Course Description
Scientific study of social behavior including factors involved in functioning and development of human society such as culture, identity, social organization, institutions, stratification, social process, and social change.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Describe sociology as a field of study, and its relevance and applicability to everyday life, communities, and careers.
Apply common sociological terminology, concepts, and theories to social phenomena.
Investigate some causes and consequences of social inequality, and mechanisms through which it is perpetuated at the micro-, meso-, and macro- levels.
Examine the influence of components of culture and social structure in everyday life, and the limitations of agency in explaining individual outcomes.
MAC Student Learning Outcomes
Critically analyze claims, arguments, or information (MAC SLO1) related to social phenomena in both popular and academic sources.
Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments (MAC SLO2).
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Class Preparation | 150 points |
In-Class Application | 200 points |
Critical Thinking Practice Sets | 50 points |
(3) Unit Tests | 450 points |
MAC Assessment | 150 points |
Grading Scale:
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
930-1000 points | A |
900–929 points | A- |
870–899 points | B+ |
830–869 points | B |
800–829 points | B- |
770–799 points | C+ |
730–769 points | C |
700–729 points | C- |
670–699 points | D+ |
630–669 points | D |
600–629 points | D- |
599 points or less | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance has no direct grade-bearing category, however every session will include graded application assignments submitted in class. The lowest 5 grades in this category will be dropped; make-ups submissions are not permitted.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Giddens, Anthony, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum, Deborah Carr, and Alondra Nelson. 2024. Essentials of Sociology. 9th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. (ISBN: 978-1324062318)
NOTE: While online access is provided with the textbook via the UNCG Bookstore, it is not required for the class. If you plan to opt out of the First Day Complete program, please speak with me about our use of the textbook in this course before purchasing/renting a book.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.