Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111-354
Kelli McClelland
Hello class and welcome to the Spring 2016 semester!
I will be your professor this semester for your Introduction to Sociology course. This is my second semester teaching at the college level, and it is truly my passion. I have a B.A. in sociology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and an M.A. in applied sociology from UMBC. I have professional experience in counseling, elementary education and project management. Currently I serve as the project coordinator for the STEM Transfer Student Success Initiative here at UMBC. I look forward to teaching and learning with you all this semester!
Note: I will generally be available after class to answer questions and provide support when necessary. If you need to set up an individual appointment, please contact me via email to schedule.
Email: kellis1@umbc.edu
Website: stemtransfer.org
Phone: 410-455-5877
Course Materials
Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 10th Edition, by Diana Kendall
Important Dates
Last day to drop with a full refund: Feb. 5
Last day to drop with a 60% refund Feb. 10
Spring break: Mar. 14-20
Last day to change to audit: Feb. 18
Last day to withdraw: Apr. 23
Final exam: May 16 2:45-4:45
Course Description
Introduction to sociology is a three-credit course designed to introduce students to the study and discipline of sociology. You must be eligible for ENG 111, 115, or 121 to take this class. This course is a survey of sociological thought and theory. In this class you will learn sociological principles and perspectives as a way of understanding everyday social life, study meanings and functions of various roles in historical and contemporary societies, and evaluate causes, consequences and comparisons of social hierarchies. It is necessary in this course that you complete reading assignments and attend class. We will explore concepts from the reading through class discussion and activities. If you do not complete the reading assignments, you will be at a disadvantage in the classroom. As you complete the readings, think about how the ideas presented are reflected in your own life. The ability to engage in that type of examination is what makes sociology such a fun topic to study!
*This course is eligible for an honors contract, if you are interested let me know as soon as possible.
Course Learning Objectives
Through SOC 111, students will engage in an academic exploration of the study and discipline of sociology. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
· describe the study of sociology and explain the major constructs of the discipline, culture and the process of socialization,
· describe major sociological theorists and their theories and apply those theories to a variety of sociological phenomena,
· define social structure, various types of social groups and discuss how the individual interacts within these structures and groups,
· explain types of social inequality and analyze them from a theoretical and historical perspective,
· explain different social institutions and compare and analyze the components of each,
· describe population growth and urbanization both in the United States and globally and describe the problems associated with urban areas, and
· describe types of collective behavior and social movements and discuss social change that results from different causes.
AACC Core Competencies
Social and Civic Responsibility: Participating in communities as an informed, committed and productive individual.
Global Perspective: Awareness and understanding of the diversity and interdependence among cultures, communities and the environment.
Innovative and Critical Thinking: Integrating knowledge to analyze problems using different modes of thinking (critical, creative and innovative).
Academic Integrity
Anne Arundel Community College, with a central mission of producing learning and a belief that individuals be given the opportunity to fully develop their potential, is committed to upholding rigorous and fair standards of student learning and achievement. Achieving successful student learning is dependent upon a dedication to academic integrity on the part of all members of the college community. Without academic integrity, students gain unfair advantage over others and impede their own development.
In support of this aim, Anne Arundel Community College requires all students to exhibit academic integrity in all their academic work. A culture of academic integrity, a unifying principle in this and all academic communities, is built upon respect for others’ work, commitment to doing one’s own work, and intolerance for academic dishonesty in all its forms. For more information, click here.
***I WILL check suspicious writing and file a report if you attempt to plagiarize!***
Classroom Climate and Student Conduct
Students shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates mutual respect and courtesy, displays appropriate standards of behavior, and refrains from any actions or inactions that impinge on the rights of others or disrupt the teaching and/or learning process or the operations of the college. A student found in violation of this policy or any other College policy shall be subject to appropriate sanctions in accordance with the student conduct procedures. The full text of the policy is available on the AACC website and in the Student Handbook and College Catalog.
Accommodations
The Disability Support Services Office (DSS) provides equal access to educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities. Students interested in course accommodations must provide relevant documentation in order to receive accommodations. For information, please call Mimi Stoops, Program Manager for DSS, at 410.777.2306, email her or visit the DSS website. Deaf and hard of hearing students can reach the office by calling Maryland Relay 711 or by emailing DSS.
***If you have a learning difference and there is anything I can do to support you, please do not hesitate to ask***
Notice of Nondiscrimination
AACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, ADA Title 504 compliant institution. Call Disability Support Services, 410-777-2306 or Maryland Relay 711, 72 hours in advance to request most accommodations. Requests for sign language interpreters, alternative format books or assistive technology require 30 days’ notice. For information on AACC’s compliance and complaints concerning sexual assault, sexual misconduct, discrimination or harassment, contact the federal compliance officer and Title IX coordinator at 410-777-1239, complianceofficer@aacc.edu or Maryland Relay 711.
Statement on Study Time
A minimum expectation is that for every hour spent “in class,” as defined by your instructor, you should plan to spend at least two hours “out of class” in preparation. Your instructor or the class may require additional time. More important than how MUCH should someone study is HOW should someone study. Studying is a skill, and if students have not developed that skill, they may still struggle regardless of how much time they study. More information about study skills including time management techniques can be found here.
Technology Use & Expectations
Throughout the course, students will be expected to:
1. Communicate through institutional email. I will respond to emails within 24-hours. You must check your AACC email, as this is how I will communicate with you regarding emergency class cancellation and any other course information throughout the semester.
2. Use the AACC website to gain information about the University and its events.
3. Use Canvas to submit course assignments and access the most up-to-date course schedule.
4. Have reliable access to a computer with Internet access.
Note: You cannot use a mobile device (i.e. smart phone or iPad) to complete the required course activities.
Course Requirements
1. Classroom Participation and Attendance (100 points): Much of the time we spend in this class will focus on large and small group discussions. In order for all students to get the most benefit out of the course, your full participation is expected during every class session. This includes active listening, engaging in discussions and fully completing all assignments. You must complete the readings to effectively participate in class. Attendance and participation for each class period is worth 4 points. Attendance is mandatory and points will be deducted for each absence.
Students wishing to participate in religious observances that may conflict with class expectations should email the instructors PRIOR to requesting an exception. The email should include the student’s plan for accommodating any missed work.
2. Paper (200 points): You will select a topic about which to write a 5-page paper. You will be graded on content as well as writing conventions. All components should be in Word format with 1-inch margins, Times New Roman, 12-point font and double-spaced. If you need support in developing your writing skills, please visit the Writing Center (Truxal Library Room 108, 410-777-2378) or utilize their online tools.
Part 1 - annotated bibliography with 5 sources from peer reviewed journals, a thesis statement and a general outline of your paper.
Part 2 - a draft of your paper.
Part 3 - final paper.
3. Homework Assignments (100 points): Throughout the semester, you will be assigned homework (brief written responses, discussions on CANVAS, etc.). If you miss class, you are still expected to complete the homework.
4. Quizzes (100 points): There will be an online quiz for every chapter, posted on Canvas, that is due before the chapter is covered in class. The quizzes will be brief and based on factual information and vocabulary from the text.
5. Exams (100 points each=500 points): There will be one exam per unit administered in class. These exams will demand more analysis than the quizzes. You are expected to be able to apply the concepts we have learned within the unit. If you miss an exam, you will only be able to make it up if your absence was excused and you must contact me to make arrangements.
** All assignments are due by midnight via upload to Canvas on the date that they are due in the class schedule. Late assignments will receive a 10% deduction every day they are late**