Sociology 111 (section 01) :: Introduction to Sociology Grinnell College Syllabus version 1.0, last update 26 August 2009. Many thanks to Susan Ferguson, who provided very useful comments on this document; her syllabi as those of Karla Erickson have helped inform this one. Fall 2009 Instructor: Craig Upright MWF Office: ARH 116A ; (641) 269-3827 8:00 – 8:50 a.m. Email: [email protected] ARH 120 Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 1 Course Description Introduction to basic concepts, theory, and methods concerning human behavior and social structure. Special attention is paid to the scope and limitations of sociological analysis and the major empirical areas of investigation in sociology. 1.1 Course Objectives Sociology involves the study of social relations that exist across various levels of analysis: among individuals, organizations, institutions and society writ large. We attempt to find the general in the particular, and to identify norms and values, and to discover how societies are replicated across generations as well as how they change. This course has four main objectives: 1. Introduce basic concepts in the social sciences. 2. Define “social issues” in sociological terms. 3. Understand how social relations are informed by and influence societal values. 4. Develop skills of critical thinking and writing. Class sessions will include lectures and video presentations. There will be many opportunities for discussion of the various issues brought up during class. 1.2 About This Document Yes, this is one of the longer syllabi you will receive during your time at Grinnell. In addition to the standard list of required textbooks and weekly reading schedule, it also includes all assignment guidelines and other bits of information you might find useful throughout the semester. Attached at the end you will find grading rubrics that you should submit with your various assignments –you can print out additional copies if necessary from the course’s PioneerWeb (Blackboard) site. On the next page a handy table of contents should help guide your way.Sociology 111.01 :: Introduction to Sociology 2 1.3 Table of Contents 1! Course Description........................................................................................................ 1!1.1! Course Objectives .................................................................................................. 1!1.2! About This Document............................................................................................ 1!1.3! Table of Contents................................................................................................... 2!1.4! Textbooks and Readings........................................................................................ 2!1.5! Course Overview ................................................................................................... 3!2! Policies, Requirements, and Grading............................................................................ 4!2.1! Disability Accomodations...................................................................................... 4!2.2! Announcements, Correspondence, “Open Door Policy”....................................... 4!2.3! Attendance ............................................................................................................. 4!2.4! Classroom Conduct................................................................................................ 5!2.5! Late Papers, Extensions ......................................................................................... 5!2.6! Grading Components ............................................................................................. 5!3! Important Dates and Assignment Deadlines................................................................. 6!4! Weekly Memos ............................................................................................................. 7!4.1! The “Research Agenda”......................................................................................... 8!4.2! Intended Audience ................................................................................................. 8!4.3! Asking (and Answering) Questions....................................................................... 9!4.4! Memo Responses, Assessments............................................................................. 9!5! Final Writing Assignment: “Journal Article Review”................................................ 10!5.1! Finding an Article to Review............................................................................... 10!5.2! Approval of Journal Article ................................................................................. 10!5.3! Intended Audience ............................................................................................... 10!5.4! Paper Contents ..................................................................................................... 10!5.5! Due Date: Monday, 23 November 2009.............................................................. 11!6! General Paper Guidelines and Tips............................................................................. 12!7! Course-specific Paper Requirements .......................................................................... 14!8! ASA Style Guide for Citations and References.......................................................... 15!8.1! In-text References ................................................................................................ 15!8.2! References Page Formatting ................................................................................ 16!8.3! Web Page Citations and References .................................................................... 17!9! Weekly Schedule (subject to change)......................................................................... 18!1.4 Textbooks and Readings The first page of the “Weekly Schedule” section includes a list of all required textbooks. I also highly recommended the following for your personal library. Though not required for this course, they will provide invaluable help in all of your academic pursuits. University of Chicago Press. 2003. The Chicago Manual of Style. 15th edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. 1995. The Craft of Research. Chicago: University of