GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Fall 2011 SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology Section number: 17104 Mon/Weds., CL-12 4:15—5:30 p.m. Instructor: Patrick P. Crowley Office: faculty offices 5 (GCC main) Office phone: (623) 845-3685 Office hours: by appointment only Email: [email protected] Instructional Level/ Course Prerequisite This course is first/second year level. There is no prerequisite for the course. However, students must be able to think and read critically. Course Description This course will introduce the student to basic concepts, theories, and research as they relate to US society. One focus of this class is to explore the social constructions of our society. A second focus will be exploring theoretical approaches to understanding U.S. society. Sociological theory will be a central component of this course, but theoretical approaches will also be drawn from a variety of disciplines including psychology, social psychology, and political economy to provide an eclectic base from which to understand the complexities of this topic. Using the important tools of social concepts and theories, we will critically examine a variety of institutions impacting the individual and the group, analyzing the ways in which social constructions have deliberately and unintentionally been related to the distribution of resources in the US. Through academic inquiry, we will explore the diversity of experiences in the US. Student Academic Achievement - Important Abilities Glendale Community College focuses on the enhancement of the student’s abilities in many areas. In this course, we will focus on (1) critical thinking, (2) communication and (3) social, civic and global responsibility. Assignments and discussions in this course will focus on these abilities. In an effort to support GCC’s mission of providing opportunities to achieve success in educational and personal goals, the General Education Abilities Matrix was developed by our faculty. Please see the link for more details on the abilities we will focus on in our course. o General Education Abilities Matrix MCCD Official Course Competencies: Introduction to Sociology 1. Define sociology and explain how it differs from other social sciences. (I) 2. Explain the sociological imagination and how it operates in everyday life. (I) 3. Describe the basic theoretical perspectives sociologists use to analyze social phenomena. (II) 4. Name and briefly describe the importance of selected major theorists to the field of sociology. (II) 5. List and explain the stages in a basic research design. (III) 6. Describe and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods. (III) 7. Define the basic sociological concepts: culture, society, socialization, social structure, groups, and institutions. (IV) 8. Describe values and norms, including mores, folkways, and laws. (IV) 9. Describe societal and structural factors that can influence individual behavior. (V) 10. Describe sociological/psychological theories as they relate to the development of the self.(V) 11. Describe the influence of selected institutions on society and the individual. (VI) 12. Describe the effect of race/ethnicity, sex/gender, and age on social inequality. (VII) 13. Explain major sociological perspectives on social class. (VII) 14. Explain how conflict, functionalist, and symbolic interactionist theoretical perspectives view deviance and conformity. (VIII) 15. Describe and explain social change, including the influence of collective behavior, social movements, and demographic factors. (IX) Learning outcomes In addition to knowledge gained through the course competencies, what can the student be expected to do as a result of this course? 1. Understand the social science research process 2. Understand the significance of research 3. Understand the sociological perspective 4. Develop a sociological imagination, in other words, critical thinking of social issues 5. Become more socially aware of the world 6. Become more interested in social activism, in other words, being involved in the global community 7. Be interested in learning more about social issues in everyday life 8. Be able to communicate ideas about social issues through writing Communication and critical thinking skillsGlendale Community College focuses on the enhancement of the student’s critical thinking and communication skills. Assignments and discussions in this course will focus on critical thinking and communication skills. At Glendale Community College, critical thinking and communication are defined as follows: Critical thinking- A student who thinks critically processes, synthesizes and applies information to solve problems by 1. Identifying the problem 2. Developing and implementing strategies 3. Evaluating information 4. Reaching conclusions 5. Responding to the problem Communication is a student who effectively communicates: 1. Responds to an audience 2. Demonstrates a clear sense of purpose 3. Organizes information 4. Delivers information using appropriate language Promoting a Positive Learning Environment* To establish a positive learning environment for this class: As an instructor, I am expected to be professional, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to students – and to • Begin and end class on time, • Be prepared for each class session, • Provide academic feedback and grade assignments in a timely manner, • Be available for individual consultation, and • Clarify assignments and inform students of any adjustments to the class schedule. As a student, you are expected to be reflective, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to classmates, instructor, and other College staff assisting you in your learning – and to • Be in class and be on time, • Be prepared for class sessions, • Participate in class activities (No texting, emailing, phone call, instant messaging, no internet sites in class unless directed by your instructor), • Follow instructions and complete assignments, • Keep up with and turn in assignments by the due dates, • Put forth your best effort, • Be respectful to the instructor and the students around you, • Ask questions when you don’t understand, • Maintain knowledge of your grade status, • Contact instructor right away about concerns or situations that interfere with your success in the class, and • Comply with policies found in