Introduction to Sociology SO 101

LSSU

Dr. R.C. Crandall Spring [sic] 2005

Course Description

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

This course will examine basic social structures including the economic, family, educational, religious, social welfare, political, criminal justice, and health care system. Social processes examined will include social mobility, group formation, urbanization, industrialization, socialization, development of deviance, creation of social movements, and cultural change. Social stratification by race, ethnicity, class, gender, and age will be examined.

Students will learn the concepts, theories, and research techniques of sociology and will learn to apply analytical thinking skills.

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 01/10 Introduction Chapter 01

02 01/17 No Class Chapter 02

03 01/24 Chapter 03 Exam Period 1

04 01/31 Chapter 04 Chapter 05

05 02/07 Chapter 06 Exam Period 2

06 02/14 Chapter 07 Chapter 08

07 02/21 Chapter 09 Exam Period 3

08 02/28 Spring Break Spring Break

09 03/07 Chapter 10 Chapter 11

10 03/14 Chapter 12 Exam Period 4

11 03/21 Chapter 13 Chapter 14

12 03/28 Chapter 15 Exam Period 5

13 04/04 Chapter 16- 17 Chapter 17 - 18

14 04/11 Exam Period 6 MU Chapters 01 - 06

15 04/18 MU Chapters 07 - 09 MU Chapters 10 - 15

16 04/25 MU Chapters 16 - 18, Wednesday, 27 April, 3:00 p.m.

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 have 10 multiple choice questions. Each question is worth 4 points, each exam is worth 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 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 is worth 10 points, each exam is worth 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 “contribute”some of “their”points to low scoring students. Students who select this option must complete form LIBERAL-IN-05 in triplicate, and send it via certified mail to the instructor by 30 December 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 grade(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 12:30 - 3:00 pm

02. Class Information:

Day/Time: M & W 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

Classroom: CRW 204

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 “A+”.

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 “in writing” within two class periods 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.