Instructor: Frances Beech
Email: [email protected]
Office: MTEC Bldg.
Phone: 251-405-7145
This course is an introduction to the vocabulary, concepts and theory of the
sociological perspective on human behavior.
The introduction to sociology course is an introduction to the sociological
perspective and how we that perspective to understand the world around us. This
course examines the effects of various social factors, such as education, science,
technology, government, urbanization, and socio-cultural change, on individuals,
groups, and society as a whole. The personal and social significance of a variety
of social variables such as age, sex, race, social class, religion, and deviant
behavior will also be examined.
Since this is an introductory course, we will not cover all details of each
of these topics. Those details will be left for other courses; so we will cover
each of these topics in a general manner.
In this course, you will be introduced to several new concepts and new sociological definitions of old concepts. While definitions will be provided, it is not enough to memorize these definitions. You must be able to apply these concepts to the social phenomena that is discussed or that you observe in your everyday life.
As a result of this course, it is my hope that you will come to understand what is meant by the “sociological perspective” and be able to apply that perspective to current events and your own lives. I hope that you will gain an understanding of the scientific application of the sociological perspective to social phenomena and data. It is also my hope that you will use the knowledge and perspective you gain from this course to evaluate current and future events that you experience as well as reports that you may hear or see in the media.
While this course will lay the foundation for future work in the social and
behavioral sciences, you may also find that the knowledge you gain in this course
is invaluable in future endeavors in your everyday lives.
Upon the completion of this course, you will
a) be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of sociology in the study of human behavior (Chapter 1),
b) be familiar with the process of collecting sociological data and drawing conclusions from that data (Chapter 2),
c) be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the importance and effects of culture, social organization, and social institutions (education, family, religion, economy, politics, health and medicine) in shaping human behavior and life chances (Chapters 3, 4, 7, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21),
d) be able to demonstrate an understanding of how humans create and maintain order in the face of social change, conflict, and deviant behavior (Chapters 8, 9, 24),
e) be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between demographic factors and the environment on one hand, and social behavior on the other hand (Chapters 22, 23), and
f) be able to understand the effects of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social class, and patterns of social interaction on human behavior and life chance (Chapters 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15).
Tests and quizzes will be used to evaluate your success of meeting these objectives.
Classroom activities will include the following:
Your final grade for the class will take into account your scores on the midterm
exam (10%), the final exam (15%), chapter tests 55%), homework assignments (15%),
and the quality of your class participation (5%). Additionally, you may be evaluated
by means of class presentations or special projects. You will be given handouts
containing detailed instructions for course assignments. Tests and quizzes are
worth 100 points each. In addition to the assignments already stated, there
will be 20 points worth of extra credit work that will be assigned from chapters
not covered in class. The 20 points will be added to your next lowest test score
of the semester. Key term assignments must be turned in by the dates given by
the instructor. You will be given advance notice of all exam dates as well as
the due dates of all other assignments.
Course requirements may be amended by the instructor and students will be given notice of any changes to the syllabus. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are present for all classes, turn in all assignments by the due date, and are present for all exams. Since class participation depends upon your knowledge of the material being covered, it is important that you read the chapters prior to the class in which they will be discussed. From time to time there may be open-book, pop-tests given at the beginning of class by the instructor; therefore, it is very important that you always be on time for class and always have your textbook.
Tests must be completed during the first 50 minutes of class. Open-bood pop-tests may have shorter time periods and will be announced by the instructor, but will be given at the beginning of class meetings. Scantron Forms will be used for tests; therefore you should plan to have a couple of #2 pencils for all class meetings. Your final grade for the course will take into account scores on tests, quizzes, projects, homework, your class attendance, and your general performance in the course.
IMPORTANT: Make-up tests will NOT be given FOR ANY REASON. If you miss a test, you will receive a grade of ZERO for that test. If you will have to miss an exam, you MUST let me know in ADVANCE to take the test early. There will be no extra work for extra credit other than that stated in the syllabus. Since make-up tests are not given, you will be allowed to drop your lowest test grade.
If you are a late registrant, you must complete ALL missed work within seven (7) days of enrolling in the course (counting the day your class schedule is stamped by the business office).
Grading Scale:
0 – 59 = F
60 – 69 = D
70 – 79 = C
80 – 89 = B
90 – 100 = A
- Attendance is very important. Be consistent in attendance and be on time. Not only is a part of your grade, if you miss class or come in late, you miss important information and you may miss quizzes or homework assignments. As well, coming in late is disruptive for the instructor and fellow classmates.
- This class meets regularly; therefore, you should NOT schedule appointments that will interfere with class attendance.
- While class is in session, you are expected to work only on assignments for this course. Please do not work on assignments for other classes during this class.
- Please do not bring children to class with you.
- Please turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices before you enter the class. The noise is disruptive to the learning process.
- You are required to bring your textbook to every class meeting; the importance of doing so is stated in the Standards for Student Conduct in the College Catalog. As well as the importance stated in the College Catalog, you will need your book for open-book, pop-tests.
Please adhere to the standards for dress and conduct outlined in the College Catalog.
Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures:
Grievance and disciplinary procedures are outlined in the College Catalog. Please be advised that the grievance procedure requires that complaints be put in writing.
Students who are caught cheating in any way (submitting work completed by others, plagiarizing from materials developed by others, copying from others on assignments and/or tests) will be given a grade of "0" on the assignment/test in question. In addition, if an instructor has documented evidence that cheating has occurred, the student may be given a grade of "F" for the course and will be immediately denied access to the course material. In either case, the instructor must provide to the Academic Dean or the Technical Dean the student's name and copies of the materials where cheating has occurred. This documentation will be placed with the student's record.
I will be available before class, after class, or by appointment to assist in matters related to the course.
1. Pay attention in class
2. Take notes
3. Ask questions & participate in discussions
4. Read the chapters
5. Complete study worksheets and practice tests in your workbook or online
6. If you are having difficulties, please talk to me about it as soon as possible
If you are having difficulties in the course, please do not wait to ask for
help. Come by my office during office hours or make an appointment to talk with
me about any problems you may be having. If you have any general questions,
I encourage you to utilize the convenience of the Internet and email me. In
this way, I will be able to answer your questions without you having to rearrange
your schedule to be on campus during my office hours.
I understand that some students may register for a course and subsequently find
that they are unable to remain in the course for a variety of reasons. While
I understand that these circumstances arise, you must officially drop
the course through the Admissions Office; otherwise, all I will know
is that you no longer show up for class. Please note that if you quit coming
to class and do not complete tests or other assignments, you will receive a
failing grade for this course, unless you officially drop the course.
Students with documented disabilities should contact A. F. Trotter in the Disabled
Student Services Office. Mr. Trotter’s office is located in the Caldwell
Building, or he can be reached by telephone at 251-40507028.