COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY

 

SOCI  201.001    Introduction to Sociology

3 credits

M    W     F      10:00 a.m.  –   10:50 a.m.

HHSB 211

 

 

This course is an introduction to the systematic study of society. It includes a study of the major concepts in this discipline and the scientific approach in dealing with social phenomena (patterns, trends, and issues).

 

 

 

Fall, 2008

 

 

Dr. Elias L. Taylor

 

 

Text: Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society, M.L. Andersen and H.F. Taylor

          Wadsworth Publishing Co., 4th Edition, 2006

 

          Intersections: Readings in Sociology

          E. Taylor, J. Hudgins, V. Newman, G. Santori

          Pearson Publications Inc., 2006

 

 

OFFICE:  GJ 433

TEL:  410/ 951-3524

ETaylor@coppin.edu

 

 

OPEN OFFICE HOURS

 

M    W     11:00 a.m.  –     12:30 p.m.

T     Th       2:00 p.m.   –     4:30 p.m.

F              11:00 a.m.  –       1:00 p.m.

 

OTHER TIMES BY APPOINTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the library and familiarize yourself with several periodicals and books from the list below.  I strongly urge you to read additional material and utilize this knowledge in your class work.  Furthermore, I will assist you in this effort, if you wish to read additional articles about African-American sociologists (i.e., W.E.B. DuBois, E. Franklin Frazier, Robert Staples, Julius Wilson). If you prefer, you can discuss the content of the material you read during class discussions, or, having made an office appointment, with me.  This type of activity will increase your understanding of the subject matter, improve your class performance, and better your grade.

 

 

PERIODICALS

 

  1. American Sociological Review
  2. Sociology and Social Research
  3. Sociological Inquiry
  4. American Journal of Sociology
  5. Social Problems
  6. Public Opinion Quarterly

 

BOOKS

 

  1. Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective, P. Berger
  2. Minority Families in the United States, R. Taylor, 1994
  3. Race and Ethnic Relations, Joe Feagin
  4. Beyond the Melting Pot, N. Glaser and P. Moyniham
  5. The Black Community: Diversity and Unity, James Blackwell
  6. The Religious Factor, Gerhard Lenski
  7. Black in Blue, Nicholas Alex
  8. Asylums, Ervin Goffman, 2005
  9. Social Stratification and Inequality, Harold Kerbo, 1991
  10. In Their Own Words: History of the American Negro, M. Meltser
  11. The Power Elite, C. Wright Mills
  12. The Race of a Privileged Class: Why are Middle Class Blacks Angry? Ellis Cross, 1995
  13. Seeing Ourselves, J. Macionis and N. Benokraitis, 1995
  14. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Ervin Goffman
  15. The Black Family: Essays and Studies, Robert Staples, 1994
  16. Don’t Believe the Hype, Farai Chideya, 1995

 

 

  1. Race Odyssey: African Americans and Sociology, B. R. Hare, 2001
  2. The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison, J. Reiman, 2002
  3. The Habits of Highly Deceptive Media: S. Norman, 1999
  4. Random Violence, Joel Best, 1999
  5. Changing Education for Diversity, David Corson, 1998
  6. The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality, John L. Esposito, 1995
  7. Privilege, Power, and Difference, Allan G. Johnson, 2001
  8. The Clash of Civilizations, Edward Said, 1998
  9. The McDonalization of Society, George Ritzer, 2000
  10. The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison, J. Reiman, 2002

27. Fighting for A Living Wage, S. Luce, 2004

      28. My Baby’s Father, M. R. Waller, 2002

      29. Family Design, Lee Rainwater, 2007

      30. Social Institutions, M. Hechter and R. Wippler, eds., 2007

      31. Becoming an Unwed Mother, P. Rains, 2007

      32. Women’s Prison, D. Ward and G. Kassenbaum, 2007

      33. Mirror to America, John Hope Franklin

      34. Who is Afraid of a Large Black Man? Charles Barkley, 2007

 

 

 

                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMARKS: Objectives and Themes

 

 

 

 

Often many people are overwhelmed by the variety and complexity of the social world.  At times some individuals wish they had the power to change few situations to better themselves.  Sociology is a tool, a thinking tool, that can help many people to understand how society works, what makes it what it is, and how changes can occur.  This course introduces the student to a way of thinking that analyzes in a systematic way our collective existence by elaborating on the major concepts of this discipline, learning about the individuals who have done research to support their various findings, and discussing several critical concerns facing us today (i.e., social inequality, materialism, violence, and other social issues).

 

One of the objectives of this course is to learn how three major perspectives – functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interaction - guide the interpretations sociologists use to understand social activities and institutions (i.e., family issues, religious activities, educational concerns, ethnic relations, economic matters, political power struggles).  To recognize these perspectives students must read, analyze, and explain through written exercises, in class or at home, short contemporary articles or materials from their textbook reading that employ such perspectives.

 

At the end of this intellectual journey students should:

 

  • Acquire an intriguing view of the diversity of the social world in which they live  through the various sociological perspectives.
  • Analyze and critique a variety of articles concerning contemporary issues (i.e., environmental racism, abortion, high salaries for athletes).

·         Employ several concepts and theoretical viewpoints to develop analytical skills by “detaching” themselves from the prevailing personal values or attitudes they hold.  To acquire this “detachment” students must incorporate in their written and oral arguments an interpretation as if they were “someone else” holding a different “social position” or viewing a personal problem/trouble as part of a larger social issue.

·         Become sensitive to the role of the scientific methodology in understanding the social world.

 

 

 

 

 

In doing so students gain a level of understanding that goes beyond conventional, personal perspectives.  They are able to “perceive” more clearly the social forces that operate on all persons and govern our actions.

 

Finally, a general theme of the readings and lectures is to make evident the following sociological principle: the social world is a humanly created reality that is constantly and continuously shaped by our own relations with others and the actions of the groups within which we operate.  Most existing groups in our society are diverse in their make-up. This means that the fabric of our society is made up of varieties of ethnic groups, class distinctions, religious beliefs, and cultural orientations (diverse groups) that add to the texture of our collective living and enrich its content.  Obviously, diversity brings about differences; so, this sociology class will incorporate in its analytical perspective this diverse nature of our society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          READING ASSIGNMENTS

 

                        Topic                                                                           Andersen-Taylor

                                                                                                                      4th

Sept. 3             Organizational Meeting-Explanations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

The Sociological Perspective                                              1 – 23

Doing Sociological Research                                            27 – 50

 

Culture and Society                                                          53 – 78

Socialization                                                                      81 – 108

Social Interaction                                                            111 – 136

 

Groups and Organizations                                              139 – 162

Deviance                                                                         165 – 188

Crime and Criminal Justice                                             191 – 208

 

Class - Social Stratification                                             211 – 241

Race and Ethnicity                                                         269 – 298

Gender                                                                            301 – 330

Sexuality                                                                         333 – 360

Families                                                                           391 – 418

 

Education                                                                       423 – 444

Religion                                                                          447 – 474

 

Economy and Work                                                       477 – 506

Power, Politics, Government                                         509 – 532

Health Care                                                                    535 – 558

 

Population, Urbanism, Environment                             561 – 586

Social Movements, Change                                          589 – 614

 

 

*  Read each chapter before coming to class

*  Focus – when you attend class and when you read your assignments

*  Keep notes during class lectures

GRADE GUIDELINES

 

You will be evaluated on the following objective and subjective criteria:

 

5%       CLASS PARTICIPATION -             Instructor’s Evaluation

Reading your textbook, knowledge of subject matter, understanding of terms and subject matter during class discussions, evidence of additional reading, work habits, the ability to participate in class exchanges, clarity of points, work initiatives, and the skill to raise substantive or relevant questions. Do not feel awkward if your comments, opinions, or arguments receive a critical evaluation from other classmates or your instructor. This is a valuable intellectual exchange that sharpens the mind.

NOTE: Indicate on the daily class roster your class contributions.

 

 5%      ATTENDANCE – Avoid absences (…none if possible)

When officially absent, provide evidence (i.e. doctor’s note).

Absences above 4, whether excused or unexcused, will count against your performance.

 

15%     CLASSWORK – HOMEWORK

This work is based on your textbook readings. There are many class exercises, some individual and some group activities.  Although the reading is not voluminous, it must be studied rather than skimmed.  Moreover, reading assignments and exercises cannot be postponed or allowed to pile up.  The expectation is to have all the material at hand and on time. If you miss this work, it will be difficult to make it up. Therefore, avoid absences. Also, class work includes announced/ unannounced quizzes and fun activities.

If work needs improvements (redone), the new grade will not exceed the value of 75, at most times.  Therefore, try your best at all times.

 

10%     MIDTERM     One Chapter - Selected by the Instructor – Monday, October 13th

20%     FINAL TEST - Two chapters: selected by class (Study Plan Available)

            All students – no exceptions:  December (15 – 19) Exam Week

 

5%       Interactive Computer Work

            Due dates for these assignments will be given on a separate page.

 

40%     WRITTEN WORK     Sociologists - various articles

            (15% Articles from Intersections)(10% Collins)(15% DuBois)

            Due dates for these assignments and instructions will be given on a separate page

 

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Social Psychological findings indicate people utilize several learning strategies to acquire and retain information, which they can turn into knowledge. This course makes use of such strategies (i.e., self-relevance, organizing information into categories, visual materials (tables, graphs) to enhance points, and acquisition of key words. If you are serious about your education, follow these strategies in this class. I am willing to assist you in this endeavor.

 

            GENERAL POINTS

 

 

  1. Read your textbook every day.

 

  1. Take extensive notes and keep a well-organized notebook for this course.

 

  1. If you did not understand some of the material, raise questions in class.

 

  1. Make sure you keep in touch with your instructor, explaining to him your individual concerns in matters academic.  I will listen and try to help depending on the particular circumstances and specifics presented.

 

  1. Make-up examinations, work, papers, exercises will not be easily given.  In the event you had to miss such work, you must immediately get in touch with the instructor.  If in his judgment there is evidence and a reasonable excuse (bring an acceptable written excuse), he may reschedule your work or offer you a time extension. You must make up the exam/quiz/work before the on-time graded work has been returned to all other students.

 

  1. Written material must follow all the rules and technical aspects pertaining to formal presentation of papers.  Written work will be evaluated on grammar, syntax, utilization of language and terms, analytical thinking, technical aspects, and physical appearance. Assignments must be typed doubled-spaced. Keep a copy for your own records.

 

  1. University-wide writing standards, published in the Writing Standards Document, apply in this course.  You can obtain this document from the bookstore for a nominal fee.

 

  1. Make sure you proofread all your work before you hand it to the instructor.

 

  1. Students are encouraged to use the following supplementary documents, books, and references to improve their written work.
    1. Coppin State College Writing Standards Document
    2. Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary
    3. Harbrace College Handbook

 

  1. Examinations in this course will include brief essay questions, multiple choices, definitions, short responses, and true or false questions.

 

  1. Explanations of academic honesty will be given in class.

 

  1. Do not smoke or bring drinks/food of any kind in the classroom.  This is a college-wide policy.

 

 

  1. It will be taken for granted that any work, oral or written, produced by a student in this course is her/his original work and not a direct copy from some other person or source (i.e., book, magazine, periodical, or the internet).  Any violation of this rule constitutes plagiarism.  Plagiarism includes any form of cheating on examinations, tests, quizzes, or any unacknowledged or undocumented use of another’s writing or ideas, whether published or un-published.  Those who plagiarize, if proven, will receive an F for that project and may fail the course.  If you are not certain of such rules, make sure you speak to the instructor.

 

  1. Do not come late to class or any other time (i.e., during exams).  If you are away from this class for many days, you should consider the option of withdrawing. Accumulated absences beyond two (2), whether officially or unofficially excused, will count against your class performance.  In fact, if a student is absent from this course more than four (6) times, the instructor may suggest an official withdrawal. This is a serious matter, so be careful.

 

  1. Under certain circumstances, a student may explore the option of receiving an “Incomplete” grade for this course.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate such a discussion and receive the necessary information from the instructor.

 

  1. You should frequently consult the textbook glossary for assistance with various sociological terms and concepts. Use these words in your daily conversation and in your work to strengthen your vocabulary. Words have a hidden power!

 

  1. You are encouraged to take full advantage of modern technology in your studies at this academic institution. Make use of word-processing, e-mail, and the internet.

 

  1. Beepers and cell-phones must be de-activated or placed on silent as you enter the classroom. Noises of this kind are disruptive and rude. If you receive an emergency call (vibration), please leave the room quietly before attempting to answer the call.

 

  1. Since you are interested in becoming a college graduate, a sense of professionalism should guide your manners, actions, behavior, and physical appearance/presentation in this class. Business casual is expected. Avoid using caps (while sitting in class), head wraps, dropped pants, clothes that display excessive display of skin, etc. I will try to look professional when I conduct my lectures in class and I expect no less from each one of you.

 

  1. Treat other people with respect, convey sensitivity and consideration by your outward demeanor, and let your actions, industry, and good effort proclaim the person that you really are.  In turn others will treat you with respect and appreciate your work.

 

Note: Class Rosters are the official document used to verify a student’s enrollment in this course. If your name does not appear on the class roster, you cannot attend this class. Please return immediately to the Registrar’s Office to resolve the matter.

 

Note: Coppin State University supports all students in their academic endeavors. Should you need academic accommodations because of a disability please contact the Disability Support Services (DSSP) Counselor, Ms. Patricia Johnson located in the Human Services Building, HHSB Room #355, to register the special needs you request. If already registered with this program, please provide the DSSP accommodation form to the instructor.

 

Note: The method of calculation for this course is…

 

            90 – 100          points  A

            80 – 89            points  B

            70 – 79            points  C

            60 – 69            points  D

            59 or less         points F

 

 

                               

Note: There are many web sites you can visit to enhance your understanding of the content of sociology, the professional nature of this discipline, and the applied nature of the sociological work.

 

  1. American Sociological Association http://www.asanet.org
  2. Society for the Study of Social Problems http://itc.utk.edu/sssp
  3. Applied Sociology http://www.appliedsoc.org
  4. The Gallup Poll http://www.gallop.com/poll/indicators
  5. Media Watch www.mediawatch.com
  6. National Black Child Development Institute http://www.nbcdi.org
  7. The Kinsey Institute http://www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/
  8. Bureau of Justice Statistics http://www.ojo.usdoj/bjs/
  9. U.S.  Bureau of Census http://www.census.gov/
  10. The Urban Institute http://www.urban.org/
  11. Marriage and Family Therapy http://www.aamft.org
  12. Religious Tolerance http://www.religioustolerance.org

 

 

 

 

                                                                

 

WRITTEN WORK – ASSIGNMENT: ESSAYS

 

  1. Patricia Hill Collins     “Silenced Voices, Invisible Lives” 

Due: September 29th (Monday)

 

a) Was the curriculum in your High School of such quality that might have

    justified Ms. Collins’s experience in being silent?

            b) Who was C. Wright Mills and why was he so important to Ms. Collins?

           

.     2.   Elliot Rudwick   “W. E. B. Du Bois as Sociologist”

            Due: November 24th (Monday)

  

    1. Why did Du Bois get involved with sociological research and is this approach relevant for you today?
    2. Indicate and describe the characteristics of the four social classes in the community (Philadelphia).
    3. Identify and describe the social classes in your home community today.

What similarities or differences you can draw?

 

3.      Intersections – Short Written Essays

 

            Due: October 6th (Monday)

            a.    pp. 1 - 7  Question

                  What kind of passion does sociology require from a student?

                   or    

b.        pp. 29 – 37  Question

According to Coontz, what puts stress on families today?

Does your family experience the same kinds of stress?

What can be done to relieve some of this stress?

 

Due: December 1st (Monday)

            c.    pp. 85 - 95 Question

                  What does the term “impression management” mean?

                  Give an example of your own “front-stage” vs. “back-stage” behavior.

                  or                 

pp.    233 - 241  Question

Obviously Zimbardo indicates a “negative” result of an internalized role. Offer an example where internalizing a role resulted in a “positive” outcome.

 

Note:  Written responses must be typed and proofread to avoid errors.

            If you need assistance, visit my office and talk to me as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    HOW TO WRITE YOUR ESSAY

 

 

 

 

Writing an essay can be a simple process, when you include the following three parts:

 

            Introduction

            Body of the Essay (questions you need to answer)

            Conclusion

 

Each part must be fully and clearly developed.

Additionally, to be effective, one needs to write in complete sentences and paragraphs.

 

 

 

The introduction must clearly state the general topic.

It should also include several sentences indicating what the essential matter under consideration and inform the reader about the subject under discussion.

 

The second part must deal with the specific questions given to you.

Each question must be discussed with several details (examples, illustrations, information from sources used) and it could be developed in several paragraphs.

 

The conclusion is an effective closing paragraph made up of several sentences bringing the entire material to its logical end.

 

 

Writing effectively is an enjoyable task.

Take every opportunity to improve this skill.

It can be very powerful tool in your personal and professional growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interactive Computer Work

 

1.  Due: September 26th (Friday)

 

a)      Go to: http://sociology.wadsworth.com/andersen_taylor4e/

b)      Select Chapter 1 (Developing a Sociological Perspective) and

Chapter 3 (Culture)

From the left navigational bar, select crossword puzzle

 c)  Answer the questions and solve the puzzle

     d) Print the puzzle and return it to me

 

 

2.  Due: November 14th (Friday)

 

a)      Go to http://sociology.wadsworth.com/andersen_taylor4e/

b)      Select Chapter 15 (Families) and 17 (Religion)

From the left navigation bar, select crossword puzzle

c)      Answer the questions and solve the puzzle

d)     Print the puzzle and return it to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: If you encounter any problems, come to my office and I will assist you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  FUN ACTIVITY

 

 

 

Things you are not likely to hear from…

 

 

            From athletes at Coppin State University

 

            From administrators at Coppin State University

 

            From males at Coppin State University

 

            From females at Coppin State University

 

            From professors at Coppin State University

 

            From the bookstore at Coppin State University

 

           

 

 

Examples:

 

You will never hear from Al Gore saying this whole global warming climate is a scam!

 

You will never her from Peter Angelos say the Orioles “stink” and all of it is my fault!          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES                                                    

 

 

 

·         September 26        Return first “puzzles”

 

·         September 29        Paper – Collins

 

·         October 3              Fun Activity

 

·         October 6              Brief Essays – First Set from Intersections

 

·         October 13                        Midterm

 

·         October 31            Fun Activity

 

·         November 14        Return second “puzzles”

 

·         November 21        Fun Activity             

           

·         November 24        Paper – DuBois

 

·         December 1           Brief Essays – Second Set from Intersections

 

·         December 15-19   Final Exam