Sociology 205---Social Stratification & Social Systems

"X: A Fabulous Child's Story"

Black Like Me & Racism Material

Introduction to Kessel's Critical Sociology

Sociology, 7th Edition---by Jon M. Shepard

Black Like Me---by John Howard Griffin

Materials in The Sociology Shop

Handouts

1/08………Introduction

1/10………Introduction and Formal Organizations (Chpt 6…pp. 138-150 and pp. 350-352)

1/12..........Formal Organizations

1/15………OFF---MLK Jr. Day

1/17………Formal Organizations

1/19………Formal Organizations

1/22………Social Stratification (Chapter 8)

1/24………Social Stratification

1/26………Social Stratification

1/29………Social Stratification

1/31………Social Stratification

2/02………Race/Ethnicity/Age (Chapter 9 and Black Like Me)

2/05………Race/Ethnicity/Age

2/07………Race/Ethnicity/Age

2/09………Race/Ethnicity/Age

2/12………Race/Ethnicity/Age

2/14………Gender (Chapter 10)

2/16………Gender

2/19………OFF---Presidents Day

2/21………Gender

2/23………Gender

2/26………Gender and Political/Economics (Chapter 13)

2/28………Political/Economics

3/02………Political/Economics

3/05………Political/Economics

3/07………Political/Economics

3/09………Collective Behavior and Social Movements (Chapter 17)

3/12………Collective Behavior and Social Movements

3/14………Collective Behavior and Social Movements

3/16………Collective Behavior and Social Movements

There will be five (5) analysis papers on a variety of topics...each is worth 20 points...for a total of 100 points. Minimum length is 1 page...Maximum is 3 pages.

Book Report

There will be a book report on Black Like Me...worth 100 points. Instructions are HERE

Internet Research Assignment

This assignment...worth 100 points...allows you to use the Internet for researching a topic of your choice. Instructions are HERE

Final Exam

This is the only exam...worth 100 points...over all the materials in the course. It will be a Take-Home Essay test...which you can find here

1/19...............................Analysis Paper #1

1/29...............................Analysis Paper #2

2/09...............................Book Report

2.23...............................Analysis Paper #3

3/05...............................Analysis Paper #4

3/16...............................Internet Research Assignment

3/16...............................Pass Out Final Exam

3/19...............................Final and AP #5 Due...10-12 in 420 Center

Do this one if you've NEVER TAKEN a course with me...

You've just read and considered some "Sociological Concepts" which are pertinent to a Critical Sociologicl approach. Some may have been familiar (from other Sociology courses you've taken) and some not...but whichever the case, I'd like you to try your hand at summarizing what you've read here. While you certainly don't have to mention each and every idea, try to be as inclusive (i.e. complete) as you can. So, overall...what "sense" does all of this make to you? Go on, give it a try...that's the point...trying.

Do this one if you HAVE TAKEN a course with me already...

After reviewing the "Sociological Concepts" pertinent to a Critical Sociological approach...the ones you were introduced to already, speculate about how we will apply/use these ideas in our study of Social Stratification. I suggest, as a guide, that you take a look at the various topics in our textbook. What areas would need a critical analysis?

Analysis Paper #2

We're going to be covering various areas of "inequality" in this course...primarily class structures, racism, and sexism... so maybe the best place to start is with "equality." What is it...what isn't it? Read the short statement by Alexander Liazos from his Introductory Sociology textbook (You will need to get a copy of this from me in class) in which he claims that "equality is NOT equal to sameness." Read it and comment on it...then give a brief summary of your current views of the three areas mentioned above.

Analysis Paper #3

On Wednesday, 2/7, we watched the "Oprah on Racism" Video about various participant observations involving changing races...temporarily. I provided a handout on it. This Analysis Paper should refer to this video and discuss it...tell me about racism. Due: 2/23...but you can turn it in before that if you like.

Analysis Paper #4

What do you think about the whole issue of gender, gender roles, gender identities, and gender inequality? Utilize various sources...such as lectures, textbook, and TSS material to backup or illustrate your perspective. How do YOU relate personally to all this? (DUE: 3/5---Monday)

Analysis Paper #5

Evaluate yourself in this course...not grade-wise...but rather, about the ideas, your reactions to them, your classmates (not individually, of course) discussions, and the course overall. Where and why were you reluctant to be swayed or in other words, what was the learning process like for you? Also, tell me what you thought of the textbook...and...the class assignments. Although I’ll probably get entered into this essay... the point of it is YOU, not me.

You are going to need access to a Computer for this course…with access to The Internet. Whether its your own computer…or…one in a Lab on campus…or a friend’s computer…or one at a Library…or even one at a place like Kinko’s, they’re not that difficult to find these days. Why? Well, besides using one for a specific assignment (Internet Research Assignment), I’ve decided to copy less and post more for this course…saving on paper as well as costs. Assignment instructions will be online and some required readings will be online.

That also means you’ll need to learn a basic minimum of skills in navigating The Internet…The Web…Cyberspace…call it what you want. It’s a tool that’s quickly become necessity in today’s world…especially as it relates to academics. If you have no experience in doing this, there’s plenty of help available especially here at LCC. Then…there’s me…I’ll help as much as I can…in class and privately if necessary. So don’t panic if you’re in this category…it will be okay.

Finally, The Sociology Shop, my own website, is essential for this course. We have our own “room” in TSS, the SOC 205 Room where you’ll find links to the stuff I mentioned above. There's also other rooms which you may find helpful. I will help you become familiar with TSS and how to access information by use of the computer in our classroom and privately if desired.

Federalist Paper #10
Use the Handout that interprets what Madison was saying in this very important political document

Elitist Conspiracy Site
Look over some of the links...some very interesting lists and documents...they sound good, but....

Promo Page for Thomas R. Dye's latest edition of Who's Running America
Latest in a series of editions detailing the Elitist control of America...see the next site for some details

Article about Who's Running America
Contains some data from "Clinton Years" edition which will update the Handout I gave from the "Bush Years" edition

There’s no one "set way" to go about this...you are limited only by your imagination and creativeness. Yet, a possible approach...from which you can do most anything you want...is to ask yourself:

I also strongly urge and suggest that you refer to and utilize some of the "Sociological Concepts" we covered at the beginning of the quarter.

Finally, as a friendly warning...I doubt that one page will handle what you need to do and tell me...after all, this IS an exam and its worth 100 points. My suggestion? No less than 2 pages and no more than 4 pages. This is a comprehensive exam...so be comprehensive (i.e. don’t just focus on one or two points...provide a broad range of commentary)

Again, your exam is due on Monday, March 19, between 10 and 12...in my office (418). I will not accept any exams later than 12 noon that day...don’t ask me to, okay?

One further suggestion, before starting to write, you should take some time to look over the material and select items for inclusion in your exam essay. Don’t be in a rush right away.

Thanks,

David H. Kessel

Exams may be handwritten or typed...but I certainly prefer typed. If you handwrite, please be neat

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