SOCI 201101 20Syllabus 20 2820114 29 20

Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 1101 (CRN 20114)
Fall 2012
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Jewrell Rivers
CLASS LOCATION: Room 126, Bowen Hall
CLASS DAYS/TIMES: Tuesday, Thursday, 9:30 - 10:45 OFFICE LOCATION: Room 223, Bowen Hall

OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, 11:00 – 12:00, 1:00 – 3:30 Tuesday, Thursday, 11:00 – 12:30 PHONE: 391 - 5088 (office phone) 391 - 5080 (school phone)

E-MAIL: jrivers@abac.edu

WEATHER HOTLINE: (229) 391 - 5225

ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER TUTORIAL HOURS: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ground Floor of the Carlton Center

LS REQUIREMENTS: Reading and English

TEXTBOOK: Kendall, Diana. (2011). Sociology in Our Times. Eighth Edition.
Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

SUPPLEMENTAL READER: Charon, Joel M. (2009). The Meaning of Sociology. Ninth Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Supplemental materials can be found at http://cengage.com/wadsworth/

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A survey of the discipline of sociology. Topics will include sociological theory, methods, and selected substantive areas such as sex, age, gender, social class and race/ethnicity.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will identify and apply the three theoretical perspectives of sociology
(structural-functionalism, conflict perspective, symbolic-interactionism).
2. Students will compare, contrast and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the three theoretical perspectives of sociology.

3. Students will select and apply the more appropriate research methodology to a sociological concept, problem or phenomenon. 4. Students will define and explain the components of culture (beliefs, values, norms, symbols, language) that shape our perception of social behavior.

5. Students will explain and provide examples of agents of socialization (family, school, peer group, media) that prepare individuals for life in society. 6. Students will define and explain the building blocks of social structure (social interaction, statuses, roles, relationships, groups, institutions, society) in the organization of social behavior.

COURSE ARRANGEMENTS: Lectures, small group discussions, oral presentations, videos and outside assignments. CLASS ATTENDANCE: Courses at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College are provided for the intellectual growth and development of students. To attain maximum success, students must attend all their classes, be on time, and attend all scheduled course activities including, but not limited to, field trips, seminars, study sessions, individual conferences and lectures. This interaction with instructors and other students is an important element of the learning process, and a high correlation exists between class attendance and grades. A student must understand the importance of regular participation in classroom and laboratory activities. The absence of any student affects not only his or her performance but the performance of the class as a whole. Absence from class, for whatever reason, does not excuse a student from full responsibility for class work or assignments missed. Students must accept this responsibility.

Students who accumulate more than 4 excused or unexcused absences will be subject to receiving a grade of “F” for the course. Absences incurred due to authorized and approved college sponsored events will not be counted. However, whenever a student is absent, whether for official or personal reasons, the student must assume responsibility and provide notice to the instructor, preferably in advance, for making arrangements for any assignments and class work missed because of the absence. Final approval for makeup work remains with the instructor. A student who stops attending class without officially withdrawing from the course is subject to this attendance policy and will receive a grade of “F” for the course. At the beginning of each semester, the instructor will explain clearly to the student the specific attendance policy and will publish it on his syllabus and websites. WITHDRAWAL: A student may withdraw from a course up to the midpoint of the semester, Thursday, October 4, 2012, and receive a grade of W without penalty. After midterm, students may withdraw only with the permission of the Academic Dean. If permission is granted, students will be assigned W or WF according to their performance at the time they withdrew. Students who simply abandon class will be given an “F” at the end of the semester.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Because Abraham Baldwin College has the dual responsibility of educating students and helping them mature into worthy citizens who take their place in the larger community, it has adopted a code for dealing with academic irregularities. Academic irregularities include, but are not limited to, giving or receiving of unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any academic assignment; taking or attempting to take, stealing, or otherwise obtaining in an unauthorized manner any material pertaining to the educational process; selling, giving, lending or otherwise furnishing to any person any questions and/or answers to any examination known to be scheduled at any subsequent date; and plagiarism (taking credit for another author’s work without proper citation and recognition) in any form related to themes, essays, term papers, tests and other assignments.

GRADING POLICY: The student’s grade will be determined by the following:

3 Exams (including the final) 300 points
3 Short Reports 30 points
1 Critical Paper 100 points
Virtual Tour 10 points ____________ Total possible points: 440 points
A = 396-440 (90-100%)
B = 352-395 (80-89%)
C = 308-351 (70-79%)
D = 264-307 (60-69%)
F = below 264 (less than 60%)

EXAMS: There will be two regular exams and a final. The exams will count approximately 70% of the course grade. The exams will consist of all multiple choice items. The final exam will not be comprehensive.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING THEIR OWN SCANTRONS!

SHORT REPORTS: There will be 3 written short reports that will count a total of 6% of the course grade. Each report will be written in ASA style and a minimum of 2 will be presented orally in class.

VIRTUAL TOUR: Students will be required to complete a virtual tour of various websites related to the field of sociology. Each website contains a tremendous amount of information on sociological research, theories, concepts and issues. Students can begin the virtual tour by assessing the following website:

http://www.wadsworth.com/sociology_d/special_features/virtualtours.html

After completing the exercises and activities of the virtual tour, students should submit their answers by entering their e-mail address and their instructor’s e-mail address at the bottom of the webpage. The virtual tour will count as class participation.

CRITICAL PAPER: The critical paper is a cumulative, semester-end assignment that will be designed to assess the student’s overall understanding of the course content. The critical paper will count approximately 20% of the course grade.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES: Students will have the opportunity to earn extra credit through interactive WebCT activities. WebCT activities will include online discussion forums and virtual class reviews. Also, students may form their own virtual study groups or online discussion groups through WebCT. Make-up exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor. If given, make-up exams will include all short answer questions. Assignments should be turned in on time. Late assignments are subject to penalty. A bonus opportunity of 5 points may be available during exams.

CONFERENCES: Please come by and talk to me if you are having problems with the material or with studying. You can find me in Bowen Hall, Room 223. If you have questions during the day, please call my office at 391-5088 or the division office at 391- 5080 and leave a message with Mrs. Epperly if I am not in. Tutorial help is also available at the Academic Support Center on Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS: Special accommodations will be provided for students with a documented learning disability. Documentation should be presented from the Office of Student Development located in J. Lamar Branch Student Center.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

CELL PHONE USAGE IS PROHIBITED

NO LEAVING CLASS EARLY WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION

NO USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS NO DISRUPTIONS OF ANY NATURE WILL BE ALLOWED

COURSE OUTLINE

Day Activity Reading Assignment

August 14 Introductions, Review of Syllabus Chapter 1, Part 1
August 16 “The Sociological Perspective”

August 21 “The Sociological Perspective” Chapter 2, Part 2
August 23 “Sociological Research Methods” Virtual Tour Assignment Due August 28 “Sociological Research Methods” Chapter 3, Part 7
August 30 “Culture” September 4 “Culture” Chapter 4, Part 2 (7, 8, 10)
September 6 “Socialization” September 11 Exam 1

September 13 Oral Presentations of Short Reports Chapter 5, Part 3, Part 2 (9)
September 18 “Society, Social Structure and Interaction” September 20 “Society, Social Structure and Interaction” Chapter 6 Part 2 (11, 12, 13)
September 25 “Groups and Formal Organizations” September 27 “Groups and Formal Organizations” Chapter 7 Part 2 (14)
October 2 “Deviance and Crime” October 4 “Deviance and Crime” Midterm Withdrawal Deadline w/o penalty October 9 “Deviance and Crime” Chapter 8 Part 4
October 11 “Class and Stratification in the U.S.”

October 15 - 16 Fall Break October 18 “Class and Stratification in the U.S.” Chapter 10 Part 5
October 23 Exam 2

October 25 Oral Presentations of Short Reports October 30 “Race and Ethnicity” Powerpoint/Podcast on Diversity

November 1 “Race and Ethnicity” November 6 “Race and Ethnicity” Chapter 11, Part 5
November 8 “Sex and Gender” November 13 “Sex and Gender” November 15 “Sex and Gender” Chapter 15, Part 9
November 20 “Family and Intimate Relationships” November 21 - 23 Thanksgiving Holidays

November 27 “Family and Intimate Relationships” Critical Paper and All Remaining Assignments Due November 29 “Family and Intimate Relationships” Last Day of Class/Wrap-Up Note: The course outline is subject to change.

The final exam will be given on Thursday, December 6 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Course Syllabus

Course Name: SOCI
Course Number: 1101
Course Description:

A survey of the discipline of sociology. Topics will include sociological theory, methods, and selected substantive areas such as sex, age, gender, social class and race/ethnicity.

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites:

LS Reading and English

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will identify and apply the three theoretical perspectives of sociology
(structural-functionalism, conflict perspective, symbolic-interactionism).

2. Students will compare, contrast and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the three theoretical perspectives of sociology.

3. Students will select and apply the more appropriate research methodology to a sociological concept, problem or phenomenon. 4. Students will define and explain the components of culture (beliefs, values, norms, symbols, language) that shape our perception of social behavior.

5. Students will explain and provide examples of agents of socialization (family, school, peer group, media) that prepare individuals for life in society. 6. Students will define and explain the building blocks of social structure (social interaction, statuses, roles, relationships, groups, institutions, society) in the organization of social behavior.

INSTITUTIONAL ABSENCE

A student who serves as an official representative of the college is defined as one who:
1. is authorized to use the college name in public relationships outside the institution;
2. regularly interacts with non-college individuals and groups over an extended period of time (at least one semester);
3. represents the college as a part of a group and not as an individual;
4. represents the college under the direct supervision of a college faculty or staff member; and
5. is authorized in writing, in advance, by the President of the college. Such a student is in no way released from the obligations and responsibilities of all students, but will not be penalized with unexcused absences when absences result from regularly scheduled activities in which he/she represents the college.
Further, it is the responsibility of each student to contact instructors prior to the absence and to make arrangements to make up any work that will be missed, in a manner acceptable to the instructor. Advisors of activities will schedule off-campus activities in a manner that does not unduly disrupt the learning process for a student.

College Policy on Academic Dishonesty:

A. Academic Dishonesty
Academic irregularities include, but are not limited to, giving or receiving of unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any academic assignment; taking or attempting to take, stealing, or otherwise obtaining in an unauthorized manner any material pertaining to the education process; selling, giving, lending, or otherwise furnishing to any person any question and/or answers to any examination known to be scheduled at any subsequent date; fabricating, forging, or falsifying lab or clinical results; plagiarism in any form related to themes, essays, term papers, tests, and other assignments; breaching any confidentiality regarding patient information.

B. Disciplinary Procedures
1. When a faculty member suspects that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty, the faculty member will contact the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will notify the student in writing of the report and will appoint a neutral person from among the faculty or staff to meet with the faculty member who reported the matter and the student(s) believed to have engaged in academic dishonesty. The purpose of the meeting, to be scheduled by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, will be to provide a facilitated discussion about what may have occurred. The faculty member who reported the matter, the student(s) believed to have engaged in academic dishonesty, and the facilitator are the only participants in the meeting. Audio nor video recordings of these proceedings will be permitted. Following the discussion, the facilitator will submit a form summarizing results of the proceedings to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2. The faculty member and student(s) may reach an agreement about the matter and, if dishonesty is involved, may determine the appropriate consequences. If no resolution is agreed upon, the matter will be forwarded to the Dean of Student Life and Housing, who will convene the Student Judiciary Committee to determine the outcome of the allegation.
3. Guidelines for disciplinary procedures as outlined in Section V of the Student Code of Conduct will be applicable in cases involving alleged academic dishonesty. A written copy of the recommendations by the Student Judiciary Committee shall be sent not only to the student but also to the faculty member who made the allegations of academic dishonesty against the student, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and to the President.
4. Prior to any finding of responsibility on the part of the student, the faculty member shall permit the student to complete all required academic work and shall evaluate and grade all work except the assignment(s) involved in the accusation of dishonesty. The faculty member may, however, take any action reasonably necessary to collect and preserve evidence of the alleged violation and to maintain or restore the integrity of exam or laboratory conditions.
5. A student may not withdraw from a course to avoid penalty of plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty.

C. Appeals Process
Students have the right to appeal a Student Judiciary Committee hearing recommendation in accordance with the following procedures:
1. Requests for appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs within five business days of the date of the letter notifying the student of the original decision. Failure to appeal within the allotted time will render the original decision final and conclusive.
2. Written requests for appeals must be specific and detailed as to the nature and substance of the student’s complaint and must clearly indicate what action is requested. The written request should specify the grounds for appeal. Judicial recommendations may be appealed on the following grounds:
• A violation of due process
• Prejudicial treatment by the original hearing body
• New evidence has become available which was not available at the time of the hearing.
3. Appeals shall be decided upon the record of the original proceedings, the written appeal submitted by the defendant, and any written briefs submitted by other participants. Cases will not be reheard on appeal.
4. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the student may request in writing that the President consider the appeal, but such request must be made within five business days of the Vice President’s decision or the Vice President’s decision will be considered final and conclusive.
5. Within five business days of receiving the appeal, the President will either rule on the appeal or refer the appeal to a special Presidential Panel. The Presidential Panel will review all facts and circumstances connected with the case and within five business days make a report of its findings to the President. After consideration of the Panel’s report, the President will within five business days make a decision which shall be final so far as the College is concerned.
6. Should the student be dissatisfied with the President’s decision, written application may be made to the Board of Regents for a review of the decision. This application must be submitted within twenty days following the decision of the President. Additional information regarding procedures for appealing to the Board is available in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The decision of the Board shall be final and binding for all purposes.

If there is a student in this class who has specific needs because of learning disabilities or any other disability, please feel free to contact the instructor.

This is a partial syllabus. More detailed information relating to the class and Instructor will be made available to each student.