MERCED COLLEGE
SOCIOLOGY: An Introduction
FALL 2008
“This is who I am, what I do, and what I say. If you like it let it be, and if you don’t, please do the same.” Ani DiFranco
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do people do that?” Look around and notice the people sitting closest to you. Look at what they are wearing. I bet you’ll see it’s not that different from what you are wearing. In fact, if you really think about it, much of what we do, say, think; our attitudes, and even our emotions and feelings are shaped by the social environment – SOCIETY. We like to think that we make free choices, but in reality much of what we do, and much of who we are is the result of SOCIALIZATION…what’s socialization?
Instructor: Dr. B. Saich (psy.d)
Work: 384-6354 Home: 388-9550 (please don’t call after 10:00pm)
Website: http://www.mccd.edu/faculty/saichb/
E-mail saich.b@mccd.edu
Text: SOCIOLOGY in our times, 5th ed., Diana Kendall
Office Hours: I am available any time I do not have a class. I have posted office hours, but avail myself to students who wish to discuss any concern.
Office: Upstairs, IAC Building - 216
Course Description: An introduction into the broad range of topics typically studied and researched by sociologists and the application of the sociological imagination.
Course Objective: To introduce the student to a sociological understanding of behavior. To have the student experience how individual behavior is often influenced by the groups to which we belong ( such as families, sports teams, gangs, or movements like the Promise Keepers), and how we are taught to behave by those with whom we interact.
Instructional Strategies: Interaction! Each class session will provide us the opportunity to engage in the subject matter from a variety of perspectives while exchanging ideas, thoughts and opinions through the group process. Your participation will increase your ability to learn and assimilate knowledge, as well as, make time a valuable asset, rather than a liability. Overheads and power point presentations will be used as presentation tools.
Methods of Evaluation: In-class group activities (ICGA), take-outs (TO), critical thinking papers, internet exercises, participation, attendance, quizzes and final. And other stuff too.
Attendance: Attendance is a very important part of this class. Absences will result in lowering your grade. Coming into class late really irks me!! Be on time!
Participation: Your participation is an important, integral, experiential part of this course. Be prepared to discuss your understandings of the readings and assignments.
Be Prepared to: Learn – Interact – Share your thoughts – Have fun!
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS WHAT MAKES THE CLASS. COME TO CLASS PREPARED TO PARTICIPATE.
Papers: Papers are expected on the due date. I will accept NO late papers! If you are planning to miss a class your papers and/or assignments should be in my box on the date they are due. I will accept NO late assignments! UNLESS –we have talked in advance.
Every paper needs a title, your name and date. Starting at the top of the page it should look like this:
Infidelity: a social problem from the conflict perspective
Bill Clinton
FALL 2008
MWF: 9-10
Single space the title, center it, skip two lines and begin the paper here. Your title should be the same as listed in the syllabus. Use a five-space tab indent at the beginning of each paragraph. Double space the text and do not put in an extra space between paragraphs. Use no font larger than this (12) or smaller than 10, and use standard typeface. Number the pages (except for the first) bottom center. DO NOT PUT PAPER IN A FOLDER.
You may use a very limited amount of quotes which are properly attributed in the list of references at the end of the paper.
Academic Integrity Policy: “Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or misrepresentation of information in oral or written form. Such violations will be dealt with severely by the instuctor, the dean, and the standards committee.” Plagiarism means presenting someone else’s ideas or writing as if it were your own. Someone else’s work must be clearly designated.
When I ask you to write about the readings use your own words. This will require that you understand what is being written, and that you can communicate your understanding. This does not mean you change a few words of someone else’s writings, and suggest they are yours. Use critical thought!
Plagiarism will cost you heavily in both time and grade!
Grading: Grades will be assigned on the basis of the number of total points accumulated during the term.
Grade Percent Range Grade Percent Range
A 90-100 C 70-79
B 80-89 D 60-69
TESTS: On occasion you may be given a study guide; however, your best preparation is to attend class, read the text and workbook, ask questions and take notes. You will not be allowed to use the guide or notes when taking the tests. You’ll need to study!
American Disability Act: “Any personal learning accommodation that may be needed by the student to be successful in this course must be made known to the instructor.”
“The only dumb question is the one not asked.”
The only wrong answer is, “I don’t know.”
NO RESPONSE SHOULD BEGIN WITH, IDON’T KNOW!
CLASS CALENDER
Sociology: An Introduction
Every class session will have a number of tasks, ICA/ICGA, occasional guest speaker, some video, and lots of interaction. To get the most enjoyment out of this class you must come prepared. Read your text, complete all assignments, enter sociology with a good attitude, a desire to learn, and an appreciation for sharing, connecting and having fun. PAY ATTENTION TO IN-CLASS STUFF !
Part 1: Studying Society and Social Life
Ch. 1: The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
Ch. 2: Culture
Ch. 3: Socialization
Part 2: Social Groups and Social Control
Ch. 4: Social Structure and interaction in Everyday Life
Ch. 6: Deviance and Crime
What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly
~Lao Tzu~
Part 3: Social Inequality
Ch. 7: Class and Stratification in the United States
Ch. 8: Global Stratification
Ch. 10: Sex and Gender
By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart ~Confucius~
Part 4: Social Institutions
Ch. 11: Families and Intimate Relationships
Ch. 12: Education and Religion
Ch. 13: Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective
Ch. 14: Health and Medicine
Part 5: Social Dynamics and Social Change
Ch. 15: Population and Urbanization
Ch. 16: Collective Behavior and Social Change
FINALS
EXTRA CREDIT - Short answer questions may appear on the board for a few minutes at the beginning of some classes. After the allotted time I will erase the question and collect your answers. Those arriving late will not benefit from this exercise, and the answer sheets that do not have names will receive no credit.
Introduction to Sociology: Program Outcomes
Students should be able to demonstrate:
1. An understanding of human behavior within a social context.
a. Roles and responsibilities of individuals, groups, and
institutions in the larger society.
b. Analyze human behavior within a social context from
different perspectives – how does society shape behavior?
2. Competence in understanding; critically assessing, and using
major sociological concepts.
a. Define major sociological concepts involved in
understanding social behavior, interaction, and
organization.
b. Apply major sociological concepts to specific situations.
3. Have knowledge of research findings applicable to sociological
problems or issues.
a. Evaluate and critique sociological research reported in
popular or scholarly publications.
b. Propose a plan or research for a sociological problem or
issue.
4. Familiarity with various theoretical perspectives of sociology.
a. Recognize various theoretical perspectives.
b. Describe and critically analyze assumptions that underlie
particular theoretical perspectives.
c. Apply various theoretical perspectives to issues in society.
5. An appreciation and respect fo cultural diversity in societies.
a. Be aware and comprehend views of various social groups.
b. Understand social groups in various societies in terms of
differences in sociocultural resources and outcomes.
“It is not disbelief that is dangerous to our society; it is
belief.” G.B. Shaw
“It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.” I. Asimov