INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGYSociology 111.03 Susan J. FergusonFall, 2009 Office: Carnegie 112Room: ARH 102 Office Phone: ext. 3133Time: MWF 1:15 - 2:05 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 emphases on sociological concepts, methods, perspectives, and areas of substantive concern. At the same time, the sociological orientation of this course should enable you to view the surrounding world in a different light. The familiar (e.g., families, friendships, school, work) and the perhaps unfamiliar (e.g., poverty, mental illness, natural disasters), can be analyzed and understood using sociological perspectives.This course is organized into five thematic sections. The first section is an introduction to the discipline of sociology and the study of society. This introduction includes an overview of the historical significance of sociology and the development of its subsequent theories and methods. The second section examines the relationships between the individual and society through the processes of socialization, social interaction, language, and group membership. Section Three focuses on culture, social structure, and the need for community. The fourth section investigates some of the major social institutions in society, including the family, religion, education, and the government. 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 in the discipline of sociology to analyze phenomena.B. To give students an awareness of sociological curricula and the linkage between sociological thought and other substantive areas.C. To enable students to identify and examine sociologically relevant problems and issues.D. To encourage critical thinking and writing skills which 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 cover prior lecture and reading material. Any additional material provided by assignments, guest speakers, 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 the exams during class time on those days. There will be no makeup exams unless you have spoken with 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 writing assignments. These assignments are aimed at determining if you are able to apply material learned in class. Each assignment will be relatively short in length, and instructions will be given at least a week prior to when they are due. Assignments should be typed and reflect thoughtful writing skills. Late assignments, if accepted, will be graded down. Each assignment will count 15% of your final grade.C. Field Observations: This course is not only about reading and understanding sociological principles and methods, it is also about doing sociology. Throughout the term we will be putting learning into practice through field exercises that invite you to activate your sociological imagination by becoming a participant observer. Our activities will be grounds for discussion and interpretation. At times, I will ask you to hand in an informal written report of your field observations. Field observations will count 10% of your final grade.D. Discussion Papers: Students will be writing discussion papers in response to the readings on a regular basis. These papers will prepare you for class discussion and give you practice with writing. These papers will count 10% of your final grade.E. Attendance and Participation: Finally, since the fall session is short and your participation encouraged, regular classroom attendance is expected. It has been my experience that irregular or 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 to contact the professor and other students in order to make up lost work. Attendance also is important because many class sessions will involve audio-visual material or group discussions that students will have the opportunity to participate in. Class participation, including short exercises, 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 the Writing Lab to discuss rough drafts of papers. If you use the Writing Lab or any other editor, please acknowledge the person you worked with on your paper.IV. REQUIRED READINGS: The following books are available in the College Bookstore and 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. 2009. 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 be made available in class. Please keep up with the syllabus by reading the assigned articles or chapters prior to the day that topic is discussed. The attached course schedule with reading assignments shows what you are expected to have read each day of class. You