Introduction to
Sociology
Fall 2000
Thursdays 6-8:50 PM
Junction City Community Learning Center
CAMPUS OFFICE: Cen 418
Office Hours: 5:30 Thursdays
Home Phone: 736-0204
David H. Kessel
MENU
What you'll need for SOC 204
Class Policies and General Comments
LCC Catalog Course Description
Course Objectives for Sociology 204
Required Readings
General Schedule of Topics/Textbook Coverage
Course Assignments
Summary of Points in Course
Handouts & TSS Material by Chapter
Analysis Paper Topics
Due Dates
Internet Assignment Instructions
Article Review Instructions
Grading Scale
Lane Community College
TSS Directory
Required Readings
Sociology, Seventh Edition---Jon M. Shepard
Invitation to Sociology---Peter L. Berger
Materials in The Sociology Shop
Handouts
10/05------Analysis Paper #1 Due
10/19------Analysis Paper #2 Due
10/26------Article Review Due
10/26------Pass Out Take-Home Mid-Term Exam
11/02------Mid-Term Exam Due...at beginning of class
11/16------Analysis Paper #3 Due
11/30------Internet Assignment Due
12/07------Analysis Paper #4 Due
12/07------Pass Out Final Exam
12/14------Final Exam Due & AP #5 Due
S = Shepard........B = Berger
9/28
Introduction etc.
10/5 & 10/12
The Sociological Perspective (S1 & B8/1/2)
10/19 & 10/26
Sociological Research (S2)
11/2 & 11/9
Culture (S3 & B4/5/6)
11/9 & 11/16 & 11/30
Social Structure/Society/Socialization (S5/4)
11/30 & 12/7
Groups and Formal Organizations (S6)
Conclusion
Read the short handout,"Why Study Sociology?"
Is this anything like you envisioned sociology? Just how DID you envision it, if at all?
What about this description stands out...what do you think of it? In other words, react to this material as a kind of "pre-test" as we begin the class.
Analysis Paper #2
We have spent time going over a variety of sociological and critical concepts (also including bracketing, self-consciousness, empathy, and ignorance). Now I'd like you to try your hand at fitting them together. Write an analytical essay connecting them...they are all parts of a "whole" that is the basic foundation of this course. If you'd like...but its not necessary to do...you could pick an issue or topic and illustrate them as you discuss it...but that's just one possible way to do this. The focus here is on the concepts and how well you understand them...keep that in mind.
Analysis Paper #3
The handout, "Effects of Logic System in Everyday Life," lists 10 characteristics or abilities we humans have. It also constrasts doing these things "dialectically" and doing them "formally." I'd like you to assess yourself...in terms of the Logic System most dominant in your life...by using the "results" as a general description of how you live. Are you more "dialectical" or more "formal"?
Analysis Paper #4
Provide your reactions TO and analysis OF the video about the Stanford Prison Experiment. Remember though, the "criminological" aspects of it are secondary in this course. Concentrate mainly on the Research Method and Role aspects, although limited comment about the criminology of it is okay...just don't make them the main issue.
Analysis Paper #5
I want you to assess/analyze yourself in terms of how well or not so well you feel you met the Course Objectives for this course. You have a Handout covering them and they are also online in TSS in the LCC204 Room. There are 10 objectives...try to cover them all...maybe some in more depth than others. Give it a serious attempt...don't just scribble a paragraph or two. There's nothing "right or wrong" about this...so your attempt will be the primary standard in grading them...a serious effort will result in the full 20 points.
Soc 204 Introduction
to Sociology
Development and application of the
sociological imagination, concepts, and
perspectives concerning human groups,
includes attention to socialization, culture,
organization, stratification and societies.
Examines fundamental concepts and research
methodology.
GRADING SCALE
I am choosing to use a "graduated grading scale." I believe this type of scale more adequately reflects the varying performances
by students. Under what I call a "lump-sum scale" (ABCDF), this variety is diminished. For example, there's a big difference betweem
an 89 average and an 80, yet with this type of scale both would result in a "B" (3.00). Using a graduated scale the 89 would be a "B+" (3.40)
and the 80 would be a "B-" (2.70). Both would be much closer to an accurate reflection of student performance. Also, this scale also allows
more reachable levels of improvement and therefore, continuing motivation to improve...at least grade-wise. If you have any questions, bring
them up in class.
Five (5) Analysis Papers worth 20 pts. each (10 for doing them and 10 evaluated). Topics are online here. However, they will be assigned in class after relevant material is covered. Do not do them ahead of time.
Article Review
On an article of your choice from The Article Room...worth 50 pts. Instructions are
online here .
Mid-Term Exam
This will be a Take-Home Exam covering the first two (2) chapters in Shepard and other assigned material from Berger, TSS, and Handouts...worth 100 points.
Internet Assignment
A major paper involving Sociological sites or sociologically-relevant sites on the Internet...worth 100 points. Instructions are online here.
Final Exam
This will be a Take-Home Exam covering all material since the Mid-Term...worth 100 points.
Analysis Papers = 100
Article Review = 50
Mid-Term Exam = 100
Internet Assignment = 100
Final Exam = 100
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 the Lab here…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 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, many required readings will be online, and then there’s that specific assignment mentioned above.
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 Junction City. 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.
You will also need an E-MAIL ACCOUNT for this course. If you don't already have one, there are plenty available...for free. I'll be glad to help you get one...will discuss in class
Finally, The Sociology Shop, my own website, is essential for this course. We have our own “room” in TSS, the SOC 204 Room where you’ll find links to the stuff I mentioned above. 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.
