Introduction to Sociology                                                                             SO 101

Dr. R.C. Crandall                                                                                                                                             Fall 2004

Course Description

 

An introduction to the basic concepts of sociology.  Explanation of human behavior which emphasizes human groups, institutions, social change, and social forces.

 

Textbook

 

Sociology (ninth edition) - Rodney Stark

 

Course Objectives

 

1.  To provide students with a background in sociology that will provide the foundation for other sociology courses.

2.  To provide students with an understanding of sociological concepts and terms.

3.  To provide students with an understanding of the functioning of society.

 

Schedule

 

Week                                                               Date                 Monday                       Wednesday

01                                                        08/30               Introduction                  Chapter 01

02                                                                    09/06               No Class                      Chapter 02

03                                                                    09/13               Chapter 03                   Exam Period 1 

04                                                                    09/20               Chapter 04                   Chapter 05

05                                                                    09/27               Chapter 06                   Exam Period 2 

06                                                                    10/04               Chapter 07                   Chapter 08

07                                                                    10/11               Chapter 09                   Exam Period 3 

08                                10/18               Chapter 10                   Chapter 11

09                                                                    10/25               Chapter 12                   Exam Period 4             

10                                11/01               Chapter 13                   Chapter 14

11                                                                    11/08               Chapter 15                   Exam Period 5             

12                                                        11/15               Chapter 16                   Chapter 17

13                                                                                            11/22               Chapter 18                   No Class         

14                                                                    11/29               Exam Period 6  MU Chapters 01 - 03

15                                                                    12/06               MU Chapters 04 - 09   MU Chapters 10 - 15

16                                12/13               MU Chapters 16 - 18, Thursday 12/16/04 3:00 - 5:00 pm

 

Examinations

 

There will be a separate exam over chapters 1 through 18.  The exams will be grouped into six exam periods, with three chapter exams per period. Each exam will consist of 10 multiple choice questions.  Each question is worth 4 points, each exam 40 points.

 

If you miss an exam, or want to retake an exam, there will be a make-up exam for each chapter later in the course. The make-up exams will consist of 4 essay questions per chapter.  Essay exams are graded primarily on content.  However, I expect your answers to be in complete sentences, and for words to be speellled corectly.  You will lose points for incomplete sentences and sppelingg errors.  Each question will be worth 10 points, each exam 40 points.  This is an opportunity, not an entitlement.  If you re-take an exam the SECOND score will be used.

 

The exams will cover the textbook, handouts, AV presentations, lectures, and class discussions.

Grades

 

You have a choice of two grading options: liberal or conservative.

 

1.  Liberal or I love big government: The high scoring students will Acontribute@some of Atheir@points to low scoring students. Students who select this option must complete form LIBERAL-IN-04 in triplicate, and send it via certified mail to the instructor by 01 August 2004. The details of this option are complex.  Thus, every student selecting this option will be provided a 9,352 page instruction booklet and two lawyers.

 

2.  Conservative or keep your hands off MY points: Grades are determined by ability and effort.  The points YOU earn will determine the grade YOU receive!  Students who do not select Option 1 will automatically be placed in Option 2.

 

For those in the conservative grading option, final grades will be determined by the total number of points earned in the course.  Students need to take 15 of the 18 chapter exams.  For those who take more than 15 exams, the lowest score(s) will be thrown out. There are 600 points possible in the course (15 exams each worth 40 points = 600). The grading scale is listed below:    

 

596-600 = A+

545-595 = A     

540-544 = A-   

536-539 = B+   

485-535 = B     

480-484 = B-    

476-479 = C+               

425-475 = C                 

420-424 = C-                

416-419 = D+               

365-415 = D     

360-364 = D-   

000-359 = F

Relevant Information

 

01. Telephone/Office:

Office: Library 306

Telephone: 635-2103

Office Hours:    MW 2:30 - 3:00 p.m., TR 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

02. Class Information:                                                              

Day/Time:         MW 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.  

Classroom:       CRW 205

03. Attendance is required for all classes. You will lose points for missing class!

04. There may be some short in-class extra-credit assignments. Points from any extra-credit assignments will be applied to all grades except AA+@.

05. Keep all of your exams for one term beyond the completion of this course.

06. Papers, exams, etc. are only returned in-class.  Those that are not picked up in-class are rapidly discard.  Exam scores and course grades are NOT given out over the phone or via email.  Disputes about exam scores MUST be dealt with Ain writing@ within 48 hours after the return of the exam.

07. Purchase the book by the first class period. Notify me if there is a problem obtaining a textbook.

08. If you want to drop the course you will need to fill out a drop slip or you will receive an "F" in the course. If you want to drop the course, the secretary in the School of Arts, Letters, and Social Sciences can sign the drop form.

09. All exams will be as scheduled unless you are notified otherwise. In the event that an exam cannot be held as scheduled, it will be given during the next class period.

10.  Be on time for exams.  If you are late you may not be given an exam.

11.  I do not sign forms (i.e., athletics, etc.) that deal with grades, attendance, etc.

 

Warning: This class may be hazardous to your GPA.  Grade inflation stops with this course!  Additionally, the instructor makes no pretense, and few attempts of being PC (politically correct).  The instructor will, however, attempt to equally offend all sexes, ages, races, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and nationalities covered by the PC stupidity.