Developing Sociological ConsciousnessSocial Issues: Perspectives in SociologyM/W 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Instructor Robin CrawfordCRN 11383- Section 2105/03 E-mail: [email protected] Social Science 1021 Office Location: SO5093Office Hours: M/W: 9:30 – 11:30 am; 1 – 3 pm; or by appointment It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it. ~Jacob BronowskiSpring 2010So many questions about our social world compel us to take a closer look at sociology as a social science and the importance of its principles as life-enhancing tools. In this course a common set of world social issues will be critically examined from the sociological perspective. The discipline of sociology focuses on how culture and social structure combine to shape the way we as human beings live our lives and define and solve our problems.You are about to enter a world that will challenge your current assumptions. Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to suspend judgment and approach this sociological journey with an open mind. Think about what is revealed in your assigned readings and assignments, and ask questions. Think about and respectfully respond to your fellow classmates' observations and perspectives during class discussions. Become a “practical skeptic” by exploring beyond the surface. Question what is considered “the obvious.” Your objectives: Explain the sociological perspective.  Use sociology to better understand yourself and society.  Participate in and reflect upon desocialization activities. Discuss and analyze social issues/problems by challenging “the obvious” with a dose of healthy skepticism. Propose practical solutions to social problems that include individual, community, organizational, and institutional responsibility. Required TextsObtaining the required texts is solely the responsibility of the student. If you order the assigned books from sources other than the bookstore, you are responsible for ensuring that the books arrive on time or getting another copy in the meantime - you are responsible for remaining current with your assigned readings.- Charon, Joel M. and Le Garth Vigilant. 2009. The Meaning of Sociology, 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.- *Articles will be posted on Vista.Course Format - You are responsible for reading all of the assigned material BEFORE attending class. As you read the material, you are encouraged to ask:  What does the author want me to glean from this information/research? Why? What does the information/research reveal? Whose truth is in the information/research? What are my assumptions and conclusions after reviewing this information/research?Why?As we analyze our social world you will have several opportunities to demonstrate your understanding of sociological concepts through group assignments – in and out of class - and in class discussions. In addition to the required reading, you may watch films and popular animated television shows, analyze popular music, and exercise the sociological perspective on a number of current events.Crawford – 2105/03 - Spring 2010Attendance - Attendance is essential for successful completion of this course. Some of the material covered in class will not be found in the readings; therefore if you miss class, you miss important information directly connected to your overall success in the class. Past experience has revealed that relying on the notes from other students does not work, as you will miss key points. Additionally, I will notmake a special effort to bring you up to date on information and materials missed – please consult with one of your group members. Although attendance is not included in your final evaluation, attendance sheets will be available for each class, as your attendance pattern may make the difference if your grade isright on the line. You are expected to arrive to class prepared and on time, just as you expect me to arrive prepared and on time. Class Participation - Participation is expected, as an individual and as part of a group. This can only be accomplished by reading the assigned material BEFORE class to be familiar with the topic for discussion. Be assured that lectures and class discussion will go beyond what is assigned in the readings. Your preparation ahead of time contributes to class discussions and group assignments in a meaningful way. A good portion of your learning will come from your fellow classmates. If you are not planning to read the assigned material, you may want to plan on dropping the class.Class Manners - Not to be condescending, as most of you already know and adhere to these basic rules of civility, but for those of you who have managed to get by without following these basic rules to date: Laptop users - sit in the very back of the class or do not use it!! Please familiarize yourself with assignment and exam dates. The degradation of specific individuals or groups and/or excessive use of profanity in any class discussion or assignment will compromise your grade. Sociologists look for patterns and what is typical. There will be times when your personal experience will differ from what we are discussing in class. Some of what will be discussed will go against popularbelief. Although interesting, personal experience or anecdotal evidence is not sufficient to prove a point. So, if you did not review the assigned material, please do not argue about an issue.Technology - Guidelines related to how to use Vista will be addressed during the first week of class. Vista will be a primary tool used for announcements, assignments, and other pertinent materials. You will also be able to check grades, communicate with fellow classmates, communicate with me through e-mail, and access additional links to articles, etc. You should be checking Vista at least twice a week to stay current. When you have a question, comment, complaint, concern, or you just want to say how much you are enjoying your learning experience :o), please e-mail me through Vista. My goal is to respond within 24hours to Vista e-mails that don't require effort beyond a quick response (between Monday at 8 am until Friday at 8 pm - weekend e-mails are not guaranteed a response within 24 hours). If your e-mail requires