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INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY • SOCIOLOGY 1 • FALL 2014 Instructor: Guido L. Davis Del Piccolo

Phone: 310-434-3561 Email: gdelpiccolo@smc.edu Office: HSS 375

Office hours: M & W 1:00-2:00; Th 9:00-10:00; or by appointment Instructor Web Site: http://homepage.smc.edu/delpiccolo_guido

This course uses eCompanion Use student login to access

This course is an introduction to the discipline of sociology. It will offer you an overview of the field with a focus on society in the United States and Los Angeles, in particular. It will also have a focus on social problems. In this way, the course material will not only attempt to explain society, but also to search for methods to improve or change society. While the course serves as an introduction to the concepts,

theories and perspectives of sociology, the specific objectives of this course are to:

1. identify the underlying characteristics of sociological analysis and distinguish a sociological perspective from other perspectives—that is, to think "sociologically";

2. distinguish between anecdotal evidence and systematic analysis;

3. compare and contrast differing theoretical paradigms in sociology—particularly functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism;

4. recognize and employ theory in social analysis;

5. utilize the sociological imagination in order to place your experiences in the larger social context;

6. propose sociologically informed solutions to social issues; and most importantly

7. to encourage critical thinking about what we see, hear, read and write.

The Student Learning Outcomes of this course are: 1. Demonstrate academic responsibility and integrity 2. Demonstrate—through oral and written work—knowledge of the course content including both macro and micro

sociological theory, methods of sociological inquiry, cultural development, the process of socialization, social structure, social stratification—particularly in the areas of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender—and social change.

3. Be proficient in the research, analytical, and communication skills necessary to present, orally and in writing, compelling and original arguments that advance reasonable conclusions concerning the explanatory value of dominant sociological paradigms for a given social issue.

The purpose of this course is to expand our horizons and share thoughts and ideas; education is an interactional process. There is no one right answer to some of the questions we will discuss in this course. So it benefits us all to engage in discussion with and listen to AND RESPECT all members of the class. If you show disrespect to other students you will be asked to leave the class. The course is an opportunity to explore different ideas put forth in lectures, in the readings, and in information you bring to the course. Thus, if you have an opinion that differs from that expressed in lecture or in the readings, bring it up so that we can all discuss it. Unlike other classes, lectures are rare and discussions are typical.

Readings: You must come prepared to discuss the readings that have been assigned for that day; you are each responsible for the reading material and are EXPECTED to teach the material to each other. Some reading will not be address in class, but you are still responsible for its content and understanding.

BRING YOUR TEXTBOOK AND OTHER ASSIGNED READINGS TO CLASS.

Participation: Students are EXPECTED to participate in class. Only those students who consistently ask questions, offer answers, and give relevant input into class AND small group discussion will be given full credit for participation.

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Attendance: Attendance is required. 2 or more consecutive absences without contacting the instructor will likely result in you being dropped from the class. Students are expected to be present each day, on time, for the entire class period. Attendance will be recorded throughout the semester. Merely attending class, however, does NOT guarantee any particular grade in the course.

The following will determine your grade in the course: Quizzes (4) 25 questions (approximately 30 minutes); multiple choice;

quizzes might be taken in small groups 25 points each x 4 (100 points)

Midterm Exam Multiple choice and written analysis (essay and/or short

answer questions); make-up policy detailed below

100 points

In-Class Group Presentation & Handout

Various topics; details to be distributed later 50 points

Participation active / relevant participation in class and small group discussions

20 points

Final Exam Cumulative; multiple choice and written analysis; 2 hours 100 points

TOTAL 370 point total

Final grades will be assigned based upon the following cumulative points: A=309-370, B=275-308, C=240-274, D=206-239, F= below 206.

Missed Quizzes and Exams: If you miss a quiz or exam, you will be given a zero (0) for that quiz/exam. If you wish to make-up a quiz/exam you have missed, you need to arrange this with me. Taking a make-

up exam results in a 5 point deduction to your exam grade for EACH DAY after the exam was taken by the class. If you know you will miss an exam, come see me to arrange taking it EARLY.

Computers: I strongly encourage you to make use of the computers on campus or at home. Information for the course is often made available on the course web page. Some required reading is ONLY available via eCompanion. If you do not have access to this, please inform the instructor.

Phones and Pagers: The classroom is a “cell free” environment. Turn phones and pagers off.

Collaborative Learning: We will rely heavily on collaborative learning in this class. Each student is expected to significantly contribute to class and small group discussions. I also strongly encourage you to study together and to get to know one another. On some assignments, you will be expected to work together and submit joint work. Each student is expected to significantly contribute to the final product.

Academic Honesty: All students are expected to do their own work and, when collaborating with others, to contribute to the final product. All forms of cheating and plagiarism are absolutely forbidden and can result in a failing grade for that particular assignment or test, and/or for the course. The following are all violations of academic honesty: Copying answers from another student

Turning in assignments which are not your own work

Using words or even ideas which are not your own without properly acknowledging the source (plagiarism)

Using tools or assistance without prior permission from the instructor while taking exams.

Required Reading: The required readings for this course are found in: 1. Sociology: Concepts and Applications in a Diverse World, 8

th Edition by Thomas J. Sullivan; Vango Books

2. Online (Web-based) Readings, accessible through eCompanion 3. Additional readings may be assigned.

On reserve at the library, you will find copies of the text. If you do not have web access, please see me as the web readings are NOT on reserve.

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INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY • SOCIOLOGY 1 • FALL 2014 Instructor: Guido L. Davis Del Piccolo

T E N T A T I V E S C H E D U L E (Subject to Change as Instructor Deems Necessary)

We e k

D A Y

DATES

TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS (please note that dates of exams are

tentative and subject to change as instructor deems appropriate)

READINGS Chapter refers to Sullivan text

Web = online; accessible through eCompanion. (*means accessible

through open-access course webpage)

1 W 9/3 Introduction to Course and The Sociological Perspective

2 M 9/8 continued Chapter 1 (pp. 1-16) *Handout: Syllabus/Course Overview *Web: Invitation to Sociology

2 W 9/10 Explaining Society: Origins and Theory

*Web: The Promise of Sociology

3 M 9/15 continued *Web: Functionalism *Web: Conflict Theory *Web: Symbolic Interactionism

3 W 9/17 continued *Web: Functionalism *Web: Conflict Theory *Web: Symbolic Interactionism

4 M 9/22 Doing Sociology: Research Methods

QUIZ #1 (tentative) Chapter 1 (pp. 16-32)

4 W 9/24 Culture Chapter 2 Web: Body Ritual Among the Nacirema

5 M 9/29 Socialization Chapter 3

5 W 10/1 continued

QUIZ #2 (tentative) Web: The Self

6 M 10/6 Groups and Organizations Chapter 4 Web: “If Hitler Asked You …”

6 W 10/8 Deviance

Chapter 5 Web: On Being Sane in Insane Places Web: “The Real War on Crime”

7 M 10/13 Film: The Times of Harvey Milk Web: “Saints and Roughnecks” Web: “Class Struggle and the American Dream”

7 W 10/15 MIDTERM EXAM (tentative)

8 M 10/20 Social Stratification: Class Inequality

Chapter 6 Web: TBA

8 W 10/22 and Education and Welfare

Chapter 12 Web: “Education and Inequality”

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We e k

D A Y

DATES

TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS (please note that dates of exams are

tentative and subject to change as instructor deems appropriate)

READINGS Chapter refers to Sullivan text

Web = online; accessible through eCompanion. (*means accessible

through open-access course webpage)

9 M 10/27 continued Web: “The Uses of Poverty”

9 W 10/29 Racial and Ethnic Inequality Chapter 7 Web: “The Souls of Black Folk”

10 M 11/3 continued Web: “The Alien Payoff”

10 W 11/5 continued Web: “Black Feminist Thought 2”

11 M 11/10 Gender Inequality Chapter 8 Web: “Sex and Temperament”

11 W 11/12 continued Web: “The Beauty Myth”

12 M 11/17 3D Social Strat: Class, Race, Gender

QUIZ #3 (tentative)

12 W 11/19 Social Institutions: Politics

Chapter 13 Web: The Power Elite Web: “In the Money: A Congressman’s Story”

13 M 11/24 Economics Web: “Communist Manifesto”

13 W 11/26 Family Chapter 9

14 M 12/1 Human Ecology Chapter 14

14 W 12/3 QUIZ #4 (tentative)

15 M 12/8 Collective Behavior and Social Movements Chapter 15

15 W 12/10 Los Angeles Uprising, 1992 Film: L.A. is Burning

Web: “Anatomy of a Rebellion” Web: “The South Central Los Angeles Eruption: A Latino Perspective”

16 M 12/15 Course Summary Web: The Promise of Sociology

Final Exam Monday 12/22 @ 8:00-11:00