Page 1 of 6

SOCIOLOGY 101: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Summer Session I 2012 Montgomery College Department of Social Sciences Takoma Park-Silver Spring Campus Instructor: Sahar D. Sattarzadeh Office Hours: By appointment Phone: 202.642.4782 Email: sahar.sattarzadeh@montgomerycollege.edu Course Schedule: Mon & Wed Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:05 p.m. Location: CM 112 Website: http://mc-so101.weebly.com

Course Description This course will offer a comprehensive exploration of fundamental sociological concepts, methods, and theories used to interpret the practices and behaviors of human society. Special emphasis will be made in understanding the parallels between theory and practice in examining social interaction, cultural diversity, social structure, and issues relevant to domestic and global affairs particularly with regard to critical thinking and social change. As sociology is a broad and diverse field study, this course is specifically intended to provide you with a good working knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theoretical perspectives in sociology. In addition, this course will provide you with an understanding of the nature of interpersonal relationships, the structure of societies, the process of socialization, and the significance of social organizations, inequality, group dynamics, class structures and social institutions. What is Sociology? According to the American Sociological Association (ASA) (http://www.asanet.org), Sociology is study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Since human behavior is shaped by social factors, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports. In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge. Course Objectives In this course it is expected that students will: 1) Acquire a comprehensive understanding of general sociology theory and content; 2) Refine skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, and analysis; 3) To develop your ability to apply sociological perspectives and strategies 4) Understand social issues relevant within both local and global contexts; Required Text Schaefer, R. T. (2008). Sociology: Brief introduction (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill

Page 2 of 6

In addition, students will read various supplementary articles, which are available through the course website (http://mc-so101.weebly.com), and some are identified below. Recommended Readings As the course progresses, a list of recommended readings will be made available on the course website under the Resources page. If they cannot be accessed through the course website, some of these readings can be made available upon request (given that they are not readily available online or in the Montgomery College library system). Please contact the instructor if you are interested in accessing and/or suggesitany of the literature provided in the recommended readings list. Course Structure The course will be conducted as a lecture, with the instructor making initial presentations that either complement (i.e., present new material) or amplify the assigned readings. Group discussions of the readings selected for the meetings will follow. All students are expected to read the required readings and to participate in these discussions. Interactive and participatory activities during as well as outside of class time will also be implemented from time to time to keep students engaged and active in the learning process. Students will also be expected to sometimes utilize information and communication technologies (ICTs), the Web, and social/new media in their assignments, and final research projects. Students will write weekly blog posts (via http://mc-so101.weebly.com) addressing assigned readings, assignments and class discussions related to the course content. Assignments will involve a combination of individual participatory activities, video presentations, in-class group activities, and writing assignments. From time to time, unannounced pop quizzes may also be administered to assess students comprehension of the readings and class discussions. The midterm will address key comprehensive concepts and topics addressed during the first half of the course. The final research project/paper (8-10 pages) should describe and assess a micro sociological study and will also include a class presentation. Guidelines for both the midterm and final research project will be distributed prior to their respective deadlines. Papers should be submitted in both hard copy and electronic formats to the instructor on the appointed date and time. Papers will be graded on the following criteria: Coherence of paper organization and development, Depth of description and analysis, Incorporation of coursework knowledge, Use of pertinent bibliography (complete and up to date), and Clarity and precision of writing All papers should comply with standards of APA style academic paper presentation. APA formatting guidelines are accessible via: http://www.apastyle.org/ and http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/. The instructor is available to help students with writing style formats. Additionally, the Writing, Reading and Language (WRL) Center provides quality services for students who need further assistance and guidance.

Page 3 of 6

Classroom Conduct & Expectations of Students Class meetings are for you to discuss the readings and class topics with the instructor and the other students, to clarify and explore arguments, and to figure out what sociology is all about. The role of the instructor is to facilitate this conversation. Students are expected to: Treat others respectfully: When the instructor evaluates students work or responds to their ideas, the instructor will be respectful and constructive so that students will succeed in this course and beyond. It is expected that students will also treat each other in this way, even when he/she may not agree with the viewpoints of fellow students. We are learning collaboratively here. Please turn off cell phone (or set it to silent mode) during class. Disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Prepare for class: Bring books/readings, notes, and all assignments for the day. Complete all readings before class and be prepared to discuss them. Make sure to check your college email account regularly. Arrive on time: Tardiness requires an explanation at the end of class. Lateness will affect students attendance grade. No food or drinks are allowed to be consumed in the classroom at any time. This is Montgomery College policy, especially in The Commons building. Turn in assignments: they must be completed on time, thoroughly, and in hard copy and electronically. Late assignments will be penalized. If a student cannot make it to class, it is his/her responsibility to email the instructor BEFORE the assignment is due to make arrangements for turning it in. Get help when it is needed: Ask questions in class, email the instructor, make an appointment to meet with the instructor, or speak with the instructor before or after class if having any problems at all in SO 101. The instructor is here to help you, and she can direct you to other campus resources. The instructor has an open door policy, meaning that students are more than welcome to make an appointment to meet with the instructor at anytime as schedules permit. Provide feedback: This is the students educationif something is confusing, please notify the instructor. If a student likes or dislikes a particular reading selection or activity, please inform the instructor. Student Evaluation & Grading Students will be evaluated on the basis of six outputs: their attendance and class participation (5 percent); their informed participation based on reading assignments in seminar discussions (10 percent of the grade); their performance on class assignments, blogs, and quizzes (20 percent); their production of the midterm exam (25 percent); their leading role in one classroom session (10 percent); and their performance on the final (30 percent). A critical understanding of the assigned readings calls for: discussing the key points of the paper, its strengths and weaknesses, an assessment of the importance of the topic, and an identification of new issues or questions for further debate. Guidelines for the production of all assignments, midterm paper, and final research project will be provided in advance.

Page 4 of 6

The standard grading scale as recognized by Montgomery College will be applied as follows: 100-90% 89-80% 79-70% 69-60% A B C D

There are no opportunities for extra credit granted in this course. Attendance This class is meant to be an interactive experience; thus, attendance and participation are crucial and required as part of your grade (please see above). To earn full credit in this area, you must contribute to discussions by reading, preparing, and speaking in class. Simply showing up is not sufficient, but it is definitely a necessary first step. Since this is only five weeks long, students are expected to be on time and not disrupt others. Tardiness will result in a deduction of points from the grade for attendance (please see above). Make-up Policy Make-up exams are very rare and should be arranged in advance. If you miss an assignment or exam without prior notice, notify the instructor as soon as possible. There will be no make-up exams unless students have a college-approved excuse and appropriate documentation. Late Policy It is expected that all assignments and papers are turned in on time by the assigned deadline. If students anticipate not making deadlines, please contact the instructor as soon as possible, providing advance notice in order to see if arrangements can be made. Audit Policy Students auditing the class are expected to adhere to attendance and late policy guidelines. Those who do not may be dropped. Audits may do assignments, take midterm exam, and final project, but they are not required to do so. Academic Honesty All students are expected to abide by the code of academic honesty throughout this course. Academic dishonesty and misconduct, including (but not limited to) cheating, forgery, copying, fabrication, and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be reported to the Dean of Student Development and result in an F grade. The full text of the policy is available in the Student Code of Conduct on the web at: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/Plain.aspx?id=2071. Support Services Montgomery College offers many services (career development, advising and counseling, assessment services, Social Sciences Computer Center, Writing, Reading, & Language Center, disability services, etc.). Full information is available on the college website.

Page 5 of 6

Disability Services A student with a documented disability or any other special needs who wishes to discuss academic accommodations should contact the instructor as soon as possible. A letter from Disability Support Services (DSS) authorizing students accommodation will be needed. The DSS office is located on the first floor of the ST building in room 133 and may be called at 240-567-1480 or 240-567-1475 (TTY). More information is also available on the DSS website: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/directory2detail.aspx?index=210. Inclement Weather & Other Campus Closures If campus is closed, there will be no class, and any activities will be rescheduled for the next class day. For information about campus closures due to weather or other emergencies, call 240-5675000 or check the Colleges Web site at www.montgomerycollege.edu. Any closures or delays, due to inclement weather or other emergencies, will be announced on the homepage. Religious Observances Students will not be penalized because of observances of their religious beliefs. Whenever possible, students will be given reasonable time to make up any academic assignment that is missed due to participation in a religious observance. It is the students responsibility to inform the instructor of any intended absences for religious observances in advance. Notice should be provided as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the schedule adjustment period. Prior notification is especially important in connection with final examinations, since failure to reschedule a final examination before the conclusion of the final examination period may result in loss of credits during the semester. Course Schedule Week 1: Introduction to Sociology Wednesday, May 30 Introductions Chapter 1: Understanding Sociology Week 2: Sociological Methodology; Culture; and Social Structures Monday, June 4 Chapter 2: Sociological Research Chapter 3: Culture Wednesday, June 6 Chapter 4: Socialization Chapter 5:

Social Interaction, Groups, & Social Structure

Page 6 of 6

Week 3: Deviance; Stratification; & Ethnic Inequality Monday, June 11 Chapter 7: Wednesday, June 13 Chapter 10: Racial & Ethnic Inequality Chapter 11:

Deviance & Social Control

Chapter 8:

Stratification & Social Mobility in the U.S.

Stratification by Gender & Age

Week 4: Global Inequality; Family Life; & Social Institutions Monday, June 18 Midterm Chapter 9: Global Inequality Wednesday, June 20 Chapter 12:

The Family & Intimate Relationships

Chapter 13: Religion & Education

Week 5: The State; Social Services; Global Effects; & Social Change Monday, June 25 Chapter 14: Government & the Economy Chapter 15: Wednesday, June 27 Chapter 6: The Mass Media Chapter 16:

Population, Communities, & Health

Week 6: Dont Worry. Its Almost Over! Monday, July 2 Final

Globalization, the Environment, & Social Change