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SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Summer 2014
Instructor: Melissa Govea Fullerton College
Email: MGovea@fullcoll.edu Office Hours: By appointment only
Course Meeting Time: M-Th 2:30-5:20 p.m. CRN: 30016

Required Texts
- Please purchase the following:
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 11th Edition, by James M. Henslin.
- Additional required readings on Blackboard. You are required to check Blackboard every week.

Why Study the Sociology?

Course Description
Sociology is the study of the social life from individual interactions to the transformation of power at the global
level. The topics which we will discuss this summer will be familiar to you: race, class, gender, sexuality,
immigration, contemporary politics, the economy, education, etc.; however, we will be looking at them from
unfamiliar angles.

All of us enter this class with some knowledge about these topics. Through class conversations and interactive
lectures, we will draw upon our knowledge to learn about the social world; however, Introduction to Sociology
will require each one of us to reconsider the things we already know about the world. This class will have you
asking questions about the things youve taken for granted. It will encourage you to critically examine how you
came to understand the world from a particular point of view. More than anything, the goal of this class is to help
you develop tools for thinking about, analyzing, and engaging with the world around you in new ways.

Course Design
This course will provide a blended learning experience. This means that we will use a variety of teaching
materials, including lectures, discussion, video, and practical exercises. We will make use of intergroup dialogue
and experiential learning. Films, songs, magazine articles, and images will play a key role in facilitating our
discussions. All of this is designed to create opportunities for you to practice doing sociology.
Lectures will be interactive and attendance is mandatory. You should be prepared to answer questions that ask
you to apply what you have read and to engage with other students.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Outcome: Upon successful completion of SOC 101 F, Introduction to Sociology, students will be able to explain
the "sociological imagination" and identify how the discipline of sociology is relevant to the study of contemporary
society.

2. Outcome: Upon successful completion of SOC 101 F, Introduction to Sociology, students will be able to identify
the steps in the research process and understand how the scientific method is used in the field of sociology.

3. Outcome: Upon successful completion of SOC 101 F, Introduction to Sociology, students will be able to
differentiate between the major sociological theoretical perspectives - structural functionalism (functionalist
perspective), social conflict (conflict perspective) and symbolic interactionism (interactionist perspective).


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Communications
When there are announcements, I will post them on Blackboard and send you emails. It is your responsibility to
regularly check the Blackboard site and the email account you provided to FC to keep up with messages from your
instructor.

Syllabus
The syllabus is subject to change. If I make changes, I will send an announcement letting you know that there is an
updated version of the syllabus posted on Blackboard.

Expectations

This course is designed to make you think. The readings are meant to initiate discussion and a reevaluation of your
assumptions about the world. Come to class prepared, which means that you have not only read the required
readings and completed your assignments, but that you have reflected upon and thought critically about what you
have read. As an integral part of the course structure and grading, your active and informed participation is
imperative to your success in this class, which is why participation is weighted so heavily.

Additionally, as we will be referring to the course materials during each class meeting, I expect you to come to
every class with your syllabus, notes, and required texts. Failure to adhere to this policy will affect your class
performance and grade.

In exchange for your preparation and participation this summer, I will make myself available to help you with the
material. You are welcome and encouraged to contact me throughout the summer session to discuss course
materials, even if an assignment is not due. I will be happy to meet with you in person, discuss your inquiries or
thoughts over the phone or correspond via email.

Grading

Assignment Points
Attendance and Participation 100
Project-Based Learning Activities 50
Discussion Questions 20
Theoretical Application Paper 100
Critical Reading/Thinking Groups 50
Exams (Two) 200 (100 points each)
Total Assignments 520

Attendance
Attend every class. Because this course covers a wide breadth of materials over a short amount of time, you will
be at a disadvantage if you miss a class; however, I recognize that life is unpredictable, so you are allowed a
maximum of two excused absences. In order for an absence to be considered excused, you must provide me
formal written documentation, e.g., if you are ill, you must provide a doctors note. Any absence without formal
documentation is considered unexcused and will count against your grade. If you know you are going to be absent
ahead of time, please let me know as promptly as possible. Absences for religious observances are excused;
however, if you expect to miss a class because of a religious observance, you must notify me within the first two
days of the summer session. Because there is a high amount of in-class activities for which you will be submitting
written responses, absences will seriously affect your grade. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain
class notes from one of your peers and to keep abreast of class happenings.



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Participation
It is of the utmost importance that you not only attend each class, but that you participate in an active and
informed way. This means that you come to class having read and critically thought about the materials. Your
participation will be measured in three ways:
1) Your thoughtful contribution to class discussion
2) Your ongoing communication with me throughout the summer session*
3) The submission of in-class assignments
*Communication with me may be made via email, or a conversation on the phone or in person. Emails that count
for participation include: questions, links to relevant articles and current events, and reflection on the course.

Blackboard
You are required to check Blackboard every week for assigned readings and/or supplemental materials.

Assignment Directions
All assignments turned into the instructor should be typed 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, have
one-inch margins, and have proper grammar and spelling. Multiple page papers must be stapled. Please type your
name, date, and class section at the top of the first page. Assignments are due at the very beginning of class. Any
assignments that are submitted after class has begun is considered late and will consequently not be accepted.

Any cited work must be cited correctly according to ASA (American Sociological Association) standards. You may
NOT use any type of text lingo (OMG, LOL, U, etc.); if used, zero will be assigned as the grade for the assignment.

Theoretical Application Paper
One of the class course objectives is that you learn how to critically think about the world around you by applying a
sociological lens to everyday cultural phenomena. In order to cultivate the development of your own sociological
perspective, you will be asked to use one of the three major sociological frameworks symbolic interactionism,
functionalism, or conflict theory to analyze and apply a real-world social phenomenon, in a three- to five-page
paper. This paper will require you to go beyond the text and conduct your own academic research.

This paper should:

Be concise and well-organized (a minimum of 3 pages, to be no more than 5 pages, double-spaced, with
paragraphs).
Make clear connections between theories and/or concepts discussed in class.
Demonstrate original thought.
Be reflective and critical.
Should use academic language.
Cite the textbook and at least two academic external sources. These may only be academic journals or
scholarly books. Wikipedia, newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc., are not allowed.
Adhere by all guidelines outlined under Assignment Directions.

Critical Reading and Thinking Groups
This course requires one to think critically about the world through employing the sociological perspective to think
about the world in which he/she lives. Throughout the session, various handouts (contemporary articles,
academic journal articles, song lyrics, spoken word, images, social theory, etc.) will be distributed to the class.
Students will break into groups to discuss and critically analyze the distributed materials. While the CTRGs are
designed for students to engage in intellectual dialogue, students will independently complete and submit a
textual analysis form for each Critical Reading and Thinking Group in which he/she participates. These forms will be
handed out in class and may also be found on Blackboard.

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For each Critical Reading/Thinking Group in which the student participates, he/she will turn in the textual analysis
form, upon which he/she will be graded. Grades are given on a credit/no-credit basis. In the case of absences, they
may not be made up, as this is a participatory exercise; this policy will be upheld even in the case of excused
absences. At the end of the summer session, the points for each CRTG will be divided by the total fifty points.
Make-up work will not be allowed.

Project-Based Learning Activities
In order for students to become active participants in the construction of knowledge, students will be asked to
participate in various Project-Based Learning activities throughout the course. Activities include: partner/group
interviews, oral presentations, film analyses, devising institutional critiques, debates, and problem-solving.
Students are graded on their participation in each activity, thus, students must be present in class. At the end of
the summer session, the points for each PBLA will be divided by the total fifty points. Make-up work will not be
allowed.

Discussion Questions
During the first day of the summer session, students will sign up to submit discussion questions, which he/she will
pose to the class on the date for which he/she signed up. Discussion questions are required to be based upon the
daily reading, but students are encouraged to bring in additional resources (newspaper/magazine clippings, song
lyrics, etc.) to draw the relationship between class readings and current events. Questions should be thoughtful,
clear, and encourage critical thought and discussion from the class; they must reference a passage from the
assigned reading.

Discussion questions must be submitted to me the day of the presentation at the beginning of class. Bring one
copy for yourself to present to the class during lecture and discussion; bring one copy for the instructor. The
question must be formatted according to class standards. Emailed copies will not be accepted.

In-Class Exams
Exams will consist of multiple choice questions. Tests are based upon a culmination of readings, lecture/discussion,
and any supplemental materials you have viewed in class or been required to read independently. You are
required to bring a #882 Scantron and No. 2 pencil to all exams. A study guide will be provided to the students
prior to the exam date.

Late Work
Late work will not be accepted and exams will not be administered past the date at which they were scheduled to
be taken in class. Only in emergencies or in the case of serious illness may late work be considered. Additionally, in
concurrence with my absence policy, formal written documentation is required in order for late work to be
considered.

Because life can be unpredictable illnesses arise, cars break down, computers stop working, etc., it is highly
suggested that you provide yourself with ample time to begin and complete an assignment; start working on your
assignments shortly after receiving the assignment instructions. I strongly recommend having an electronic copy
ready to email me by the respective due date and time just in case an unforeseen circumstance arises; it is the
students responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure they meet all deadlines. Please note that
assignments are always due promptly at the beginning of class.

You may not make up any missed in-class activities/papers; this includes PBLAs and CRTGs. Any emailed
assignments must be cleared with the instructor; a hardcopy will be due at the next available meeting. If you have
an excused absence, you may turn in your work at a date of my specification.




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Plagiarism and Cheating
Plagiarism and cheating are violations of Fullerton Colleges Academic Honesty Policy and will be treated with
severe action. If any student is found to have plagiarized and/or cheated on any assignment, the student will
receive a zero on the assignment and be reported to the Vice President of Student Services. Information regarding
plagiarism and SACs policies may be found at: http://www.fullcoll.edu/docs/college_catalog/5-
CollegePoliciesandRules.pdf. If you have any further questions regarding what constitutes plagiarism, please
consult me and/or a librarian.

A Few Other Things
Respect - If everybody is thinking alike, then someone isnt thinking. George S. Patton.
Come to class ready to engage in thoughtful, constructive dialogue. Challenging taken-for-granted assumptions
about the world is not always easy. Some of the readings and discussions in the class might make you
uncomfortable. If anything about the class (a discussion, a reading, etc.) makes you particularly uneasy, let me
know and we can talk about the problem.

Finally, it is crucial that our discussions remain respectful. Always engage in debate about ideas. Never engage in
personal attacks.

Communication
Email is generally checked once a day, Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If students have a
question regarding an upcoming assignment, they should communicate in a timely manner by observing these
hours. Allow several days for questions on upcoming assignments; you are expected to responsibly allot your time.
The subject line of your email should include your name and the course title. Correspondence should include a
salutation and be professional in tone. If you do not receive a reply within twenty-four hours (with the exception of
an email being sent between Friday night through Sunday), it is safe to assume I have not received your initial
email and you may resend it.

Extra Credit
I will offer extra credit assignments at various points throughout the summer session. I will notify the class via
Blackboard and/or email when these opportunities arise.

Electronic Devices
Any electronic device which will pose a possible distraction to you or your colleagues will not be allowed during
class time. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to: cell phones, organizers, laptop computers, pagers,
translators, tape recorders, iPads, and iPods. Please turn off your phone before entering the classroom and refrain
from turning it on until class is done.

Dropping the Course
It is your responsibility to withdraw from the course. Please refer to the college schedule concerning add/drop and
withdraw dates and procedures.

Grades
It is the students responsibility to keep informed of his/her grade throughout the entire course of the summer
session and to communicate with the professor regarding his/her academic performance. Check Blackboard
regularly to ensure your grades are consistent with your own records and standards.

Special Accommodation
If you feel your participation or attendance may be affected by a disability or medical need, please let me know as
soon as possible. I will work with you to ensure your needs are met as much as possible. As such, a student with a
verifiable disability, who would like to request an academic accommodation, is responsible for letting me know, as
well as notify the Disability Support Services (DSS). To make arrangements for academic accommodations, please
contact DSS at (714) 992-7099. More information regarding DSPS can be found at: http://dsp.fullcoll.edu/. Finally,
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it is the disabled students responsibility to contact the course instructor at the beginning of the summer session
to discuss potential plans when classroom evacuations are necessary.

A Final Note
As with any learning experience, your level of engagement with and commitment to the course will determine
what you get out of the course. I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity by reading the required
materials, participating in class discussions, and reflecting upon your own experiences. Additionally, I encourage
you to communicate with me over the course of the summer session about your learning needs. Your feedback is
imperative to enabling me to better meet your needs. Please feel free to contact or schedule a meeting with me at
any time during the summer session.


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Schedule of Topics, Readings, and Assignments
Assigned readings are due on the dates specified on the syllabus. Come to class having already read the weekly reading on their corresponding
dates.

WEEK 1:
Mon. 6/23/14: Syllabus Overview
Introductions
Discuss Critical Thinking in Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom, (hooks)
Tues. 6/24/14: Discuss Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
PBLA: What Makes You You?
Student Questionnaire Due
Wed. 6/25/14: Discuss Chapter 2: Culture
CRTG: The Nacirema
In-Class Activity: Subcultures
Thurs. 6/26/14: Discuss Chapter 3: Socialization
Socialization, Gender, and Racism A Girl Like Me film excerpt and written response

"The first lesson of modern sociology is that the individual cannot understand his own experience or gauge his own fate without locating
himself within the trends of his epoch and the life-chances of all the individuals of his social layer." C. Wright Mills

WEEK 2:
Mon. 6/30/14: Discuss Chapter 4: Social Structure and Interaction
Tues. 7/01/14: Discuss Chapter 5: Social Research
PBLA: Field Observations and Survey Construction
Wed. 7/02/14: Discuss Chapter 9: Global Stratification
In-class Film & CRTG: Hotel Rwanda
Thurs. 7/03/14: Exam I (Chapters 1-5; Chapter 9)

WEEK 3:
Mon. 7/07/14: Discuss Chapter 10: Social Class
In-class film: People Like Us: Social Class in America
Tues. 7/08/14: Discuss Chapter 11: Sex and Gender
In-class film: Miss Representation
Wed. 7/09/14: Discuss Chapter 12: Race and Ethnicity
PBLA: Group analysis of the clip, The Hunted and the Hated and Stop-Frisk Policies
Thurs.7/10/14: Discuss Chapters 14 &15: The Economy and Politics
PBLA: Explaining Capitalism and Socialism
Theoretical Application Paper Due Promptly at the Beginning of Class

WEEK 4:
Mon. 7/14/14: Discuss Chapters 14 & 15: The Economy and Politics
Tues. 7/15/14: Conclude discussion of Chapters 14 & 15
In-class film: Capitalism: A Love Story
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Wed. 7/16/14: Discuss Chapter 17: Education
Thurs. 7/17/14: Discuss Chapter 19: Health and Medicine
In-class film: Sicko

WEEK 5:
Mon. 7/21/14: Discuss Chapter 20: Population and Urbanization
PBLA: Proposing Solutions to Overpopulation
Tues. 7/22/14: Discuss Chapter 21: Collective Behavior and Social Movements
Wed. 7/23/14: Exam II (Cumulative)


"The oppressors do not perceive their monopoly on having more as a privilege which dehumanizes others and themselves. They cannot see that, in the egoistic
pursuit of having as a possessing class, they suffocate in their own possessions and no longer are; they merely have."
Paulo Freire

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Student Resources
The Tutorial Learning Center Individualized tutoring is offered in most disciplines. An attempt will be made to provide
a tutor if one is not currently available. Phone/Email: (714)992-7151; dperkins@fullcoll.edu. Website: http://tutoringcenter.fullcoll.edu
The Skills Center offers software programs that focus on skills development in specific subjects such as Reading, Learning Strategies, Critical
Thinking, Writing, Keyboarding, Test-Taking, and Foreign Language. Phone/Email: (714)992-7144; skillscenter@fullcoll.edu
The Writing Center promotes students success and independence as writers in college and beyond. The Writing Center staff helps students
with writing for classes as well as for job and college applications. Phone/Email: (714)992-7153; pthomas@fullcoll.edu.
Website: http://writingcenter.fullcoll.edu
The Owl at Purdue has several online resources to help with the writing process. 1) The Owls Writing Lab addresses issues such as essay
organization, quoting, conducting research on the web, etc. The website is here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/679/01/. They
also have a website dedicated to research and citation resources, which you may find here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/.