1 Introduction to Sociology 1001 Spring 2009 Metro State 1-3:30 Thur. 308 Lib Instructor: Maureen Clark Office Hours: I will also be available after class for any questions or concerns. However, when you try to conduct business with me in the moments before class starts, I sometimes feel harried and can't give your question or issue the attention it deserves. It's much better if you visit me during break or after class; make an appointment to discuss your concern, or send me an email. *Email: [email protected] Blog: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/clar0514/academic/ * Email is the best way to contact me. *E-Mail: The University expects that all students regularly check their student e-mail accounts. I expect that you all have, use and understand your e-mail account. If you are unfamiliar with e-mail, your university account or the internet in general, please come see one of us. I will be using your e-mail accounts to send you important notices. Please let me know if this will be a problem for you. Course Synopsis and Goals Sociology is the study of society or our everyday world. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to sociology's basic concepts, theories, methods, and applications. Through the use of lectures, small group discussions, readings, exercises, videos, writing assignments, and exams, this course will help students to better understand how their interests, choices, values, and behaviors are shaped by social forces as we help to shape those very social forces. This course will prepare students for further study in the discipline of sociology and other social sciences. It will also help us understand our own place in the social world. Course Goals: At the end of the class I hope you will have a better understanding of inequality in societies based on race, class, gender and sexuality. I also expect that you will understand how these categories impact everyone on a daily basis. Therefore, I expect that we will all come to understand, personally, how inequality affects our lives. Course Expectations: • Define key terms and concepts. • Learn how Race, Class, Gender, Sexuality, Social Institutions, and theoretical ideas affect/effect our everyday lives. • Expand ability to express ideas in writing. • Use what we learn in class to analyze the world around you. • Learn to use your Sociological Imagination2 Required Text: Giddens, Anthony, Mitchell Dunier, and Richard Appelbaum. 2007. Introduction to Sociology 6th Edition. W.W.Norton and Company; New York and London. Textbook Resources Here is the link to the student website that has great information for students, including practice quizzes. www.wwnorton.com/giddens Suggested Text I suggest a Writer’s reference book and/or a style manual. My favorites are: Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martin’s Press. (You can purchase the book at this website. There are also some very useful writing exercises, tips and links to other useful sites.) http://www.dianahacker.com/writersref/ American Sociological Association Style Guide (available at this website) http://www.asanet.org/pubs/ref.html Course Expectations and Policies Attendance/Participation: You are expected to participate as active participation will increase your grasp of and retention of course material. I will be taking attendance every week. You are allowed two missed classes without penalty. Your final grade will be docked one-half a letter grade for every absence after the second absence. If you earned an A in the course your final grade would be an A-. If there is an emergency please contact me Before the missed class period. Or as soon as possible. I understand that life happens and some things can not be planned in advance, but treat this class as you would a job. Respect: Due to the real life nature of the subjects we study in sociology, I expect you to have opinions and positions on various topics. I encourage everyone to present his or her views. To allow others to feel safe in this classroom, I ask that you use tact and understanding when presenting your ideas. Someone in this classroom may have been or currently is affected by the particular social circumstances we are discussing. Anyone who becomes out of control or verbally abusive will be asked to leave the classroom. This should not discourage discussion of any topics, but through mutual respect for the opinions and experiences of others, we will be able to discuss even the most sensitive of subjects. Missed Exams: As there are two exams and you know well in advance when they are scheduled. Make ups will only be granted if you have written documentation for an excused absence (for example, funerals, school activities, or illness.). Please e-mail the instructor explaining the situation as soon as possible. If possible, please make arrangements in advance. Scholastic Misconduct/Cheating: Scholastic misconduct can include: collaborating on assignments without the instructor’s permission, cheating on tests, essays, or papers, plagiarizing (misrepresenting someone else’s work as your own), or interfering with another student’s ability to complete course work. If you3 engage in scholastic misconduct, you can receive an F for the course and actions at the University level can be taken. See section 7 of the student conduct code. https://db.metrostate.edu/webapps/drep/Policy1020.pdf Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is prohibited at this University and is a crime. The University’s policy and definition of sexual harassment can be found at: http://www.mnscu.edu/Policies/PolicyIndex.html. Incompletes: Except under extreme and documented circumstances, such as a prolonged illness or death in the family, I do not give out incompletes. If circumstances arise in which you think you will not be able to complete the course, you need to speak with me as soon as possible. An incomplete requires a written contract between the student and the instructor. Credits and Workload Expectations Students are expected to spend approximately three hours of learning effort per credit hour per week (averaged over a full semester) to achieve an average grade in a course. Thus, students in this class should expect to spend an additional nine hours a week on coursework outside of lectures. Blog: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/clar0514/academic/ The Blog is an interactive website. I post all lectures to the Blog