KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITYSOCIAL ISSUES: PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIOLOGYSOCI 2105(2); (CRN: 11381)SPRING SEMESTER, 2010M/W 11 a.m -12:15 a.m; Room 3028; 2 credit hoursInstructor:Bobby Jo OttoPhone: 770-966-7757 (H); 770-423-6739 (Soc. Dept.)Office: Social Science Building 4005**Office hours are by appointment; yet, I will be in my office every MW from 9:30-10:45. E-mail: [email protected]**You can contact me anytime through phone or e-mail. Course textbook: Neubeck, Kenneth and Davita Silfen Glasberg. 2005. Sociology: Diversity, Conflict, and Change. New York: McGraw Hill. * Additional readings will be assigned throughout the semesterCourse Description: This is one of four disciplinary options (Anthropology 2105, Sociology 2105, Geography 2105, Psychology 2105) that can be taken to satisfy the Social Issues requirement in the general education curriculum. The discipline of sociology focuses on how culture and social structure combine to shape the wayhuman beings live their lives and define and solve their problems. Course Objectives- To understand core concepts and their application to “real” life- To understand the difference between personal troubles and public issues- The ability to use one’s sociological imagination to analyze society- An understanding of research methods and sociological theories and their relevance to society- An increased awareness regarding the influence that social structure has on society (and vice versa)- An ability to think critically about societyAcademic Honesty:Each student must be aware of the Student Code of Conduct handbook which is availableon-line (http://www.kennesaw.edu/scai/code_of_conduct.shtml) and it is also published inthe undergraduate catalog. Section II is very important as it goes into detail about what constitutes plagiarism as well as other violations. It is your responsibility to be aware of these policies. If plagiarism is confirmed, you may potentially fail the course. READ IT!Students with Disabilities:If you are a student with a documented disability, please contact me at the beginning of semester to discuss accommodations. Grading system:The average of your three exams: 70% (Each test is worth approximately 23.3% a piece)- Material for your exams will be taken from the textbook, additional readings and our class discussions. - Exams will be multiple choice, T/F, and matching.Writing assignments: 20% - You must complete three, one-two page papers throughout the semester. In this paper, you must critically analyze a current newspaper article (AJC, CNN, NYT, etc) from a sociological perspective that is relevant to the chapter that is discussedduring that week. If, for example, you decide to utilize an article pertaining to crime, the paper must be turned during the week we discuss that particular chapter. You must turn in the article with your paper.- While there are no “due dates” for each paper, it is your responsibility to turn three papers in throughout the semester. I will only accept one paper during any given week. Therefore, you cannot wait until the end to turn in all three. - Use 12-point font (Times New Roman) and 1 inch margins. Each paper must be double-spaced and at least one page long or you will not receive full credit. Include your name, which paper it is (Paper #1, 2, or 3) and what time the class meets at the top of the paper. (Example below)o Jane Doeo Paper #1 (Have this “section” single-spaced) o 11-12:15Attendance: 10% - Each day is worth 2 points- Everyone is allowed one “free” absenceGrades will be determined by the following scale: - A: 90-100- B: 80-89- C: 70-79- D: 60-69- F: 59 and belowExam Make-up Policy: If you do not contact me BEFORE the scheduled exam, you will not be able to make it up. Also, I have to approve your absence. Class ScheduleJan 11—Introduction and Ch.1: The Sociological ImaginationJan 13—Ch. 1Jan 18— MLK weekend; NO CLASSJan 20—Ch. 2: Research MethodsJan 27—Ch. 3: Macro Social StructureFeb 1—Ch. 4: Social Structure—Micro Level and MidlevelFeb 3—Ch. 4 and Review Feb 8—EXAM ONE (Ch. 1-4)Feb 10—Ch. 5: CultureFeb 15—Ch. 5Feb 17—Ch. 6: SocializationFeb 22—Ch 7: Systems of InequalityFeb 24—Ch. 7March 1—Ch. 8: Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender and ReviewMarch 3—EXAM TWO (Ch. 5-7)March 8 and 10—NO CLASS; SPRING BREAKMarch 15—Ch. 8 and 9: Deviance, Crime, and Social ControlMarch 17—Ch. 10: Social Change and Social MovementsMarch 22—TBAMarch 24—TBAMarch 29—FINAL EXAM***Schedule subject to change at instructor’s discretion***Videos may be shown periodically and there will also be in-class