GEORGIA HIGHLANDS COLLEGE

SOC1101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

CRN: 80361 Fall 2006, 3 credit hours

Class times: MW 9.30-10.45 am, Rm:

Instructor: Norma Lythcott

Contact info: email: nlythcot@highlands.edu. I will also be available for at least a half-hour after each class, (place to be determined).

PREREQUISTITES                       None

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course focuses on the study of organized social life, and is an introduction to the sociological analysis of society, its origins, structure, change and problems.

TEXTBOOK: James M. Henslin, Essentials of Sociology. A down-to-earth approach. 6th ed. NY, Allyn & Bacon, 2006.

Course Goals and Objectives

On completion of this course, you should be able to:

Use library resources effectively for research.

Think critically and analytically when applying sociological concepts.

Develop a systematic way of looking at society and group behavior by understanding the sociological perspective and its application.

Become more aware of your behavior as well as that of others and increase your understanding of the world around you.

Use applied methods to help you differentiate between myth and fact in assessing the situations you encounter in society.

Course Requirements

To complete the course you must:

Attend class and participate in class discussions.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic sociological concepts by taking tests. Tests are done on the dates established. Students who miss tests should not expect to automatically take a make-up test. Students are responsible to provide evidence of serious events which prevent attendance. There is no make-up for final examinations.

Complete and produce written assignments as a result of doing research and contribute to class discussions based on your findings.

COURSE CONTENT

  1.    The sociological perspective

    2. A. The connections between the rise of sociology and industrial capitalism

    B. The main pioneers of sociology

    C. The three primary perspectives in sociology—functionalism, conflict, and interactionism

    D. Scientific methods in sociology

  2. Central sociological concepts  

    3. E. Culture

    F. Social structure

    G. Socialization

    H. Social interaction

    I. Deviance and social control

    J. Groups and organizations

  3. Social stratification  

      4. K. Class systems in the U.S. and other industrialized societies

      L. Gender stratification

      M. Racial and ethnic stratification

      N. Global stratification

  4. Social Institutions

    5. O. Family

    P. Government

    Q. Religion

    R. Economy

    S. Education

  5. Main sociological topics and sub-fields  

    6. T. Population and urbanization

    U. Social change

COURSE EVALUATION

  1. Assessments for this course will include two tests, a writing assignment and a final examination. Each test will account for 25 percent of the final grade. The writing assignment is worth 15 percent and the final examination is worth 35 percent of the final grade.
  2. Writing assignments that emphasize higher order thinking skills and enable students to demonstrate abilities in analyzing and synthesizing information as well as presenting ideas in a logical and coherent fashion will be a component of the course.
  3.  Tests and the final examination will consist of multiple choice questions. The finals will not be cumulative.
  4. There is also no extra credit offered in this class

Grading system

The following grading system is used in this class. The total points for this class are 100.

  • A 90-100
  • B 80-89
  • C 70-79
  • D 60-69
  • F Below 60
  • W Withdrawn

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Student Conduct and Academic Honesty

Policies on student conduct and academic honesty are in the College’s "Student Rights & Responsibilities" document. Students are expected to be familiar with these policies. The document can be access via the following URL:

http://www.highlands.edy/academics/academicaffairs/academicintegritypolicy.htm

Disability Statement:

"Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should make an appointment with the College Access Center (706-802-5003) to coordinate reasonable accommodations. The students are also welcome to contact instructors privately to discuss one’s specific needs."

The Cartersville campus is served via the Student Services Hub, 678-872-8100.

Withdrawal:

The deadline for withdrawing with a grade of "W" is . Students who have not withdrawn by that date and who have stopped attending class will receive a grade of "F".

Other Information

Last date to withdraw with a "W": October 11, 2006

College closed on these dates:

Labor Day weekend Sept. 2-4

Thanksgiving No Classes November 22

Thanksgiving Nov 23-26

Final Examinations December 11, 10.00 am