Frederick Community College

 

SO 101ONL – Introduction to Sociology

 

Spring 2011

 

Class begins: 1/24/11

Class ends:  5/13/11

Last Day to Withdraw: 4/9/11

 

Instructor Information:

 

 

Name:   Jurgen Hilke

Office:  L213

E-mail:  jhilke@frederick.edu

Phone Number:  301-846-2401

Contact Hours: email and  by appointment for in-person meeting

Campus Mail Box #:  259

           

Course Information:

 

Credits:  3

On-campus Meetings:  none

On-campus Exams:  1

Prerequisites:  EN 52 or ESL 99

Corequisites:

 

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:

 

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 judgements 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)

 

2.     (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 adhere 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 o 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.

 

 How is this course organized:

 

1. This course is not self-paced. One assignment page for each of the 15 weeks provides detailed instructions and links for the progression of the course.

2. Textbook with Reading: 1 chapter a week
3. "The Muddiest Point": Your chance to get with issues or concepts that are not clear to you.
4. Four on-line discussion topics, contributions are mandatory
5. One research project posted on-line
6. On-line weekly chapter prctice quizzes

7. Four multiple choice tests online, one of them proctored (photo ID on students' home campus)
8. Midterm and Final Exams are essay exams

 

Text(s) and Course Materials:

 

"Society - The Basics", by John J. Macionis, Prentice Hall, 2010, 10th 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.

 

Progress Report:

 

By the end of the 6th  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:

 

Tests / Papers / Projects / Participation

Point Value

Final Grade Scale

Midterm and Final (Essay) 200 points each

Participation in 4 Discussions and Muddiest Point

1 Essay/Research Project

4 Tests (50 Multiple Choice each)

14 Practice Quizzes (5 points each + 30 points extra for completing all 14

300

200

200

200

100

 

 

  900-1000 = A

    800-899 = B

    700-799 = C

    600-699 = D

Below 600 = F

 

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

 

Student Services

 

A variety of services are available to assist students in succeeding at FCC. Students can learn more about these services by visiting the Student Services web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/index.aspx.

Students with disabilities who are in need of accommodations or who have questions related to disabilities services should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office at 301-846-2408. Students can learn more about these services by visiting the Services for Students with Disabilities web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/disability.aspx.

 

 Participation Policy:

 

Students are expected to participate fully in all course activities. The total number of points achievable for participation is 300. The final grade for class participation will be assigned on the basis of completing the following elements:

- Four out of four class discussions at 25 points each (no make-up)

- Ten out of 13 weekly "Muddiest Points" at 10 points each (no make-up)

- Fourteen practice quizzes (5 points each + 30 points extra for completing all (make-up upon request).

In case of illness, emergency, religious holidays, or participation in official college functions, students remain responsible for completing the requirements of the course.

 

 

 Email Policy:

 

With the exception of MOL students, all FCC students will receive and are expected to use their FCC email address for correspondence with faculty and staff at the college. Students can establish and access their FCC email accounts at https://myfcc.frederick.edu. 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.

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 Integrity:

 

Work in this course is subject to the provisions of the FCC Code of Academic Integrity. 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. More information about this and the Student Conduct Code are available at http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/studentpolicies.aspx

You must send your Academic Integrity Pledge to the instructor. The form is available at http://courses.frederick.edu/_utilities/regform.htm
 

W

Content

T

1

Theory and Research Methods

1

2

Culture

2

3

Socialization Theories, Integration, Individuation

3

Review and Test #1 (Chapter 1,2,3)

4

Roles, Status, Social Construction of Reality

4

5

Groups and Formal Organizations

5

6

Deviance: Theories, Social Control and Norms

7

7

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

Midterm (Essay)

8

Social Stratification

8

9

Global Stratification

9

10

Gender Inequalities

10

11

Racial Inequalities

11

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

12

Economics: Theories, The Power Elite

12

13

Family and Religion

13

14

Population and Environment

15

15

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

Final Exam (Chapter 8-13, 15)

 

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