Introduction to Sociology SOC 101 Section # 6877 Glendale Community College Course Syllabus Spring 2004 Class Information: Instructor : Bruno Gavran Office Phone No: (623) 845-3685 Social Sciences Office Office Hours : By appointment Class meets: Mondays 7:10 pm- 9:55 pm in room CL 12 01/26 to 05/03 No Classes: Mon. Feb 16 and March 15 – 21 Course Description: Fundamental concepts of social organization, culture, socialization and social change. Prerequisites: None Required Texts: Society, The Basics John J. Macionis Course Objectives / Competencies: This course will provide you with the opportunities to utilize critical thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. You will also be provided with information that will help you identify, explain, and use various theories used in the field of sociology. Upon completion of this course, students will meet the requirements set out by the MCCCD Official Course Competencies for SOC101 956-999 Introduction to Sociology by being able to: 1. Define sociology and explain how it differs from other social sciences. (I) 2. Explain the sociological imagination and how it operates in everyday life. (I) 3. Describe the basic theoretical perspectives sociologists use to analyze social phenomena. (II) 4. Name and briefly describe the importance of selected major theorists to the field of sociology. (II) 5. List and explain the phases in a basic research design. (III) 6. Describe and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods. (III) 7. Define the basic sociological concepts: culture, society, socialization, social structure, groups, and institutions. (IV) 8. Describe values and norms, including mores, folkways, and laws. (IV) 9. Describe societal and structural factors that can influence individual behavior. (V) 10. Describe sociological / psychological theories as they relate to the development of the self. (V) 11. Describe the influence of selected institutions on society and the individual. (VI) 12. Describe the effect of race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and age on social inequality. (VII) 13. Explain major sociological perspectives on social class. (VII) 14. Explain how conflict, functionalist, and symbolic interactionist theoretical perspectives view deviance and conformity. (VIII) 15. Describe and explain social change, including the influence of collective behavior, social movements, and demographic factors. (IX)Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes and to be present on time. It is very important to be present so that all students can participate in class discussion, group work and student presentations. Students must call me if they are to be absent. Otherwise, absence will be unexcused. Should you accumulate more than two (2) unexcused days in a row, you may be withdrawn from the course. Remember, you will be graded on attendance and class participation. A calendar of classes and assignments are provided so you may make the necessary arrangements for absences, should you find any conflicting dates. Note !!!!! This course is 16 weeks in duration. Evaluation methods and grading: Grades will be based on the following scale: A - 90 – 100% B - 80 – 89% C- 70-79% D- 60-69% F - 0-59% W - Withdrawal I - Incomplete Please keep in mind a grade of “D” does not transfer to most four year institutions, but is a passing grade. A credit / non credit option is not available. Keep track of your grades so you know exactly where you stand at all times. The following grading system will be applied: 1. Family Biography or Autobiography- 20% 2. Quiz and Mid term - 20% 3. Research Paper- 20% 4. Participation / Attendance / Group Work- 20% 5. Quiz and Final Exam- 20% Your assignments are due on time. Assignments handed in the next class after will lose one (1) letter grade. Assignments will lose a grade per class missed and will then receive a “0” unless alternative arrangements are made. Reading assignments and study assignments are to be completed prior to each class so as to benefit from class and group discussions. I recommend a study group or a buddy system for a more comprehensive understanding of the work being done. Share your phone number with a classmate. Mid term and final exams will be taken on the dates noted in the syllabus. No make ups will be permitted unless serious, extenuating circumstances prevent you from taking the test. Make up tests will be accepted two weeks after the original test date and will be taken in a location to be determined. The Family Biography or Autobiography will be 3 ½ - 4 pages long. This paper will be addressing issues relating to sociology, such as your socialization process, influential people in your life and how they affected you. To be discussed in the 1st class. The Research Paper will be discussed by week three.Course Policies: All assignments must be typed and free of grammatical errors. Plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in course failure and disciplinary action. Students are expected to be prepared for discussion and participate fully. The college will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify Student Services and their instructor of any special needs. Course Outline: Course content may vary from this outline to meet the need of this particular group. Week 1 Introductions and orientation to the class. Discussion of syllabus and course objectives. What are your expectations of this class? Discussion on sociology…. What does it mean? Get to know your neighbor. Get to know yourself. Read chapter 1. Discuss and explain thought paper. (Family Biographies / Autobiographies). Week 2 Introduction of concepts and definitions used in sociology. Group work- Why do people do what they do? Identify issues from the past and present that calls for research. Identify events and institutions sociologists can study… reasons why? Discuss methods and theories used in sociology research. Group discussion and comparing cultures/societies. Begin group project- “Create a Society.” (2nd half of class) Read chapter 2- Culture. Week 3 Information to help you get started on your Family Biography. -continue working on society projects (2nd half of class) Read chapter 4- Social Interaction Week 4 Compare, contrast, and analyze culture and society as