5 Small Assignments (50pts)
5 Exams (500pts): All exams are due the following Sunday at 10pm. This time does not include the final exam. See below. 
1 Research Assignment (50pts): Feel free to use any topic in the text when thinking about a topic.


600 Possible Points = 67% Exams and 33% Assignments


******** Your final exam will be available online, July 1st @ 5:00pm and is due July 7th @ 8:00 am
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
  • Before opening your exams, be sure to have access to internet. Also make sure your wifi connection is strong to prevent glitches. 
  • Once the exam is open, you must finish them in one session. If you close it, that will end your access to the exam. 
  • No make-up exams or assignments.
  • Please do not turn in any late assignments. Late assignments will not be graded. 
  • All exams will be available each Friday of the summer semester
  • You will have access to the exams from Friday @ 5pm - Sunday @ 10pm (excluding the final exam). 
  • Please make appointments with me via CONEXED when needed. 
Attendance Policy Please do not procrastinate.  Read your chapters as assigned weekly. 
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 Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. 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:Dr. Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431