PRINCIPLES OF
SOCIOLOGY (SOC 101)
This course has five units. We will start with sociological theory, scientific research, culture, and socialization. It will be followed by the study of society and social interactions. Then we will discuss about theories of class and stratification as well as various forms of social stratification (gender, aging, racial and ethnic inequalities). Next, we will examine several social institutions (family, religion, education, political, and economic systems). Finally, we will explore some of the most compelling social issues in contemporary society and those factors which effect social change.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course,
students should be able to:
 | develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. |
| demonstrate understanding of the process, assumptions and limitations involved in the scientific methods. |
| achieve understanding of the relationship of individuals and socio-cultural environment. |
| analyze contemporary social events in the context of historical events. |
| demonstrate understanding of behavioral expectations in a variety of situations. |
| identify own strengths and weaknesses in group situations. |
| identify the basic social institutions of a society in terms of structure, function, change and interrelationship. |
| describe the basic social processes that affect societies’ and individuals’ behaviors. |
| demonstrate perception and knowledge of observable events in society. |
| express ideas and opinions clearly in writing. |
| develop the ability to access and retrieve print sources, databases, full-text sources, and online source. |
| develop the ability to access, evaluate, and use information effectively and critically. |
| be familiar with other cultures in addition to her or his own culture. |
CLASS FORMAT AND POLICIES:
| Class meetings will be organized on a lecture/discussion basis, with questions, comments, and discussions encouraged during all the class meetings. |
| Cellular phones should be turned off during class sessions. |
| Side conversations" are prohibited during class sessions. |
| Students are expected to have prepared the assigned readings before class meetings to ensure productive discussions. |
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
| Attendance Regular attendance is necessary for the successful completion of the course and it is worth 20 points of the semester grade. Students are asked to sign the attendance sheet before the class starts. Those who are chronically late or leave before classes dismiss may result in the loss of the attendance points. |
| Group Discussions Students are required to participate in in-group discussions. A report on the assigned topic is due on the day of the discussion. Group discussions help students to identify and reinforce the course material. |
| Five Multiple-choice Tests: There will be five multiple-choice exams based on five units, with one question 1 point. Make-up exams will not be given except in cases of personal or family emergencies. Tests are not cumulative; that is, each test will cover only the material presented in the segment of the course immediately preceding it. |
| Multicultural Assignment: Students are required to search and select information on the culture of their choice, write a 3-page report using APA format, and present it in class. This assignment is worth 30 points. |
Grading Policy
|
Regular Attendance |
10 points |
|
Test 1 |
25 points |
|
Test 2 |
25 points |
|
Test 3 |
35 points |
|
Test 4 |
35 points |
|
Test 5 |
30 points |
|
Group discussions |
10 |
|
Multicultural presentation |
30 points |
|
Total Points |
200 points |
Grading
Scale
Final grades for the course are determined by the sum of all the
points during the semester and are
based on grading scale listed below. A 200-
point grading scale is used.
|
A = 180 - 200 |
B+ = 171 - 179 |
|
B = 160 - 170 |
C+ = 151 - 159 |
|
C = 140 - 150 |
D+ = 131 - 139 |
|
D = 120 - 130 |
F = below 119 |
SCHEDULE OF EXAMS AND CLASS ACTIVITIES:
UNIT I: THEORIES, RESEARCH METHODS, CULTURE AND SOCIALIZATION
|
Date |
Topics |
Reading Assignments |
|
Week 1 |
Introduction to
Sociology |
Chapter 1 |
|
|
Cultural |
Chapter 2 |
|
Week 2 |
Socialization |
Chapter 3 |
|
|
Review |
|
|
|
TEST 1 |
Chapters 1,2, 3 |
UNIT II: SOCIAL STRUCTURE, SOCIAL GROUPS, AND SOCIAL CONTROL
|
Week 3 |
Social Structure and Interaction |
Chapter 4 |
|
|
Groups and Organizations |
Chapter 5 |
|
Week 4 |
Deviance and Crime |
Chapter 6 |
|
|
Review |
|
|
|
Test 2 |
|
UNIT III: SOCIAL STRATIFICATION AND SOCIAL CLASS
|
Week 5 |
Global Stratification |
Chapter 7 |
|
Week 6 |
Class and Stratification in the United States |
Chapter 8 |
|
|
Racial and Ethnic Groups in U.S. A. |
Chapter 9 |
|
Week 7 |
Sex and Gender |
Chapter 10 |
|
|
Review |
|
|
|
TEST 3 |
Chapters 7, 8, 9,10 |
UNIT IV: SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
|
Week 8 |
Family and Marriage |
|
|
Week 9 |
Education and Religion |
Chapter 12 |
|
Week 10 |
Politics and Economy in Global Perspective |
Chapter 13 |
|
|
Health and Medicine |
Chapter 14 |
|
Week 11 |
Review |
|
|
|
TEST 4 |
Chapters 11,12,13,14 |
|
Week 12 |
Multicultural Presentation |
|
UNIT V: SOCIAL DYNAMICS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
|
Week 13 |
Population |
Chapter 15 |
|
Week 14 |
Collective Behavior and Social Movement |
Chapter 16 |
|
Week 15 |
Final Examination |
|
