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MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE- SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT SYG 2000, INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY REF. 745642, TR 11:40a.m. 3 p.m. Room 4207 Summer B 2012-4
Instructor: Jana Knibb Office: 6206 Phone: 305-237-2215 Office Hrs: T 10:30-11:30 and by appointment E-mail: j.knibb@outlook.com (This is the best way to contact me) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS This course engages in a scientific study of society providing an overview of sociology as a social science. It includes its development as a discipline and methodology. It examines culture as a basis for human behavior, how it is acquired and its norms obeyed. It explores the issues of social inequality within society, including the issues of ethnicity and gender. The issues of social change and social institutions are examined, along with those of demography and urbanization, together with the great challenges these currently pose to the modern world. COURSE COMPETENCIES Competency 1. THE STUDENT WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIOLOGY AS A SOCIAL SCIENCE BY: Describing the historical development of sociology. Comparing the contributions of major figures in the field. Describing the main theoretical approaches prevalent in this discipline. Contrasting different research methods used in sociology.

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2 Competency 2. THE STUDENT WILL EXAMINE THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE AND SOCIALIZATION IN THE STRUCTURING AND FUNCTIONING OF SOCIETY BY: Analyzing the various characteristics of culture. Contrasting the concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism as opposite ways of evaluating cultural variation. Explaining the process of socialization, including the role played in this process by the family, peers, schools, the church, and the media. Discussing the notion of deviance as an aspect of organized social life.

Competency 3. THE STUDENT WILL INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION AND INEQUALITY BY: Discussing the various bases for social inequality. Describing the major theoretical interpretations of this issue. Explaining the importance of social stratification to the individual and to society. Identifying key terms applicable to the concepts of race, ethnicity and gender, and distinguishing the major racial and ethnic groups and how they have fared in the United States. Competency 4. THE STUDENT WILL EXPLORE THE SUBJECTS OF SOCIAL CHANGE AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS BY: Distinguishing the different theoretical approaches and the major factors promoting social change. Identifying the concept of a social institution and analyzing specific forms an institution may take, such as family, religion, and education. Examining the impact of social change on social institutions. Distinguishing between various forms of collective behavior.

Competency 5. THE STUDENT WILL SHOW AN UNDERSTANDING OF OTHER SOCIOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF SOCIAL CHANGE BY: Identifying theories, concepts and trends affecting world population growth. Exploring the major demographic trends affecting the United States. Identifying the evolution of urbanization patterns on a national as well as on a global basis. Examining the unprecedented challenges of the "urban population explosion" in the United States and worldwide. MDC Learning Outcomes:
The 10 MDC Learning Outcomes *
1. Communication Skills Personal Responsibility 7. 2. Quantitative Analysis Ethical Thinking 3. Critical Thinking Technology Use 4. Information Literacy Aesthetic Appreciation 5. Global Perspectives

6.

8.

9.

10. The Environment

REQUIRED TEXTS Margaret L. Andersen and Howard F. Taylor.2013. Sociology: The Essentials. Volume 7. There will be multiple articles supplementing the main text, which will be provided for you by the instructor. GRADING AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Readings. Complete all course readings prior to each class day. Come to class prepared for a discussion. Exams. There will be two exams in this course. Exams are worth 50 percent of your final grade (25 percent each). They pertain to the assigned readings, class discussions, videos and other materials provided. You will be allowed to bring in a double-sided sheet of letter sized (8 by 11) printer paper typed in 10pt or higher font as a guide for your exams. All guides will be reviewed and approved by me before the exam. All guides must have your name on them and be submitted with your exam.

Assignments: Assignments are 50% percent of your final grade (10 percent each). Assignments are due in class on the assigned day. Because I understand that on one (and only one) occasion you may have a problem getting your assignment into me on the assigned day, I am providing each student with one Indulgence card. This card must be attached to the late assignment, which must be turned in the class period following the class in which the assignment was due. No exceptions. The last day for submitting any assignment with an Indulgence is 7/30. Paper A (10% of your final grade): This is a 2 to 2 page paper in which the student will provide sociological analysis of a movie or video segment of the students choice that was viewed in class. This paper will be due the class session after the video was viewed. The last day to submit Paper A is 7/23. A rubric will be provided to help you develop your paper. Paper B (10% of your final grade: This is 2 to 3 page paper in which the student will provide an analytical response to an in class workshop activity. This paper will be due the class session after the workshop was conducted. You will be allowed to write workshop papers on Workshops 1-4. The last day to submit Paper B is 7/30. A rubric will be provided to help you develop your paper. Group Presentation (30% of your final grade): You will be divided into groups in order to create a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation that incorporates the sociological perspective into a news story, magazine or news article, or blog entry in order for the public to understand. A detailed handout of this assignment will be provided to each group member when you are divided into groups. A rubric will also be provided to help each group develop their presentation. Workshops/In Class Activities: In an effort to assist you in understanding the application of sociological concepts to everyday life, selected workshops and in class activities will be conducted in class pertaining to selected topics. They may consist of invited speakers, group or individual projects, class debate or research.

Extra Credit: I will announce several extra credit opportunities during the semester. All extra credit will be given a predetermined number of points to be used on your quizzes and exams. You will have the choice to decide to use the points on a quiz or exam by alerting me to your choice in written communication. The final opportunity for extra credit will be the week of 7/25. There will be no exceptions. Make Up Exam Policy: If you know you must miss an exam, see me to discuss taking the exam at a pre-arranged time. Any student that is absent from an exam will receive a zero grade. Make-up exams are only given for valid reasons (verifiable proof required).

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Miami-Dade requires that faculty take attendance at the beginning of every class period. If you are late, it is your responsibility to ensure I know you were present. Do not interrupt a lecture to let me know you are present. If you have two absences, you may be dropped from the course. If you are dropped from the class, either by me or by the College for non-payment, you will not be allowed to attend class. You will not receive a grade nor will I accept assignments, papers, or exams from you.

Grading Scale:
A B C D F 90 100 80 - 89 70 79 60 69 59 and below

Assignment Paper A Paper B Group Presentation Midterm Exam Final Exam Total Points

Total Points 10 10 30 25 25 100

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS NOTES AND GUIDELINES:

Excessive Lateness will not be tolerated. It is both disruptive and impolite to enter the classroom more than ten minutes late or in the middle of a lecture. If you do arrive late, please enter at the rear of the classroom and as discreetly as possible. Cell phones are required to be turned off or placed on etiquette mode for the duration of class. Furthermore, no student should have a cell phone in their hands, on desks, or visible for the duration of class. If a student is found using (this includes texting and web browsing but not limited to) such a device during class, he or she will be excused from that class. No exceptions!

Computer usage for note taking in class is acceptable. However, if you surf the web, chat, or engage in any activity not related to the course, you will be asked to refrain from computer use during the term.

If you disrupt the teaching/learning process or act in a disrespectful, threatening, or intimidating way toward me or other students, you will be asked to leave the class.

Access Disability Services: Students with documented disabilities should contact ACCESS Disability Services in advance for information and for obtaining assistance. No retroactive accommodations can be provided. The ACCESS department is located in Room 2121 at the Kendall Campus. They may be reached at (305) 237-2767.

Plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade for the given assignment and furthermore, will be reported to the relevant governing body at MDC. Students should familiarize themselves as to what constitutes both plagiarism and academic dishonesty in accordance with MDC standards. This information can be found in the college catalog:

http://www.mdc.edu/policy/student_rights_and_responsibilities.pdf Students should also familiarize themselves with their rights and responsibilities as college students at MDC; especially concerning the complaint process to be followed should there be an academic grievance against the instructor. Additionally, students are expected to be cognizant of all policies (for example: registration, withdrawal, etc.), which affect your status as a student. This may also be found in the college catalog.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES: There will be no

class on the following days: Thursday, July 4th 2012 (Independence Day) FINAL EXAM: Thursday, August 1st. Note that we will be meeting during our scheduled final exam period. Therefore, it is imperative that you do not make travel plans that include leaving Miami before or on that date. All students are required to attend the scheduled final exam session. Student Understandings Contract: In an effort to make sure that you understand the syllabus, and that there are no misunderstandings as to how the course is conducted, each student must read, initial, sign, and submit the Student Understandings contract, which is due 6/27/2013

Course Schedule Week/ Class Session 1.1 Date T-6/25 Reading Class Introduction Activity Review and Discuss Syllabus and Course What is Sociology?; Zelda and Ted Group Exercise For Next Class: Read Syllabus, Get Book; Read Chapters 1&3;Complete Student Understandings Contract Due 6/27 Workshop 1 For Next Class: Remember Library Orientation on 7/2;Read Chapters 2&7; Library Orientation Workshop 2 For Next Class: Read Chapter 4 For Next Class: Read Chapter 4
Movie: Lord of the Flies; Group Assignments for Presentation For Next Class: Prepare for Midterm Exam/ Group Assignment for Presentation Midterm Exam; For Next Class: Read Chapter 15

1.2

R-6/27

Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective Chapter 3: Doing Sociological Research Chapter 2: Culture and The Media Chapter 7: Deviance and Crime

2.1

T-7/2

2.2

R-7/4

No Class; Independence Day Chapter 4: Socialization and the Life Course

3.1

T-7/9

Midterm Exam; 3.2 R-7/11 Chapter 16: Population, The Environment, and Social Change

4.1

T-7/16

Chapter 15: Politics and The Economy

For Next Class: Read Chapters 8&10; Work on Group Presentation topics Workshop 3; Group Presentation topics Due Movie: Reel Injun For Next Class: Read Chapters 13&14 Movie: New Muslim Cool For Next Class: Read Chapters 11&12; Last Chance to submit Movie Paper; Final Opportunity for Extra Credit Workshop 4 For Next Class: Read Chapters 9&16; Last Chance to Submit Indulgence for Movie Paper; Prepare Group Presentations Group Presentations Last Chance to Submit Indulgence for Movie Paper For Next Class: Prepare for Final Exam Final Exam

4.2

R-7/18

Chapter 8: Social Class and Social Stratification Chapter 10: Race and Ethnicity

5.1

T-7/23

Chapter 13: Families and Religion Chapter 14: Education and Health Care

5.2

R-7/25

Chapter 11: Gender Chapter 12: Sexuality

6.1

T-7/30 Group Presentations

6.2

R-8/1

Final Exam

Sophisticated (A)

Very Competent (B)

Fairly Competent (C) Paper represents the authors ideas,

Not Yet Competent (D)

Accuracy (Grasp of readings)

Paper represents the authors ideas, evidence or conclusions accurately, fairly and eloquently. Shows a firm understanding of the implications of each authors argument(s). Paper represents the authors ideas, evidence and conclusions accurately.

evidence and conclusions accurately but not sufficiently clearly. Minor inaccuracies. Paper does not address some aspects of the Paper fully meets the requirements but does not exceed them. Makes somewhat Makes good case for why selected key ideas connect (or contradict) two texts, and/or connect (contradict) texts and lectures. unconvincing case for why selected ideas connect (contradict) two texts, and/or connect (contradict) texts and lectures. Imprecise or assignment.

Paper misrepresents the authors ideas, evidence and/or conclusions. Major inaccuracies. Or does not distinguish between major ideas and less relevant points.

Paper fully meets requirements of assignment. Explores implications of Argument (Depth of analysis) chosen ideas for the arts in classical Greece or today in thoughtful and/or original ways. Makes convincing case for why selected key ideas connect (or contradict) two texts, and/or connect (contradict) texts and lectures.

Paper does not address the assignment Selects minor rather than key ideas, and/or does not show why the selected ideas connect (or contradict) texts, and/or connect (contradict) texts and lectures.

Consistently precise and unambiguous wording, clear and lucid sentence Clarity structure. All quotations are well chosen, effectively framed in the text and explicated where necessary.

Mostly precise and unambiguous wording, mostly clear sentence structure. Mostly effective choice of quotation. Mostly effective framing and explication of quotation where necessary.

ambiguous wording. Confusing sentence structure. Poorly chosen quotations, or ineffective framing and explication of quotations.

Consistently imprecise or ambiguous wording, confusing sentence structure. Quotations contradict or confuse students text. Quotations used to replace students writing.

Paper is clean, correctly formatted (12point font, Times New Roman, normal Presentation margins), written in full sentences. Quotations are all properly attributed and cited in a consistent style. Virtually no spelling or grammatical errors.

Paper is clean, correctly formatted (12-point font, Times New Roman, normal margins), written in full sentences. Quotations are all properly attributed and cited in a consistent style. A few

Paper is clean, correctly formatted (12-point font, Times New Roman, normal margins), written in full sentences. Some

Paper is sloppy or incorrectly formatted, not written in full sentences. Many improperly attributed quotations or inconsistent style of citation. Many spelling or grammatical errors.

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minor spelling or grammatical errors. improperly attributed quotations and/or inconsistent citation style. A number of spelling or grammatical errors.

Initial
I understand that this class meets Tuesday and th st Thursday June 25 - August 1 11:40am-3pm I have reviewed the information regarding my professors contact information. I understand that I am responsible for learning material that is covered in the textbook as well as material that is covered in other components of the course including videos, PowerPoint presentations, handouts workshops, discussion and lecture. I understand that I have to buy the mandatory textbook. I understand that assigned readings are to be completed before each class day. I understand I will be allowed to bring in a double sided sheet of letter sized (8 by 11) printer paper typed in 10pt or higher font as a guide for my exams. All guides must have my name on them

Rubric for Papers A and B

Student Understandings

Contract

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and be submitted with my exam. I understand that there are two exams in this course, each worth 50 percent of my grade. I understand that I am to notify and discuss any absences with my professor, and that two I understand that failure to discuss excessive absences will result in a lower or failing grade, or withdrawal from the course I understand that assignments are 60 percent of my final grade. I have read and understand that I will be issued one (and only one) Indulgence card, and that this Indulgence card will allow me to turn in one assignment late (the class period after the assignment was due). I have read and understand the requirements and grading scale for the 2 papers and 1 group assignment I understand that disruption of the class and the educational process will not be tolerated. I understand that I will be asked to leave if I am being disruptive, and will be marked absent for that day. I understand that offensive language will not be tolerated in class. I understand that my cell phone and other nonessential communication devices must be set to silence or vibrate. I understand that no text messaging or non-class computer use is allowed in class. I understand that the final week for extra credit is the week of July 25th I understand that if I must miss a test, I must talk to the instructor to reschedule. I understand that makeup exams are only given for documented absences with verifiable proof. I understand that I understand that if I miss and exam and do not reschedule, I will receive a zero. I understand that make up exams must be taken one week before the scheduled exam date. I have reviewed and understand the grading scale. I understand that it is my responsibility to familiarize myself and comply with the Honor Code and Procedures regarding Cheating and Plagiarism I understand that failure to Comply with these Codes and Procedures could result in failure or expulsion. I understand that must contact the Office of Student Disabilities if I feel I need assistance. I understand that it is my responsibility to contact my professor with any difficulties I may be having in or out of class that could affect my performance

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this course. I understand that it is my responsibility to familiarize myself with the Course Schedule.

*I have read this contract and understand that it is a document that demonstrates that I am familiar with the syllabus and the basic rules. In cases of dispute and/or disagreement, the professor will use this contract as a reference in our conversation.

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