Introduction to Sociological Theory (Web Assisted Course)
Revised
SOC 436 (Section 01E):
Introduction to Sociological Theory (Web assisted Course)
FALL 2018 R. N. Singh, Ph. D. Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice
My office location: Ferguson Social Sciences Bldg., Room 230
Office Hours: On Tuesday & Thursday based on student need at Commerce campus. Students need to talk to me before or after our classes or e-mail me so we can set an appointment to meet.
Email Address: [email protected]
If you need to communicate to me, the ideal way shall be to contact me via e-mails in addition to our interactions in classes when held.
Class meets at 2 PM on Tuesday & Thursday in SS 150.
I. Materials – Textbook, Readings, Supplementary Readings:
Textbook: The Discovery of Society by Randall Collins & M. Makowsky, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2010. Contact Texas Book Store on Commerce campus or buy the book online. Take notes on your readings as they will help you in achieving the course objectives and excellent grades based on the closed book exams.
II. Course Description:
Welcome to SOC 436 class! I am confident that we will have a productive semester in learning the basic sociological theory. It is very important that you carefully read and complete the course assigned readings ON TIME as required. You must follow all instructions given in this syllabus for successfully completing the course.
Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
This course is focused on enabling you to think critically and conceptually. It is a general survey course on the sociological theory at an introductory level. Through textbook readings and on- line materials, we will pursue the following course objectives.
1. Understand what theory is or is not, and what roles theory plays. Identify different types of theory (e. g. metaphysical, analytical, normative, and scientific). Critically estimate scope and limits of science and scientific thinking.
2. Conceptualize meaning and scope of the sociological perspective. How is this perspective different from those of the other social sciences?
3. Explore a history of sociological ideas and theories.
4. Develop a comparative understanding of the conflict theory, functionalism, interactionism (including the sociological perspective of symbolic interactionism), and exchange theory. Within contexts of these theoretical perspectives, identify the major contributions of various sociologists, particularly: Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Talcott Parsons, G.H. Mead, Charles Cooley and George Homans.
5. Get an overview of the application of sociological theory during classical and contemporary periods and the future trends in sociological theory.
The learning outcome assessment for the goals stated above will be based on essays exams, weekly discussions, and an assignment to insure:
1. That students have adequately learned the major types of sociological theories;
2. That students fully understand the contributions made by classical theorists in developing ideas that led to the growth of contemporary sociological theories;
3. That students have developed critical as well as conceptual thinking grasping various sociological theories explaining phenomena such as socialization, social control, freedom, social inequality, social deviance, and social change;
4. That students have a grasp of the sociological perspective, along with the role of research in developing that perspective as well as theories in sociology; and
5. That students have conceptualized the application of the sociological theory in solving problems or addressing social issues and demonstrate an understanding of the emerging trends in the contemporary sociological theory.
Topical Outline
PART I: THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
The Sociological Perspective: “An Invitation to Sociology” and the “Sociological Imagination” and Relationship between Theory & Research in Sociology
PART II: THEORY
1. Why Study Theory? 2. Application of Social Theory to Everyday Issues 3. Background to Sociological Theory 4. What Theory Is and Is Not 5. Types of Theory: Meaning, Levels (Grand Theory & Theory of the Middle Range) and Types of Theory (Analytical, Normative, Metaphysical, and Scientific Theories)
Analytical Theory (such as in Math and statistics) Normative Theory (jurisprudence, morality, traditions, folkways) Metaphysical Theory 1. Based on imagination or conceptual thinking 2. Based on faith rather than facts (proof) Scientific Theory—tested through research—empirical; a relationship between Theory & Research
PART III: MAJOR THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES OR PARADIGMS & SUGGESTED READINGS FROM THE REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
CONFLICT THEORY
Darwin –Read Chapter 5 Marx –Read Chapter 2 Freud –Read Chapter 8 Nietzshe, Hitler, Mannheim, Mills, Veblen –Read Chapters 4, 13
FUNCTIONALISM
Comte –Read Chapter 1 Durkheim –Read Chapter 6 Parsons
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
Weber –Read Chapter 7 Cooley & Mead –Read Chapter 9 Goffman –Read Chapter 14
E. APPLICATION OF THEORIES
PART IV. OVERVIEW OF THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AS A STUDY GUIDE
1. CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE Instinct for Survival Vested, survival, conflicting type of interest Tendencies towards individualism Private interests start emerging Formal Organization will start to appear Development of power and leadership, inequality and individualism Attack on over-socialization, social control and domination Has a reality and individualism orientation Freedom - not distributed equally among people Inequality and exploitation Power of the few Negative and critical approach
2. STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVE Cooperation, we are in this together Role of division of labor Integrity of the whole group over the individual, Individual not important, Holistic outlook, for whole group, totality of the whole, important, what makes the whole group. It will develop its own identity We all need to make it together, each individual needs to make a contribution to the whole. System Theory All parts interconnected, all integrated, one part contributes to the others, Holistic totality of the whole How the system prevails All parts must function, conflict must be controlled through the systems approach Must maintain system standing norms, rules, this is the goal Some inequality is functional
3. EXCHANGE THEORY Individual needs in combination with group needs Who can help survive, very pragmatic, realistic, give and take Collective needs, needs of both the group and the individual Reciprocity is exchange Mutual of needs - pragmatic and rational, approach rational people, cost benefit analysis
EXCHANGE THEORY SUMMARIZED: Individualism Pragmatic Rationalism How institutions fit into organization 4. SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM How to understand each other People looking at each other Perception becomes issue How message is conveyed, social or psychological The meaning of the message, not how sent or how received No one will be happy with all things How we experience reality (e.g., prejudice how people perceive prejudice) How we see things from what perspective-- social – psychological Mental processes, not a focus on physical processes People deal with things differently, no right or wrong Very scientific approach, point of view of the individual very general People experience things differently, individual perceptions, different interoperation of issues or totality Approach both individual and collectively
III. Student Responsibilities
Your responsibilities in completing this course are stated below.
1. You must regularly read the syllabus very carefully and follow all instructions about course objectives, grading procedures, and other guidelines given therein. This is an important course in our curriculum for the sociology majors and for other students taking it as an elective, particularly in counseling, psychology, other social sciences and social work. Let us be serious in achieving its goals. 2. It is necessary that you plan your work on the course on a regular basis to succeed in making the highest grade.
Your course work will be structured around the following:
I will guide you for effective reading of the textbook. All of my exams in the course will consist of short essay questions. There will be no emphasis in this course to memorize any contents from the literature. Instead, I will emphasize conceptual and theoretical thinking which can only be appreciated than memorizing specific facts.
Readings of textbook and other materials must be done when assigned. That is the only way to make the best use of reading materials.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Instructional / Methods / Activities Assessments
On the Home Page, your course is organized under 14 weeks providing you info on each topic’s overview, objectives, and its study guide. Log in for discussions given under various weeks as indicated in the ‘Calendar’ given at the end in this syllabus.
Grading will be based upon total 200 points accumulated from 2 exams’ scores.
Details on the grading procedures are stated below: You will be able to calculate your grade by knowing your percentage score at any given point during the semester. At the end of the course, an “A” will be equal to 90+%, a “B” will be equal to 80-89%, a “C” for 70-79% and a “D” for 60-69% of the total points accumulated on items stated below.
Your final grade will be based on the following procedures given stated under A below:
A. Closed-Book Exams (a total of 200 points; 100 points for each exam; you must take 2 out of 3 exams including the final; if you take all 3 exams, I will drop the lowest score).
Topics for each exam are stated below (they are also mentioned in your calendar given above). Dates for exams are given in your calendar. Additional details will be provided in classes.
1st Exam Types of theory; science; sociological perspective; conflict theory and functionalism
2nd Exam Symbolic interactionism and exchange theory
Final Exam will be a comprehensive exam. A list of specific topics will be given to you. As stated earlier, that the final is a make-up and optional exam. However, if you miss any of the first two exams, final is required to pass the course.
All exams will be closed book and will consist of short essay questions. All exams will be given in class on scheduled dates. Please check your calendar carefully.
HOW TO DO WELL IN ESSAY QUESTIONS IN EXAMS:
I want you to do well in answering essay and discussion questions, when given to you. The essay questions shall help you to express ideas on theories and represent critical thinking on your part on serious questions. I encourage all of you to do your best in essays.
If you lose some points in any essay, reasons for that could include: you may not have answered a question correctly; you may not have answered all parts of each question; you may have been too brief in your answer and might not have elaborated on your answer demonstrating your understanding; you may have included irrelevant materials in your answers; you may have lacked clarity; or you may not have provided examples illustrating your points, where needed.
COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT
Interaction with Instructor Statement: In addition to interacting with me and other students in the class, you can also e-mail me whenever you have challenges or questions, particularly those that you don’t want to share with your class mates in regular classes. Only use this address: [email protected]
Please specify the following in your e-mail: your full name and the course # you are enrolled in so that I can check your record before responding to your need or question.
My goal is to guide each of you in every possible way to succeed in the learning process in this course. Please remember that your success in the course will also determine my success in teaching it. Develop a positive attitude toward learning basics in the sociological theory. I will do my best in being objective, reasonable, encouraging, and fair. I will reward to the maximum those of you who will do their best in following guidelines given in the syllabus and in my classes.
COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES/POLICIES
“All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment.” (See Student’s Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct).
A Note on Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must work to provide an environment in which each student has the opportunity to be evaluated fairly on the basis of his/her own performance.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Browser support D2L is committed to performing key application testing when new browser versions are released. New and updated functionality is also tested against the latest version of supported browsers. However, due to the frequency of some browser releases, D2L cannot guarantee that each browser version will perform as expected. If you encounter any issues with any of the browser versions listed in the tables below, contact D2L Support, who will determine the best course of action for resolution. Reported issues are prioritized by supported browsers and then maintenance browsers. Supported browsers are the latest or most recent browser versions that are tested against new versions of D2L products. Customers can report problems and receive support for issues. For an optimal experience, D2L recommends using supported browsers with D2L products. Maintenance browsers are older browser versions that are not tested extensively against new versions of D2L products. Customers can still report problems and receive support for critical issues; however, D2L does not guarantee all issues will be addressed. A maintenance browser becomes officially unsupported after one year. Note the following: Ensure that your browser has JavaScript and Cookies enabled. For desktop systems, you must have Adobe Flash Player 10.1 or greater. The Brightspace Support features are now optimized for production environments when using the Google Chrome browser, Apple Safari browser, Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, and Mozilla Firefox browsers. Desktop Support Browser Supported Browser Version(s) Maintenance Browser Version(s)
Microsoft® Edge Latest N/A
Microsoft® N/A 11 Internet Explorer®
Mozilla® Latest, ESR N/A Firefox®
Google® Latest N/A Browser Supported Browser Version(s) Maintenance Browser Version(s) Chrome™
Apple® Safari® Latest N/A Tablet and Mobile Support Device Operating Browser Supported Browser Version(s) System
Android™ Android 4.4+ Chrome Latest
Apple iOS® Safari, The current major version of Chrome iOS (the latest minor or point release of that major version) and the previous major version of iOS (the latest minor or point release of that major version). For example, as of June 7, 2017, D2Lsupports iOS 10.3.2 and iOS 9.3.5, but not iOS 10.2.1, 9.0.2, or any other version. Chrome: Latest version for the iOS browser.
Windows Windows 10 Edge, Latest of all browsers, and Chrome, Firefox ESR. Firefox
• You will need regular access to a computer with a broadband Internet connection. The minimum computer requirements are: o 512 MB of RAM, 1 GB or more preferred o Broadband connection required courses are heavily video intensive o Video display capable of high-color 16-bit display 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
• You must have a: o Sound card, which is usually integrated into your desktop or laptop computer o Speakers or headphones. o *For courses utilizing video-conferencing tools and/or an online proctoring solution, a webcam and microphone are required.
• Both versions of Java (32 bit and 64 bit) must be installed and up to date on your machine. At a minimum Java 7, update 51, is required to support the learning management system. The most current version of Java can be downloaded at: JAVA web site http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
• Current anti-virus software must be installed and kept up to date.
Running the browser check will ensure your internet browser is supported. Pop-ups are allowed. JavaScript is enabled. Cookies are enabled.
• You will need some additional free software (plug-ins) for enhanced web browsing. Ensure that you download the free versions of the following software: o Adobe Reader https://get.adobe.com/reader/ o Adobe Flash Player (version 17 or later) https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ o Adobe Shockwave Player https://get.adobe.com/shockwave/ o Apple Quick Time http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
• At a minimum, you must have Microsoft Office 2013, 2010, 2007 or Open Office. Microsoft Office is the standard office productivity software utilized by faculty, students, and staff. Microsoft Word is the standard word processing software, Microsoft Excel is the standard spreadsheet software, and Microsoft PowerPoint is the standard presentation software. Copying and pasting, along with attaching/uploading documents for assignment submission, will also be required. If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can check with the bookstore to see if they have any student copies.
ACCESS AND NAVIGATION
You will need your campus-wide ID (CWID) and password to log into the course. If you do not know your CWID or have forgotten your password, contact the Center for IT Excellence (CITE) at 903.468.6000 or [email protected].
Note: Personal computer and internet connection problems do not excuse the requirement to complete all course work in a timely and satisfactory manner. Each student needs to have a backup method to deal with these inevitable problems. These methods might include the availability of a backup PC at home or work, the temporary use of a computer at a friend's home, the local library, office service companies, Starbucks, a TAMUC campus open computer lab, etc.
COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT
Brightspace Support
Need Help?
Student Support If you have any questions or are having difficulties with the course material, please contact your Instructor.
Technical Support
If you are having technical difficulty with any part of Brightspace, please contact Brightspace Technical Support at 1-877-325-7778 or click on the Live Chat or click on the words “click here” to submit an issue via email.
System Maintenance
D2L runs monthly updates during the last week of the month, usually on Wednesday. The system should remain up during this time unless otherwise specified in an announcement. You may experience minimal impacts to performance and/or look and feel of the environment.
Interaction with Instructor Statement
The instructor’s communication response time and feedback on assessments are stated clearly.
COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES/POLICIES
Syllabus Change Policy The syllabus is a guide. Circumstances and events, such as student progress, may make it necessary for the instructor to modify the syllabus during the semester. Any changes made to the syllabus will be announced in advance.
University Specific Procedures
Student Conduct All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. The Code of Student Conduct is described in detail in the Student Guidebook. http://www.tamuc.edu/Admissions/oneStopShop/undergraduateAdmissions/studentGuid ebook.aspx
Students should also consult the Rules of Netiquette for more information regarding how to interact with students in an online forum: Netiquette http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
TAMUC Attendance For more information about the attendance policy please visit the Attendance webpage and Procedure 13.99.99.R0.01. http://www.tamuc.edu/admissions/registrar/generalInformation/attendance.aspx http://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStatements/rulesProcedur es/13students/academic/13.99.99.R0.01.pdf
Academic Integrity Students at Texas A&M University-Commerce are expected to maintain high standards of integrity and honesty in all of their scholastic work. For more details and the definition of academic dishonesty see the following procedures:
Undergraduate Academic Dishonesty 13.99.99.R0.03 http://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStatements/rulesProcedur es/13students/undergraduates/13.99.99.R0.03UndergraduateAcademicDishonesty.pdf
Graduate Student Academic Dishonesty 13.99.99.R0.10 http://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStatements/rulesProcedur es/13students/graduate/13.99.99.R0.10GraduateStudentAcademicDishonesty.pdf
ADA Statement
Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact: Office of Student Disability Resources and Services Texas A&M University-Commerce Gee Library- Room 162 Phone (903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835 Fax (903) 468-8148 Email: [email protected] Website: Office of Student Disability Resources and Services http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/studentDisabilityResourcesAndServ ices/ Nondiscrimination Notice Texas A&M University-Commerce will comply in the classroom, and in online courses, with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and related retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information or veteran status. Further, an environment free from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression will be maintained.
Campus Concealed Carry Statement
Texas Senate Bill - 11 (Government Code 411.2031, et al.) authorizes the carrying of a concealed handgun in Texas A&M University-Commerce buildings only by persons who have been issued and are in possession of a Texas License to Carry a Handgun. Qualified law enforcement officers or those who are otherwise authorized to carry a concealed handgun in the State of Texas are also permitted to do so. Pursuant to Penal Code (PC) 46.035 and A&M-Commerce Rule 34.06.02.R1, license holders may not carry a concealed handgun in restricted locations.
For a list of locations, please refer to the Carrying Concealed Handguns On Campus document and/or consult your event organizer.
Web url: http://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStatements/rulesProcedur es/34SafetyOfEmployeesAndStudents/34.06.02.R1.pdf
Pursuant to PC 46.035, the open carrying of handguns is prohibited on all A&M- Commerce campuses. Report violations to the University Police Department at 903- 886-5868 or 9-1-1.