1 GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS SOCIOLOGY 101 Introduction to Sociology Section: 34401 Time: Mon-Wed 4:15-5:30 Instructor: Michael Kepple, M.Ed Location: CL 12 August 25-December 17, 2008 How to contact me: [email protected] (602) 793-4520 (leave message) TEACHING PHILOSOPHY/METHOD: In class, we will learn by utilizing a combination of lecture, group activities and student participation and discussion. Out of class, you will have access to GCC’s technology resource for both research and completion of assignments. Lessons are based on the text and other resources. Students will be expected to read chapters prior to class to better facilitate class discussion. Since lectures, readings and discussions are designed to complement one another, your attendance and active participation are critical. Learning should be fun, not torture; there is a great deal we can learn from each other during our time together, which includes: ¾ Promoting your own dignity, providing opportunities for self-expression, and encouraging personal responsibilities for learning ¾ Encouraging dialogue between the instructor and the students ¾ Encouraging interactions and cooperative activities between students TEXT: Sociology (12th edition) - by John Macionis (required) There is a study guide that accompanies your text. It is optional and may be purchased, if you wish, at the GCC Bookstore. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Sociology. Fundamental concepts of social organization, culture, socialization, social institutions and social change. Prerequisites: None COURSE OBJECTIVE: The objective of this course is to introduce you to the field of and the importance of sociology in your own life. This is an introductory course, and we will cover a large amount of material in a relatively short period of time. In order to successfully complete the course, you will need to have college level reading and study skills and personal motivation. COURSE COMPETENCIES: 1. Define sociology and explain and how it differs from other social sciences. 2. Explain the sociological imagination and how it operates in everyday life. 3. Describe the basic theoretical perspectives sociologists use to analyze social phenomena2 4. Name and briefly describe the importance of selected major theorists in the field of sociology 5. List and explain the stages in a basic research design. 6. Describe and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods 7. Define the basic sociological concepts: culture, society, socialization, social structure, groups and institutions 8. Describe values and norms, including mores, folkways and laws 9. Describe societal and structural factors than can influence individual behavior 10. Describe sociological/psychological theories as they relate to the development of self. 11. Describe the influence of selected institutions on society and the individual 12. Describe the effect of race and ethnicity, gender, sex and age on social inequality. 13. Explain major sociological perspectives on social class. 14. Explain how conflict, functionalist and symbolic interactionist theoretical perspectives view deviance and conformity 15. Describe and explain social change, including the influence of collective behavior, social movements and demographic factors. CLASS ATMOSPHERE: It is expected that all of us will respect the following guidelines, especially important given the nature of this course: 1. Courtesy and Feedback a. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions that are supportable and honest, and these opinions MUST be respected by all of us. You may question what is being said; however, at no time, will you attack the person. We will discuss appropriate feedback early in the semester. You will have the opportunity to present your perspective. b. Only one person should be talking at one time; more than one person speaking at a time is disconcerting and disrespectful. “Side-bars” (individual comments or discussions, while someone else has the “floor”) will not be tolerated. I understand there are times when you want to discuss the topic at hand with another class member; however, it is inappropriate behavior. Each student will be afforded the opportunity to present his/her comments or opinions. Therefore, please give the current speaker the same courtesies you desire when you speak. c. Please raise your hand, when you wish to speak. I will call students in the order in which I see hands. d. Please keep the above courtesies in mind throughout the semester. 2. Electronic Courtesy: Please be considerate of your classmates and the instructor; it is quite disturbing to have an electronic device activate during class. Please have all electronic devices turned off or placed in the vibrate mode, and stored in a book bag, purse, or other location where the item cannot be seen, during class. Repeated violations may result in the student being required to leave class and receive an unexcused absence for the class. (See me if there are extenuating/emergency situations that may, on an exceptional basis, necessitate you needing to leave a specific device on.) 3. During class, especially lectures, please refrain from engaging in the following, or similar activities:3 a. Sharpening pencils b. Disposing of trash c. Eating or chewing gum. No food is allowed in the classroom. d. Putting on make-up, combing hair, etc. e. Sleeping, reading or doing other unrelated class activities. f. If a classmate’s view is obstructed, as a courtesy please remove your hat during class. ATTENDANCE POLICY I recognize that you have multiple responsibilities in your life; consequently, I do not put you in a position of justifying a class absence. However, because there is no alternate means for securing much of the information presented in class, therefore a basic requirement is to come to class. Because you need to be present to learn the concepts introduced in this course (and for me to certify you as having mastered the materials), attendance and class participation influence your final grade. Attendance will be taken each class session. You will need to attend the entire time that has been allotted or you will be considered absent. ABSENCES: 1. General Absences. A combined total of three (3) hours of class (leaving early or missing entire classes) from unexcused absences may be accrued without penalty. Points will be