Frederick Community College

 

Introduction to Sociology (SO101-Onl2)

 

Summer 2009

 

Class begins:  6/1/09

Class ends:  7/25/09

Last Day to Withdraw: 7/8/09

 

You must send the signed Honors Code to the instructor before the class begins. Go http://courses.frederick.edu

 

Instructor Information:

 

 

Name:   Christine Sweeney

Office:  N/A

E-mail:  CSweeney@frederick.edu

Phone Number:  301-846-2507

Office Hours:  Mon/Wed 3-5pm

Campus Mail Box #: 259

           

Course Information:

 

Credits:  3                                                       Co-Requisites: N/A

 

 

Prerequisites: EN52 or ESL99

On-campus Exams:  2

 

Course Description:

With instruction on the INTERNET, this course provides a general background in Sociology for students in all programs of study. It introduces contemporary social theory and research in areas such as culture, social structure, socialization, deviance, groups, social stratification, social institutions, sexism, racism, the family, population and the environment. Social processes are examined at various levels of human relationships both local and global.

 

 

Core Learning Outcomes:

 

Upon completion of this course students will demonstrate the following:

 

 1.                  (Goal I) Demonstrate college-level communication skills by

·         writing and speaking effective, organized, clear, and grammatically correct English appropriate for a specific subject, purpose, and audience in using and explaining basic sociological terminology (1)

 2.                  (Goal II)  Demonstrate critical thinking skills by

·         researching, analyzing, comparing, synthesizing, and drawing inferences from readings and other research materials in order to make valid judgments and rational decisions in applying the sociological perspective and theoretical paradigms to various social issues and problems  (6)

·         demonstrating a disposition toward critical thinking by articulating and appreciating an increased awareness of the connection between our personal identities and the social influences that help formulate it (7)

 3.                  (Goal III)  Display general knowledge and historical awareness by

·         demonstrating a general knowledge of history, culture, society, and of relationships among various disciplines of study by identifying and explaining the function of major social institutions, their historical significance, and their impact on society (8)

 4.                  (Goal VII) Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to interpret social and

              educational values by

·         identifying and evaluating moral issues and conflicts relevant to the study of sociology (22)

·         displaying academic honesty and adhering to the professional standards in the field (23)

 5.                  (Goal X)  Value the emergence of a multicultural society by

·         acknowledging a plurality of cultural and personal values and demonstrating respect for the right of other to express their viewpoints through explaining and describing how the environment we occupy, the culture in which we participate, and the ethnic, racial, gender, age, and class groups to which belong result in different live experiences and the level of opportunities available  (30)

 

 Instructional Methods:

 

This section of Introduction to Sociology is taught on the INTERNET. Selected readings, class discussion and the presentation of visual materials will facilitate student learning. Additionally, a variety of weekly on-line research assignments and 30 minute video segments will prompt the student to become a more active learner.

 

 

Text(s) for Course:

“Society - The Basics", by John J. Macionis, Prentice Hall, 2007, 9th edition

Please call the FCC bookstore 301-846-2463 or go to the bookstore website http://www.frederick.edu/html/discover_fcc/bookstore/  for credit card purchase and delivery

 

 

Video
 
 


This course includes sixteen 30 minute supporting programs from the Video series "The Way We Live". Updated with the latest research, and enriched with a diverse range of expert opinions, these programs challenge us to recognize the social dynamics of our own lives and heighten our awareness of the social forces at work in the world at large.

How to Access the Videos
The Video segments are broadcast over Frederick Cable channel 23 on Mondays from 9:00-10:00 AM, repeated from 6:00-7:00 PM.
For students outside the viewing area the segments are also available on the Reserve Shelf of your Home College library.
For those with a Broadband Internet connection the segments are also available 24/7 as Streaming Video for a price of $25 for the semester directly accessible from your computer. Go to the Bookstore to get started. Contact Kim Carr, the Administrator in the Office of Distance Learning kcarr@frederick.edu  for any problems.

View the Video segments according to our weekly assignment schedule.
Record the Video segments with this Broadcast Schedule 

 

 

Progress Report:

 

By the end of the sixth week of the semester, you will have an opportunity to evaluate your progress in this course and decide if you need to make any adjustments (additional study, tutoring, conference with instructor) to assure your success in this course.

 

 

 

Evaluation Methods:

 

                                    A = 900 - 1000 points          C = 700 - 799 points
                                    B = 800 - 899 points            D = 600 - 699 points
                                                            F = below 600 points

 

  Midterm Exam, 1 essay

20 %

200

  2 PROJECTS, 40 points each,  20 points extra for
    completing  both.

10 %

100

  14 chapter-practice quizzes, not graded, 5 points
   each, 30 points extra for completing 14.

10 %

100

  Participate in at least 4 discussions, 
    for 15-25 points each.

10 %

100

  4 (50 Multiple Choice) Tests

20 %

200

  Class Participation

10 %

100

  On-Campus: Final Exam, 2 essays,

20 %

200

If the graded performance for online assignments differs significantly from graded proctored assignments – instructor reserves the right to administer additional tests.

 

 

 Email Policy:

 

Email is an instructional tool essential to student-instructor and student-student communication. In the Blackboard environment by default, your email address is available to all students in this course.

However, students are permitted to use email addresses of other students in this course only for the purpose and the duration of this course.

Students who are concerned about the privacy of their personal email address are reminded of commercially available products that allow them to create unique email addresses specifically for the purpose and duration of this course.

The instructor can be expected to respond to regular student email inquiries (grades, posted assignments, and tests excluded) within the time frame of 24 to 48 hours.

 

 

Academic Honesty:

 

Work in this course is subject to the provisions of the FCC Code of Academic Honesty. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. As a student, it is your job to practice academic honesty at ALL times.  Make sure that all sources, particularly Internet sources, get proper credit for quotations, paraphrases, and ideas. 

 
Topical Outline

 

W = Week;  T = Text Chapter #;  V = Video #;  

W

Topical Outline

T

V

1

  Theory and Research Methods

1

1

  Culture

2

3

  Discussion #1

2

  Socialization Theories, Integration, Individuation

3

4

 

  Review and Test #1 (Chapter 1,2,3)

 

 

  Roles, Status, Social Construction of Reality

4

5

 Discussion #2

3

  Groups and Formal Organizations

5

6

  Sexuality

6

8

  Project #1

4

  Deviance: Theories, Social Control and Norms

7

7

 

  Review and  Test #2  (Chapter 4,5,6,7)

 

 

 

  Midterm (Essay –Ch 1-7)

 

 

5

  Social Stratification

8

10

  Global Stratification

9

9

  Project #2

  Discussion #3

6

  Gender Inequalities

10

11

  Racial Inequalities

11

12

 

  Review and Test #3  (Chapter 8,9,10,11)

 

 

7

  Economics: Theories, The Power Elite

12

14

  Family and Religion

13

16

  Discussion #4

8

  Population and Environment

15

20

  Review and Test  #4  (Chapter 12, 13, 15)

 

 

  Final Exam  Essay(Chapter 7-13, 15)

 

 

 

NOTE: Your instructor reserves the right to make changes to this outline as needed