Glendale Community College Course Syllabus Sociology 101 Section: 34408 Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Instructor: Diane E. Robinson, M.A. Location: GCCN - 102 Begins: August 23rd - December 19th, 2008 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: By appointment Text: Society: The Basic (9th edition) by John J. Macionis (Required) Course Description: Introduction to Sociology (Soc 101): Fundamental concepts of social organization, culture, socialization, social institutions and social change. Official Course Competencies: By the end of the semester you will have a good general knowledge of the elements of Sociology in contemporary society. There are a number of specific components of this general knowledge. You will be able to: 1. Define sociology and explain how it differs from other social sciences. 2. Explain the sociological imagination and how it operates in everyday life. 3. Describe the basic theoretical perspectives sociologists use to analyze social phenomenon. 4. Name and briefly describe the importance of selected major theorists in the field of sociology. 5. List and explain the stages in a basic research design. 6. Describe and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods. 7. Define the basic sociological concepts: culture, society, socialization, social structure, groups and institutions. 8. Describe values and norms, including mores, folkways and laws. 9. Describe societal and structural factors that can influence individual behavior. 10. Describe sociological/psychological theories as they relate to the development of self. 11. Describe the influence of selected institutions on society and the individual. 12. Describe the effect of race/ethnicity, gender/sex, and age on social inequality. 13. Explain major sociological perspectives on social class. 14. Explain how conflict, functionalist, and symbolic interactionist theoretical perspectives view deviance and conformity. 15. Describe and explain social change, including the influence of collective, social movements and demographic factors. Important Date: Final Examination: December 13, 2008 normal class time. Teaching Philosophy/Method: In class, we will learn with a combination of lecture, group activities and student participation/discussion. Out of class, you will have access to GCC's technology resources for both research and completing assignments. Lessons are based on the text and other resources. Students are expected to read chapters prior to class to facilitate class discussions. Since lectures, readings and dicussions are designed to complement one another, your attendance and active participation are critical. Class Atmosphere: Learning should be fun and involve all class members. In order for this to happen, we must maintain a high level of respect toward varying viewpoints and opinions.Courtesy and Feedback. 1. Everyone is entitled to opinions that are supportable and honest, and these opinions MUST be respected by each of us. You may question what is being said: however, at no time, will you attack the person. We will discuss appropriate feedback early in the semester. You will have an opportunity to present your perspective. 2. Only one person should be talking at one time; more than one person speaking at a time is disconcerting and disrespectful. "Side-bars" (individual comments/discussions, while someone has the "floor" will not be tolerated. I understand there will be times when you want to discuss the topic at hand with another class member: however, it is inappropriate behavior. Each student will be afforded an opportunity to present his/her comments/opinions. Therefore, please give the current speaker the same courtesies you desire when it is your turn to speak. 3. Please raise your hand, when you wish to speak. I will call on students in the order in which I see hands. 4. Please keep the above courtesies in mind through the semester Pagers and Cell Phones. If you come to class with pagers and cell phones, please turn them off during the class session. Cell phones can not be visible or accessible during class time and especially not visible or accessible during an exam. Audio - Taping. No audio/video taping will be allowed in the classroom. Classroom Distractions: During class, please refrain from engaging in the following, or similar activities: 1. Sharpening pencils. 2. Disposing of trash. 3. Eating and gum chewing. 4. Putting on make-up, combing hair, etc. 5. Sleeping, reading or doing other unrelated class activities. Food and Beverages: No food or drink is allowed in class. Students Rights and Responsibilities: Please read the section in your current GCC student handbook about student rights and responsibilites. *Special Note: Students are encouraged to keep records of their test scores until they receive their final grade. Attendance Policy: I recognize that you have multiple responsibilities in your life; consequently, I do not put you in a position of justifying a class absence. However, because there is no alternate means for securing much of the information presented in class, a basic requirement is to come to class. Because you need to be present to learn concepts introducted in this course (and for me to certify you have mastered the materials), attendance and class participation influence your final grade. Absences Attendance will be taken each day. 1. General Absences. A combined total of three (3) hours of class (leaving early or missingentire classes) from unexcused absences, may be accrued without penalty. Points will be deducted at a rate of two (2) points per unexcused absences after that. Excessive absences may result in withdrawal from the course. 2. Excused absences. Contact me regarding emergencies and to arrange excused absences when you know you need to be absent from class. 3. Official Absences. (Student Life release forms for sports, performances, etc.) GCC's policy for official absences is that you notify the instructor in advance to make-up work. It is your responsibility to keep me informed. If possible, contact me in advance of any absence. I generally call you if you miss two successive classes and will try to help you arrange to make-up classes without forfeiting the class. * Absences do not