Principles of SociologyCourse/Section: SOC 231.41

Number of Credits: 3

Days Class Meets: Tuesday/Thursdays

Meeting Times: N/A

Location:

Instructor: Aisha Coulson-Walters, LMSW

Office: classroom

Contact Phone: 562-713-4670

Contact Email: coulsonaisha@jccmi.edu

Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 8:15-9:15 AM

Online: Jetnet to submit assignments

Course DescriptionWhat is Sociology:This course is an introduction to sociology, the systematic study of human behavior and social interaction. This is an applied course; therefore, we will analyze sociological theory and perspectives through current events and social issues occurring today. These issues will be explored the lens of race, class and gender. You will be asked to apply critical thinking in the assessment of these social issues.

Prerequisite(s)

Insert listing of official prerequisites as found in the college catalog.

Course Goals and ObjectivesUpon the completion of this course students will be able to:

Recognize the major schools of sociological theory, the associating theorist and its

societal impact.

Examine how sociological principles can be applied to all social interactions and social

issues by using appropriate critical thinking techniques.

Comprehend the use of information, including written, oral and electronic forms.

Identify and analyze the causes, conditions, mechanisms and consequences for

deviance and social change.

Understand and apply core sociological theories and their perspectives as it relates to

human behavior.

Demonstrate an understanding between individual and group dynamics, their values and

traditions across groups within the United States.

TextbookSociology in Our Times, Kendall, Diane. Wadsworth,11th Edition, 2018

Available in: Bound Book, Digital, eBook, Rental

Text Book Zero! This text is available in a digital format. Please see the links posted on our class Jet Net site or go to https://www.cengage.com/c/sociology-in-our-times-the-essentials-11e-kendall. This text is available to rent or purchase in digital format through the JC Bookstore.

Methodology/ Grading Procedures Review the weekly course assignments

Review lecture notes (if applicable)

Participate in weekly discussion forums

Complete assigned weekly quizzes (if applicable)

Complete all other assignment (s)

Grading Scale

GPA POINTS GRADE RANGE

4.0 1000-940 94-100%

3.5 939-879 89-93%

3.0 878-818 84-88%

2.5 817-757 78-83%

2.0 756-696 72-77%

1.5 695-635 66-71%

1.0 634-574 60-65%

0.0 573-0 0-54%

FailureAny circumstances under which a student could be dismissed from or failed in the course that is not

covered in other college publications. In pass/fail courses, a listing of minimal competencies.

Academic Honesty PolicyAcademic Honesty is defined as ethical behavior that includes student production of their own work and

not representing others' work as their own, by cheating or by helping others to do so.

Plagiarism is defined as the failure to give credit for the use of material from outside sources. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

Submitting other's work as your own

Using data, illustrations, pictures, quotations, or paraphrases from other sources without

adequate documentation

Reusing significant, identical or nearly identical portions of one’s own prior work without

acknowledging that one is doing so or without citing this original work (self-plagiarism)

Cheating is defined as obtaining answers/material from an outside source without authorization. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

Plagiarizing in any form

Using notes/books/electronic material without authorization

Copying

Submitting others' work as your own or submitting your work for others

Altering graded work

Falsifying data

Exhibiting other behaviors generally considered unethical

Allowing your work to be submitted by others

Course ManagementYOU ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COURSE EACH WEEK

Time management is crucial to be successful in this course, therefore keep this in mind:

Regular engagement in the course, reading course content and completing assignments is

strongly correlated with survival in not only college but this course.

1. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, WHICH INCLUDES QUIZZES. Course readings – Students are expected to complete all required course assignments.

Students are accountable for ALL assigned material not covered through assignments, or video content, which may appear and be reflected on in quizzes, assignments or the final exam.

Respectful interactions – Students are expected to respond in a respectful manner that honors differences when interacting with the instructor and classmates whether in class or on online platforms (e.g. active listening in class, use of non-discriminatory language, use of constructive debate and feedback, appropriate and professional use of email).

Timely completion of written assignments – Students are expected to complete written assignments in a timely manner. Late assignments will only be accepted with prior approval from the instructor.

Ways that students can manage their enrollment in a course for special circumstances. Includes

withdrawal, and audit and incomplete grading procedures.

Makeup PolicyCourse material will be accepted on a limited and case by case basis.

HelpAvailable learning services or opportunities for students seeking help with their course work. May include

information about tutors, learning centers, reserved library materials, open labs, counseling services. It is

important to contact a Center for Student Success professional prior to the start of the semester in order

to receive accommodations in a timely manner. While we will make every effort to coordinate

accommodations in a timely manner, failure to self-identify prior to the start of the semester may delay

notification to instructors and timeliness of acquiring accommodations. Accommodations do not

automatically carry over to the next semester.

https://www.jccmi.edu/center-for-student-success/accommodations-for-students-with-disabilities/

Student ResponsibilitiesClass participation and contribution are essential to be successful in this course. You should read all

assigned materials and view all videos. Not all material is included in the discussions, but they are used

throughout the course for a variety of activities.

Given the asynchronous format of online instruction, students can take part in the class at multiple

times during each weekly module. It is recommended that student’s login to this course at minimum

3-4 times per week in order to stay up-to-date with assignments.

During each week, it is the responsibility for each student to participate in discussion forums, reading

materials, weekly assessments (quizzes) and all course assignments.

All work should be submitted through the course site as a permanent record. Assignments should be done in Word, in APA format. Assignments should be submitted on time. No late work is accepted without prior approval, if approved will be accepted at a 10% reduction in value for each week late. No late work will be accepted after week 10.

Attendance PolicyIn compliance with Federal Title IV funding requirements, as well as college initiatives, reporting of

student participation in classes will occur at three designated times each semester. Instructors will assign

one of three non-transcripted letter symbols to each student during each reporting period (see below).

Students identified as no longer participating will be dropped or administratively withdrawn from the class,

and students identified as needing academic assistance will be contacted.

Participation/Progress Symbols

H – The student is not doing acceptable work and needs Help to be successful.

Q – The student has not participated, and the instructor believes they have unofficially withdrawn

(Quit). These students will be dropped/withdrawn from the class.

V – The instructor Verifies that the student is participating and doing acceptable work.

CaveatStudent/ Instructor contract and classroom guidelines

The instructor can change the schedule/format of the course at any time to assist the learning involvement.

I am here to support your educational development. Please seek me out if you need further clarification and/or need to meet to discuss your individual learning objectives.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with concerns to avoid end of term problems. The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment whether

online or in person. Therefore, I will not accept inappropriate conduct within this course.

Assignments Assignment Description/Total Points

Weekly Class Quizzes- There will be a total of

(4) quizzes conducted during the semester. To

receive full credit for the quiz you must be in

class on time. If you are late you will only be

given partial credit. Each quiz is worth 25 PTS

Week of Quiz- 100 PTS

February 7, 2019 Quiz #1 = 25pts

February 28, 2019 Quiz #2 = 25pts

March 28, 2019 Quiz #3= 25pts

April 18, 2019 Quiz #4 =25pts

Class Participation/ Attendance and Discussion Assignments

In-class activities/ discussion assignments- 500 PTS

Sociological Paper- Full Description below March 10, 2019- 200 PTS

Group Project Presentation- 200 PTS

Presentation Dates:

April 9, 2019

April 11, 2019

April 25, 2019

April 30, 2019

DISCUSSION POST GRADING RUBRIC= 50 pointsCRITERIA

MISSING OR SERIOUS PROBLEMS

BELOW EXPECTATIONS

MEETS EXPECTATIONS

EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

EXEMPLARY

INITIAL RESPONSE Relevance to discussion topic

Total= 30 PTS

*20pts when a peer response is due

0 PTSContributions are off-topic or distract class from discussion.

10 POINTSContributions are sometimes off-topic or incomplete. Mainly made on opinion and does incorporate sociological content

14 POINTSContributions are relevant. Responses are original and include at least one reference to course material

16 POINTSContributions are relevant and encourage others to engage. Some understanding of sociological theory, concepts and perspectives. Includes some reference to the material.

20 POINTSContributions are relevant and promotes an in-depth analysis of material including relevant understanding of sociological theory. Student applies critical thinking. Include references, which display a mastery of learning.

RESPONSE TO OTHERSTOTAL= 10

0 POINTSNo response to others are evident.

5 POINTSProvides only minimal feedback and incorporates

7 POINTSResponds to a peer’s discussion posts. Response

8 POINTSProvides a meaningful response, which

10 POINTSReplies to another discussion

PTS

*Only counted when asked for a discussion response.

more opinion then sociological content.

not well developed and/or do not include both questions and comments.

incorporates some sociological concepts, and some appropriate and critical thinking with discussion response.

response. Well-developed feedback and includes relevant sociological theory to provide appropriate and critical thinking discussion response.

MECHANICS Missing or Serious Problems

Below Expectations

Meets Expectations

Grammar and Style TOTAL= 10 PTS

0 PTSNo submission.

5 POINTSResponse needs additional work to meet academic standards and include APA formatting.

10 POINTSWell-developed, response that meets academic standards. Response uses APA formatting and in-text citations. Well thought out and free from substantial grammatical errors.

FREQUENCY TOTAL=

10 PTS

0 PTSNo submission.

5 POINTSStudent failed to respond to a peer on a discussion post but otherwise answered discussion question.

10 POINTSStudent responded to the discussion question and responded to a peer in a timely manner.

Sociological Paper Assignment Sociological Application Paper Assignment: Understanding Crime and Deviance through the sociological application of “Slavery By Another Name”

This is an application paper, where you are asked to connect and apply sociological

theory and concepts to your understanding of the documentary “Slavery By Another Name”. You are to consult your text book and up to three (3) addition resources.

Resources should not include Wikipedia (Wikipedia is not an appropriate sociological

source). All sources should be included on a works cited page (references) in APA

format, which is required. This paper should be between 4-6 pages (excluded title page

and reference page) answering the following questions:

1) What is the 13th Amendment and how might it have contributed to the modern-day Criminal Justice System.

2) How does this documentary demonstrate how the systems of peonage, abject slavery, tenant farming and share cropping may have contributed to the illegal imprisonment of African Americans especially those living in the south? Through the functionalist perspective, what was the function and purpose of these systems in transmitted ideological viewpoints surrounding criminality, social order and potentially the school to prison pipeline? How did these systems contribute to what symbolic interactionalist view as labeling theory or differential association?

3) From the conflict perspective, how did the system of convict leasing contribute to the growing economic development of the United States specifically in the southern United States? How has the Criminal Justice System been used as an Instrument of Oppression? How can this system be related to the growing number of State and private corrections in the use of prison labor in areas such as fire fighters in California?

This paper is worth 200PTS and your scores will be based on the rubric below. This

assignment is due between March 10, 2019- Submit online

Sociological Paper/ Group Assignment Grading RubricCriteria Mastery Effective Competent Minimal Unacceptable

Theory/ Research Application Weight 70%

140 POINTS

Submission demonstrates a full understanding of the sociological topic and masterfully connects ideas to sociological

119 POINTS

Submission demonstrates a general understanding of the sociological topic and effectively connects ideas to sociological concepts with

98 POINTS

Demonstrates some understanding of the associated learning objectives presented in assignment.

84 POINTS

Submission demonstrates a minimal understanding of the sociological topic and minimally connects ideas to

0 POINTS

Submission does not demonstrate an understanding of the sociological topic and fails to connect ideas to sociological

concepts with appropriate analysis.

appropriate analysis.

sociological concepts with appropriate analysis

concepts with appropriate analysis

Mechanics and Readability Weight 15%

30 POINTS

Writing demonstrates mastery of all criteria. Assignment is clear and understandable. The assignment is free of punctuation or other grammatical errors.

25.5 POINTS

Writing demonstrates mastery of academic literacy standards. The assignment is clear and understandable. Writing contains only minimal punctuation errors

21 POINTS

Writing is unclear and/or disorganized in some areas of literacy standards. several grammatical errors but does not interfere with readability.

18 POINTS

Writing is unclear and/or disorganized in most areas. Assignment contains serious grammatical errors.

0 POINTS

Writing is unclear and/or disorganized. Writing displays frequent grammatical errors.

Structure, Organization, Format, AND Presentation Weight 15%

30 POINTS

Submission follows directions and includes most components indicated in the instructions. References are included and cited appropriately

25.5 POINTSSubmission follows directions and includes most components indicated in the instructions. Few formatting errors are present.

21 POINTS

Submission does not follow all directions and is missing some components indicated in the instructions.

18 POINTS

Submission follows minimal directions and is missing many components indicated in the instructions.

0 POINTS

Submission is not appropriate for assignment. Directions are not followed. Thoughts expressed do not incorporate critical thinking.

Course Calendar at a GlanceWeek Topic Required Reading Assignments/Activities

Jan 15th/

Jan 17th

Introductions Chapter 1: The Sociological

Perspective and Research

Read Chapter

What is the Sociological Imagination?

Discussion Forum-50 PTSSubmit Online- Jan 20, 2019 by 11:59

PM

Jan 22nd/ Jan 24th

What is the

Culture Thing?

Chapter 2: Culture Read Chapter

In-class activity

Jan 29th/ American Chapter 2: Culture Read Chapter

Week Topic Required Reading Assignments/Activities

Jan 31st Culture Watch Cultural Genocide Video

Discussion Forum- 50 PTSSubmit Online- Feb 3, 2019 by 11:59

PM

Feb 5th/ Feb 7th

The Impact of

Socialization

Chapter 3: Socialization Read Chapter

Watch Feral Children Video

In-class activity- Socialization CircleQuiz #1- 25 PTS (February 7, 2019)

Feb 12th/ Feb 14th

Understanding

Social Structure

Chapter 4: Social Structure

and Interaction

Read Chapter

Watch assigned Videos

In-class activity

Feb 19th/ Feb 21st

Groups and

Organizations

Chapter 5: Groups and

Organizations

Read Chapter

Watch assigned Videos

In-class activity

Feb 26th/ Feb 28th

Assessing

Deviant

Behavior

Chapter 6: Deviance Read Chapter

Watch “Slavery by Another Name” Discussion Forum- 50 PTSSubmit Online-March 3rd by 11:59 PM

Quiz #2- 25 PTS (February 28, 2019)

Mar 5th/ Mar 7th

Understanding

Social Class

Chapter 7: Class and

Stratification in the US

Read Chapter

Watch Video on Social Class

Sociological Paper- 200 PTSDUE March 10, 2019 by 11:59 PMSubmit Online

MID- SEMESTER BREAKMarch 11- March 17

Mar 19th/ Mar 21st

Is Race Real? Chapter 9: Race Read Chapter

Watch assigned Videos

Discussion Forum- 50 PTSSubmit Online

DUE March 24th by 11:59 PM

Week Topic Required Reading Assignments/Activities

Mar 26th/ Mar 28th

What does it

Mean to be a

Feminist?

Chapter 10: Sex, Gender

and Sexuality

Read Chapter

Watch assigned VideosQuiz #3- 25 PTS (March 28, 2019)

Discussion Forum- 50 PTSSubmit Online by March 31st by 11:59

PM

April 2nd/ April 4th

Chapter 11: Intimate

Relationships and Marriage

Read Chapter

Watch assigned Videos

In-class activity

No Class April 4th April 9th/April 11th

Our Education

System

Chapter 12.1: Education Read Chapter

Watch assigned Videos

Group Presentation # 1- April 9th Group Presentation # 2- April 11th In-class activity

April 16th /Apr. 18th

The Meaning of

Life

Chapter 12.2 Religion

(p.380-397)

Read Chapter

Watch assigned Videos

Quiz #4- 25 PTS (April 18, 2018)

In-class activity

April 23rd/ April 25th

Health and

Society

Chapter 14: Health, Health

Care and Disabilities

Read Chapter

Watch assigned Video

In-class activity

Group Presentation #3- April 25th

April 30th/ May 2nd

Social

Movements

Chapter 16: Collective

Behavior, Social

Movements, and Social

Change

In-class activity

Group Presentation #4- April 30th

Important Dates: Winter 2019

DATE EVENT

JAN. 14, 2019 FIRST DAY OF CLASS

JAN. 14- MAY 5, 2019 SEMESTER DATES

FEB. 1, 2019 IN-SERVICE DAY. NO CLASSES

MAR. 11-17, 2019 MID-SEMESTER BREAK

MAY 5, 2019 END OF WINTER SEMESTER

May 7, 2019 Grades Due