_RSU

Rogers State University 

SOC 1113  Introduction to Sociology, section 004

Spring 2002

Text:  Sociology, by Macionis, John J.

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OBJECTIVE OF CLASS:  Each student will develop a general understanding of sociology:  that is the terms, concepts and perspectives employed in sociology.

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 COURSE GOALS & RELATED OBJECTIVES: 

1a. To understand the major approaches to the study of human social behavior.

1b. The objective is to develop a level of competence for further study in the behavioral science.

2a. To obtain a general knowledge of the historical development of sociology as a social science and an appreciation for the fundamental principles of the scientific method used in the study of group behavior.

2b. The objective is to equip students with a foundation for understanding the scientific method used in the study of human behavior.

3a. To become acquainted with different theoretical approaches to sociology and to be able to evaluate their applicability for different patterns of social behavior.

3b. The objective is to prepare students to deal with and understand diverse populations.

4a. To develop and apply critical thinking skills to the study of human social behavior.

4b. The objective is to enhance personal awareness and to develop a "sociological imagination."

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Grades:  Student's final grade will be based on the following formula:

Testing:  There will be four in-class tests, and a comprehensive final exam.

 All will be multiple choice format.

                         ***MAKE-UP EXAMS will be detailed essay format.

Book Review:  An applied book review, 5 to 7 pages in length, will be due November 26th .  Each student is to meet with me during office hours for approval of topic by  September 23rd.  Sociological terms, concepts, and ideas are to be applied to your review.  An in class presentation involving a brief informal overview of paper is expected (25% of grade on paper will be based on presentation). 

You must select a book from our library in the following sections only: Sociology (HM1.A76-HM1271.P37), Social History (HN11.R49-HN773.5.R53), Communities, Classes, Races (HT65.U73-HV9960.G72), Family/Marriage (HQ5.S45-HQ7591.R636)

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 [News Awareness:  Current events will be integrated into class discussions.

Each student will be expected to apply what is learned in class to current

local, state, national, and international events.]

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Academic Misconduct

"Students are expected to follow university policies as put forth in the institution’s Student’s Code of Responsibilities and Conduct. In accordance with Title 12 of The Student Code (page 11), instances of alleged academic misconduct will follow the policies and procedures AS DESCRIBED IN Title 12. As a general rule, Faculty at Rogers State University have the responsibility of enforcing the academic code. Therefore, if academic misconduct is suspected I will submit a letter of alleged misconduct to the Office of Student Affairs. It is the responsibility of each student to read and become familiar with the policies of The Student Code."

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FORMAT FOR CLASS DISCUSSION:

WEEK

1. (8/19)       Chapter 1.     "The Sociological Perspective"

2. (8/26)       Chapter 1. con't

3. (9/2)         Labor Day Holiday (Monday: 2nd)

                    Chapter 2.     "Sociological Investigation"                   

 4. (9/9)       Chapter 2.  con't

                    Chapter 3.      "Culture"    

5. (9/16)       ***** TEST 1. ***** (Tuesday:17th)    

                    Chapter 4.      "Society"

6. (9/23)      Chapter 4.       (con't)

                    Chapter 5.      "Socialization"

7.  (9/30)    Chapter 5.       (con't)

                   Chapter 6.      "Social Interaction In Everyday Living"

8.  (10/7)     Chapter 6.      (con't)

                    ***** TEST 2. *****(Thursday:10^th)

9.  (10/14)   Chapter 8.      "Deviance"

                    FALL BREAK (17th-18th)

10. (10/21)  Chapter 8.     (con't)

11. (10/28)  Chapter 9.     "Sexuality"

12. (11/4)    ***** TEST 3.***** (Tuesday: 5th)                   

                    Chapter 10.    "Social Stratification"

13. (11/11)  Chapter 10.     (con't)                                                                                              

                    Chapter 11. "Social Class in the United States"

14. (11/18)  Chapter 11.     (con't)

                    Chapter 19.   "Religion"

15. (11/25)  Chapter 19.   (con't)

                    THANKSGIVING BREAK (27th-29th)

16. (12/2)    In class presentations of papers begin / Papers are due (11/26)

                    Last day of class

Course Learning Objectives:  Upon satisfactory completion of this course, each student will be able to demonstrate a competent level of knowledge of the following.

1.       Explain the sociological perspective.

2.       Grasp the historical aspects of social though.

3.       Explain the scientific aspects of sociology.

4.       Understanding the various ways that human beings know things.

5.       Discuss the scientific method.

6.       Define the four distinctive types of research in sociology.

7.       Define culture and understand its power in social life.

8.       Know when and how culture emerged

9.       Identify the various types of norms.

10.    Understanding the importance of the socialization process.

11.    Know the issues of the nature/nurture debate.

12.    Understanding that socialization is a life-long process.

13.    Define the basic terms of social structure.

14. Define social groups as well as primary and secondary groups.

15. Understanding why society develops social institutions.

16.    Discuss how reference groups shape behavior.

17.    Understanding the concept of the “ideal type.”

18.    Understand the forces that will shape bureaucracies in the next century.

19.    Define deviance and social conformity.

20.    Discuss popular theories of deviance.

21.    Discuss future trends in the direction of discussion about social deviance.

22.    Compare and contrast different systems of stratification.

23.    Define socioeconomic status (SES).

24.    Describe five basic types of social classes.

25.    Define biological and sociological races.

26.    Distinguish between the concepts of race, ethnicity, and minority.

27.    Discuss the histories of racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.

28.    Understand the difference between sex and gender.

29.    Discuss sexual orientation.

30.    Understanding the struggle of women to gain gender equality.

31.    Define social gerontology.

32.    Describe life stage norms.

33.    Discuss a variety of sociological explanations of the aging process.

34.    Define marriage and family.

35.    Define kinship group.

36.    Think about the future of the family in the next century.

37.    Define religion following the logic E. Durkheim.

38.    Know the difference between the sacred and the profane.

39.    Know the difference between magic and religion.

40.    Discuss the political institutions of complex societies.

41.    Compare and contrast power and authority.

42.    Define the concept of the military-industrial complex.