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SOCIOLOGY 101: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Spring 2011

Montgomery College
Department of Social Sciences
Takoma Park-Silver Spring Campus

Lecturer: Sahar D. Sattarzadeh Course Schedule: Mon, Wed, & Fri

Office: CM 110 (The Commons) Time: 12:00 – 12:50 p.m.
Office Hours: By appointment Location: CM 116
Phone: 202.642.4782 Website: http://mc-so101.weebly.com
Email: [email protected]

Course Description
This course will offer a comprehensive exploration of fundamental sociological concepts, methods,
and theories used to interpret the practices and behaviors of human society. Special emphasis will be
made in understanding the parallels between theory and practice in examining social interaction,
cultural diversity, social structure, and issues relevant to domestic and global affairs particularly with
regard to critical thinking and social change.

As sociology is a broad and diverse field study, this course is specifically intended to provide you
with a good working knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theoretical perspectives in
sociology. In addition, this course will provide you with an understanding of the nature of
interpersonal relationships, the structure of societies, the process of socialization, and the
significance of social organizations, inequality, group dynamics, class structures and social
institutions.

What is Sociology?
According to the American Sociological Association (ASA) (http://www.asanet.org), “Sociology is
study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.
Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact
within these contexts. Since human behavior is shaped by social factors, the subject matter of
sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious
cults; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture;
and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports. In fact, few fields have such broad scope
and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge.”

Course Objectives
In this course it is expected that students will:
1) Acquire a comprehensive understanding of general sociology theory and content;
2) Refine skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, and analysis;
3) To develop your ability to apply sociological perspectives and strategies
4) Understand social issues relevant within both local and global contexts;

Required Text
Schaefer, R. T. (2008). Sociology: Brief introduction (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill
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In addition, students will read various supplementary articles, which are available through the course
website (http://mc-so101.weebly.com), and some are identified below.

Recommended Readings
The list of recommended readings is available on the course website under the “Resources” page. If
they cannot be accessed through the course website, some of these readings can be made available
upon request (given that they are not readily available online or in the Montgomery College library
system). Please contact the instructor if you are interested in accessing any of the literature provided
in the recommended readings list.

Course Structure
The course will be conducted as a lecture, with the instructor making initial presentations that either
complement (i.e., present new material) or amplify the assigned readings. Group discussions of the
readings selected for the meetings will follow. All students are expected to read the required readings
and to participate in these discussions. Interactive and participatory activities during as well as outside of
class time will also be implemented from time to time to keep students engaged and active in the
learning process. Students will also be expected to sometimes utilize information and communication
technologies (ICTs), the Web, and social/new media in their assignments, midterm paper and final
research projects.

Students will write weekly blogs addressing assigned readings, assignments and class discussions related
to the course content. Assignments will involve a combination of individual participatory activities,
video presentations, in-class group activities, and writing assignments. From time to time, unannounced
“pop” quizzes may also be administered to assess students’ comprehension of the readings and class
discussions. The midterm paper (5-7 pages) should reflect on a critique of a specific sociological theory
and how it relates to social change. The final research project/paper (10-15 pages) should describe and
assess a micro sociological study conducted by a group of four to five students and will also include a
group presentation. Guidelines for both the midterm paper and final research project will be
distributed prior to the assignment deadlines. Papers should be submitted in both hard copy and
electronic formats to the instructor on the appointed date and time.

Papers will be graded on the following criteria:

• Coherence of paper organization and development,
• Depth of description and analysis,
• Incorporation of coursework knowledge,
• Use of pertinent bibliography (complete and up to date), and
• Clarity and precision of writing

All papers should comply with standards of academic paper presentation (i.e., either Chicago or APA
style). The Chicago Manual of Style can be found online at: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org.
APA formatting guidelines are accessible via: http://www.apastyle.org/ and
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/. The instructor is available to help students
with writing style formats. Additionally, the Writing, Reading and Language (WRL) Center provides
quality services for students who need further assistance and guidance.
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Classroom Conduct & Expectations of Students

Class meetings are for you to discuss the readings and class topics with the instructor and the other
students, to clarify and explore arguments, and to figure out what sociology is all about. The role of
the instructor is to facilitate this conversation. Students are expected to:
• Treat others respectfully: When the instructor evaluates students’ work or responds to their
ideas, the instructor will be respectful and constructive so that students will succeed in this
course and beyond. It is expected that students will also treat each other in this way, even
when he/she may not agree with the viewpoints of fellow students. We are learning
collaboratively here.
• Please turn off cell phone (or set it to silent mode) during class. Disruptive behavior of any
kind will not be tolerated.
• Prepare for class: Bring books/readings, notes, and all assignments for the day. Complete all
readings before class and be prepared to discuss them.
• Make sure to check your college email account regularly.
• Arrive on time: Tardiness requires an explanation at the end of class. Lateness will affect
student’s attendance grade.
• No food or drinks are allowed to be consumed in the classroom at any time.
• Turn in assignments: they must be completed on time, thoroughly, and in hard copy and
electronically. Late assignments will penalized. If a student cannot make it to class, it is
his/her responsibility to email me BEFORE the assignment is due to make arrangements for
turning it in.
• Get help when it is needed: Ask questions in class, make an appointment to meet with the
instructor, or speak with the instructor before or after class if having any problems at all in
SO 101. The instructor is here to help you, and she can direct you to other campus
resources.
• Provide feedback: This is the students’ education—if something is confusing, please notify the
instructor. If a student likes or dislikes a particular reading selection or activity, please
inform the instructor. The instructor has an “open door” policy, meaning that students are
more than welcome to make an appointment to meet with the instructor at anytime as
schedules permit.

Student Evaluation & Grading

Students will be evaluated on the basis of six outputs: their attendance and class participation (5
percent); their informed participation based on reading assignments in seminar discussions (10
percent of the grade); their performance on class assignments/quizzes (20 percent); their production
of the take-home midterm exam (25 percent); their leading role in one classroom session (10
percent); and their performance on the final research project (30 percent).

A critical understanding of the assigned readings calls for: discussing the key points of the paper, its
strengths and weaknesses, an assessment of the importance of the topic, and an identification of
new issues or questions for further debate. Guidelines for the production of all assignments,
midterm paper, and final research project will be provided in advance.
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The standard grading scale as recognized by Montgomery College will be applied as follows:

100-90% A
89-80% B
79-70% C
69-60% D

There are no opportunities for extra credit granted in this course.

Attendance
This class is meant to be an interactive experience; thus, attendance and participation are crucial and
required as part of your grade (please see above). To earn full credit in this area, you must
contribute to discussions by reading, preparing, and speaking in class. Simply showing up is not
sufficient, but it is definitely a necessary first step.

Since this class only has a 50-minute duration, students are expected to be on time and not disrupt
others. Tardiness will result in a deduction of points from the grade for attendance (please see
above).

Make-up Policy
Make-up exams are very rare and should be arranged in advance. If you miss an assignment or exam
without prior notice, notify the instructor as soon as possible. There will be no make-up exams
unless students have a college-approved excuse and appropriate documentation.

Late Policy
It is expected that all assignments and papers are turned in on time by the assigned deadline. If
students anticipate not making deadlines, please contact the instructor as soon as possible, providing
advance notice in order to see if arrangements can be made. Late assignments will lose 10 percent
each day they are late.

Audit Policy
Students auditing the class are expected to adhere to attendance and late policy guidelines. Those
who do not may be dropped. “Audits” may do assignments, take midterm exam, and final project,
but they are not required to do so.

Academic Honesty
All students are expected to abide by the code of academic honesty throughout this course.
Academic dishonesty and misconduct, including (but not limited to) cheating, forgery, copying,
fabrication, and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be reported to the Dean of Student
Development and result in an “F” grade. The full text of the policy is available in the Student Code
of Conduct on the web at: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/Plain.aspx?id=2071.
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Support Services
Montgomery College offers many services (career development, advising and counseling, assessment
services, Social Sciences Computer Center, Writing, Reading, & Language Center, disability services,
etc.). Full information is available on the college website.

Disability Services
A student with a documented disability or any other special needs who wishes to discuss academic
accommodations should contact the instructor as soon as possible. A letter from Disability Support
Services (DSS) authorizing students’ accommodation will be needed. The DSS office is located on
the first floor of the ST building in room 133 and may be called at 240-567-1480 or 240-567-1475
(TTY). More information is also available on the DSS website:
http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/directory2detail.aspx?index=210.

Inclement Weather & Other Campus Closures

If campus is closed, there will be no class, and any activities will be rescheduled for the next class
day. For information about campus closures due to weather or other emergencies, call 240-567-
5000 or check the College’s Web site at www.montgomerycollege.edu. Any closures or delays, due
to inclement weather or other emergencies, will be announced on the homepage.

Religious Observances
Students will not be penalized because of observances of their religious beliefs. Whenever possible,
students will be given reasonable time to make up any academic assignment that is missed due to
participation in a religious observance. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of
any intended absences for religious observances in advance. Notice should be provided as soon as
possible, but no later than the end of the schedule adjustment period. Prior notification is especially
important in connection with final examinations, since failure to reschedule a final examination
before the conclusion of the final examination period may result in loss of credits during the
semester.

Weekly Course Schedule (Themes)

Week 1: Introduction to the Course
Monday, January 24-28, 2011

Week 2: Theoretical Perspectives & Research Methods

Monday, January 31-February 4, 2011

Week 3: Culture & Socialization

Monday, February 7-11, 2011

Week 4: Social Interaction, Groups, & Social Structure

Monday, February 14-18, 2011

Week 5: The Mass Media & Globalization, the Environment, & Social Change
Monday, February 21-25, 2011

Week 6: Deviance & Social Control

Monday, February 28-March 4, 2011
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Week 7: Stratification & Social Mobility in the U.S.

Monday, March 7-11, 2011
***Midterm paper due: March 11, 2011***

Week 8: ☺☺☺ Spring Break ☺☺☺

March 14 – March 20, 2011

Week 9: Inequality in a Global World

Monday, March 21-25, 2011

Week 10: Racial & Ethnic Inequality

Monday, March 28-April 1, 2011

Week 11: Stratification by Gender & Age

Monday, April 4-8, 2011

Week 12: The Family & Intimate Relationships

Monday, April 11-15, 2011

Week 13: Religion & Education

Monday, April 18-22, 2011

Week 14: Government & the Economy

Monday, April 25-29, 2011

Week 15: Population, Communities, & Health

Monday, May 2-6, 2011

Week 16: Final Class Session

Monday, May 9, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Final project presentations