This course introduces you to concepts in the discipline of sociology.  We will primarily study how and why humans organize themselves into large and small groups, focusing on how sociologists study group behavior.  The course covers the general rubrics of social structure, social action, and social change, presenting theories that sociologists use to understand these dimensions of social life, and empirical research upon which these understandings are based.  We will use many practical examples from a variety of settings to understand inequality in social organizations.  You will have many opportunities to read about, write about, and discuss these topics over the course of the semester.  Please read the assigned readings before the class meeting for which the chapter is assigned, and come to class prepared to discuss the material in the readings.

Top

Learning is least useful when it is private and hidden; it most powerful when it becomes public and communal. Learning flourishes when we take what we think we know and offer it as community property among fellow learners so that it can be tested, examined, challenged, and improved before we internalize it.

                                                                                                       ~Lee Shulman
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sociology 101 uses a participatory, learner-centered, adult education approach.  This approach recognizes that YOU are responsible for your own learning.  The instructor can only provide opportunities to learn, but cannot force you to learn.  Course material is presented in substantive readings from the text; topical readings from the reader; lecture; and class discussions.  You are expected to work hard in this course; for every hour of class time, you should spend at least two to three hours outside of class preparing by doing readings, assignments, studying for exams, and thinking about the course material.

You are expected to take responsibility for the success of the course, that is, you should take an active interest not just in the course material, but in the course itself, making it a success for all participants.  Factors such as interest, motivation, creativity, and initiative are important elements in evaluating your performance in the course and assigning a grade.

Some of the types of activities you will be engaged in during this course include:

     •Class Discussion:  About half of the time in the class is spent in discussion on concepts introduced in the readings and by the professor.  Discussion may be in small groups or with the entire class.  You are expected to participate in these discussions regularly.
     •Reading:  There is a substantial amount of reading in this class, which you will do outside of class time.  You must come to class having completed the reading, ready to discuss the material.
     •Writing:  You will engage in informal writing assignments during class time.  You write one essay per week, which relates directly to the day's material.  You are expected to produce a thoughtful essay that addresses a specific question that is posed in class.  We also discuss the essays briefly, and you should occasionally contribute to these discussions, sharing your ideas with other students.  The writing and discussions take up about 10% of the total class time.
     •Lecture/Discussion:  About 25% of class time is devoted to lecture and discussion.  During these periods, the professor will present new material.  You are expected to listen, take notes and ask questions on material that is unfamiliar.  The lectures will include general questions to the class, and you are expected to participate in these discussions.
     •Exams:  About 5% of class time is spent taking two exams, one halfway through the course and one at the end of the course.  The exams test your knowledge of the material presented in readings, lecture and class discussion, and serve as valuable learning tools for students.
     •Review and Questions:  About 5% of class time is devoted to reviewing concepts and material and taking questions in preparation for other assignments, such as the exams.
     •Administrative Activities:  About 5% of class time is spent in administrative activities.

     • Click here to view Dr. Barton's teaching philosophy.

After you successfully complete this course, you will be able to:

(1)  Identify and explain three sociological paradigms, and apply them to understand particular social issues and problems;

(2)  Define important sociological concepts, explain important sociological theories, and describe sociological research methods;

(3)  Explain how sociology has developed and changed through history;

(4)  Explain the connections between social structure, social action, and social change;

(5)  Identify 5 important social institutions, and explain the relationship between institutions and individuals;

(6)  Describe how current issues are shaped by social conditions and social structure.

These objectives contribute to overall course goals:

(1)  Developing critical thinking skills.  The discussions, readings, writing assignments and quizzes are designed to encourage you to develop and use higher-order thinking skills, including analytical, synthetic, comparative and applied thinking.

     • Click here for more information on thinking critically.

(2)  Understanding the social structures and processes that condition our lives.  A basic goal of all sociology courses is to help you understand the nature and workings of these social structures, and how they open opportunities and impose constraints on individuals operating within these structures.  Sociologist C. Wright Mills called this using your "sociological imagination;" activities in this course are designed to encourage you to use your sociological imagination.

     • Click here for more information on the sociological imagination.

Top

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(1) Attendance (14 points)

(2) Critical Engagement (15 points)

(3) Discussion Questions on Readings (20 points)

• Class discussions will be based on the articles you read in the course reader.
• Bring 3 discussion questions to class pertaining to each article.  The best discussion questions ask about how the readings illustrate concepts from the text. Make sure the questions ask for an explanation, not a yes/no response.
• Your questions should by typed, and submitted to the instructor at the end of the class session.  If you do not attend the session, submit your questions to the instructor before class, either by e-mail, by leaving a copy in the instructor's mailbox, or by sending them with another student.
• During the class session, you will be organized into discussion groups.  You will meet with this group and discuss your questions.  You then will select the two discussion questions that best represent the reading.
• Once all groups have discussed and selected their discussion questions, you will ask one of your questions of the class, to stimulate a class discussion on the reading.
• There are a total of 20 readings; each set of questions is worth 1 point.

(4) In-Class Essays (15 points)

• You must purchase a blue book similar to the one indicated in the required materials section above.  Bring your blue book to the second class meeting, August 20.
• The instructor will assign in-class, informal essays during the semester. Keep up with the informal writing assignments in your blue book.
• Leave your blue book with the instructor after each class session.
• The purpose of the informal writing assignments is to provide you with opportunities to practice writing, and to help you think about the course material prior to lectures and discussion.
• You are expected to do your own work on these essays.  The policy on plagiarism and cheating will be enforced with no exceptions.
• There are 15 essays over the course of the semester; each essay is worth 1 point.
• Essays are graded on a scale of +/√/–.  A check indicates a satisfactory essay. A plus indicates an exceptional essay, while a minus means you can do better.

Additional Resources:

• Click here for tips on writing for this course.
• Click here for an explanation of the informal essays and grading.

(5) Midterm Exam (18 points)

(6) Final Exam (18 points)

• The final exam will be given during the regularly scheduled time (see the Course Outline).  Graduating seniors will be given an alternate exam at an arranged time.
• The final exam will consist of 36 questions.  The format of the questions will be multiple choice, true/false, and matching terms.
• Each correct response is worth 1/2 point.
• Bring a Scantron form no. 882-E and a No. 2 pencil to the final exam.
• The final exam covers all course material presented since the midterm exam, including readings, lectures, discussions and other activities.

(7) Course Engagement (+/- 10 points)

• A total of 10 points may be added or subtracted from your final grade to reflect the degree of engagement in the course that you exhibit.
• Engaged students demonstrate qualities such as motivation, extra effort, interest in the course material, leadership, improvement over the course of the semester, and a professional approach to their studies.
• Lack of engagement is manifested by frequent absences, talking with others or dozing off in class, lack of interest in the course material, lack of preparation, and infrequent participation in course activities.

Additional Resources:

• Click here for tips on developing good study habits.
• Click here for more tips on developing good study habits.
• Click here for even more tips on developing good study habits.

• There are a total of 100 points available for the semester.  Your final score is simply the sum of all points earned over the semester.
• If you accumulate 90 or more points during the semester, you will get an “A” in the course.  If you accumulate 80 to 89 points, you will get a “B,” for 70 to 79 points you will get a “C,” and for 60 to 69 points you will get a “D.”  If you get less than 60 points, your final grade will be an “F.”
• Note that you start with zero and earn points; you do not start with 100 and lose points.

If you comply with all course requirements and submit all of the assignments satisfactorily and on time, you can expect a “C” in this course.  To receive a higher grade, you must demonstrate a superior grasp of course material and an ability to apply the material in productive ways.  It is also helpful to show an interest in the course material and in learning, a professional approach to your studies, and an achievement-based orientation.

Note that you simply cannot pass this class unless you attend the lectures and discussions regularly, as a substantial portion of your grade depends on attendance and active participation in class activities.

The faculty and administration at Delta State University are committed to assisting all students achieve success while at DSU and in their future careers.  In addition to faculty office hours and periodic workshops and seminars, the following resources are always available to students to help them prepare for college-level work, and to improve their study habits and skills.  We encourage you to take full advantage of these resources:

Roberts-LaForge Library

         Reference Desk:  (662) 846-4431
         Further information

Writing Center

         Kethley Hall 201
         (662) 846-4088
         Further information