Introduction to Sociology Sociology 101- 0016 Section 17653 Ace + Spring, 2012 Dr. Elaine G. King Home phone: 602-588-1465 Phone Hours: 9am to 9pm Text: Sociology: John J. Macionis, 13th edition Course Description: “Fundamental concepts of social organization, culture, socialization, social institutions and social change.” The purpose of this course is for the student to develop an understanding and appreciation for the ways in which sociology may be used to understand life and culture. In particular, the student will be able to apply the three sociological perspectives and understand the variance of outcome that results from using each one. Course Objectives: 1. To understand the history, development, and composition of cultures and societies. 2. To understand and be able to apply sociological perspectives as a means of explaining and analyzing cultures and societies. 3. To understand the implications of policy decisions in sociological terms. Course Evaluations (Grades): . At the beginning of each class, attendance will be taken. Excessive absences or tardiness will result in either a lowering of your grade or withdrawal from class with a failing grade. (See below.) There will be one major mid-term exam, plus a final exam. There may also be unannounced short exams covering the material that has been assigned up to that point. The major exams must be done on ScanTron cards, available at the Ace+ office. There will also be three papers: two long and one short. A list of books will be given to you from which to choose a book for a report/analysis that will be due at the end of the term. Other books may be chosen if approved by the instructor. The report must be at least five pages, following the rules listed below, and reflect an understanding of the content of this course. This means that you are to take to content of the book you choose, and apply to the various parts of it as much of the material from the course as you can. Grades will be determined by the quality of this analysis, content, grammar, spelling, and style. You are to use either APA or MLA style. It is suggested that you find someone to help with editing if needed. Reports must be typed in a 12 point font and double spaced on white paper with 1 inch margins. Pages should be stapled together; they should not be put in any kind of folder. I will not provide a stapler. You will be required to give a report in class of an observation you have made of somekind of behavior from a qualitative perspective. Details of the methodology will be given. Class reports will not be graded, but not giving a report will lower your final grade, and any report that is not given in the appropriate qualitative form will have to be redone. As these reports are not scheduled, it would be best to give them as soon as possible. Just let me know when you are ready. There will be no time available at the end of the semester. Other activities may be assigned. As stated in the Student Handbook, ANY INDICATIONS OF CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM, INCLUDING LACK OF, OR INCORRECT CITATIONS will result in either a grade of F, or lowering of the grade, as determined by the instructor.. Extra Credit may be earned for any project suggested by you and approved by the instructor. Simply copying articles, unless specifically assigned, will not count for extra credit. “If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, you need to notify the Disability Services and Resources office, located in TDS 100. Their phone number is 623-845-3080.” Attendance Policy Attendance is required. Absence is allowed only in the case of extreme illness or emergency, or by submission of the appropriate official excused absence form. The instructor must be notified of absences at least an hour before the time of the class by leaving a message on her answering machine. (602-588-1465) Unexcused and/or unreported absences may affect your grade unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor.Class Schedule This is your reading and discussion schedule. This course will use a number of videos to illustrate the material given in the text. Therefore, the schedule will be somewhat flexible, and while based on the material in the text, will not necessarily recapitulate it. You will be expected to read and understand the material on your own before the beginning of each class; if you have questions about it, you are encouraged to ask them in class. If it puzzles you, it puzzles others. Your opinions and comments are welcome, as long as they are relevant. You may speak up at will, as long as rules of politeness are observed. You are encouraged to discuss with each other points being made in class, as long as the entire class is able to hear what you are saying. It is especially encouraged that you relate the material being discussed to events in the world. January 14 - Housekeeping and getting acquainted. Explanation of course requirements including grading and observational study. January 21 - Chapter 1. The Sociological Perspective. Chapter 2. Sociological investigation. *Paper 1. Theory. Subject to be determined by class. January 28 - Chapter 3. Culture.. Chapter 4. Society. Theory paper due. February 4 - Chapter 5. Socialization. Chapter 6. Social Interaction in Everyday Life. February 11 - Video “The Wild Child” February 18 - Chapter 7. Groups and Organizations. Chapter 10. Social Stratification. *Paper 2. Short research paper. What usually happens to “feral” children who have been found? February 25 - Chapter 11. Social Class in the United States. Paper on feral children due. March 3 - Video. “Ellis Island” March 10 - Chapter 12. Global Stratification. Chapter 13. Gender Stratification. March 17 - Spring Break March 24 - Video “Milk” *Mid-term exam March 31 - Chapter 14. Race and Ethnicity. Chapter 15. Aging and the Elderly. Mid-term exam due.April 7 - Chapter 18. Families. Chapter 20. Education. * Paper 3. What would you consider an ideal school system? Describe in detail, including ripples. Don’t worry about cost. April 14 - Chapter 21. Health and Medicine. Video. “Sicko”. Education paper due. April 21 - Chapter 16. The Economy and