Sociology

Sociology: An Introduction to Core Concepts

Mr. Andrew Nelson (anelson@woodscharter.org)                                                       2011 - 2012

Invitation:

Sociology is a field of study that explains social, political, and economic phenomena in terms of social structures, social forces, and group relations. I will introduce you to the field by focusing on several important sociological topics, including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and political sociology. We will examine many of the questions that sociologists ask, the theories that help us frame these questions and the methods that help us answer them. We will address questions such as: "Why is there inequality?" and "Can individuals change society?" and "What is the role of religious institutions?" Such general questions will also be explored in various particular contexts. The class will also consider the long-standing (and ongoing) social struggles regarding evolutionary theory in the modern world (i.e., the challenges of/to Darwinism from the "Scopes Monkey Trial" in the early 20th century to the "intelligent design" debates of the early 21st century). Over the course of the semester, students will be expected to:

  • Appreciate the centrality of questions and problems in the development of the sociological imagination.
  • Practice using sociological concepts and theories to illuminate and explore social problems that they find particularly interesting or important.

You will leave this course with:

  • An understanding of the three main sociological perspectives;
  • An understanding of several important sociological theories;
  • The ability to apply these perspectives and theories to contemporary social problems;
  • Insight into the critical link between social structures, social forces and individual circumstances;
  • Insight into how you shape society and how society shapes you.

 

The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. That is its task and its promise.
-- C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination

Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who craft policies and create programs. Sociologists understand social inequality, patterns of behavior, forces for social change and resistance, and how social systems work.
-- American Sociological Association Web site, "What is Sociology?"

Course Expectations:

Students should be punctual to class and be prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Written assignments, essays, etc should be completed and submitted in a timely fashion.  At all times students should exhibit respect and courtesy towards classmates. When answering questions, raised hands only will be acknowledged. Rowdy, discourteous and/or disruptive behavior of any sort will be prohibited. A positive learning environment is one in which information is respectfully shared and appreciated. It is expected that this supportive, respectful environment will be the norm.

Text: Henslin, James M. Sociology: A Down-To-Earth Approach, Core Concepts (3rd ed.). New York: Pearson Publishers, 2009.

Supplementary Reading: Ritzer, George. The McDonaldization of Society (Revised Edition). Thousand Oaks, California: Pine Forge Press, 1996.

In addition to the textbook, we will use many supplementary materials and resources including, but not limited to, journal articles, essays, and excerpts from other related texts.  It is each student's responsibility to come to class prepared with the necessary materials, and I will do my best to keep you informed regarding what you will need. 

 

Course Outline:

1st Trimester:

-        Chapter 1, The Sociological Perspective

-        Chapter 2, Culture

-        Chapter 4, Social Structure and Social Interaction

-        Chapter 5, Societies to Social Networks

-        Supplementary materials and handouts

2nd Trimester:

-        The McDonaldization of Society

-        Chapter 7, Social Stratification

-        Chapter 9, Race and Ethnicity

-        Chapter 8, Sex and Gender

-        Supplementary materials and handouts

3rd Trimester:

-        Chapter 6, Deviance and Social Control

-        Perceptions of Society

-        Sociology of Religion

-        Final Project

-        Supplementary materials and handouts

 

Homework and Grading:

Homework Philosophy

Assigned readings from the course text and other sources are critical to a complete appreciation of course content.  Accordingly, readings will be assigned daily, to be discussed in the following class period. Short essays/research papers will be required for major topic headings.  Students will have independent projects to present at semester end, as well as a final essay. Concise, careful academic writing will be stressed at all times.

 

Grading Philosophy

Grades will be determined in part by class participation, homework completion and bi-weekly quizzes and essays. There will be a Midterm Exam. Grades will be proportionately based on the above criteria and the successful completion of each student's final project.

 

Trimester grades:

Essays/research papers: 35%

Class participation: 25%

Exams: 15%

Homework/final project (3rd Trimester): 25%

 

Final grade:

1st Trimester: 25%

2nd Trimester: 25%

Midterm Exam: 10%

3rd Trimester: 25%

Final Exam: 15%

 

In addition to the above criteria, students taking Sociology as an honors course will be expected to complete the following:

-        additional readings

-        longer writing assignments

-        1st and 2nd semester honors projects

-        higher standards for graded work

More detailed criteria will be specified as particular assignments are presented.