Introduction to Sociology

Soc 101 Section 001

Prof. Brooke Bocast

Summer Quarter 2007

 

 

Class Time: Tu Th 8-9:20am

Room: Curtiss Hall 250A

Office Hrs: Tu Th 9:30 – 10:30

Office Hrs Location: Student Center CafŽ

Email: brooke.bocast@temple.edu

 

Course Description

Sociology is the systematic study of human groups, institutions, and societies. This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of sociology and to encourage students to think sociologically (i.e. with a sociological imagination). In this course we will be examining the principles that underlie human interactions in societies, including the learning and development of social roles; the development and meaning of culture and social organizations; and institutions found with in societies, such as family, class structure, and power structure.

 

Course Policies

Attendance: Attendance is an important part of class participation. You are granted 3 unexcused absences per term. Every unexcused absence after the first three will result in one letter grade deduction off of your final grade. Absences can be excused with written documentation, such as a doctorÕs note, funeral notice etc. Make-up quizzes will be given only to students with such documented excuses.

 

Disability Disclosure: Students with disabilities requesting accommodations and services at Drexel University need to present a current accommodation verification letter (ÒAVLÓ) to faculty before accommodations can be made.  AVL's are issued by the Office of Disability Services (ÒODSÓ). For additional information, contact the ODS at www.drexel.edu/oed/disability, 3201 Arch St., Ste. 210, Philadelphia, PA  19104, V 215.895.1401, or TTY 215.895.2299.   

 

Cell Phones: Cell phones must be turned off during class. ÒVibrateÓ mode does not count as Òoff.Ó Texting is not allowed.

 

Academic Honesty: Drexel University upholds high standards of academic integrity. Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated; students violating the UniversityÕs academic integrity policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions. Plagiarism can result in a failing grade for the course. Students found guilty of plagiarism are subject to penalties including dismissal from the University. If you use someone elseÕs work – whether the actual words or the ideas – cite the reference. If you have any questions, see the discussion of plagiarism under Academic Honesty, section 10 of the Drexel University Student Handbook at http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/studenthandbook/honesty10.htm.

 

 

 

Grading and Evaluation

Evaluation:

Quizzes – 80 (20% each)

Participation – 20%

 

Extra Credit:

For extra credit, you may bring in relevant articles and lead class discussion on these articles. For every three articles you bring in, you will receive 1 point on your final grade. Articles will not be accepted the final week of class.

 

Grading: DrexelÕs grading system has changed to a +/- scale. I use the following scale when assigning letter grades at the end of the semester:

A          95-100

A-         91-94                            excellent

B+        88-90

B          84-87

B-         81-83                            above average     

C+        78-80

C          74-77                            average

C-         71-73

D+        68-70

D          64-67                            needs attention and improvement

D-         61-63

F          0-60                              unsatisfactory

 

 

Required Texts

Giddens, Anthony, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum. 2006. Introduction to Sociology.

New York: W. W. Norton and Co.

 

This text is available in the bookstore; however, there are not yet enough copies for all of the sociology courses. Please consider ordering online, but do so asap so you donÕt miss any readings.

 

Course Schedule

* this schedule is subject to change at the instructorÕs discretion

 

Week 1: Sociology: Overview and Methods

6/26     Course overview

6/28     Chpt 2, ÒAsking and Answering Sociological QuestionsÓ

 

Week 2: The Individual and Society

7/3       Chpt 3, ÒCulture and SocietyÓ

7/5       Chpt 4, ÒSocialization and the Life CycleÓ

 

Week 3: The Individual and Society Cont.

7/10     Chpt 5, ÒSocial Interaction and Everyday LifeÓ

7/12     Chpt 7, ÒConformity, Deviance, and CrimeÓ

 

Week 4: Structures of Power

7/17     Quiz #1

7/19     Chpt 8, ÒStratification, Class, and InequalityÓ

 

Week 5: Structures of Power Cont.

7/24     Chpt 9, ÒGlobal InequalityÓ

7/26     Chpt 10, ÒGender InequalityÓ

 

Week 6: Structures of Power, Cont.

7/31     Chpt 11, ÒEthnicity and RaceÓ

8/2       Quiz #2

 

Week 7: Social Institutions

8/7       Chpt 15, ÒFamilies and Intimate RelationshipsÓ

8/9       Chpt 16, ÒEducation and the Mass MediaÓ

 

Week 8: Social Institutions Cont.

8/14     Chpt 17, ÒReligion in Modern SocietyÓ

8/16     Quiz #3

 

Week 9: Social Change in the Modern World

8/21     Chpt 18, ÒSociology of the BodyÕ

8/23     Chpt19, ÒUrbanization, Population, and the EnvironmentÓ

 

Week 10:

8/28     Chpt 20, ÒGlobalization in a Changing WorldÓ

8/30     Quiz #4

 

Week 11: Finals Week

There is no Final for this class.