COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST. JOSEPH

SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

 

 

 

Course No. 103  Section 01  INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Days and Times:

M, W, F 10-10:50 a.m.

 

Text Book:

Sociology: Cultural Diversity in a –Changing World, Fourth Edition by G. Bryjak and M. P. Soroka,  Allyn and Bacon Publishing Company 1997

Instructor:

Professor Beverly Massey, MSSW, LISW, CCDCIII, Assistant Professor

Office:

Office Hours:

Behavioral Sciences Office Suite 12F

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday  9:00 am-10:00am

Office Phone:

244-4693

 

               

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

Introduction to Sociology is designed to give students the distinctive outlook of sociology, the current theoretical perspectives in sociology, the general principles of sociological research. Fundamental concepts of sociology are stressed: culture, personality, socialization, organizations, groups and institutions basic to the understanding of human society.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 

1.                  To gain knowledge of basic sociological concepts, definitions, classifications.

2.         To appreciate the distinctive sociological perspectives and how sociologists view and study social behavior and human society.

3.         To learn how sociologists apply these concepts and methods to the study of daily lives.

4.         To become aware of how professionals in human services use these concepts and data to help improve people’s lives.

 

Course Requirements

 

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Students are required to attend class.  Students are expected to participate in class discussions.  Both attendance and participation are considered as a part of the course grade.  Absences can result in a lower grade or failure if prior notification is not given to the instructor.  Notifications can be provided most effectively via e-mail.

 

ASSIGNED READINGS

Students are expected to complete assigned readings and/or internet research before class.  The instructor will request your participation in the classroom. 

 

 

METHODOLOGY

Material will be covered through lecture, group discussions, and interactive exercises.

 

METHOD OF STUDENT EVALUATIN

Tests               50%

Papers             30%

Participation  20%

100%

 

GRADING SCALE

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%

C = 70 – 79%

D = 60 – 69%

F = 59 and below

 

Note:   Any part of this syllabus or schedule may be changed at the discretion of the instructor

            Any changes will be announced in class.

 

 

WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

 

There will be four examinations of approximately the same length and coverage.  The questions will cover materials from the text, class lectures, and class discussions.  The questions will be a combination of true/false, essay and multiple-choice questions.

 

PAPERS OR LABS

 

Papers will be assigned to enable the students to utilize the concepts and theories discussed in class.

 

All written material must be typed and double-spaced.  All written materials must have a bibliography in APA format.

 

SPECIAL NOTES

 

1.      Any student who wants accommodations or assistance with respect to accomplishment of the course objectives because of a disability should see the instructor so that such assistance can be given.

 

2.      Academic Honesty  It is the expectation of this instructor that students will do their own work.  See the College Catalogue 2000.

 

 

3.      In the event of bad weather, listen to the media.  If classes are canceled, it will be announced.

Students will continue to be responsible for all reading assignments outside of the classroom, even thought in classroom sessions have been canceled due to weather.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS

 

Week 1

August 28, 30, 9/1       

Introduction, Syllabus Review, Expectations

Ch. 1, World According to Sociology

1st assignment – 3 page magazine review

1-1/2 page summary of article

1-1/2 page your opinion of article

(US News, Time, Newsweek)

 

Week 2

September  4, 6, 8

Chapter 2 Culture

 

 

Week 3

September 11, 13, 15              

Ch. 2, continued

Ch . 4, Socialization

 

Week 4

September 18, 20, 22

Ch. 4, Continued

Test Review

September 22, TEST 1, CH. 1, 2, & 4

Ch. 3, Groups and Social Structure

 

Week 5

September 25, 27, 29

September 29, Magazine Review Due.

Ch. 3, Continued

Ch. 5, Inequality and Stratification

Ch. 5, Continued

 

 

Week 6

October 2, 4, 6  

2nd Written Assignment

Eight (8) – Ten (10) page research paper

10 References

Ch. 5, Continued

Ch. 7, Gender and Gender Issues

Ch. 7, Continued

 

Week 7

October 9, 11, 13

(Holiday 13th  College Closed) 

Ch. 7, Continued

Test Review

TEST 2, CH. 3, 5 &7

Ch. 6, Race and Ethnicity

 

Week 8

October 16, 18, 20

 

Ch. 6, Continued, Ch 9 Marriage and the Family

Week 9

October 23, 25, 26     

 

Ch. 9, Marriage and the Family Continued

 

 

Week 10

October 31, November  1, 3   

 

Ch., 10, Education and Religion

Ch. 10, Continued

Ch. 10, Continued

 

Week 11

November 6, 8, 10      

Test Review

TEST 3, CH. 6, 9, 10

Ch. 11, Economy and Politics

 

Week 12

November 13, 15, 17  

 

Ch. 11. Continued

Ch. 8, Crime, Deviance and Social Control

Eight (8) – ten (10) page research paper due

 

Week 13

November 20, (22, 24 Thanksgiving College Closed)           

Ch. 8 Continued

Ch. 13, Modernization

Ch. 13, Continued

 

Week 14

November 27, 29, Dec. 1

 

Ch. 14, Sociology and the Future

Week 15

December  4, 6, 8,

Ch. 14, Continued

Test Review

 

Week 16

December 11 thru. 15  

EXAM WEEK :  Test 4, CH. 8, 11, 13, 14

 

           

Bibliography

 

Benjamin, L. 1991. The Black Elite: Facing the Color Line in the twilight of the Twentieth Century.

            Chicago: Nelson-Hall.

Fontana, V. 1973. Somewhere a Child Is Crying: Maltreatment – Causes and Prevention. New York:

            Macmillan

Coos E. 1993. The Rage of a Privileged Class. New York: Harper-Collins.

Cose E. 1994. “Truths About Spouse Abuse.” Newsweek (August 8):49

Dolan, M. 1992. “Japan Expected to Dwarf U.S. Environment Aid.” Los Angles Times, June 7.

Domestic Violence. 1991. Plano, TX: Information Aids.

Duncan, D. E. 1990.  “Africa: The Long Good-bye.” Atlantic (July).

Grayson, G. W. 1995.  “An Ocean of Drugs Piles Up in Mexico.” San Diego union-Tribune, August 27,                                 

              p. G4.

Popeil,  L. A. 1993. “More Grandparents Face Cost of Raising Their Children’s Kids.” Christian Science

            Monitor, November 2, p. 9.

Rebeck, G. 1990. “-Gay Families Begin to win Recognition.” Utne Reader (September – October):34.

Makihara, K. 1990.  “Japanese Women: Rewriting Tradition.”  Lears (February): 78-83.

McCarthy, T. 1994. “The Economic Demise of `Japan Inc.’ Has Ben Greatly Exaggerated.” San Diego

            Union – Tribune, April 24, p. G5.

Klein, M. W. 1995. “Street Gang Cycles,” in J. Q. Wilson and J. Petersilia, eds. Crime. San Francisco:

            ICS Press, pp. 217-36

Norton, A. J., and P. C. Glick. 1986. “One Parent Families: A Social and Economic Profile.” Family Relations 35:9-17.

Smith, G. 1992. “International Aid Worsens Famines,” in C. Wekesser and C. Pierce, eds. Africa:

            Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, pp. 108-115.

Superville, D. 1995. “The Glass Ceiling Report: Women, Minorities Still Lack Top Jobs.” San Diego Union – Tribune, March 16.