SOC 120 - General Sociology

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Course Goals:

·        Provide the student with a systematic introduction to the structure and functioning of our society

·        Challenge the student to critically analyze social events

·        Instill a basic understanding of the social problems facing the U.S.

·        Create an appreciation for the complex nature of our society

·        To foster the "sociological imagination"

Course Structure:

This course is a primarily a lecture based course, but with an important difference, students need to actively participate.  You will need to come to class prepared for the day's activities and ready to participate by adding to the discussion, asking critical questions, giving insightful comments and generally taking an active part in the activities of the class.

We will be meeting only once a week and the schedule is attached.  Try to attend each class meeting.  Those that attend class regularly are those that tend to get the better grades.  Those that attend class regularly, have read the assignments, and participate in class, are those that usually get the highest grades.

Grading:

                                    Tests (4) 50%                  100-90% = A

                                    Journal   20%                     89-80    = B

                                    Term Paper 25%                79-70    = C

                                    Attendance 5%                  69-60    = D

Tests

There are four tests during the semester.  The tests will be multiple choice.  I will be providing you with a study sheet for each test.  These tests will be closed book, but you will be allowed to use your own notes for the tests.  You may not use another person's notes, nor may you use photocopied notes. All testing will be done in the library.  If you miss a test you will have one week to make it up.  Just go to the library and ask for it.  Also we will conduct a test review the day of the test.  Even if you are not taking the test on that date, I would advise you to be present for the review.

Term Paper

You are required to write an 8-10 page typed double-spaced paper on a topic of your choice.  If the grade on your term paper has a negative effect on your final grade, you have the option to rewrite the paper.  I have included a "term paper guide" which states the specifics of what your paper should look like.

Journal

For ten of the chapters in the text, you will need to find a magazine article, newspaper articles, or some other written commentary that has been published which concerns itself wit the topic of the chapter.  You will then summarize the article and critically analyze it by relating it back to some issue, idea or subject in the chapter to which it applies.

The summary and analysis should be about 1 page in length, typed double-spaced.  The journal you hand in will have a minimum of 10 entries, more if you desire, be neatly presented is some type of bound form and clearly labeled and easy to read and follow.  You must also include the article in the journal.  Students tend to find this assignment fun as well as educational.  Take pride in it and have some fun as well.

I have included a sample entry for you to look at.

Attendance:  You will get two "free" misses.  I you miss more than twice, you will get no points for attendance.

I believe that everyone should be able to do well in this course with a modest amount of effort.  Of course, some of might have to work harder than others.  If you are having trouble reading the material, or writing the term paper, or understanding the material in the course, please contact me as soon as possible. 

This class is not "rocket science", everyone should be able to understand the ideas and concepts of the course.  This does mean, however, some effort on hour part.  Again, if you have questions or problems please contact me.