SYLLABUSSYLLABUSSYLLABUSSYLLABUS————SOCIAL THEORY 3140SOCIAL THEORY 3140SOCIAL THEORY 3140SOCIAL THEORY 3140----001001001001 Tell me and I forget; teach me and I remember; involve me and I learn—Benjamin Franklin DR. MARCIE GOODMAN SOC 3140 OFFICE--310 BehS Fall 2010—Sec 001 581-3712 Office 10:45 to 12:05 Office Hours: Before and after class T/Th OSH 113 Email: [email protected] (please use judiciously!) COURSE CONTENTCOURSE CONTENTCOURSE CONTENTCOURSE CONTENT Sociological theories seek to explain how humans behave, interact and organize themselves in certain ways. Sociologists do not agree on the basic issues concerning such explanations. Arguments are centered on: 1) what kind of knowledge about human interaction and organization can be developed; 2) what procedures can and should be used in creating theory; 3) what ends or goals are served by sociological knowledge; and 4) what phenomena should be the topic of study. Because this discord seems to be increasing rather than decreasing, several schools of thought will need to be examined and learned. An undergraduate course in theory contains an overview of the most prominent and accepted ideas currently within the discipline; it additionally gives students an opportunity to begin to read writings of various theorists for themselves. NOTE: Sociology 1010 is a required prerequisite for this course, and the instructor assumes students have at least a minimal understanding of sociology. Those who do not possess such knowledge should re-evaluate enrollment, since such information is usually necessary to successfully master material presented in SOC 3140. COURSE GOALCOURSE GOALCOURSE GOALCOURSE GOAL Each student, upon completion of this core course, should be able to understand the most prominent sociological theories, identify those creators of these ideas, conceptualize the most critical aspects of the discipline, and be able to identify the elements requisite for a sound theory. COURSE REQUIREMENTSCOURSE REQUIREMENTSCOURSE REQUIREMENTSCOURSE REQUIREMENTS Most upper-level, undergraduate courses in the social sciences require students to demonstrate mastery of material through successful completion of written assignments, attendance, and participation. For SOC 3140, weekly Theoretical Inquiry Essays will contribute 80% to the course grade (an overview is included in this syllabus). Attendance and participation will contribute an additional 20% of the final grade. The purpose of this type of system is to assure maximum results through an ongoing effort by students to stay abreast of course materials, particularly the assigned readings. Success will be greatly impacted by familiarity with information before each class period, with students coming prepared to participate in class discussions. REQUIRED TEXTREQUIRED TEXTREQUIRED TEXTREQUIRED TEXT Allan, Kenneth. 2006 (please acquire correct edition!). The Social Lens: An Invitation to Social and Sociological Theory. Pine Forge Press. ISBN: 9781412914109. Please check online sources—MANY inexpensive used copies available. AMERICANS WITH DIAMERICANS WITH DIAMERICANS WITH DIAMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)SABILITIES ACT (ADA)SABILITIES ACT (ADA)SABILITIES ACT (ADA) The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services (CDS), 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services. Please discuss any concerns with the professor as soon as possible (www.hr.utah.edu/oeo/aca/guide/faculty/).COURSE/UNIVERSITY POLICIESCOURSE/UNIVERSITY POLICIESCOURSE/UNIVERSITY POLICIESCOURSE/UNIVERSITY POLICIES Attendance Policy: Regular class attendance is expected. Punctuality: Students’ presence in the room for the full class time-period is expected. If you have a scheduling dilemma that makes punctuality difficult, you should reconsider your registration. Classes begin and end on time. Class Environment: Enrollment in this course indicates that you agree to conduct all discussions and interactions with thought, maturity, and respect for others’ rights to differ. Discussion of personal beliefs is encouraged, and will be conducted in a manner that maintains a climate conducive to the learning of all class members. Students at the University of Utah are encouraged to exercise personal responsibility and self-discipline, and engage in the rigors of discovery and scholarship. Please read the Student Code in the Student Handbook which covers student rights and responsibilities. The Faculty Rules and Regulations provide faculty with the responsibility of enforcing appropriate classroom behaviors, beginning with verbal warnings and progressing to dismissal from class and a failing grade. Student appeals in such cases are directed toward the Student Behavior Committee. Cell phones, pagers, and email programs will be turned off for the duration of class. Academic Honesty / Plagiarism: Compliance with strict standards of academic honesty is expected. Academic misconduct / plagiarism (see Student Code) will not be tolerated and may be grounds for course failure, and suspension or dismissal from the University. Note that “plagiarism” is the failure to correctly cite / reference any words or ideas which are not your own. You should always reference the sources of your information. Plagiarism also includes using (or sharing) others’ essays, quizzes, and the use of pre-written, purchased, or down-loaded materials. All students are expected to be familiar with the video Avoiding Plagiarism [Marriott Library Multi-Media Center: PN 167 A86 2004]. If there is ever a question on this issue, please ask me in advance of submitting the work since once it is submitted I will act strongly to enforce academic standards. Make up Policy: All work is due on the designated day. Work may be penalized one-half of a letter grade for each day late. In the case of emergencies or extreme personal difficulty (e.g., major car accident, sudden acute illness), some work may be made