Course Syllabus

SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology

Sections 4866 [MWs] & 7777 [TRs] / (Spring 2019)

Dr. John Stover / Department of Behavioral Sciences

Santa Rosa Junior College – Petaluma Campus

Instructor Information

Professor: John A Stover, PhD aka Dr. John

E-mail: jstover@santarosa.edu

Mobile/Text: 415-596-1524 (preferred / 140 characters)

Office Phone: 707-778-3655 (text or call my cell first!)

Office… …Locale: PC 668 CALL

  …Hours: MTWRs 12:00 – 12:30pm, Ts and Rs 1:00 – 2:30pm, anytime via text/mobile

Course Information

SOC 1 Introduction (Intro) to Sociology            Three lecture hours per week

Section 4866 Details: MWs 9—10:30am, PC 698 CALL

Section 7777 Details: TRs 9—10:30am, PC 692 CALL

Welcome Aboard! What is Sociology, Anyway?

So·ci·ol·o·gy. Function:  noun.

 Etymology: French sociologie, from socio- + -logie –logy.

1: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships; specifically: the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings.

2: the scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society.[1]

[1] Merriam-Webster Website http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociology accessed 6 August 2017.

Introduction to Sociology <SOC 1> is an undergraduate, introductory course exploring the perspectives for understanding human interaction as based on the analysis of people, organizational structures, and the cultures and societies in which they are found. During the length of this course, you will develop your own sociological understanding of the world, or what C. Wright Mills termed The Sociological Imagination. You will also refine skills related to active reading, analytical writing, and media critique. We’ll apply in-class studies to observations, participation, and interactions in the world in which we live, and you will contribute to discussions and analyses. The course is designed to answer these three, major questions: What is Sociology as a Discipline? How Can we Combat Both Individual and Structural Inequalities? How are Societies Changing in a Globalized World?

Student Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain and apply the major theories, concepts, and methodologies of sociology.
  2. Analyze society and social groups using a sociological perspective.
  3. Evaluate structures and policies of major American social institutions.

Course Catalog Description

            An exploration of American society from several levels of analysis including face-to-face social interaction, groups, and institutions. This exploration is accomplished through the use of lectures, small group interaction, multimedia, and guest speaker presentations.

The official COURSE OUTLINE for SOC 1 is ALSO available online at http://ow.ly/lnF730dep4g

Recommended Preparation & Transferability

  • Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent (Grade or P/NO)
  • Transfer: CSU;UC. C-ID: SOCI 110.

Required Course Materials

            TEXTS. The following TEXTS are required and should be brought to class every day they are assigned for discussion. You can locate and order textbooks online via the SRJC Bookstore. Note that if you want to pick your books up in Petaluma, you need to order them from the Petaluma Bookstore website.

Required / Available for Purchase:

Ali, Syed and Phillip Cohen (Editors), & ASA. 2018. The CONTEXTS Reader (Third Edition). New York, NY: WW Norton and Company. ISBN: 978–0393–6365–0.

Rios, Victor. 2011. Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a PhD. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978–1–45383–269–1.

If purchasing books is a hardship,  See Me ASAP.

Required / Free to Student:

Stover, John and Nori Lowe Henk. 2018. The Sociology Workbook. Self-Published/Supplied by the Instructor. 

            The Sociology Workbook. A new feature in Soc01 this academic year, this workbook will be supplied to you early in the semester and comes with a set of expectations and agreements to which students will explicitly agree upon before accepting.

[Online Textbook] OER Resource & Rice University. 2015. Introduction to Sociology 2e. OpenStax. Print: 978–1–938168–41–3 / Free PDF: 978–1–947172–11–1.

Great newsyour textbook for this class is available for free online!

Introduction to Sociology, 2nd Edition from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-11-5

You have several options to obtain this book:

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.


Websites. You will need regular access to CANVAS @ https://canvas.santarosa.edu/login/canvas for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, sharing resources, and viewing grades. I ALSO STRONGLY RECOMMEND you take advantage of SRJC’s Tutorial Centers (https://college-skills.santarosa.edu/tutorial-centers), Learning Communities (https://learningcommunities.santarosa.edu/), and library resources (https://libraries.santarosa.edu/#research1). We will talk about each of these, too.

Software. For assigned PDF Readings you will need Adobe Reader, and for assignments and access to CANVAS you will need a computer with word processing and Internet access capabilities. Google Drive is an excellent resource for free, internet-based software for creating/writing papers, charts, and presentations. There are also many computers on campus, such as in the library, for your use.

Assessment Measures By Category & Related Points

In-Class Participation = 10% of Overall Grade / 100 points

Students must ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTE during class in order to earn the associated points for participation. Late arrivals and lack of in-class focus will be recorded and deducted from the points available per equal halves of the semester. Absences are to be avoided wherever / whenever possible.

Midterm and Final Examinations = 30% of Overall Grade / 300 points

There will be a Midterm and Final Examination in this course, each worth 150 points. Tests will measure your ability to apply, interpret, and discuss key course themes. These tests will take place over one week (each) of the semester, and involve in-class as well as take-home portions of the test. All readings, lectures, terms, concepts, media, and other course content are “fair game” for each exam.

Essays & Final Presentations = 30% of Overall Grade / 300 points

            An important way in which we critically assess the information-rich society in which we live is by using the Sociological Imagination in our writing. To this end, students will write a few, stand-alone essays on specific topics. All students will be required to attend and write about at least ONE SRJC-sponsored cultural event this semester, including all Our House Intercultural Center events here on the Petaluma campus (https://petaluma.santarosa.edu/our-house-intercultural-center). All events occur outside of our regular class time, so plan ahead. Also, small groups of students will also research and present on a special topic for their final presentations.

The Sociology Workbook = 30% of Overall Grade / 300 points

Successful use of the workbook counts towards a full 30% of each student’s final grade, and are the only outside material that will be allowed during the in-class portion of the course exams. The workbooks will be graded on the quality, depth, and completion of your lecture notes, reading notes, and activities. Thorough and proper use of the workbook as your primary note-taking vehicle for lectures AND readings is ESSENTIAL throughout the course. All activities that are assigned explicitly (we won’t get to everything) will also be graded.

Assignment & Assessment Self – Tracking Worksheet

Related Activities

Points Possible

Points Earned

Participation Across the Semester

100

 

 First Half of Semester (Day One to Midterms)

50

 

 Second Half of Semester (Post Midterms to Finals Week)

50

 

Examinations (2)

300

 

Midterm Examination

150

 

Final Examination

150

 

Essays and Final Presentations

300

 

First Essay: Empathy and Sociology

50

 

Street Life Essay

50

 

Our House Intercultural Center Reflective Essay

100

 

Final Presentations Research and Project

100

 

The Sociology Workbook

300

 

First Check: Lecture Notes, Reading Notes, and Activities

100

 

Second Check: Lecture Notes, Reading Notes, and Activities

100

 

Third Check: Lecture Notes, Reading Notes, and Activities

100

 

Total Sum of Points (100%)

1,000

 

Working Course Schedule

[Schedule subject to change based on course progression and student comprehension]

            Reading requirements will vary among the texts, and lecture topics will draw from, but not be limited by, the assigned readings, so in-class note taking and participation are extremely important to your success. We will also engage in a variety of activities (in and outside of class), or what I call Sociology in Action.

Reading Abbreviations include:

  • CONTEXTS = Passages / Sections in The CONTEXTS Reader, 3rd Edition by Syed and Cohen
  • Street Life = Street Life: Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a PhD by Victor Rios
  • PDF handouts = Additional readings supplied by the instructor and available on CANVAS
  • Associated OER Text = Online textbooks chapters associated with each Module/Topic

 Except in Week One, always read The WEEKEND BEFORE you come to class.

 

PART ONE: OVERVIEW OF THE DISCIPLINE

14/15 Jan-2019    Welcome and Introductions

Lecture:  A Review of the Course Syllabus, Course Workbook, and Expectations for the Semester.

Sociology in Action:  Ice-breaker activities designed to help us get to know one another.

Readings of the Day: (PDF handouts) “The Sociological Imagination” by C Wright Mills (1959)

 

16/17 Jan-2019    Module One – Sociological Imagination

Lecture:  Establishing Our Sociological Imagination

Sociology in Action:  First Essay and Media Analysis Activity

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Reading Passages #1 and #4

Associated OER Text: Chapter One – An Introduction to Sociology

 

21-Jan-2019    MLK Day – No Classes

22-Jan-2019    PDA Flex Day – No Classes

 

23/24 Jan-2019    Module Two – Theory

Lecture:  How Does Sociological Theory Work?

Sociology in Action:  Applying Theory to Everyday Family Life

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Passages #31, 32, and #33

Associated OER Text: Chapter Four – Society and Societal Interaction

 

28/29 Jan-2019    Special Activity/Module Eight

Sociology in Action:  Mapping Our Social Locations

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Reading Passages #30 & #34

 

30/31 Jan-2019    Module Three – Methods

Lecture:  Quantitative vs. Qualitative Strategies.

Sociology in Action:  Using and Applying Various Methodological Strategies to Data Sets

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Reading Passages #2, #3, and #5

 

4/5 Feb-2019     (Methods continued)

Lecture:  Ethical Quandaries in Research.

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Reading Passages #46, #47, & #48

Associated OER Text: Chapter Two – Sociological Research

 

6/7 Feb-2019     Module Four – Culture

Lecture:  What’s the Difference between Society and Culture?

Sociology in Action:  Module Four Activity – Who are the Nacirema?

Readings of the Day: (PDF handout) “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema” by Horace Miner (1956)

Associated OER Text: Chapter Three – Culture

 

M 11/ T 12 Feb-2019    (Culture continued)

Sociology in Action:  How Does Mass Media Shape Culture?

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 2 / Reading Passages #6 thru #10 (NOTE: These are the PASSAGE numbers, NOT the page numbers!)

Related Homework: On page 20 of the workbook, choose THREE of the assigned passages (EITHER 7, 8, and 9 OR 8, 9, and 10) and outline the thesis and supporting evidence as we discussed. Be ready to discuss your ideas in class.

 

13-Feb-2019    Module Five – Socialization [W only]

Lecture:  How are We Socialized? What’s the Sociology of Everyday Life? How Does the Media Fit In?

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Reading Passages #12 & #15 (Again these are the PASSAGE numbers, NOT the page numbers!)

Associated OER Text: Chapter Five – Socialization

Related Homework: On page 29 of the workbook, for BOTH of the assigned passages outline the thesis and supporting evidence as we discussed. Be ready to discuss your ideas in class.

 

14-Feb-2019    PDA Mandatory Day - No Classes [R]

18-Feb-2019    Washington's Day - No Classes [M]

 

19-Feb-2019    Module Five – Socialization [T only]

Lecture:  How are We Socialized? What’s the Sociology of Everyday Life? How Does the Media Fit In?

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Reading Passages #12 & #15 (Again these are the PASSAGE numbers, NOT the page numbers!)

Associated OER Text: Chapter Five – Socialization

Related Homework: On page 29 of the workbook, for BOTH of the assigned passages outline the thesis and supporting evidence as we discussed. Be ready to discuss your ideas in class.

 

20/21 Feb-2019    (Socialization continued)

Sociology in Action:  Identifying Socialization Patterns in The Incredibles (2004) via In-class screening and activity

Soc Workbook Grading Check Point #1: Sociology Workbooks will be collected and graded at this point

 

PART TWO: SOCIAL INEQUALITIES

25/26 Feb-2019    Module Six – Groups and Organizations

Lecture:  Groups, Durkheim, and Weber

Associated OER Text: Chapter Six – Groups and Organizations

27/28 Feb-2019    (Groups continued)

Sociology in Action:  Rationalization and Choice – Module Six Activity

 

[Updated] Monday 4th of March

Catching Up:

Sociology in Action:  Health Care Related Issues.

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 8 / Reading Passages #41 thru #45

Associated OER Text: Chapter Nineteen – Health and Medicine

New Material:

Lecture:  American Social Classes and their Consequences

Associated OER Text: Chapter Nine – Social Stratification in the United States

Updated] Tuesday 5th of March

Catching Up:

Socialization Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Reading Passages #12 & #15 

Health Care Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 8 / Reading Passages #41 thru #45

Associated OER Text: Chapter Nineteen – Health and Medicine

New Material:

Lecture:  American Social Classes and their Consequences

Associated OER Text: Chapter Nine – Social Stratification in the United States

Updated] Wednesday 6th of March

Sociology in Action: Stratification Realness and Activities

Sociology in Action: Review for Midterm

Updated] Thursday 7th of March

Sociology in Action: Stratification Realness and Activities

Sociology in Action: Review for Midterm

11/12 Mar-2019   Midterm Exam Week [Part One]

Sociology in Action: In-Class Portion of the Test

13/14 Mar-2019   Midterm Exam Week [Part Two]

Sociology in Action: Take-Home Portion of the Test

18-March to 24 March-2019 // Spring Break - No Classes

 

25/26 Mar-2019   Module Nine

Lecture:  What Does it Mean to be Hispanic? Asian? white? Black? Muslim? Jewish? Multi-racial?

Sociology in Action:  Defining Racial and Ethnic Categories

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 4 / Reading Passages #17 thru #21

Associated OER Text: Chapter Eleven – Race and Ethnicity

 

27/28 Mar-2019   (Race continued)

Sociology in Action:  Understanding Structural Discrimination and Prejudice

Readings of the Day: Continued from previous class.

 

1/2 Apr-2019     Module Ten – Gender, Sex, and Sexuality

Lecture:  How Do We Perform Gender? Let’s Talk about Sex (and Sexualities) …

Sociology in Action:  Gender Performativity in Schools

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 5 / Reading Passages #22 thru #29

Associated OER Text: Chapter Twelve – Gender, Sex, and Sexuality

 

3/4 -2019     (Gender continued)

Sociology in Action:  Applying and Revising the Bechdel Test

Readings of the Day: Continued from previous class.

 

PART THREE: INSTITUTIONAL INEQUALITIES

8/9 Apr-2019     Module Eleven – Education

Lecture:  Education and the American Dream (or not)

Sociology in Action:  A Tale of Two Schools

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 7 / Reading Passages #35 thru #40

Associated OER Text: Chapter Sixteen – Education

 

10/11 Apr-2019   (Education continued)

Sociology in Action:  A Brief Case Study in Intersectionality – Dr. Victor Rios

Readings of the Day: (Rios 2011) Street Life: Poverty, Gangs and a PhD

 

15/16 Apr-2019   Module Twelve – Politics

Lecture:  Politics, Power, and Who Can Be President?

Readings of the Day: (PDF handout) “The Power Elite” (Mills)

Associated OER Text: Chapter Seventeen – Government and Politics

 

17/18 Apr-2019   (Politics continued)

Sociology in Action:  Understanding the Who and Why of American Voting Patterns

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 10 / Reading Passages #50 thru #56

 

22/23 Apr-2019   Module Thirteen – Economies and Marxism

Lecture:  Understanding Marxism and the Economy

Sociology in Action:  Deconstructing Marx (Part One)

Readings of the Day: (PDF handouts) Manifesto of the Communist Party & Alienated Labor (Karl Marx)

Associated OER Text: Chapter Eighteen – Work and the Economy

 

24/25 Apr-2019   (Marxism continued) Library!!!!!!!!

Lecture:  What is Globalization?

Sociology in Action:  Deconstructing Marx (Part Two)

Readings of the Day: Continued from previous class.

 

PART FOUR: CHANGING SOCIETIES

29/30 Apr-2019    Modules Fourteen & Fifteen

Lecture:  Forces of Change1 – Social Movements and Religious Conflict

Sociology in Action:  Media Analyses & Workbook Activities

Associated OER Text: Chapter Twenty-One – Social Movements and Change

 

1/2 May-2019    Modules Sixteen & Seventeen

Lecture:  Forces of Change2 – Climate Change and Population

Sociology in Action:  Media Analyses & Workbook Activities

Readings of the Day: CONTEXTS Part 12 / Reading Passages #63 thru #67

Associated OER Text: Chapter Twenty – Population, Urbanization, and the Environment

 

6/7 May-2019    Final Exam Week

8/9 May-2019    Final Presentation (Research1)

 

13/14 May-2019  Final Presentation (Research2)

15/16 May-2019  Final Presentations Begin

 

Final Exam Week Schedules

[MWs] Section 4866: 22-May-2019   (W) Final Presents 7:00 – 9:45 am

[TRs] Section 7777: 23-May-2019   (R) Final Presents 7:00 – 9:45 am

 

Universal Class Policies For All Sociology Classes w/Dr. John

Grades & Course Assessment

  • Up to 1,000 points are available to each student, each semester, in each course in which they are enrolled. Also use and visit the “Grades” Section in Canvas to keep track of your grades.
  • Assignment descriptions and related points are detailed in various formats, including written and online versions, and are usually available on the course CANVAS site.
  • Grading is a challenge for me – I won’t lie and you may already know this – but I will do my best to return materials in a two week time frame.
  • I cannot stress this enough: YOU earn YOUR grade through YOUR efforts.
  • To reinterate: Your grade is a reflection of the points you have earned. Period. End of Story.
  • The ratio of Final Points to Final Percentages (again – as earned by you) are as follows:

 

Grade

Percentage

Points

Grade

Percentage

Points

A

93% & above

930 – 1,000

D

69% – 74%

690 – 740

B

85% – 92%

850 – 920

F

68% – 0%

680 – 0

C

75% – 84%

750 – 840

 

Assignment Submissions

RE: ON TIME ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Any assignment listed on Canvas is to be submitted via Canvas as per the instructions of the assignment – NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • ALL ELECTRONIC submissions on Canvas MUST BE Word, PDF, or Text Entry – NO PAGES DOCUMENTS and NO LINKS to GOOGLE DOCS…EVER…
  • ALL submissions must be properly formatted – DOUBLE CHECK BEFORE YOU SUBMIT.
  • Any handwritten or hard copy work will be collected in class on the day it is due, no exceptions.
  • NEVER, EVER EMAIL ME AN ASSIGNMENT.

RE: LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Any assignment not submitted on time on Canvas as directed can be turned in late ONLY AS FOLLOWS:
    • When the student prints and hands off a direct copy of the assignment to me within five (5) weekdays of the official deadline, EITHER in class OR during office hours.
    • A 10 to 25% penalty for late submission will be deducted from all late assignments as depending on circumstances and length of delay.
  • NEVER, EVER EMAIL ME A LATE ASSIGNMENT.
  • NO FINAL PRESENTATIONS AND NO RESEARCH PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE STATED DEADLINES – AKA NO LATE WORK ON MAJOR PROJECTS – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Course Engagement = YOUR Education Requires YOUR…

An undergraduate education is a collaborative effort built on a productive & engaged working relationship between Professor & Student. What does this mean for you?

Preparation. Always read BEFORE you come to class. 

Respect. Listen to others and learn from your mistakes. Take responsibility for your own success by doing the work, following directions, earning your own grade, and being fully present.

Focus. Put your electronic gadgets away and focus on what we are doing in class: ask questions, challenge assumptions, engage in exercises, participate in discussions, read material, and complete assignments.

Nota Bene: DO NOT ENROLL IN THIS CLASS UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO MEET THE COURSE EXPECTATIONS AS DETAILED.

Important Policies and Procedures (Alphabetically)

  • Absences & (Limited/No) Make Up Policy. 

    Make up assignments will be given ONLY in EXTREME circumstances such as a serious illness, religious observance, or college-sponsored absences. Supporting documents ARE required (doctor’s note, team schedules, etc.) and instructor decisions regarding approval are final. If you miss class for any other reason, make-up work/tests are NOT AVAILABLE. Also, I will not hold private lectures or make special accommodations for randomly/chronically absent students.
  • Academic Honesty and Integrity.

    I fully expect you to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity during your academic career, and within this course in particular (refer to https://rightsresponsibilities.santarosa.edu/academic-integrity if you are not already familiar). Additionally, note my policy as instructor is to assign an “F” for any assignment or exam upon which academic dishonesty and/or plagiarism is evident. I will also report any such instances to the Academic Integrity Committee. Two or more instances WILL result in COURSE FAILURE.
  • Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.

    If you have a documented disability, please provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) as soon as possible. You can visit DRD on the Petaluma Campus in Jacobs Hall, Room 101 or on the Santa Rosa Campus in the Bertolini Student Center, 3rd Floor East. DON’T BE SHY – THERE’S NO SHAME IN GETTING WHAT YOU DESERVE!!!
  • Attendance and Participation. 

    We will cover distinct, unique material each class meeting so it is IMPERATIVE you make each and every class session. Your ACTIVE participation in class EACH SESSION is also fully expected. In other words, either make this class a priority or do not enroll.
  • Drop Policy. 

    As per SRJC’s official attendance policy, I reserve the right to drop any students missing more than 10% of class meetings until the deadline to drop (one [1] or more). After that point, I reserve the right to DROP and/or FAIL any students missing more than 10% of class meetings (four [4] or more). ALSO, if you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%) (See Important Dates).
  • Emergency Evacuation Policy.

    In the case of an emergency, please follow my directions and do as I say, when I say. If an event requires our immediate evacuation, we will exit the classroom in a calm, orderly, and efficient manner, using the closest stairwell to exit the building. Once outside, we will gather in the open space in front of the library (one of several evacuation areas designated on campus) and await further instructions (see also https://petaluma.santarosa.edu/evacuation-areas for more information).
  • Instructor Email Announcements and Q&A Forum.

    I will send many updates via email, so make sure you are regularly checking your school-related email account(s). I will also post messages on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences as soon as the instructor creates an Announcement.
  • Important Dates for Spring 2019 Semester Long Courses at SRJC can be viewed here.

  • Pass – NoPass (P/NP).

    You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option online with TLC or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records. If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 75% of the total class points and complete all exams and assignments to pass the class.
  • Standards of Conduct.

    Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See also https://student-conduct.santarosa.edu/.
  • Title IX Policy.

    I do not discriminate, neither does SRJC, and neither should you: “The Sonoma County Junior College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnic group identification, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic condition, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its policies, procedures or practices; nor does the District discriminate against any employees or applicants for employment on the basis of their age. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access and treatment in District programs and activities including but not limited to academic admissions, financial aid, educational services and athletics and application for District employment” (https://titleix.santarosa.edu/).

Course Summary:

Date Details Due