South Plains College: General Course Syllabus Department: Behavioral Sciences Discipline: Sociology Course Number: Sociology 1301 Course Name: Introduction to Sociology Credit: 3 Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 This course satisfies a core curriculum requirement: Yes- Behavioral Science Prerequisites: none for campus; TSI reading for INET Campuses: Levelland, Reese, Plainview, ATC, INET Textbook: Society the Basics: John J. Macionis, 11th edition Course Specific Instructions: INET classes go to WebCT to enter; campus additional materials may be available on MySPC Course Description: This course is a study of human group behavior, including the forms which group life takes; relationships of groups to other groups; influence of groups on the individual and relationships of individuals to each other as members of groups. Course Purpose: This course is an introduction course designed to provide students with an understanding how society is structured, an understanding of the theories and language of sociology and their role in that society. Course Requirements: Students should attend all classes and complete assigned work and exams. Course Evaluation: Refer to specific COURSE INFORMATION SHEET for specifics on assignments and testing. Attendance Policy: Refer to COURSE INFORMATION SHEET. Attendance is critical for success when absences become excessive, the student will be withdrawn from the course. Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies: Thinking sociologically: students will understanda. To understand and be able to use sociological perspective, critical thinking skills and research methodology when examining course materials. b. Define and understand the three basic sociological theories: Social Conflict, Structural Functional and Symbolic Interaction. c. To understand social structure and how the elements of social structure create relationships among individuals and groups in society. d. To understand basic sociological concepts, including culture, social interaction, socialization, social inequality, and social institution e. Ability to recognize the difference between sociology and other social/behavioral sciences. SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE Learning Outcomes “In order to accomplish its mission, South Plains College is committed to the following purposes: To provide Student he opportunity to learn as a lifelong endeavor; to acquire skills for communications, critical thinking and problem solving; to explore the use of technology; to express creativity; to experience; and to grow socially.” SPC Mission Statement Communication and Collaboration Demonstrate an ability to ready, write and speak clearly and concisely Value of diversity and differences in people Critical Thinking Explore relationships of ideas and see their similarities and differences Synthesize diverse concepts to create new ideas Ability to integrate ideas across the disciplines and personal life Leadership Exhibit personal responsibility and ethical judgment Demonstrate professionalism, honesty and integrity SPC Catalogue Description: Soci1301: Introduction to Sociology (3:3:0) This course is a study of human group behavior, including the forms which group life takes; relationships of groups to other groups, influence of groups on the individual and relationships of individuals to each other as members of groups. Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 4511015125 SOCI-1301Introduction to Sociology Section 204 Room 407 Tuesday – Thursday 1:00 - 2:15 pm Fall Semester, 2011 Instructor: Rick Herbert, ABD. E-mail: [email protected] Office: R405D (Reese Center, Building 4) Office Hours: M & W – 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in REESE, Room 405D T & R – 9:30 am to 10:30 am in REESE, Room 405D F – 9:00 am to 10:00 am and 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in REESE, Room 405D AND BY APPOINTMENT – CONTACT ME AND I WILL MAKE TIME! Office Phone: (806)296-9611, ext. 4039 I. GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION: A. Course Description: This course is a study of human behavior by placing it within a broader social context. Specifically how groups influence people and especially how people are influenced by their society. B. Course Goals/Objectives: 1. An understanding of the theories and language of sociology. 2. A knowledge of how the individual influences and is influenced by society. 3. A better understanding of how society is structured through institutions and culture. C. Course Competencies: Each student will learn to examine the different characteristics and structure of groups within society using sociological theories. It is these theories that will provide the tools to view variations in society. For many of you, this will be your first opportunity to discuss and examine these differences. Since you are taking this class, you are now a Sociologist and therefore will go beyond “personal” views in order to be objective. Objectivity does not mean that you accept or approve but only that you intellectually understand. In many cases, understanding will lead you to broaden yourself not only as an individual but also as a member of society.D. Academic Integrity: If a student cheats or shows plagiarism on a paper or exam, that grade will be zero, and the student will be dropped from the class (See college catalog, pp. 22-23). E. Student Conduct: The student handbook clearly defines appropriate classroom conduct (see handbook pp. 12-13, and catalog p. 23). A student can be asked to leave the class for inappropriate conduct. You should not disrupt the class since you interfere with the learning process for your peers. Talking, sleeping, cell phones ringing, or other disruptive behaviors will result in a warning and then can result in the student being dropped from the class. If you must have a phone for sick children or emergency reasons, please put the phone on vibrate because a ringing/singing phone is very disruptive to the class. F. Appeal Process: The process of appeal is outlined in the catalog (p. 24). G. Diversity Statement: In this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values and nurtures individual and group differences and