Los Angeles City College

Fall 2010

Introduction to Sociology
Welcome to the Sociology!

Instructor: Tony Clark

Office Hours: M,12:45-1:45, W, 5:45-6:45, TTh, 7:30am-9:00,
Phone: 323-9534000 x2949
E-mail: tctheprofessor@yahoo.com

Course Description
This course is designed to acquaint students with the major principles of sociology
as they are applied to contemporary social issues. With the use of several
theoretical perspectives, it examines social structures within American society and
other cultures from macro and micro perspectives. There are extensive references
to contemporary research findings on social structure, group dynamics, social
stratification, and social institutions

Course Objectives
• Assess the difference between a non-scientific and scientific approach to a social
problem.
• Compare and contrast the positive and negative consequences of ethnocentrism.
• Discuss the significance of the "nature vs. nurture" debate.
• Explain the impact of the major elements of social structure on individuals.
• Compare and contrast the roles of the various types of groups.
• Explain the relative nature of social deviance
• Explain the importance of norms and the need for a system of social control.
• Evaluate the biological, psychological, and sociological explanations of deviance.
• Describe the major types of systems of stratification in the world.
• Explain the significance of the location of one's placement in the American social
class system
• Assess individual versus structural explanations of poverty.
• Distinguish between the concepts of race and ethnicity.
• Compare and contrast individual and institutional discrimination.
• Evaluate the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives on
prejudice.
• Contrast biological and sociological views of sex and gender.
• Explain how females have come to be designated as a minority group.
• Differentiate among monarchies, democracies, dictatorships, and oligarchies.
• Distinguish between capitalism and socialism and describe the ideologies of
each
• Describe the transformation of the American family over the past thirty years
Discuss some of the major forms of family violence.
• Describe the manifest and latent functions of education according to the
functionalist perspective.
 • Explain why conflict theorists perceive the education system as a tool of the
ruling class and describe the mechanisms by which education reproduces
existing class structure.
• Describe the manifest and latent functions of religion according to the
functionalist perspective.
• Explain why populations increase and the effect that this growth has on our
environment, food supply, and quality of life in general.
• Compare and contrast the various theories that explain social change.
• Explain how technology and social movements are sources of social change.

Required Text
Think Sociology. John D. Carl, 2010. Prentice Hall.

Course Requirements
Exams:
There are four exams that will be based on assigned readings, handouts, and lecture. The
first three exams will contain four essay questions and 40 multiple-choice questions.
Thus, each will be worth 80 points. For each exam, you will have access to a study guide
covering most of the important topics. They will be available on Etudes. The final exam
will primarily cover the last several chapters, but will have an additional part which will
be worth 20 points and will cover some of the major points we discussed in the semester.
The point total for the final then will be 100 points.

Term Paper/Student Learning Outcome:

What are student learning outcomes?
Student learning outcomes or SLOs are statements that specify what
students will know, be able to do or be able to demonstrate when they have
completed or participated in a program/activity/course/project. Outcomes are
usually expressed as knowledge, skills, attitudes or values.

Sociology 1 SLO
By the end of this course students will write paper that demonstrates an
ability to use a societal framework in order to analyze any given situation
rather than an individual analysis

Criteria
The paper must be a minimum of five pages, 12-font, double-spaced, and
with one inch margins. It must also be proofread and spellchecked for any
errors. And finally, the appropriate sociological concepts must be accurately
applied in the analysis. Please submit paper in the assignment section of
Etudes. The paper is due Dec 1st, but may be submitted any time prior
that date. If the paper or at least a one-page draft of it is submitted
by November 1st, I will evaluate it and return it with critical
comments. I strongly suggest that you take advantage of this
opportunity to improve the grade of the paper.
Components:

1. Scholarly literature review

2. Annotated bibliography
a. Six scholarly sources
i. Periodicals
ii. Books
iii. Internet sources
b. Use either ASA, APA, or MLA citation styles.

A rubric for the SLO paper is located in the Etudes modules.

Attendance and Class Participation:

Students are encouraged to attend all classes. The instructor will check attendance during each
class. Ten points will be deducted from a student’s point total for each unexcused absence. Three
or more absences will result in the student being dropped from the class. Students will be required
to read (or should I say, study) all assigned materials prior to class and to participate in
discussion.

Quizzes
There will be five surprise quizzes that will be worth ten points each.

Homework
A total of four homework assignments may be given. Each will be worth 10 points. Full credit
will be given to those students who demonstrate an understanding of the topic and those who
offer perspectives that reflect critical thinking. All written work must be typed, double spaced,
spellchecked, and proofread. All homework assignments will be due at the beginning of the
following class. Late papers will not be accepted except in the case of an emergency.

* Important Note: Formal homework assignments will be given only if it’s apparent to
me that the class, as a whole, is not prepared to discuss the assigned topics. You see,
then, it’s really up to you – all of you.

Extra Credit
Once or twice a week you will have the opportunity to respond to a “bonus” question that
is based on the assigned reading. The question will be worth from three to five points.
It’s important that you realize that you can easily raise your grade here if you take
advantage of this opportunity.

Student Conduct:
Cheating, plagiarism, or class disruptions will not be tolerated. Problems such as these
will be dealt with in accordance with the LACC Student Conduct Code.

Grading:
Your grade in this class will be based on exam performance, any homework assignments,
the quality of SLO paper, and participation in discussion.

Activity Total Points Participation Rubric

Four Exams 340 Participates each week – 50
SLO Paper 100 Participates most weeks – 30
Participation 50 Rarely participates - 10
Quizzes 40 Never participates - 0
Total 530

Total number of points – 530

A: 477-530 B: 424-476 C: 391-423 D: 318-390 F: under 318

WEEK TOPIC Chapter

Aug 30th – Sept 3rd Sociology: An Introduction 1

Sept 6th – 10th Social Research 2

Sept 13th – 17th Culture 3

Sept 20th – 24th Social Structure & Interaction 4

Sept 27th – Oct 1st Exam 1

Socialization 5

Oct 4th – 8th Groups & Organizations 6

Oct 11th – 15th American Social Class System 7

Oct 18th – 22nd Global Stratification 8

Population & Environment* 9

Oct 25th – 29th Exam 2

Race & Ethnic Stratification 10

Nov 1st – 5th Race & Ethnic Stratification 10

Gender Stratification 11

Nov 8th – Nov 12th Aging and Health 12

Nov 15th – 19th Crime & Deviance 13

Nov 22nd – 24th Exam 3

 Marriage & Family 14

Nov 29th – Dec 3rd Education & Religion 15

Dec 6th – 10th Economy & Politics 16

Social Change * 17

Dec 12th – Dec 18th Finals Week

Only selected parts of chapters 9 and 17 will be covered.

Please keep in mind that this syllabus is tentative; there will likely be some changes
before the end of the semester.