PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
GENERAL SOCIOLOGY SOC 1010
Class Hours: 3.0								Credit Hours: 3.0
Laboratory Hours: 0.0								Date Revised: Spring 07
Catalog Course Description:
		Concepts and theoretical approaches of sociology with emphasis on culture, socialization, and social organization.
Entry Level Standards:
		Student must be eligible for DSPR 0800 (Developmental Reading) and DSPW 0800 (Developmental Writing).
Prerequisites:
		None
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
		Diana Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials. Fifth Edition, Thompson Wadsworth, 2006.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
		Week					Topic
		1					Chapter 1:  The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
		2					Chapter 2:   Culture Research paper abstract due
		3					EXAM #1 Chapters 1 and 2 Chapter 3:   Socialization
		4					Chapter 4:  Social Structure and Interaction in Everyday Life
		5					Chapter 5:  Groups and Organizations Chapter 6:  Deviance and Crime
		6					EXAM #2 Chapters 3, 4, and 6 Chapter 7:  Global Stratification
		7					Chapter 8:  Social Class in the United States
		8					Chapter 9:   Race and Ethnicity Chapter 10:  Sex and Gender
		9					EXAM #3 Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10 Chapter 11:   Families and Intimate Relationships
		10					Chapter 12:   Education and Religion Research paper due
		11					Chapter 13:   Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective EXAM #4 Chapters 11, 12, and 13
		12					Chapter 14:   Health, Health Care, and Diversity
		13					Chapter 15: Population and Urbanization Chapter 16:  Collective Behavior, Social Movements and Social Change
		14					Class presentation of research paper.
		15					FINAL EXAM  #5 Chapters 14, 15, and 16
II. Course Objectives*:
		A.			Understand the concept of the sociological imagination and the difference between personal troubles and social conditions. III
		B.			Understand the basic sociological paradigms: structural-functional, social-conflict, and symbolic-interaction.  III
		C.			Understand the scientific methods used by sociologists and how they gather information about the social world. III, IV
		D.			Identify the components of culture and the role of language in the transmission of culture. II, III
		E.			Understand the meaning and implications of socialization as the process of creating social beings.  III
		F.			Understand the various sociological explanations of deviance and distinguish between primary and secondary deviance. III
		G.			Understand the central concepts of social stratification such as class, caste, ascribed and achieved status, opens and closed societies, and social mobility. III
		H.			Analyze theories of race and ethnic inequality. III
		I.			Differentiate between sex and gender and apply this distinction to debates about gender inequality. III
		J.			Understand the basic concepts used by demographers to study population.  III,  VI
		K.			Understand the meaning and implications of different economic and political systems. III, IV
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference TBR’s general education goals.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
		1.				Research and write a report on a specific sociological issue. Communication Outcome, Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
		2.				Present research paper findings to the class in oral report. Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome
		3.				Research the Internet to find current information. Locate information in the library. Technological Literacy Outcome
		4.				Practice elements of work ethic, such as punctuality, professionalism, dependability, cooperation, and contribution. Transitional Strategy
		5.				Participate as a volunteer with an agency to learn more about career opportunities and to provide community service. Transitional Strategies, Active Learning Strategies
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
		1.			Understand the concept of the sociological imagination. A
		2.			Be familiar with the basic sociological perspectives: interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. B
		3.			Understand steps in the scientific research method used by sociologists and the implications of each. C,
		4.			Distinguish between scientific, interpretive, and critical sociological frameworks. C
		5.			Locate, read, and understand contemporary sociological research and their impact on society. C
		6.			Define and apply the basic terms and concepts used in analyzing cultures. B, D
		7.			Understand the meaning and implications of socialization as the process of "creating social being." E
		8.			Understand that deviance is a feature of all societies. A, B, F
		9.			Understand the central concepts of social stratification: class, caste, ascribed and achieved status, open and closed societies, and social mobility. G
		10.			Understand the concepts of race and ethnicity and the social implications. H
		11.			Understand how gender stratification affects politics, work, and education. I
		12.			Demonstrate understanding of the history and development of economic- activity from the agricultural revolution through the postindustrial revolution. K
		13.			Distinguish between power and authority.  B, G
		14.			Explain the difference between capitalism and socialism. K
		15.			Compare the pluralist and power-elite models of the political power. K
		16.			Demonstrate an understanding of the current major issues and problems facing contemporary education in the United States. A, B
		17.			Compare and evaluate the effectiveness of medicine in socialist and capitalist’s societies. A, B, K
		18.			Understand various demographic theories. J
		19.			Identify and discuss major environmental issues around the globe. B, C, K
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
		A. Testing Procedures: 80% of grade
				There will be five 100 points, 50 item, multiple-choice exams.  The exams will encompass assigned readings, lectures, video presentations, and class discussions.  The instructor will drop your lowest test score.  The remaining four test scores will be used to determine 80% of your final grade.  No make-up exams will be given.  An optional comprehensive final exam covering all reading materials and lectures from the semester will be given during final exam week.  The comprehensive exam will consist of 300 multiple-choice questions.  The comprehensive exam grade may be used to replace one low or missing regular exam grade.  Remember the comprehensive exam is generally harder than regular exams because it covers all sixteen chapters.  The instructor should be notified a week in advance if interested in taking comprehensive exam.
		B. Laboratory Expectations:
			N/A
		C. Field Work: 20% of grade
			Individual research paper and class presentation will determine the remaining 20% of the final grade.
		D. Other Evaluation Methods:
			N/A
		E. Grading Scale:
			92-100    = A 89-91      = B+ 82-88      = B 79-81      = C+ 72-78      = C 65-71      = D Below 65    F
VI. Policies:
		A. Attendance Policy:
			Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.  Students will be expected to come to class prepared to discuss the assigned reading material.  Attendance and participation are crucial to your success.  Students walking in 30 minutes late will be counted absent.  Should you come in less than 30 minutes late, be sure to let the instructor know at the end of the class period.  Below is a table presenting a summary of absences permitted before automatically failing the course:  Class Meeting Schedule  Number of allowed absences Three days a week (MWF)    12 Two days a week (TR)     8 Once a week (evenings)     4
	B. Academic Dishonesty:
				Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.
		C. Accommodations for disabilities:
				If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.
		D. Late Assignment Policy:
			The instructor will allow you ample time to complete your assignments. However, in the event of tardiness, the following policy will be applied.  1-2 days late = 75% of the original credit.  3-4 days late = 50% of the original credit.  5 days late = 25% of the original credit.  Note:   Instructor will not accept assignments after five days.