Principles Of Sociology – SOC Credits Instructor: Katharine ✓ Solved

Principles of Sociology – SOC credits) Instructor: Katharine Daube Course Syllabus, Summer 2020

Welcome Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior. It is a new way of seeing the world around us. Sociology helps us to understand how our circumstances influence our behavior. It also helps us to see the world from other people’s points of view. This syllabus will give you an overview of course expectations.

Please read it carefully! You will find a lot of information in this document (how to get an A on the discussion forums, what happens when an assignment is late, how to contact a free tutor, etc.). Read it thoroughly and refer to it when you have a question about the course. This is a fast-paced course which runs at twice the speed of a regular semester. You will need to be able to devote about eight to twelve hours a week to this class.

Course Description

The study of society through basic concepts and scientific methodology. Examines culture, social systems, institutions, status, roles, norms, interaction, deviance, small groups, and social stratifications. Prerequisites: ENG 090 and ENG 094 (COL 090), or satisfactory placement test scores. Required Text: Ferris, Kerry and Jill Stein. The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology (6th Ed.). New York: W. W. Norton, 2018. No access codes are needed.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: describe the origin and development of sociology; explain how the environment influences the development of the self; compare society groups and factors affecting group dynamics; analyze social inequalities such as class, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and age; describe the relevance of sociology and sociologists’ roles today.

Teaching Procedures

Course activities include readings, online discussions, posts by the instructor, written assignments, and internet materials (video and text).

Important Message about Online Learning

This course requires personal discipline, with an estimated 8-12 hours weekly effort. The GCC library can assist with internet and device needs; check their website for support options.

Contact Information

The best way to reach me is via email (“quickmail”) on Moodle or at [email protected]. I check daily and will respond within one day; if not, please contact me again after 48 hours.

Grading Breakdown

• Weekly Quizzes - 10%
• Two Tests - 20%
• Discussion Forum - 30%
• Two Papers - 40%

Quizzes

Weekly quizzes (open book, due Wednesdays at 11:59 pm) will include multiple choice and true/false questions aligned with weekly readings. Unsubmitted quizzes are not accepted unless under extraordinary circumstances with prior permission. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped in final grading.

Tests

Two open-book tests via short-answer and essay questions are scheduled during the semester, contributing 20% total. No late testing; they will be held during designated times.

Discussion Forum Participation

This component accounts for 30% of final grade. There will be two forums weekly, starting each Thursday morning and closing the following Wednesday night. Initial posts must be at least 250 words by Saturday midnight; follow-up responses must be 150+ words by Wednesday midnight. Posts should be thoughtful, relevant, well-written, supported by readings, and respectful. Participation must occur on at least three different days per week. Missing a forum results in no points; late posts are not accepted.

Paper Assignments

Two papers, together worth 40%, will have specific guidelines distributed beforehand. Late papers are penalized 10 points per day late, with no extensions beyond deadlines. Incomplete or plagiarized work will result in zeros or failing grades.

Academic Honesty

Students are responsible for maintaining academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses that may lead to zeros or failure in the course. Refer to GCC Student Handbook policies for details.

Accommodations and Support

GCC promotes inclusion. Students requiring accommodations due to disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services before course start. Counseling services are available at no cost, and the library offers extensive online resources. Technical support can be obtained from the Student Technology Help Desk.

Additional Resources

Peer tutoring and the Diversity and Inclusion Center are available for support, although currently operating remotely due to Covid-19. Respect for diverse perspectives and respectful debate are core classroom principles. Reach out to the instructor with questions or concerns anytime.

Weekly Schedule Overview

The course follows a weekly schedule from Thursday to Wednesday, with readings, discussion postings, quizzes, and assignments due per schedule provided in the syllabus. Deadlines are strict, and late work will not be accepted unless authorized.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The rapid development of sociology as a scientific discipline has profoundly influenced our understanding of human behavior within social contexts. As a field rooted in systematic inquiry, sociology examines the patterns and structures that shape individual and group actions, shedding light on the dynamics of power, inequality, and social change (Giddens, 2013). This paper explores the significance of sociology in analyzing contemporary societal issues, illustrating its application through various core concepts such as social stratification, culture, and social interaction.

One of the foundational aspects of sociology is understanding social stratification, which refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on factors like class, race, gender, and ethnicity (Doublet & Doublet, 2016). Recognizing how social inequalities are produced and maintained allows us to comprehend disparities in access to resources, educational opportunities, and power. For instance, research indicates that socioeconomic status significantly influences educational attainment and health outcomes (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003). By studying these patterns, sociologists advocate for policy reforms aimed at reducing inequality and promoting social mobility.

Cultural norms and values also play a crucial role in shaping societal behavior. Cultural sociology examines how shared meanings influence individual identities and social expectations (Swidler, 2001). For example, understanding cultural differences regarding gender roles can inform approaches to addressing gender inequality and support inclusive policies (Risman, 2004). Moreover, media and technology have transformed cultural practices, impacting socialization processes across generations (Lull, 2010). Analyzing these cultural shifts helps sociologists predict future societal trends and develop interventions promoting social cohesion.

Social interaction, another key area, encompasses the daily exchanges through which individuals create and interpret meaning. Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in constructing social reality (Blumer, 1969). For example, the way individuals communicate during interactions influences social cohesion, conflict, or change. Empirical studies have demonstrated how interactions in various settings, such as workplaces or neighborhoods, influence perceptions of social trust and collective identity (Putnam, 2000). Addressing issues like social isolation requires understanding these interactional dynamics.

In addition to analyzing societal phenomena, sociology serves practical purposes, such as informing public policy and fostering social justice. Sociological research has been instrumental in identifying systemic issues like racial discrimination, gender inequality, and economic disparities. For instance, studies on police violence and racial profiling have increased awareness and prompted legislative reforms (Weitzer & Tuch, 2006). Sociologists also play vital roles in community organizing, social advocacy, and designing programs aimed at improved social welfare.

In conclusion, sociology provides vital insights into the complex fabric of society. Its scientific approach helps uncover the roots of social issues and suggest strategies for progress. Future sociologists, through understanding social structures, cultural norms, and interactions, will continue to contribute to creating more equitable and cohesive communities (Macionis, 2017). As society evolves with advances in technology and shifts in cultural values, the discipline remains crucial for developing informed, compassionate responses to contemporary challenges.

References

• Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
• Doublet, M., & Doublet, R. (2016). Societies: Introducing Social Institutions. Oxford University Press.
• Giddens, A. (2013). Sociology (7th ed.). Polity Press.
• Lull, J. (2010). Media and Communication: An Introduction to Mass and Interpersonal Communication. Routledge.
• Macionis, J. J. (2017). Sociology (16th ed.). Pearson.
• Risman, B. J. (2004). Gender as a social structure: Theory wrestling with activism. Genders, 39, 28-34.
• Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
• Swidler, A. (2001). Talk of Love: How Culture Matters. University of Chicago Press.
• Wilkinson, R., & Marmot, M. (2003). Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts. WHO.
• Weitzer, R., & Tuch, S. A. (2006). Race, class, and policing: The views of African Americans and Caucasians. Social Problems, 52(3), 419-439.