Pikes Peak Community College

Syllabus

Course # SOC 101-125 Introduction to Sociology I Summer 2012

(3 Credit Hours)

FACULTY INFORMATION: Gloria Nikolai

Email address: gloria.nikolai@ppcc.edu
Office location: Rampart Range Campus, W209
Office phone: (719) 502-3216
Office hours: see instructor, as posted and by appointment

Division Office Contact Phone: 502-3300; location: Rampart Campus in room W209,
Centennial Campus in room F300

COURSE SCHEDULE: Soc 101-125, TR 10:00 am – 12:10 pm, T110

Semester dates: May 29 – August 5, 2012

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Examines the basic concepts, theories, and principles of sociology as well as human
culture, social groups, and the social issues of age, gender, class, and race.
This course, Sociology 101, is a guaranteed transfer course in the GT Pathways program of the Colorado
Commission of Higher Education. The requirements in this course meet or exceed the critical thinking,
reading, technology, and written communication competencies established by the Colorado Commission on
Higher Education for guaranteed transfer, general education courses in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITES:
ENG 090 is a prerequisite for this course. Because of the reading and writing assignments
for this course, students are strongly recommended to be proficient at English 121 or
above.
.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Required Text: Sociology Now, 1st Edition, Michael Kimmel and Amy Aronson,
Prentice Hall/Allyn Bacon, Boston, MA, 2009.

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Sociology 101 is an introductory course intended to promote a better understanding of the
“larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of
individuals” within society (C. Wright Mills). The student will be able to:

 Define sociology and explain the basic insight of sociology. Explain the meaning
and the importance of the “sociological imagination”.
 Contrast the views that Comte, Spencer, and Marx held regarding society and the
role of the sociologist. Compare and contrast three major theoretical perspectives
of sociology.

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  Identify the contributions of theory and research to sociological knowledge.
Describe the logic of cause effect between variables; state the conditions
necessary for correlation and for causation.
 Identify the advantages and the disadvantages of laboratory and field experiments.
Distinguish between a population and a sample and explain the connection
between them; specify ways to ensure that a sample is representative.
 Describe the relationship between culture and society. Distinguish between
instincts, reflexes, drives, and culturally learned behavior. Discuss norms and
their importance to society.
 Define ethnocentrism and discuss its consequences for a culture. Describe cultural
relativism and its appropriate use. Indicate how subcultures and countercultures
relate to the dominant culture. Summarize the ways in which culture affects
human interaction and the ways humans change culture.
 Define socialization. Describe the ways in which biological pre-dispositions and
social influence are intertwined. Discuss the concept of “self” and how it
develops.
 Describe Cooley’s three-part theory of the looking-glass self. Describe Mead’s
theory of the formation of self through symbolic interaction, role-taking, and the
generalized and particular other.
 Identify the key agents of socialization. List the characteristics of a group that
distinguish it from an aggregate or category. Contrast the features of primary and
secondary groups.
 Identify ways in which individuals conform to groups. List the functions of in-
groups and out-groups. Explain the importance of reference groups. Characterize
formal organizations.
 Define deviance as a sociological concept. Discuss the concept of stigma. Identify
means of social control and how they work.
 Characterize Merton’s five-part typology of deviance. Explain why mental
disorder is classified as a form of deviance. List four functions of deviance. List
four dysfunctions of deviance and their effects on society.
 Define social stratification. Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe how
sociologists use socioeconomic status (SES) as a measurement of social position.
Explain how stratification systems are maintained. Discuss social stratification in
the United States. Identify the social classes in the United States and the features
of each. Specify some of the factors that are correlated with social-class
membership.
 Explain the two ways poverty is defined and indicate which groups in the United
States are most likely to experience poverty.
 Cite biological evidence in discussing differences between the sexes.

COURSE OUTLINE:

I. The Sociological Viewpoint

A. The Study of Social Life
B. The Development of Sociology
C. Major Perspectives – Conflict, Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism
D. The Uses of Sociology
II. Sociological Analysis

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 A. Basic Concepts of Social Research: variables, table reading and interpretation
B. Major Research Methods
III. Culture
A. The Normative Component
B. The Symbolic Component
C. Cultural Variations
IV. Socialization and Social Control
A. Nature and Nurture
B. Development of the Self
C. Agents of Socialization
D. Role Theory
V. Social Groups
A. Concepts of Social Organization
B. Formal Organizations
VI. Deviance
A. Nature of Deviance
B. Explanations of Deviance
VII. Social Stratification
A. Stratification Systems
B. Social Mobility
C. American Class Structure
D. Theories of Social Class
VIII. Inequalities of Gender and Age
A. Biological and Socio-cultural Differences
B. Sex Roles and Sexism
C. Social Effects of Aging
D. Ageism and Its Consequences
IX. Race and Ethnic Relations
A. Concepts of Race and Ethnicity
B. Prejudice and Discrimination
C. Minority Relations

REVISED ANTICIPATED CLASS SCHEDULE:

Date Chapter/Topic Assignments Due
Tuesday, May 29, Syllabus review, course
2012 expectations, Sociology 101
overview
Thursday, May 31, Chap 1: What is Sociology; quiz
2012
Tuesday, June 5, Chap 1: What is Sociology/ Chap
2012 2: Culture and Society; quiz
Thursday, June 7, Chap 2: Culture and Society
2012
Tuesday, June 12, Chap 3: Society: Interactions, Critical Thinking
2012 Groups and Organizations; quiz
Thursday, June 14, Chap 4: How do we know what we
2012 know?; quiz
Tuesday, June 19, Chap 4: How do we know what we
2012 know?/ Chap 5: Socialization; quiz
Thursday, June 21, Chap 5: Socialization
2012

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Tuesday, June 26, Chap 6: Deviance and Crime; quiz/ News Analysis
2012 News analysis
Thursday, June 28, Chap 6: Deviance and Crime
2012
Tuesday, July 3, Midterm Exam
2012
Thursday, July 5, Chap 7: Stratification and Social
2012 Class; quiz
Tuesday, July 10, Chap 7: Stratification and Social Observation/Socialization
2012 Class paper
Thursday, July 12, Chap 8: Race and Ethnicity; quiz
2012
Tuesday, July 17, Chap 9: Sex and Gender; quiz
2012
Thursday, July 19, Film
2012
Tuesday, July 24, Chap 9: Sex and Gender/ Chap 10: Film Analysis
2012 Sexuality; quiz
Thursday, July 26, Chap 10: Sexuality
2012
Tuesday, July 31, Chap 11: Age: From Young to
2012 Old; quiz
Thursday, August 2, Final Exam
2012

Grades will be based on the following: Percentages Grades

Chapter quizzes (11) 200
(20 points each; the lowest dropped) 90-100% A
Midterm exam 150
Final exam 150 80-89% B
Critical Thinking questions 100
Observation/Socialization paper 100 70-79% C
Film analysis 100
Newspaper Article with analysis 100 60-69% D
Attendance/Participation 100
Total Possible 1000 59% and below F
points

Explanation of Assignments:
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given on each chapter on the first day the chapter is discussed in class.
Quizzes will only be given at the beginning of class. The questions will include multiple
choice, true/false, and/or definitions. Each quiz will be worth 20 points; 1 quiz may be
missed or the lowest grade dropped without negatively affecting your total score. Quizzes
will not be given for any missed classes.

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*If there is a snow delay or closure on a quiz day, the quiz will be on-line and must
be completed no later than the next class period.
*If you are not present when the quiz starts at the time the class begins, you cannot
take the quiz. The quizzes are given immediately upon the start of class and finish
quite rapidly. Starting late would hold up the rest of the class and is not allowed.
Please be sure to be in class when class starts - especially on quiz dates.

Technology/Desire2Learn: Desire2Learn (D2L) is the computer platform that

supplements this course. Students have access to the course shell from your PPCC home
page. On our course shell you will find copies of the syllabus, assignments, and schedule.
D2L will also have announcements, links to interesting media, and any schedule changes.
In the event that class cannot be held on campus, the course will continue online through
D2L.
*All papers submitted for this class MUST be submitted via D2L. If you would like
hard copy comments, please also submit your paper in class.
*Please review the D2L site regularly!

Midterm:
The midterm exam will include questions from the chapter quizzes and essay questions
from the lecture material. The midterm exam is worth 150 points and will cover the
material discussed in class and chapters 1-6. The midterm exam cannot be taken at a
different date than scheduled.

Final:
The final exam will include questions from the chapter quizzes and essay questions from
the lecture material. The final exam is worth 150 points and will cover the material
discussed in class and chapters 7-11. The final exam cannot be taken at a different
date than scheduled.

Critical Thinking Questions:

Critical Thinking questions will be given to you in the beginning of the semester. These
will include thought-provoking questions requiring objectivity and sociological
knowledge to complete. The critical thinking questions are worth 100 points and are
expected to be 3-4 pages in length.
 Grading will be based on your demonstrated understanding of ideas we are
exploring in class, your ability to apply the ideas, your writing, editing and
original thought.

Observation Paper OR Socialization Paper: This paper is worth 100 points and is
expected to be 4-5 pages in length.

1. The observation paper will be built upon a series of out-of-class

observations of social life. The observations can be completed in any group
setting, including, but not limited to: concerts, parks, festivals, college commons
areas, playgrounds, airports, religious services, malls, bars, parks and restaurants.
The paper should include:
 Introductory paragraph

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  Discuss and describe 2 separate observations in different settings – report
on behaviors and what can be seen or heard, not on intent; detailed descriptions
needed
 Use a minimum of 10 sociological concepts, including explanations of
what they mean and how they can be applied to the observations.
 Identify and explain one theoretical perspective in relation to the
observations.
2. Socialization paper: Buy poster board to complete this project. (The poster board
should be no larger than 19 x 24 inches.) Place a picture of yourself in the middle
of the board (be sure to write your name on the top of the poster board). The rest
of the board should be dedicated to photos, magazine pictures, words, phrases,
and so on that help tell your story. Be creative and have fun but make sure that
your photos and the language used on your board are material that can be
explained sociologically (and academically).
 Write a 4-5 page reflection paper explaining what the poster is supposed to be
communicating about you. Explain in detail what agents of socialization shaped
your view of yourself (for example, family, media, peers, education). How did
these agents influence you? Include and discuss all 6 of the major socialization
agents. Choose two specific people within the agents of socialization and recount
a specific experience where these individuals had an impact on your sense of self
(this could be positive or negative). Be detailed and relate your experiences to the
terms and concepts of sociology.

Newspaper Articles with Sociological Analysis:

This assignment will be a 3-4 page analysis of news information using sociological
concepts. Articles must be current (since May 2012) and may be taken from credible
newspapers, journals, on-line news, or magazines. The articles must address topics of
importance to sociological discourse. The assignment is worth 100 points.
 Attach a copy of the article to your paper.
 Your paper should begin with the article title, origin and date of the article at
the top of your paper.
 Summarize the contents of the article. Explain the main points of the article
in the first paragraph.
 Analyze the article using sociological concepts and theory. This should
include correlating appropriate concepts and explaining how they apply
and/or using sociological theory to critically analyze the article.
Demonstrate how it is related to the material presented in the textbook.
 Include a conclusion (paragraph).
 The article will be verbally presented to the class on the assigned due dates.
Expect to summarize the news events and explain the correlation to
sociological concepts and theory. Be prepared to answer questions about the
article. Your presentation should be clear and concise with attention paid to
good speech guidelines (articulation, grammar, eye contact and presentation
style). 20 points of this assignment is based on the verbal presentation.
 Students must be present on the presentation day to receive
presentation points.

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  Please note: This is not an opinion paper. Grading will be based on your
understanding of ideas we are exploring in class, your ability to apply the
ideas, your writing, editing and original thought.

Film Analysis:
This will be an analysis of an in-class film using sociological theory and concepts. The
answers should include attention to critical thinking skills and exhibit an ability to
analyze social acts. This assignment will be worth 100 points and is expected to be 4-5
pages in length.

ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION:

Attendance will be taken at each class by sign-in roster. If you arrive late and the roster
has already been received by the teacher, it is the student’s responsibility to sign the sheet
at the end of the class. Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Attendance will
be counted in your class grade. In this class, participation is expected.

GRADING POLICY:
1. Withdrawals/Drops: Dropping the class with a refund is possible during the
first 15% of the semester. The official drop date is Thursday, June 7, 2012.
An official withdrawal may also be initiated by the student through 80% of
the term, resulting in a grade of “W” on your transcripts. A “W” grade has no
credit and is not computed in the GPA. The last date for withdrawal is
Monday, July 23, 2012.
2. Incomplete: An incomplete will be issued only if the student has completed
more than 75% of the course requirements, and has an emergency that cannot
be resolved prior to the end of the semester. An incomplete is rarely issued
and may pose some risk to your GPA. All remaining work must be
satisfactorily completed prior to the end of the next semester or a grade of “F”
will be issued for the course.
3. Late work will be marked down one full letter grade and will only be accepted
up to one week past the due date. No late work will be accepted beyond
CLASS TIME the first week after the due date.

COURSE GUIDELINES:
1. Any instance of cheating or plagiarism will result in a failing grade (zero
credit) on that assignment, quiz or exam and may result in failing the
entire course. A second instance will result in failing the entire course. All
instances of plagiarism or cheating will be submitted to the Dean of
Students for violating the PPCC Standards of Conduct. It could also result
in dismissal from this college as well as impacting any further
advancement into another college. Students are responsible for knowing
the academic honesty standards at PPCC. See the catalogue:
http://www.ppcc.edu/catalog .
2. Cellular phones and pagers are a distraction to the learning environment
and must be turned off during class. Texting and surfing the net are not
appropriate classroom activities and will not be permitted.

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 3. The Pikes Peak Community College administration, this division, and this
instructor expect that students will exhibit respect and consideration
toward each other and toward the instructor. Please arrive to class on time,
remain for the entire class period, participate in group discussions and do
not have extensive side conversations.
4. Children are not allowed in the classroom per PPCC policy.

Expectations for outside of traditional classroom time spent on class: Although this
course is scheduled for a specific amount of time per week in class (typically 3 hours for
a 3 credit course), a successful student will also spend many hours outside of the class on
a number of activities. This should include a minimum of 2 hours per week on textbook
reading, 1 hour per week on assignments, 1 hour per week on observations, accessing
multi-media sites, reading additional articles, participating in discussion boards or other
activities. Please keep in mind that the numbers given here are only an approximation and
do not guarantee success in the course. In fact, some successful students may indeed
spend many more hours than specified. However, spending less time is not likely to lead
to success in this course. In addition, this is an average per week and many weeks will
require much more time spent on writing papers or other assignments for the course.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Any student eligible for and needing academic accommodations because of a disability is
requested to speak with the Office of Accommodative Services and Instructional Support
(OASIS) (502-3333) Returning students should do this 4-8 weeks before the beginning of
every semester. The following link provides additional information:
www.ppcc.edu/OASIS.
All arrangements for accommodations must be agreed upon, in writing, and signed
by the student, an OASIS Disability Specialist and the instructor.

Academic Support
 The Writing Centers (Room A 311 at Centennial Campus, Room 215 at DTS
Campus, and Room N202 at the Rampart Range Campus) offer students the
opportunity to obtain feedback from instructors regarding their writing
assignments for any class. Writing Centers open the second week of the semester,
and students may drop in or make an appointment. Students should bring copies
of their assignments with them. At Rampart, call 502-3520.
 The office of Student Support Services/TRIO (ACCESS) provides academic
support, advising, and transfer assistance for students meeting the guidelines of
their program. For additional information, call 502-3222.
 The Supplemental Instruction program through the Learning Assistance Center
offers tutoring in various subjects and instruction in learning strategies, test-taking
skills, and study skills. For additional information, call 502-3444.

Crisis Counseling:
PPCC now has crisis counseling and a comprehensive team of core problem-solvers here
for you! To reach our crisis counselor for assistance and/or referral you may call 502-
4688. If you have an emergency, call 911 or (on campus) 2911.

PPCC also has resources available online to help you learn the signs and symptoms of

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emotional problems. ULifeline is an anonymous, confidential, online resource center,
where college students can be comfortable searching for the information they need and
want regarding mental health. Check out www.ulifeline.org/school/ppcc/ . This will take
you to campus, community, and web-based resources available to you. When in doubt,
click.

University Connections: For students planning to transfer to the University of

Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS): The University Connection Program is a transfer
scholarship opportunity that includes regular transfer advising, a smooth transfer and
application and tuition reimbursements. To qualify for the program, students must have at
least 2 semesters of coursework remaining towards completion of the Associates degree
and apply by specified deadlines each semester. Apply via the following website:
http://web.uccs.edu/prostudent/connection.htm The Transfer Advisor can be reached at
719-255-4046.

Pikes Peak Community College also has transfer agreements and some scholarship
opportunities available at CSU-Pueblo and Regis University.

Assessment: The faculty and staff at PPCC are committed to student learning and
success. Therefore, students may periodically be asked to participate in an assessment
activity for their program or department, or for the college. These activities might include
taking a test, providing a writing sample, or speaking on a topic. They are designed to
help faculty improve programs and teaching strategies and to promote student growth.
For more information, go to http://www.ppcc.edu/about-ppcc/assessment/

Student evaluations: Student feedback is valuable to the faculty and administration of

the college and is used to improve teaching methods, classes and programs. Student
evaluations are typically available just after the mid-point of each semester and will
remain open until the end of the class. Student feedback is not available to faculty
members until grades have been submitted, and individual surveys always remain
anonymous. Evaluations for all classes are completed on-line at https://eval.ppcc.edu ,
where students are asked to log in using their S number and their Portal password.
Students are responsible for evaluating this course and this instructor.