Introduction to Sociology Sociology 1

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY • SOCIOLOGY 1 • SPRING 2003 (T, T H) Instructor: Guido L. Davis Del Piccolo

Phone: 310-434-3561 Email: [email protected] Office: Liberal Arts 135L (LA 135L) Office hours: M & W 10:00-11:00; T & Th 2:15-3:15 or by appointment Instructor Web Site: http://homepage.smc.edu/delpiccolo_guido Course Web Page: http:// homepage.smc.edu/delpiccolo_guido /soc1.htm Sociology at SMC Web Site: http://www.smc.edu/sociology Text’s “Companion Website”: http://sociology.wadsworth.com (find our text from this site)

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 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 courses, lectures are rare and discussions are typical. So don’t expect direct answers.

The following will determine your grade in the course:

Exams (4); 200 points each; ½ multiple choice, ½ written analysis; covers readings and 800 points NO MAKE-UP EXAMS lectures from previous test to that point In-Class Group Presentations various topics; details to be distributed later 100 points TOTAL 900 points OPTIONAL Final Exam cumulative; ½ multiple choice, ½ written analysis replaces lowest exam score; 2 hours

Final grades will be assigned based upon the following cumulative points: A=900-806 points (100-90%), B=805-716 points (89-80%), C=715-626 points (79-70%), D=625-536 points (69-60%), F= below 536 points (below 60%).

of 4 Readings: You must come prepared to discuss the readings that have been assigned for that day; you may be called upon to answer questions.

Participation: Students are expected to participate in class. Only those students who consistently ask questions, offer answers, and give relevant input into class and group discussion will be "given the benefit of the doubt" if they are on the border (within 10 points) between letter grades.

Attendance: Attendance is required. More than 2 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.

Missed Exams:: If you miss an exam, you will be given a zero (0) for that exam. NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN. If you know in advance that you will miss a exam, arrange with me to take 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 the WWW. 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 the class discussion. 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 the student’s own work  Using words or even ideas which are not the student’s own without properly acknowledging the source (this is 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, 8th Edition, by Jon M. Shepard, 2. Classic Readings in Sociology, 2nd Edition, by Eve L. Howard (packaged with the text) and These are available at the SMC bookstore AND at “A and R Texts” (front of campus, across Pico). 3. Supplemental Reading: Sociology 1 Version 3. (Available only at the SMC bookstore) 4. Online (Web-based) Readings, accessible through the course web page. Additional reading may be assigned.

On reserve at the library, you will find copies of the texts (1, 2, & 3) plus others.

of 4 S O C I O L O G Y 1 • I N T R O D U C T I O N T O S O C I O L O G Y • S P R I N G 2003 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)

READINGS W D Book = Sociology, Shepard e Classic = Classic Readings A e Reader = Supplemental Readings Y DATES TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS k Web = online; accessible through course web page Introduction to Course and 1 T 2/18 The Sociological Perspective Book: Chapter 1 (pp. 1-19) 1 Th 2/20 continued Classic: The Promise of Sociology Classic: Invitation to Sociology Explaining Society: 2 T 2/25 Book: Chapter 1 (pp. 19-36) Origins and Theory Web: “Functionalism 1 & 2” 2 Th 2/27 continued Web: “Conflict Theory 1 & 2” Web: “Symbolic Interactionism 1 & 2” Doing Sociology: 3 T 3/4 Book: Chapter 2 Research Methods 3 Th 3/6 EXAM #1 Book: Chapter 3 4 T 3/11 Culture Classic: Body Ritual Among the Nacirema 4 Th 3/13 INSTITUTIONAL FLEX DAY; NO CLASSES

5 T 3/18 Socialization Book: Chapter 4 Social Structure and Society Web: “If Hitler Asked You …” 5 Th 3/20 Book: Chapter 5 Groups Book: Part of Chapter 6 (p. 143-155) 6 T 3/25 Deviance Book: Chapter 7 Web: “Saints and Roughnecks”, 6 Th 3/27 Film: The Times of Harvey Milk Reader: #1 Zimbardo (p. 33-36) 7 T 4/1 continued *

7 Th 4/3 EXAM #2 Social Stratification: 8 T 4/8 Class Inequality Book: Chapter 8 8 Th 4/10 and Education Book: Chapter 12

9 4/14-4/18 SPRING BREAK; NO CLASSES

of 4 READINGS W D Book = Sociology, Shepard e Classic = Classic Readings A e Reader = Supplemental Readings Y DATES TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS k Web = online; accessible through course web page 10 T 4/22 and Welfare Classic: The Uses of Poverty Book: Chapter 9 10 Th 4/24 Racial and Ethnic Inequality * Classic: The Souls of Black Folk 11 T 4/29 continued * Reader: #2 Marable (p. 49-60)

11 Th 5/1 Gender Inequality * Book: Chapter 10 continued * 12 T 5/6 3D Social Stratification: Web: “Black Feminist Thought” Class, Race & Gender 12 Th 5/8 EXAM #3

13 T 5/13 Global Inequality READINGS TO BE ASSIGNED

Social Institutions: 13 Th 5/15 Book: Chapter 13 (pp. 385-404) Economics * Classic: Savage Inequalities Book: Chapter 13 (pp. 368-384) 14 T 5/20 Politics * Classic: The Power Elite 14 Th 5/22 GROUP PRESENTATIONS READINGS TO BE ASSIGNED

15 T 5/27 Social Change and Collective Behavior Book: Chapter 17

Los Angeles Uprising, 1992 Reader: #5 Oliver, et.al (p. 101-113) Reader: #6 Navarro (p. 114-121) 15 Th 5/29 Film: L.A. is Burning Reader: #3 Martinez (p. 93-97) Immigration Reader: #4 Saskia (p. 98-100) 16 T 6/3 EXAM #4

16 Th 6/5 Course Summary  8:00 class: Tues, 6/10: 8-10am  9:30 class: Thurs, 6/12: 8- OPTIONAL FINAL EXAM 10am  12:45 class: Tues, 6/10: 12- 2pm

* Possible dates of Group Presentations integrated into current class sessions.