SLGY 1101

Introduction to Sociology
Fall 2023 - Standard

WBMA

JODI MILLER
403-529-3903 (office) jmiller@mhc.ab.ca Room #E117

COURSE TIME(S)/ LOCATION(S) CALENDAR DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the discipline of Sociology.

OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 12:00-3:00 pm (Drop-In)
Wednesday: 1:00-3:00 pm (Drop in)
Note: Students may access the instructor via
virtual office hours on Blackboard by
appointment.
Student inquiry is important to the instructor.
The instructor will make every effort
to respond efficiently to e-mails and phone
calls. Please expect anywhere between 24-
48 hours, Monday -Friday, for a response.
Sociology is the study of social life in all its forms. A variety of
topics within the discipline will be explored throughout this course, such as
social theory, social research methods, culture, with a strong focus on
gender, sexuality, class, and racial inequality. This course is a Mt. Royal
University course for students in their Third and Fourth year. The numbering
system is based upon their guidelines. Students register through Medicine
Hat College. NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both SOCI 201 and
SLGY 1101.
Hours: 42 hrs (3-0)
Credits: 3
Program Delivery may be subject to change due to health or other factors beyond
MHC control

LEARNING RESOURCES

Purchase learning resources here: https://bookstore.mhc.ab.ca/course-materials/textbook-search

Required Resource: Steckley, J. (2020). Elements of Sociology: A Critical Canadian introduction. (5th. ed.). Don Mills:
Oxford University Press.

Suggested Resource: Sensoy, S., & DiAngelo R. (2017). Is everyone really equal: An introduction to key concepts in social
justice education. (2nd. ed.). New York and London. Teachers College Press, Columbia University.

Technology Requirements: Students will need computer access with the following operating system: Windows 10 or Mac
10.1.2 (or later). Smartphones would hinder the learning experience and are therefore not recommended. Internet access is
required. An Ethernet connection is recommended over wireless access, with a basic Internet connection of 10
Mbps. Students will require a webcam and microphone. Chrome is the recommended browser. All students can download
Office 365 for free at https://www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/TechnologyAndSupport/Office365.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES / LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main objective of this course is to provide a foundation for sociological inquiry to enable the student to evaluate their social
world through this lens. This course aims to help students locate themselves as belonging to several social groups and identify
how they have come to know themselves via these groupings, including the intersectional nature of their experience. This
course will introduce students to major concepts, theories, scholars, and research from this vast discipline. Several learning
outcomes have been identified to prepare students for real-world sociological applications. Students completing this course are
expected to be able to:

1-Understand how sociology differs from other disciplines.

2-Describe and apply the sociological imagination.

3-Identify key social science theorists.

4-Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative social research.

5-Understand the value of narratives to sociological research.

6-Describe different types of culture and everyday norms, including folkways, mores, and taboos.

7-Describe the difference between social determinism and biological determinism.

8-Describe key socialization models, specifically the Looking Glass Self (Cooley) and Dramaturgy (Goffman).

9-Describe the impact of social status, roles, and the influence of bureaucracy and formal rationalization on individuals and
their interactions.

10-Define deviance and its contested nature, and distinguish between overt and covert characteristics of deviance.

11-Describe the multi-faceted/dimensional issues related to various forms of social inequality (i.e. gender, sexuality, and
"race").

12-Demonstrate strength in professional communication, orally and in written form. This includes adhering to APA standards,
confidentiality, accountability, respecting cultural/human diversity, and utilizing critical thinking and reflective thought that
enriches the learning environment.

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DETAILED COURSE CONTENT, TOPICS AND SEQUENCING

Course Schedule

A) Content/Chapter Reading and Recording Schedule

Note: Please note that this is a tentative schedule. This is subject to change at any point in the semester.

Content/Chapter(s) Date
Introduction, Outline and Assignment Description September 7th
Chapter One; Introductory YouTube Video Due September 14th
Chapter One September 21st
Chapter One September 28th
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation September 30th
No classes in lieu of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation October 2nd
Chapter Two; Critical Analysis Due (Chapter One: Sociological Imagination) October 5th
Thanksgiving Day (College Closed) October 9th
Chapter Three October 12th
Chapter Four October 19th
Chapter Five; Review for Midterm Exam October 26th
November 2nd (8:00 am)-
Midterm Exam (Online, Timed, and Open Book)
November 5th (11:55 pm)
Student Study Break November 8-9th
College Closed in lieu of Remembrance Day November 10th
Remembrance Day November 11th
Chapter Six November 16th
Chapter Eight November 23rd
Unfinished Business; Wrap Up November 30th
Review for Final Exam; Critical Analysis Due (Chapter Eight: Micro-Aggressions) December 7th
December 12th (8:00 am)-
Final Exam (Online, Timed, and Open Book)
December 14th (11:55 pm)

B) Critical Analysis

Content/Chapter(s) Due Date

Chapter One: Sociological Imagination October 5th by 11:55 pm (Blackboard)
Chapter Eight: Micro-Aggressions December 7th by 11:55 pm (Blackboard)

Note: Guiding questions for each chapter above will be posted on Blackboard.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES

The instructor will utilize a variety of teaching approaches, including PowerPoint/Voice Over, Recordings/Video, and numerous
opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking and reflective practice via practical application and practice. The
instructor actively uses Blackboard for messages, PowerPoints, recordings/videos, grades, and supplemental information
relevant to the material studied. The PowerPoint slides will guide recordings but will not incorporate all relevant and necessary
information. The student will need to read the required section of the text and/or posted material and listen to the weekly
audio/videos to gain a full appreciation for the course content and application.

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GRADE ASSESSMENT

Assignments and Values Due Dates

1) Introductory Video=5% September 14th by 11:55 pm
2) Mid-Term=20% November 2nd (8:00 am) -November 5th (11:55 pm)
October 5th (Chapter One) and December 7th (Chapter Eight) by
3) Critical Analysis =25% each (Total =50%)
11:55 pm
4) Final Exam=25% December 12th (8:00 am)-December 14th (11:55 pm)
Randomly Assigned Throughout the Term (Announced Via
5) Bonus Opportunities=Value TBD
Recordings)

1) Introductory You-Tube Video:

The introductory 12 -15 minute video is an opportunity for students to introduce themselves. In addition to their
name/preferred name, students should include their focus of study/program, academic goals/pursuits, their current
understanding of sociology, what they hope to achieve and the methodology they will use to see themselves successfully
through this course. Students are encouraged to be creative when thinking through their plans and to account for what they
know has worked for them previously. Students are expected to share at least one reference by verbally acknowledging the
source(s) they are using to support their commentary. For example, students might reference reliable sources to help them
define their understanding of sociology or when they describe their plan for completing this course. These areas will be
graded for completion, quality and depth of engagement.

Finally, students are encouraged in their video to share a personal aspect of self that captures who they are/what is important
to them at this given place and time. With student permission, the instructor will return to this when she covers socialization in
the course. Some examples showcased from previous cohorts include tattoos, music, quotes, gifts, photos, etc. Students are
encouraged to consider anything that will help their instructor understand them as a person, not just a student. The student will
not be penalized should they decide not to share a personal aspect of self or if what is shared is limited/protected, especially
since the introductory videos will be accessible for peer/classmate viewing. In other words, the instructor will not include
this specific criterion in her grading for this assignment.

Note: The instructor does not expect students to respond to each other, but they are welcome to, should they desire.

2) Midterm Exam (Online, Open Book and Timed)

The midterm exam will assess students' understanding and analysis of the course material covered up to the exam date. This
includes information from the textbook, supplemental readings, PowerPoints, videos, and recordings. The format of the
midterm exam will be communicated in the midterm review recording. The midterm exam is open-book and timed. The exam
will be available on Blackboard Thursday, November 2nd, at 8:00 am and close Sunday, November 5th, at 11:55 pm.

3) Critical Analysis

Each student is tasked with reflecting on two major sociological concepts presented throughout the term. This includes the
sociological imagination and micro-aggressions. Students are asked to apply their knowledge of the material personally and/or
professionally. The instructor will post on Blackboard guiding questions that the student will be required to answer and submit
via Blackboard. Further information on how to submit their responses will be provided in class. Each analysis should not
exceed 800-1000 words. Students will be graded on their engagement quality. This means students demonstrate
insightful/thoughtful engagement with the reading/listening/viewing of course material. Further, students are asked to establish
meaningful and relevant applications by using concrete examples as support. Responsibly using APA (7th edition) and the
quality of prose will also be evaluated. Please also review and follow expectations for using Large Language Model (LLM)
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GEN AI) Systems (see student expectations).

Note: In-text and full citations are expected for each response. Each analysis should integrate at least three different sources
and a corresponding reference page. The following marking rubric will be used for each critical analysis. Each submission is
graded out of 25 marks, worth 25% each (total=50%).

Criteria Excelling (5) Meeting (4) Approaching (3) Beginning (2) Mis-step (0-1)
Quality of Engagement
Theory Application -Personal and/or
Professional
Quality of Prose
APA (three different references
minimum; responsibly sites)
Total Possible Marks=25

Note: Once posted, each critical analysis will only be accessible to the instructor. The instructor will only share exemplary
student work with their explicit and written permission.

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4) Final Exam (Online, Open Book, and Timed)

The final exam will assess students' understanding and analysis of the course material studied after the midterm exam. The
final exam is NOT cumulative. The final exam will cover content from the textbook, supplemental readings, PowerPoints, videos,
and recordings. The format for the final exam will be communicated during the final review recording. The final exam is open-
book and timed. The final exam will be available. Tuesday, December 12th (8:00 am) and close, December 15th (11:55
pm).

5) Bonus Opportunities:

Throughout the term, the instructor will offer the opportunity for students to earn extra credit over and above the assessments
previously noted. These opportunities are only announced via the recordings, they are random, and the value of each and
where the credit can be applied will only be announced at the time of the recording. This is entirely voluntary. Students are not
required to complete any of the bonuses offered. The instructor does not have a set number; she determines how many as the
semester unfolds.

DATES OF MAJOR ASSESSMENTS

Please see the course schedule and the grade assessment for dates. Please note that ALL assignments (except the bonuses)
must be completed to receive a full grade in this course. Marking rubrics for the discussion and peer response posts will be
accessible on Backboard.

The instructor will endeavour to provide clear assignment expectations and meaningful support to help prepare the student to
meet their academic potential. Please note, however, that this does NOT include the instructor reviewing and/or editing
students written work/drafts before the due date of submission. Please plan accordingly and schedule support via the library by
booking time with the writing specialist and/or an academic coach who will help prepare you for academic success.

Writing Specialist: https://www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/AcademicSupport/WritingSupport

Academic Coaching: https://www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/AcademicSupport/AcademicCoaching

FINAL EXAMS

There is no final exam set for this course by the Registrar's Office.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS/MISSED EXAM POLICY

All assignments must be completed on the date indicated (see course schedule and grade assessment). Student requests for
additional assignments and/or to re-do an assignment to make up for a lower grade will NOT be granted.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Plagiarism and cheating are serious offences and may be punished by failure on exam, paper or project, failure in course,
and / or expulsion from the course.

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COMMON GRADING SCHEME

4.0 Point
Percentages Alpha Grade Description
Scale
95-100 A+ 4.0
Excellent - Superior performance, showing comprehensive understanding of
85-94 A 4.0
subject matter.
80-84 A- 3.7
77-79 B+ 3.3
Good - Clearly above average performance with knowledge of subject matter
73-76 B 3.0
generally complete.
70-72 B- 2.7
67-69 C+ 2.3
63-66 C 2.0 Satisfactory - Basic understanding of subject matter.
60-62 C- 1.7
55-59 D+ 1.3 Marginal performance - Generally insufficient preparation for subsequent
50-54 D 1.0 courses.
Fail - Assigned to students
0-49 F 0.0 a) who do not meet the academic requirements of the course, or
b) who cease to continue in the course, but do not withdraw as per MRU policy.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

If you are a student that requires additional accommodation to support your learning and have been approved through our
Accessibility Services office (Room B367), please contact your instructor prior to exams or any other forms of evaluation, if
accommodation is desired.

MENTAL HEALTH STATEMENT

Medicine Hat College recognizes the importance of student mental health and wellbeing, and has many resources available for
supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Services such as counselling, support groups, self-help modules dedicated to helping you manage things like anxiety, stress,
depression, and relationships are accessible to students on the campus, as well as online. To connect with Mental Health and
Counselling, visit the Student Advising Desk (across from Registration), by calling 403-529-3819.
Information is also available online at https://www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/CounsellingAndCare.

In addition, the Student at Risk Support Team (SARS) is here to respond to concerns around mental health and physical well-
being, security and academic issues, offering additional intervention and connecting students with appropriate resources on
campus at: https://www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/CounsellingAndCare/SARS.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Participation: Students are encouraged to explore sociology with an open mind and a thirst for learning. Students often find
that such exploration is best achieved when the student and instructor start from a place of respect for diversity and difference.
The instructor will try to foster such conditions and ask the students to do the same. Success in this course is most likely if the
student maintains a weekly structured reading/viewing of the recordings schedule and, if needed, reaches out to the instructor
and/or others in the college and larger community for help (i.e. counselling or the writing specialist).

Online Conduct: Students are required to be familiar with and abide by the Medicine Hat College (MHC) Code of Conduct.
Access to the Code of Student Conduct can be found in the MHC Academic Calendar under Academic Regulations and
Policies. Students and faculty are expected to follow an oath of confidentiality and be mindful of FOIP standards. For these
reasons, students attending any online synchronous interaction (i.e. office hour meetings) are to be in an isolated location
and/or wear headphones to protect confidentiality if an isolated location is not possible.

Further, students are encouraged to relate course content via real-life applications. Students might find drawing upon their
lived experience useful for deepening learning/meaning. Community, agency, client, and student personal information should
always be treated respectfully. Modifying specific biographical details to mask the identity of the persons or communities
referenced may be necessary (Adapted: University of Victoria, 2009).

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Due Date Extensions: Granting of a due date extension for any assignment will depend on the validity of the student's
circumstances and will be initiated by the individual student making the extension request. Based on the timing of the request
and consideration of the student's circumstances, it will be at the instructor's discretion to grant any extensions.

APA Expectations: Students are required to follow the guidelines in the current APA (American Psychological Association)
Publication Manual (7th edition). Please visit the MHC library website for up-to-date APA guidelines and sample papers.

APA Support: https://mhc.ab.libguides.com/citation

Large Language Model (LLM/) Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) Systems:

You are invited to use LLM/Gen AI or other technological tools to support your research for completing assignments in this
course. LLM/Gen AI, which creates content such as essays, computer code, and/or images using minimal human prompting,
is proliferating and becoming commonplace. While many LLM/Gen AI systems have recently become available, ChatGPT 3.5
(the free, online chat system that utilizes the Open AI GPT technology) is currently the most prominent, garnering worldwide
attention. The products that the LLM/Gen AI tools create depend on the quality of the training of the LLM and the prompt
given. Please be aware that while some responses may be of good quality, many will have inaccuracies and biases and could
be dated. The student is encouraged to analyze the information obtained through these technologies
critically. Further, ChatGPT will produce a response without citing any sources. Therefore, the student is encouraged to
ask/prompt for reading recommendations on the subject matter and, when given, to consider using these as their primary
source of support versus utilizing the model's interpretation. The student is expected to follow the MHC Academic Integrity
Statement in MHC's Academic Calendar. Be sure to cite any content from LLM/Gen AI tools properly to avoid
plagiarism. Please use APA guidelines for citing LLM/Gen AI material: https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt.

The instructor expects that when Gen AI is used, the exact responses received will be included as an appendix in their
assignments. This is particularly important to include because ChatGPT will generate a unique response in each chat
session, even if the same prompt is given, thus making it difficult for the reader to access the original information. The
instructor will deduct APA marks if the original responses are not included. Please note that these tools should not replace
human creativity, originality, and critical thinking.