Syllabus for SOCY100b - Introduction to Sociology
Instructor: Dr. Aleta Esther Geib

An introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology. The study of cultures, patterns of social values, social institutions, stratification, and social change is delineated. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 102 or SOCY 100.

Course Introduction

Hello everyone!

Welcome! What follows are some important points you need to know about taking Introduction to Sociology in our online environment.

The required textbook for this course is Kornblum, William. 2003. Sociology in Changing World. 6th ed. New York: Harcourt & Brace.

Textbooks can be ordered online at the Asia DE Web site, https://de.ad.umuc.edu/textbookinfo.cfm. Books ordered from any other source will be at the students own risk. UMUC Asia DE cannot be responsible for problems encountered when textbooks are ordered from sources outside of the Asia DE Web site.

If you have not received your textbook by the first week of the course, please notify me via e-mail immediately!

All Web courses have a required proctored examination. Students are responsible for scheduling their appointment to test with the UMUC Field Rep office where they registered for their classes, normally during Week 11. Students who find that they cannot schedule the proctored exam during the 12^th week must coordinate a time to take the proctored exam with me and also inform the DE office. For complete instructions regarding proctored exams go to the Asia DE Web site at http://de.ad.umuc.edu, and select the “Proctored Exams” link. Failure to take the proctored exam will result in an F grade being issued for the course. To reiterate, YOU MUST TAKE THE PROCTORED EXAM.

It usually takes two to three weeks for me to receive your proctored exam after you have taken it. When I receive it, I will grade it, and send you an e-mail message.

Our virtual week goes from Monday through Sunday. I take Fridays off and I am not usually available on that day. Information on how to contact me is provided below.

I usually return e-mail within 48 hours. When you respond to me, please use your e-mail Reply option, and include the following information:

Okay, now that we have gone over the basics, ask me about anything that may be unclear, and good luck on a successful course!

Course Goals/Objectives

1. To learn the basic terminology and concepts of sociology.

2. To gain insight into what it means to have a sociological perspective and to use a sociological imagination.

3. To develop an appreciation for the personal implications of sociology and recognize how sociological concepts affect your life.

4. To develop a sociological perspective on social behavior that is based on the scientific method.

7. To learn the different ways in which people act, feel, think, and define their situations based on their sex, gender, social class, age, race, ethnic group, geographical region, family or nationality.

8. To identify fundamental patterns of conflict that are present in social life on the interpersonal level and among groups and nations.

9. To begin to understand some of the underlying causes of what we call social problems and see how sociological data enter into policy decisions.

The required textbook for this course is Kornblum, William. 2003. Sociology in Changing World. 6th ed. New York: Harcourt & Brace.

Grading Information

There are 100 possible points in this course, divided into four major groups. They are: (1) conference participation, (2) proctored exam, (3) student-selected projects, and (4) class presentation.

Fifteen points (or 15 percent) of your total grade is based on your participation in conference discussions. Each week there will be required readings from your text and outside readings, as well as conference discussions. Discussion assignments will be posted under the Conference Heading.

Expect to spend 7 to 10 hours minimum per week on this course. You should log into the course at least 2 to 3 times per week. Logging on frequently, even for a short visit, will result in higher success with lower stress for you. You will be graded on how well you participate in the conferences. Everyone is expected to participate. The quality not the quantity of your responses matters most. Please don't put off responding; participating early in the week is strongly recommended.

The deadline for participation in conference discussions will vary weekly. You MUST participate in the conference discussions on or before the scheduled deadline to receive credit. Participation after the scheduled deadline, without a legitimate excuse, will result in a grade of zero for that week.

In short, your class participation will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) providing intelligent, thoughtful, and serious responses to conference discussions; that incorporate, when applicable, relevant sociological terms, theories, and/or research; (2) participating in conference discussions on a regular basis, therefore at least two to three times a week; and (3) completing discussion assignments by the scheduled due date.

In addition, please see the "Guidelines for Conference Participation," under Essential Course Documents in the Conference area].

The proctored exam, which is worth 40 points of your total grade, will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. This exam is based on a 100-point scale and percentaged according to the number of points noted. For instance, let's say that the exam is comprised of 60 multiple choice questions worth 1 point each and 4 short answer questions worth 10 points each. You score a 90 on the exam, which is worth 40 points (or 40 percent) of your total grade. Therefore, your final exam score would be 90 x .40 = 36.0.

Thirty points (or 30 percent) of your total grade is based on student-selected projects [See Project Descriptions section in your syllabus for more information].

Fifteen points (or 15 percent) of your total grade is based on a class presentation. [See Project Descriptions section in your syllabus for more information].

You are responsible for keeping up with the class, participating in online conferences, completing all assignments on time, and taking the proctored examination in the timeframe provided. Missed deadlines may be made up if the absence can be shown to be caused by an emergency or unforeseen technical difficulty and you inform me via e-mail in advance of special circumstances.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS FOR EACH ASSIGNMENT AND THE TOTAL POINTS FOR THE COURSE ARE PROVIDED BELOW.

Assignments	Total Points
Conference Participation	15
Proctored Exam	40
Student-Selected Projects	30
Class Presentation	15
	100

Grade	Points
A	100-90
B	89-70
C	79-70
D	69-60
F	59 or less

Thirty points (or 30 percent) of your total grade are based on assignments that you select from the choices listed below. Your selections must total 30 points exactly. Some of these projects require consultation with me.

Write an original short story based on a topic relevant to this course. Any type of format is acceptable (e.g., romance. sci-fi, action/adventure, horror, etc.), as long as it allows you to integrate sociological terms, theories, and/or research. The written portion of your story is worth 20 points. Graphic illustrations (e.g., original drawings or paintings, photos, etc.) are worth an additional 10 points. NO CLIP ART, PLEASE!

[Recommended length: 5-6 pages]. REQUIRES CONSULTATION WITH ME!

Select any type of collective action (e.g., riots, panics, etc.) or social movement (e.g., civil rights, animal rights, environmental rights, women's rights, gay rights, etc.) that is of interest to you (See Chapter 8). Illustrate via an original drawing or painting, your perception of the impact of the collective behavior or social movement that you selected. Those of you who are musically inclined may opt instead to compose a song. Aspiring actors, actresses, poets, and comedians may wish to compose an original short play, poem, or comedy routine. Photo-essays, games, and collages are also acceptable

Your depiction of the specific type of collective behavior or social movement that you selected may be negative or positive, contemporary or futuristic, or a combination of the preceding. Creative and imaginative portrayals are encouraged.

In addition, you must submit a 2-3 page written description and sociological explanation of your work (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain).

This may be either an individual or group project. Should you elect to work in groups, I want documented evidence that all members were equally involved in the project. REQUIRES CONSULTATION WITH ME!

Analyze the content of one of your favorite popular fiction books, using a sociological perspective. [See "Book Report Instructions" in the Course Content area].

Locate FIVE "nontraditional websites" that you think are relevant to this course, and compile a list of FIVE links to other sites that you think would be worthy of visiting. (A "nontraditional website," or nonacademic website, is any website that does not deal specifically with sociology. You may "cruise" the traditional websites for ideas, but you cannot use them, or any of the links contained within them, for this project. An example of a traditional (or academic) website is A Sociological Tour Through Cyberspace located at http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/ index.html).

For each one of the five websites that you choose: (1) provide an "address" for each (i.e., http://www.____), (2) describe what's there (including links internal to the site), and (3) explain why you think that it is a useful site (i.e., Where do you see it fitting in with respect to the information offered in this course? For example, what sociological terms, theories and/or research best apply here? Explain). For each of the five links, all you need to do is provide the name of, and the "address" for, each link. Your list implies interest itself.

You may keep a journal for three weeks (10 points) or six weeks (20 points). Your weekly journal entries must include (1) your reactions to at least one of the required readings for that week; (2) your reaction to at least one class discussion that took place during that week, and (3) your analysis of how course materials relate to events that you take part in or observe outside of class that week. This third section of your journal, for example, might include news clippings, magazine advertisements, comics, photographs, and the like.

During a five day period (from getting up to going to bed), keep a log of all deviant activities that you engage in, including your thoughts--even if you do not act upon them. Focus primarily on deviance that is legal, although minor violations of the law may be included if you wish. In other words, if you commit a felony, real or imagined, I don't want to hear about it, okay? You may also include deviance on the part of others that is directed at you. Analyze the content of your diary (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here?). Important note: Please fictionalize the names of any individuals, other than yourself, that you refer to in your diary.

Carefully observe how a group to which you belong, attempts to convey and enforce conformity to its norms. Identify the norm and analyze the sociological processes that are at work here. Use a minimum of three situations. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages].

Analyze the content of one of your favorite songs or music videos. Your discussion should include the following: (1) the words to the song, and (2) a sociological analysis of the song or the music video that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages]

Analyze the content of five advertisements. Your discussion should include the following: (1) the name of the product, where it was advertised (e.g., print media, radio, or TV), and the amount of space or time devoted to this product; and (2) a sociological analysis of the ads that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages]

Analyze a feature-length movie. Your discussion should include the following: (1) the name of the movie, (2) a brief description of the main plot, (3) a brief description of the main cast of characters (e.g., age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, marital status, etc.) and the various subplots that surrounded them; and (4) a sociological analysis of the movie that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages]

Analyze the content of one of your favorite soap operas. Your discussion should include the following: (1) the name of the soap opera, the day and time that you watched it, and the channel on which it appeared; (2) a brief description of the main plot, (3) a brief description of the main cast of characters (e.g., age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, marital status, etc.) and the various subplots that surrounded them; and (4) a sociological analysis of the soap opera that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages]

Analyze the content of one of your favorite talk shows. Your discussion should include the following: (1) the name of the talk show, the day and time that you watched it, and the channel on which it appeared; (2) a brief description of the guests appearing on the show (e.g., age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, marital status, etc.), the major issue addressed and how it was resolved; and (3) a sociological analysis of the talk show that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages]

Analyze the content of one of your favorite one-hour television sitcoms, that deals with one the following genres: drama (e.g., NYPD, The Practice); action/adventure (Xena: Warrior Princess, Walker: Texas Ranger); comedy (e.g., My Wife and Kids, Malcolm in the Middle, The Simpson's); sci-fi (e.g., X-files, Star Trek Voyager); or horror (e.g., Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Your discussion should include the following: (1) the name of the show, the day and time that you watched it, and the channel on which it appeared; (2) a brief description of the main plot, (3) a brief description of the main cast of characters (e.g., age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, marital status, etc.) and the various subplots that surrounded them; and (4) a sociological analysis of the television sitcom that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [A half-an-hour show is worth up to 10 points, and a one-hour show is worth up to 20 points; Recommended length: 2-3 pages].

Write down six jokes. Three of these jokes must deal with a group that holds a dominant status in our society (e.g., absent-minded professors, politicians, attorneys, minority jokes about the white majority, women's jokes about men, etc.); the other three, a group that holds a subordinate status (e.g., women, racial and ethnic minorities, gays/lesbians, the elderly, etc.) Conduct a sociological analysis of the content of the jokes that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages]

Analyze the content of five comic strips. Your discussion should include the following: (1) the name of the comic strips, along with the date that it was printed and where it appeared (e.g., newspaper, magazine, internet, etc.; (2) a brief description of the characters appearing in each strip (e.g., age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, marital status, etc.), and the major issue surrounding them; and (3) a sociological analysis of the comic strips that you selected (e.g., What sociological terms, theories and/or research do you think best apply here? Explain. [Recommended length: 2-3 pages; please attach a copy of each comic strip].

Want to dabble in some ORIGINAL research? Pick a topic and research method and do it. REQUIRES CONSULTATION WITH ME!

Is there something that you would like to do that is not listed above? If so, submit a detailed description of what you would like to do, along with a suggested point value. Requires my written permission.

1. Make a copy of your project prior to turning it in. Keep this copy for your records.

2. The objective grading criteria for the student-selected projects is as follows: integration and correct application of sociological content (90 percent); and organization, neatness, and grammar (10 percent).

3. The scheduled due dates for the student-selected projects are as follows: If you choose to do two projects, the first project is due Week 7 (Sunday, July 24th), and the second project is due Week 11 (Sunday, September 11th). If you choose to do only one project, it is due Week 11 (Sunday, September 11th).

4. Failure to submit a student-selected project by the scheduled due date, without a legitimate excuse, will result in a total deduction of points.

Prepare a short report, and lead a group discussion, on a topic that is of interest to you and relevant to this course. The minimum requirements for this project are as follows: (1) a detailed outline of your entire presentation, including three discussion questions; (2) five references based on work that is the product of social scientific theory and/or research; and (3) some type of visual display (e.g., create a web pages, PowerPoint presentation, photo-essay, collage, etc.).

1. This may be either an individual or a group project. Group projects require my permission.

2. Your grade on this project is competitive. The student with the best presentation sets the criteria for all other students. Up to 15 points will be awarded for each presentation.

3. The objective grading criteria for your presentation is as follows: integration and correct application of sociological content (60 percent); graphic display (15 percent); ability to facilitate an interesting and intellectually-stimulating class discussion (10 percent); and organization and neatness (15 percent).

4. Class presentations are scheduled for Week 15. Your presentation must be posted by no later than Tuesday, October 4th. You will be required to participate in some of the discussions led by your classmates.

5. Failure to post your class presentation by the assigned date, without a legitimate excuse, will result in a total deduction of points.

Week	Session Dates	Readings, Assignments, and Due Dates
1	JUN 6-12	Introduce Yourself Web Tycho Scavenger Hunt
2	JUN 13-19	Topic: Discovering Sociology Reading: Chapter 1
3	JUN 20-26	Topic: Doing Sociology Reading: Chapter 2
4	JUN 27-JUL 3	Topics: Culture and Society Readings: Chapters 3 and 4
5	JUL 4-10	Topics: Socialization and Groups Readings: Chapters 5 and 6
6	JUL 11-17	Topics: Deviance and Sexuality Reading: Chapter 7
7	JUL 18-24	Topic: Social Class Stratification Readings: Chapters 11 and 12 1 of 2 SSPs due Sunday, July 24th
	JUL 25-AUG 14	Break (Mandatory)
8	AUG 15-21	Topic: Race and Ethnic Stratification Readings: Chapter 13
9	AUG 22-28	Topic: Gender Stratification Readings: Chapter 14
10	AUG 29-SEP 4	Topic: Age Stratification Readings: Chapter 15
11	SEP 5-11	Topics: Family and Religion Readings: Chapters 16 and 17 2 of 2, or 1 of 1, SSPs due Sunday, September 11th Proctored Exam Appointment Week
12	SEP 12-18	Proctored Exam Week
13	SEP 19-25	Topics: Education and the Economy Readings: Chapters 18 and 19
14	SEP 26-OCT 2	Topics: Politics and Medicine Readings: Chapters 20 and 21 Last week to officially withdraw from the course
15	OCT 3-OCT 9	Class Presentations due Tuesday, October 4th

Additional Information

This syllabus is subject to change at my discretion in order to accommodate instructional and/or student needs.

Academic Policies are not course specific and are therefore created and housed separately from this syllabus. You may access and print Academic Policies from the Syllabus sub-menu in your classroom.