INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGYSociology 111.03 Susan J. FergusonFall, 2008 Office: Carnegie 112Room: ARH 120 Office Phone: ext. 3133Time: MWF 3:15 - 4:05 p.m. Office Hours: 2 - 3 p.m. W/Fand by appointment“Tell me the landscape in which you live, and I will tell you who you are.”— José Ortega y GassetI. COURSE DESCRIPTION:This introductory course provides an overview of sociology as a discipline, including emphaseson sociological concepts, methods, perspectives, and areas of substantive concern. At the sametime, the sociological orientation of this course should enable you to view the surrounding worldin a different light. The familiar (e.g., families, friendships, school, work) and the perhapsunfamiliar (e.g., poverty, mental illness, natural disasters), can be analyzed and understood usingsociological perspectives.This course is organized into five thematic sections. The first section is an introduction tosociology and the study of society. This introduction includes an overview of the historicalsignificance of sociology and the development of its subsequent theories and methods. Thesecond section examines the relationships between the individual and society through theprocesses of socialization, social interaction, language, and group membership. Section Threefocuses on culture, social structure, and the need for community. The fourth section investigatessome of the major social institutions in society, including the family, religion, education, and thegovernment. The final section examines social stratification and social inequality. In particular,we will discuss how societies stratify individuals and groups based on their social class, gender,race, and ethnicity. II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:A. To introduce students to the essential concepts, theories, and methods used insociology to analyze phenomena.B. To give students an awareness of sociological curricula and the linkage betweensociological thought and other substantive areas.C. To enable students to identify and examine sociologically relevant problems andissues.D. To encourage critical thinking and writing skills that demonstrate the students'abilities to understand and analyze social issues.E. To enhance students' understanding and appreciation of the complexity of social life.III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:A. Exams: There will be two exams (a mid-semester exam and a final exam) that will coverprior lecture and reading material. Any additional material provided by assignments, guestspeakers, or videos also will be covered on the exams. The final exam is not comprehensive. Both exams are already scheduled in the course syllabus and students are expected to take theexams during class time on those days. There will be no makeup exams unless you have spokenwith me prior to the exam with a valid excuse. Each exam will count 20% of your final grade.B. Assignments: In addition to the two exams, there will be two required outside writingassignments. These assignments are aimed at determining if you are able to apply materiallearned in class. Each assignment will be relatively short in length, and instructions will begiven at least a week prior to when they are due. Assignments should be typed and reflectthoughtful writing skills. Late assignments, if accepted, will be graded down. Eachassignment will count 15% of your final grade.C. Field Observations: This course is not only about reading and understanding sociologicalprinciples and practices, it is also about doing sociology. Throughout the term we will be puttinglearning into practice through field exercises that invite you to activate your sociologicalimagination by becoming a participant observer. Our activities will be grounds for discussionand interpretation. At times, I will ask you to hand in an informal written report of your fieldobservations. Field observations will count 10% of your final grade.D. Discussion Papers: Students will be writing discussion papers in response to the readingson a regular basis. These papers will prepare you for class discussion and give you practice withwriting. These papers will count 10% of your final grade.E. Attendance and Participation: Finally, since the fall session is short and your participationencouraged, regular classroom attendance is expected. It has been my experience that irregularor casual attendance results in fragmented understanding and poor performance. Attendance willbe taken at the beginning of each class. If absence occurs, it is the student's responsibility tocontact the professor and other students in order to make up lost work. Attendance also isimportant because many class sessions will involve audio-visual material or group discussionsthat students will have the opportunity to participate in. Class participation, including shortexercises, group work, and attendance will count 10% of your final grade.F. Grading Distribution: The grading distribution can be summarized as follows:94 and up = A90 to 93 = A-87 to 89 = B+84 to 86 = B80 to 83 = B-76 to 79 = C+70 to 75 = C60 to 69 = D59 and below = FG. The Writing Lab: Students are strongly encouraged to make appointments with staff in theWriting Lab to discuss rough drafts of papers. If you use the Writing Lab, pleaseacknowledge the staff person you worked with on your paper.IV. REQUIRED READINGS: The following books are available in the College Bookstoreand on reserve in the Burling Library:1). Derber, Charles. 2000. The Pursuit of Attention: Power and Ego in Everyday Life.New York: Oxford Paperbacks. 2). Erikson, Kai T. 1976. Everything In Its Path: Destruction of Community in the BuffaloCreek Flood. New York: Simon & Schuster. (You can use the latest edition as well)3). Ferguson, Susan J. 2008. Mapping the Social Landscape: Readings in Sociology. FifthEdition. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing.4). MacLeod, Jay. 2000. Ain't No Makin' It: Leveled Aspirations in a Low-IncomeNeighborhood. Boulder: Westview Press. (You can use either the 2nd or 3rd edition)In addition to the above books, there are required supplemental readings that will bemade available in class. Please keep up with the syllabus by reading the assigned articles orchapters prior to the day that topic is discussed. The attached course schedule with readingassignments shows what you are expected to have read each day of class. You should come toclass prepared to summarize and discuss each of the assigned articles or