Course Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE: BSS 1
Spring 10

TITLE: Introduction to Sociology
CREDIT HOURS: 03
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Chris Walters
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 718 420-2110
EMAIL: mrwaltersprhs@yahoo.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an overview of sociology as a scientific discipline. It helps students understand the sociological perspective of human behavior. The course will begin by defining the field of sociology and will discuss the similarities and differences between sociology and other approaches in understanding human behavior. Throughout the semester, students will learn the core concepts of sociology, sociological theories, the major areas of sociological inquiry, and more importantly, will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills in understanding the sociological world. The focus of the course stresses the basic principles of the scientific approach in doing sociology. The process of scientific research and its application to sociological inquiry will be substantially discussed.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The course emphasizes the understanding of the scientific approach in studying society. It is aimed to strengthen students’ critical thinking skills. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the fundamental goals of sociology as a science and explain the application of the scientific method in the study of structural and institutional forces that shape the values and influences of the behavior of individuals.
2. Apply major sociological theories in the analysis of social issues and phenomena.
3. Describe major social institutions and explain their impact on social and individual behavior.
4. Understand the dynamic forces leading to social change and the impact of social change on individual behavior.
5. Develop the sociological perspective in understanding human interaction, social groups and organizations explain how human society is organized culturally and structurally.
6. Explain deviance from sociological perspective and understand different means of social control of deviant behavior.
7. Analyze issues of social inequity from both a national perspective and global perspective, define social stratification, understand Its variety in forms and content, explain its existence by sociological theories.
8. Learn and be able to use basic sociological concepts.
9. Use sociological perspective in analyzing popular press materials and current social issues.

ASSIGNMENTS AND TESTS:*

There will be two (2) tests during the semester and a final exam. Students must take the final exam. These tests and the exam will consist of multiple-choice questions and essays. Students are required to take all scheduled tests and examinations within the time frame scheduled. The instructor is not required to provide make-up tests or exams for students. Make-up tests or exams are not considered unless the student presents a written excuse from a formal authority such as the police, a judge, a wrecker service, a funeral director, a hospital, a commanding officer, or a doctor. Notes from parents, friends, coaches, or spouses are not acceptable- the excuse must originate from a formal authority.

GRADE CALCULATION*

The Mid Term Exam is 20% of your grade. The final exam is mandatory and cannot be dropped. The final exam will count 20% of the student's final grade. Students are also required to participate in class discussion. Class participation & Attendance measure of the course will constitutes 10% of the student's final grade. H.W. Assignments count for 20% of your final grade. The paper will count the most - 30% of your final grade. Your goal is to demonstrate your understanding of sociology by applying it- not by simply relating to the material through your own life experiences but developing a wider scope of understanding about the nature of society and how that nature directs shared patterns of behavior among the population. You are expected to be in class as scheduled otherwise you will be dropped from the course for failing to meet course attendance requirements. If you fail to adequately complete more than 25% of the course’s task work you will be dropped from the course for failing to meet course attendance requirements. It is the students responsibility to ensure that all work is given to the instructor in a timely fashion.

Classroom participation & Attendance..........10%
Home Work Assignments................................20%
Mid Term Exam...............................................20%
Paper..................................................................30%
Final Exam.........................................................20%

For students who need special accommodations for class, tests, or the final exam documentation regarding a specific disability from the Instructional Support Office is required for accommodation arrangements. When informed, the instructor will make necessary accommodation arrangements for students. Confidentiality for the information received will be maintained.
The burden for staying on schedule falls upon the student. If you cannot hand in assignments physically - emailing the material will be sufficient. Do not send material as attachments- paste the tasks directly into the body of the email.


Mid Term - Thursday April 2

Final Exam - Part I Wednesday May 27
Part II Thursday May 28