Mat-Su College

Syllabus: Introduction to Sociology, Spring Semester, 2021

SOC A101, Section PX1, CRN 35736, 3 Credit Hours, Distance Education

Instructor: Danny Gray

Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: dpgray@alaska.edu Text/telephone: 907-355-0805
Class dates: January 11-May 1
Course delivery: Online (Blackboard)
Required textbook: Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach, 14th ed. (2019), James H. Henslin.
Additional requirement: Internet Access, including ability to download/stream videos.

Course Description

Introduction to the science of humans as social animals, emphasizing social processes which
give rise to and shape humans’ language, experiences, perception, meaning and behavior.
Multiple frameworks used in understanding and predicting human behavior.

Teaching Methods

The course will be taught utilizing recorded lectures, assigned readings, videos, discussion
board and exercises, and testing (quizzes). All instruction will be conducted online.

Course Requirements/Activities

 Quizzes
Based on: (1) key concepts presented in the 5 major sections of the textbook, (2) class
lectures and discussions, and (3) video presentations and class handout materials.
Format: true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short essay questions.

 Reaction Paper
Students will explore, within a sociological context, the themes of cultural differences,
ethnocentricity, and pluralism through writing a reaction paper based on a film which
students will obtain and view independently, outside of class. A class handout will
provide additional assignment details.

 Critical Thinking/Theory Application Exercise

Students will submit a brief written analysis of a particular contemporary social debate,
choosing a point to argue in favor of, and framing the argument in terms of one of the
major theoretical perspectives explored in the first chapter of the textbook. A class
handout will provide additional assignment details.
  Research Paper
Students will choose a relevant social issue to research, and will submit a written critical,
evidence-based, objective examination of that issue, incorporating ideas gleaned from
the textbook and class lectures. A class handout will provide additional assignment
details.

 Discussion Board
Students are expected to participate in online discussions in a manner that enhances
learning for the entire class. Students are expected to have read the assigned material
and be prepared for class discussions.

Course Prerequisites: None.

Class Atmosphere

A safe and open-minded exchange of ideas is necessary and essential for an effective learning
environment. This is especially important to consider within the context of online discourse.
The instructor and students will collaborate to promote an open and inclusive class
atmosphere. Students will be able to be engaged in discussion, express diverse points of view,
and be free from ridicule, defamatory or hurtful remarks. Inappropriate language and behavior
will not be tolerated.

Tips for Success

 If you are having trouble with the course, the best time to “fix” things is when they are
small—not at the end of the semester. Please do not hesitate to ask for help.
 Be enthusiastic—it makes the class more fun for everyone!

Course Outline and Objectives

I. The Sociological Perspective

• History
• Culture
• Socialization
• Social Structure/Interaction
• Research
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the Sociological Perspective by: describing the
influences of culture and socialization; comparing and contrasting micro and macro sociology;
and discussing how sociologists accomplish their research (Assigned readings, class
participation, take home tests, and lecture).

II. Social Groups and Social Control

• Societies to Social Networks
• Formal Organizations
• Social Control
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the profound influence society has upon its
members, their thoughts, attitudes, and orientation towards life. Additionally, students will
examine different types of groups and develop an understanding of group dynamics. Students
will learn how groups keep members in line and sanction those who violate norms. (Take
home tests, assigned readings, class discussion, and lectures).

III. Social Inequality

• Global Stratification
• Social Class in the United States
• Sex and Gender
• Race and Ethnicity
• The Elderly
Students will examine how social inequality pervades society and how it has an impact on our
own lives. Students will learn the significance of social stratification, social class, gender, race,
ethnicity and age on people’s lives. (Take home tests, critical thinking papers, class discussion,
assigned readings, and lectures).

IV. Social Institutions

• The Economy
• Politics,
• Marriage and Family
• Education
• Religion
• Medicine and Health
Students will develop an increased awareness and understanding of the role of major social
institutions. Students will learn how these institutions influence people and the changes these
institutions are experiencing in the 21st century. (Take home tests, class discussion, lecture and
assigned readings).

V. Social Change
• Population and Urbanization
• Collective Behavior and Social Movements
• Social Change and the Environment
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the rapid change our world is experiencing by
analyzing population trends, social movements/social change and the environment. (Assigned
readings, take home tests, lecture, class discussion and research papers).

Student Outcomes

The student will:

1. Apply the principles of Sociology to contemporary social issues.
2. Identify major social trends in the United States and be able to draw conclusions as to
their consequences.
3. Infer and generalize social causes and effects based on empirical evidence.
4. Use these skills and knowledge to better analyze the complexity of social
structures and their effects on social and personal life.

Grading Policy

Students are expected to complete all course assignments. Any late assignment will receive a
10% point reduction. No assignments will be accepted more than one week late without prior
instructor approval. Instructor will discuss points lost with each student. The instructor may
recommend that the student withdraw from the course if they continue to have problems with
late work. No extra credit is available for this course.

Activity Quantity Points % of Grade

Quizzes 5 75 18.75%
Reaction Paper 1 45 11.25%
Critical Thinking/Theory Exercise 1 80 20%
Discussion Boards 7 70 17.5%
Research Paper 1 130 32.5%
Total 400 100%

A=360-400 B=320-359 C=280-319 D=240-279 F=239 or lower

A: honor work; indicates comprehensive mastery of required work.

B: indicates high level of performance in meeting course requirements.
C: indicates satisfactory or average level of performance.
D: indicates the lowest passing grade.
F: indicates not passing.

Participation Policy

Regular class participation is expected and required. Three consecutive weeks of non-
participation or a total of 5 weeks of non-participation will constitute grounds for receiving a
failed grade or the student being dropped from the class.

Incompletes

An “I” is an incomplete grade. It is used to indicate that a student has made satisfactory
progress in the majority of the work in a course, but for unavoidable absences or other
conditions beyond the control of the student, had not been able to complete the course. An
Incomplete Grade Contract is required. This is a contract between the student and the faculty
member that stipulates the requirement for the completion of the course. Course work must be
completed by a date specific in the contract not to exceed the last day of instruction for the
next regular semester. Refer to the student bulletin for further details.
Withdrawals

Withdrawals are processed in accordance with procedures and timelines outlined in the MSC
catalog. Withdrawals are permitted through the date specified on the college’s academic
calendar and will appear on a transcript as a “W”.

Early Alert

This course participates in the College’s Early Alert program for students experiencing academic
difficulties. You will be notified in the third week of the semester if you are falling behind due to
performance or attendance issues. A copy of the notice will be sent to Student Services for
possible further follow-up. Students receiving an Early Alert notice are encouraged to take
positive steps towards improving their academic performance or risk failing the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a basic principle that requires that students only take credit for ideas and
efforts that are their own. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are
defined as the submission of materials in assignments, examinations, or other academic work
that is based on sources prohibited by the faculty member. Substantial portions of academic
work that a student has submitted for a course may not be resubmitted for credit in another
course without the knowledge and advance permission of the instructor. For more information,
refer to the UAA Student Code of Conduct:
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/deanofstudents/academic-integrity/

Student Handbook/College Catalog

Students are responsible for knowing and following all the rules and regulations in the student
handbook and the college catalog. 

Blackboard

This course is conducted entirely online, including lectures, discussion boards, and quizzes.
Assignments and supplemental materials will be posted online as well. Blackboard assistance
for students can be accessed by clicking on “Student Help” on the main Blackboard menu.

GENERAL CAMPUS INFORMATION

Student Safety

In the event of an emergency such as fire, flood, or earthquake, students are expected to follow
the safety guidelines as posted at entry of classroom.
Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services (DSS) is responsible for coordinating support services for UAA
students who experience disabilities. To access support services, students must contact DSS
(746-9737) and provide current disability documentation that supports the requested services.
Additional information may be accessed on-line at http://matsu.alaska.edu/office/student-
services/msc-policies/disability-support/

Learning Center

The learning center (TLC) consists of two centers, the writing center and the math center. Each
center offers tutorial services, workshops and individualized one-credit remedial courses. The
TLC is open for all MSC students. The TLC is located in OLB 121. Phone: 907-745-9772. Fax:
745-9703. Refer to the MSC catalogue for policies and procedures.

Harassment/Violence

Title IX: University of Alaska Board of Regents have clearly stated in BOR Policy that
discrimination, harassment and violence will not be tolerated on any campus of the University
of Alaska.  If you believe you are experiencing discrimination or any form of harassment
including sexual harassment/misconduct/assault, you are encouraged to report that behavior. 
If you disclose sexual harassment or sexual violence to a faculty member or any university
employee, they must notify the UAA Title IX Coordinator about the basic facts of the incident. 
Your choices for disclosure include:
 1.      You may confidentially disclose and access confidential counseling by contacting the UAA
Student Health & counseling Center at 786-4040 or Alaska Family Services in Palmer at 866-
746-4080 (24 hours).
2.      You may access support and file a Title IX report by contacting the UAA Title IX
Coordinator at 907-786-1424. At Mat-Su College contact the Director of Academic Affairs at
907-746-9316 for more information.
3.      You may file a criminal complaint by contacting the Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Office:
907-745-2131.

Student Code of Conduct and Campus Civility

As with all members of the University community, the University requires students to conduct
themselves honestly and responsibly, and to respect the rights of others. Conduct that
unreasonably interferes with the learning environment or that violates the rights of others is
prohibited by the standards and guidelines collectively described as the Student Code of
Conduct. For more information, refer to the UAA Student Handbook:
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/deanofstudents/StudentJudicialServices/code.cfm. It is the
student’s responsibility to know the expectations outlined in the handbook for appropriate
campus and classroom behaviors and to adhere to these expectations.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures (for Students on Campus)

In the event of an emergency evacuation is required, do not use the elevator. Immediately exit
the classroom. Remain calm, do not rush or push others. Use the stairway to the left as you exit
the classroom. Please go to your assembly area (sign at the back of the parking lot) and remain
there until you Instructor has taken role and accounted for all students attending class that day.
Your Instructor will be the last to leave the room. Please follow the directions of your Instructor
and section Fire Warden at all times. Do not attempt to renter the building unless given the all
clear by the section Fire Warden.

Useful Web Resources

For APA formatting (widely accepted within the social sciences):
http://www.apastyle.org/
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Learn more about the sociological perspective/discipline:
http://www.asanet.org/
Contemporary Blog:
http://www.sociologyfocus.com

Useful Print Resources

For APA formatting:
Hacker, Diana & Sommers Nancy (2016). A Pocket Style Manual (7th ed.). New York:
Belford/St. Martin’s.
American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (6th ed). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
For Sociological Terminology:
Johnson, Allan G. (2000). The Blackwell Dictionary of Sociology: A User’s Guide to
Sociological Language (2nd ed.).
 Class Schedule (subject to Change)
Week Class Topics and due dates Homework
1/11 1  The Sociological Perspective, Pt. I Read chapters 1 & 5; Discussion
Board #1
1/18 2 Discussion Board #1 due Read chapter 2; Discussion Board #2
 The Sociological Perspective, Pt. II
 How Sociologists Do Research
1/25 3 Discussion Board #2 due Read chapters 3 & 4; Complete
 Culture Reaction Paper
Reaction Paper handout
2/1 4 Reaction Paper Due Complete Quiz 1; Read chapters 6 &
 Socialization 7
 Social Structure/Interaction
2/8 5 Quiz 1 due Read chapter 8; Discussion Board #3
 Societies to Social Networks
 Bureaucracy and Organizations
2/15 6 Discussion Board #3 due Complete Quiz 2; Read chapters 9 &
 Deviance and Social Control 10
2/22 7 Quiz 2 due Read chapter 11; Complete Critical
 Global Stratification Thinking Exercise
 Social Class in the U. S.
Critical Thinking/Theory Application Exercise handout
3/1 8 Critical Thinking/Theory Application Exercise due Read chapters 12 & 13; Complete
 Sex and Gender Research Paper proposal
Research Paper handout
3/8 No Class—Spring Break
3/15 9 Research Paper Proposal due Complete Quiz 3; Read chapters 14
 Race and Ethnicity & 15; Work on Research Paper
 The Elderly
3/22 10 Quiz 3 due Read chapters 16 & 17; Work on
 The Economy Research Paper; Discussion Board #4
 Politics
3/29 11 Discussion Board #4 due Complete Quiz 4; Read chapters 18
 Marriage and Family & 19; Work on Research Paper
 Education
4/5 12 Quiz 4 due Read chapters 20 & 21; Work on
 Religion Research Paper; Discussion Board #5
 Medicine and Health
4/12 13 Discussion Board #5 due Read chapter 22; Work on Research
 Population and Urbanization Paper; Discussion Board #6
 Collective Behavior and Social Movements
4/19 14 Research Paper due Complete Quiz 5
Discussion Board #6 due
 Social Change and the Environment
4/26 15 Quiz 5 due Discussion Board #7 – Due no later
Film/Wrap Up than Friday, 4/30/21