Sociology 201

Principles of Sociology

Fall 2007

 

Professor Mary Danico                                                                     Office Hours: TR 10-12; W 11-12

Office 5-250                                                                                                      

Phone: 869-3895                                                                                         Class meets: TR 1-2:50pm

E-mail: mkydanico@csupomona.edu                          Bldg 66

 

Sociology is a complex and hybrid term, but for the purpose of this course, we will define it as the study of society. However, what we mean by society is in each case rather different. In this course, you will be introduced to various sociological concepts, theories, methods, and studies. During the quarter, you should gain a general understanding of the different facets of sociological studies and hopefully gain insight and interest in a specific area of study in sociology.

 

Participation: Though this is a large class, I like to create an intimate environment by encouraging you to participate whenever possible. I know that speaking in front of a large class can sometimes be intimidating, so please feel free to e-mail any questions, thoughts, or ideas throughout the quarter. I will also ask you submit different reports or thoughts throughout the quarter. Your assignments must be typed or will not be accepted. This will also impact your participation grade.

 

Attendance: Your attendance is required and attendance will be taken daily. There will be a sign in sheet distributed randomly throughout the quarter. It is your responsibility to sign in. If it does not get to you, please see me at the end of class period to sign in for the day. Please do not disrupt class to say that the sign in sheet did not get to you. For each class period missed, you will have 5 points deducted per day. So just by showing up you get a bulk of your participation and attendance grade!

 

Class assignment: 25 points

á             Review and Reflect*: You are asked to submit 1-2 page paper on the movie Monster. The paper needs to start off with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion and it MUST BE TYPED. Be sure to edit your work and check for typos, grammatical errors, and flow. There is a writing center on campus that you can go to for assistance. Handwritten papers will receive no credit and you will not be allowed to resubmit.

o           Review: You need to first begin distinguish the thesis (purpose) of the story. What is it that the moviemaker was trying to argue in the film in relation to the role of socialization?

o           Reflect: You are asked to reflect on your own socialization process and how that has impacted your choices, decisions, options in life.

o           Be sure to use concepts and/or theories from the chapter on socialization and feel free to use your examples to support your argument.

The assignment is not meant to be a write up of your life, but a review of the movie and then a reflection of your own socialization process and its impact on you and others in your life.

 

* Because of the number of students in this class, papers will not be returned immediately. You will most likely get your papers back after the first midterm.

Exams: There will be two multiple-choice exams. The exams are based on the readings, lectures, videos, and class discussions. There are no make-up exams.

 

Grade Distribution                                                                                                                              

Attendance                                                                                 25 points

Class assignments                                                               25 points

Midterm 1                                                                                      100 points

Midterm 2                                                                                      100 points

Total                                                                                                      250 points

 

Required Texts:                

Brym, Robert J. and John Lie. Sociology: Your Compass For A New World (Brief Edition) 2nd Edition. 2007. Thomson Wadsworth: Florence, KY


Syllabus

 

Sept                                 20                                        Introduction to Class and

Chapter 1 The Sociological Perspectives

 

                                                25                                        Chapter 1 The Sociological Perspectives

                                                27                                        Chapter 1 The Sociological Perspectives

 

October                    2                                            Chapter 2 Culture

4                                                                  Chapter 3 Socialization

 

9                                              Video KIDS

11                                        Class assignment no class

 

16                                        Chapter 4 Social Interaction

18                                        Video

 

23                                        review on line

25                                        Midterm

 

30                                         Chapter 5 Networks, Groups, and Organizations

November             1                                            Chapter 7 Social Stratification: US and Global Perspective

 

6                                            Chapter 8 Globalization, Inequality, and Development
8                                            Chapter 9 Race and Ethnicity

 

13                                        Chapter 9 Race and Ethnicity

Chapter 10 Sexuality and Gender

15                                      Video TransAmerica

 

20                                        Chapter 10 Sexuality and Gender

22                                        Holiday

 

27                                        PH

29                                        Review

 

December             6                                            Final 11:30-1:30