CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES DIVISION

COURSE SYLLABUS

Introduction to Sociology – SO110 Class Meeting Times: Room: Class Hours/Credit Hours: Instructor: E-mail: Phone: Office: Office Hours:

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Catalog Course Description Intro to field of sociology; focus on basic concepts, principles, and processes used to study the structure and function of society

Prerequisites: N/A Corequisites: N/A Entry Level Standards: It is assumed that students entering this course can speak fluent English, read at the college level, engage in college level writing, use basic computer skills, and think critically about concepts presented to them in an academic context.

Textbook/Materials: th

Society: The Basics, 10 Edition (w/ MySocLab access card), by John J. Macionis. 2008.

I.

Required Student Learning Outcomes

PSLO 6: The goal of the Social/Behavioral Sciences requirement is (a) to develop in the student an understanding of self and world by examining the content and processes used by social and behavioral sciences to discover, describe, explain, and predict human behavior and social systems; (b) to enhance knowledge of social and cultural institutions and the values of this society and other societies and cultures in the world; and (c) to understand the interdependent nature of the individual, family, and society in shaping human behavior and determining quality of life. CSLO1.

Recognize, describe, and explain how social institutions, structures, and processes along with emergent social change affect understandings of race, ethnic, and cultural relations in America.

CSLO2.

Think critically about how individuals are influenced by political, geographic, economic, cultural, and family institutions in their won and other diverse cultures and explain how one’s own belief system may differ from others.

CSLO3.

Explore the relationship between the individual and society as it affects the personal behavior, social development and quality of life of the individual, the family and the community. Examine the impact of behavioral and social scientific research on major contemporary issues and their disciplines’ effects on individuals and policies.

CSLO4.

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Learning Indicators and Required Assessments: 1.

Sociological Imagination Essay (100 points) – 2-3 page paper about the influence social identities and life experiences have on beliefs about social problems. (PSLO: 6; CSLO: 2)

2.

Exam 1 (100 points) – exam questions assess student knowledge, comprehension, and application of sociological terminology, theory, and methodology, and assess student ability to identify major theoretical contributions to the field of sociology and understand the significance of the theories. (PSLO: 6; CSLO: 3)

3.

Exam 2 (100 points) – exam questions assess student knowledge, comprehension, and application of sociological terminology, theory, and methodology, as they relate to understandings of gender, race, ethnicity, deviance, and cultural relations in America. (PSLO: 6; CSLO: 1)

4.

Exam 3 (100 points) – exam questions assess student knowledge, comprehension, and application of sociological terminology, theory, and methodology, as they relate to understandings of major contemporary issues and sociology’s effects on individuals and policies. (PSLO: 6; CSLO: 4)

CSLO/Assessment Alignment: PSLO: 6 CSLO

CSLO 1

Assessments

Exam 2

II.

CSLO 3 Exam 1

CSLO 4

CSLO 5

CSLO 6

CSLO 7

Exam 3

Topics: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

III.

CSLO 2 Sociological Imagination Essay

What is sociology? Sociological paradigms, theory and methods Social change Culture Socialization Social Interaction Groups and organizations Economic sociology Social stratification Deviance and the criminal justice system Gender Sexuality Race and ethnicity Health and medical sociology Education Religion Aging and the life course Population changes

Assessment A: 300 Points: Three Exams B: 100 Points: Writing Assignment (2 – 4 pages, due Tuesday, 9/21) C: 100 Points: Attendance (4 points per day) 2/11/2009 - TLA

Total Points: 500

IV.

Grading Scale A: B: C: D: F:

V.

450 - 500 400 - 449 350 - 399 325 - 349 324 and below

Course Delivery Format Standard Format – This class is in the traditional format and will also use an online format to provide access to “static” materials which include the syllabus, course material, contact information, and presentations. I will make available when requested a copy of the syllabus and any other instructor provided course materials, including their contact information. Faculty may require on-line activities and assignments to include online tests and submission of all written and on-line communications. The extent of on-line activities is specified in this syllabus.

VI.

College Policies This class is governed by the policies and procedures stated in the current Chattanooga State Student Handbook. Additional or more specific guidelines may apply. ADA Statement Students who have educational, psychological, and/or physical disabilities may be eligible for accommodations that provide equal access to educational programs and activities at Chattanooga State. These students should notify the instructor immediately, and should contact Disabilities Support Services within the first two weeks of the semester in order to discuss individual needs. The student must provide documentation of the disability so that reasonable accommodations can be requested in a timely manner. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements in order to receive a passing grade in a class, with or without reasonable accommodations. Disruptive Students The term “classroom disruption” means – student behavior that a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly interfering with the activities of a class. A student who persists in disrupting a class will be directed by the faculty member to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. The student will be told the reason(s) for such action and given an opportunity to discuss the matter with the faculty member as soon as practical. The faculty member will promptly consult with the division dean and the college judicial officer. If a disruption is serious, and other reasonable measures have failed, the class may be adjourned, and the campus police summoned. Unauthorized use of any electronic device constitutes a disturbance. Also, if a student is concerned about the conduct of another student, he or she should please see the teacher, department head, or division dean. Affirmative Action Students who feel that he or she has not received equal access to educational programming should contact the college affirmative action officer. Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam, to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person, or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions, which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to 2/11/2009 - TLA

assign an "F" for the course.

VII

Instructor Policies

Other Policies Examples of prohibited disturbances include, but not limited to: • Talking while the professor or peer(s) have the floor for discussion. • Computer use. • Cell phone usage including receiving or making calls; texting; taking pictures; checking messages, etc. Please turn your cell phone off before entering the classroom.

VIII.

Course Outline

T = Text Book WWW = On our course homepage (elearn.chattanoogastate.edu) ***Please note: All readings are to be completed for the class period listed in the syllabus.

Week 1 – What is Sociology? What's it got to do with me? Tue, August 31 - Introductions and go over syllabus Thu, September 2 - Allen Johnson, The Forest and the Trees WWW

Week 2 – Sociological Paradigms, Theory, and Methods Tue, September 7 - C. Wright Mills, “The Promise of Sociology” WWW Thu, September 9 - Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 2-31 T

Week 3 – Social Change Tue, September 14 - Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 484-507 T Thu, September 16 - Film (in class): Ain’t Scared of Your Jails

Week 4 – Culture Tue, September 21 ***SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION ESSAY DUE - Horace Miner, “Body Ritual of the Nacirema” WWW Thu, September 23 - Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 40-61 T

Week 5 – Socialization and Social Interaction 2/11/2009 - TLA

Tue, September 28 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 72-83, 98-109 T Thu, September 30 ***EXAM 1

Week 6 – Groups, Organizations and Economic Sociology Tue, October 5 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 122-141 T Thu, October 7 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 336-339, 345-351 T − Film (in class): The Corporation

Week 7 – Social Stratification Tue, October 12 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 208-235 T Thu, October 14 − Michael Zweig, “Working Class Majority” WWW

Week 8 – Deviance and the Criminal Justice System Tue, October 19 − Fall Break – No Classes! Thu, October 21 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 176-201 T

Week 9 – Gender and Sexuality Tue, October 26 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 276-297 T Thu, October 28 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 148-169 T

Week 10 – Race and Ethnicity Tue, November 2 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 304-317 T − Peggy McIntosh, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” WWW − Film (in class): Race: The Power of an Illusion Thu, November 4 ***EXAM 2

Week 11 – Health and Medical Sociology 2/11/2009 - TLA

Tue, November 9 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 429-445 T Thu, November 11 − John McKinlay, “A Case for Refocusing Upstream: The Political Economy of Illness” WWW

Week 12 – Education Tue, November 16 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 412-429 T Thu, November 18 − Paolo Freire, “The 'Banking' Concept of Education”, by Paolo Freire WWW − Film (in class), Hard Times at Douglass High

Week 13 – Religion Tue, November 23 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 392-405 T Thu, November 25 − Thanksgiving! No classes!

Week 14 – Sociology of Aging Tue, November 30 − Eric Klinenberg, “Dying Alone: The Social Production of Urban Isolation” WWW Thu, December 2 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 84-89 T

Week 15 – Changing Populations Tue, December 7 − Macionis, “Society: The Basics”, Pgs. 452-468 T Thu, December 9 − Review ***FINAL EXAM (100 pts.) – TUE, DECEMBER 14, 11:00AM-12:50PM P. S. The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus in writing during the course of the semester.

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