Understanding Sociology: Key Concepts and Course Insights
School
University of Hawaii, Hilo**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
SOC 100
Subject
Sociology
Date
Dec 10, 2024
Pages
8
Uploaded by ChiefExplorationNightingale52
1Professor: Michael RyanEmail: ryanm465@hawaii.eduOffice Hours: T / TR 9:00 Am – 11 Am, MWF 8:30 - 10:30, Friday 4 - 5.As this is an online class my on-campus office hours will be limited. I am also available to meet with you online ifneeded – by appointment. I am also available via email or laulima. I will also be available to meet on campus at other times during the week on a case by case basis – by appointment.SOC 100 - 001: Principles of Sociology ONLINEIt helps to have faces to go with names!Please include a photo of yourself in your introduction on Laulima.Course Description:Welcome to Intro to Sociology, a class designed to introduce you to the world of sociological research. This class will be a survey of the major theorists and fields of study within this exciting area of knowledge. Sociology is the study of humans’ relationships to each other as well as to larger institutions. It provides you with the ability to understand a wide array of subject matter, from religion to poverty, politics to economics, to the ever-shifting ways that characteristics like class, race, and gender affect our existence. If you have ever wondered why people join religions, why economic inequality exists, or why prejudice is a persistent problem in human society, sociology attempts to answer these questions as well as many more. You will be able to understand how societal problems arise and explore ways to address these social problems.I hope that you will leave our time together better understanding yourself, society, and the forces that shape us andshape history. You will be prepared to succeed in upper-level sociology courses, but also to participate in a varietyof other fields of study (i.e., Social Sciences, Health, Law, and Education).Required BooksYou May Ask Yourself, by Dalton ConleyWe will be using the IDAP program, which means that both your text and online resources will be available via laulima. The bookstore will give you an option to “opt out” of this option, BUT, if you do opt out then you will need to purchase BOTH the text and the online resources at a higher cost to you. You will find links to both the e-text and the chapter inquisitive via tabs in the laulima course page.What is the central insight that one can draw from an Introduction to Sociology course?Perhaps the central insight of sociology is that the root of human experience is not in individual action but in thesocial structures and opportunities that both constrain and enable individual action. In a nutshell, sociologists start not with the individual but with social conditions. Therefore, this course will enhance your ability to understand how culture and history shape human behavior and character. But because most of us believe that we are who we are merely as a result of individual actions, sociology can be a challenging discipline. Clearly, I think that the challenge is well worth the reward of deeper understanding of human social life.OutcomesAfter finishing this class, you will be able to:1.Discuss the most important theorists within sociology.
22.Contrast different sociological worldviews.3.Use sociological concepts to better understand your worldview and beliefs.4.Use sociological concepts to better understand world history and your personal history.5.Propose policy changes based on current research to help solve a social problem.Course Policies:1.Students are responsible for following the course schedule. This is available in the syllabus and in the Laulima course schedule. You will have a lot of autonomy when deciding your timing for the completionof assignments, but must be “present” in the discussion board each week and must complete assignments by the deadlines/due dates listed. It is best to complete the assignments in the order listed in the syllabus. You should start working on your assignments early at the start of each section – do NOT leave everything for the last minute. 2.Written assignments submitted after the deadline will be penalized 10% for each day late beginning at the date/time they are due.3.Students will demonstrate ethical behavior and use appropriate language in written assignments.4.All student work will be submitted electronically through Laulima or via the course text site (linked in laulima), unless otherwise specified. I will NOT accept email attachments.5.All assignments should be written at the expected college level and submitted in MS WORD (.docor .docx). If you do not have MS Word already, you should be able to get it for free via the following link, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/officePlease use the Writing Center / Kilohana if you need help, beyond what I can provide.6.No Incomplete grades except under the most extraordinary (life threatening) circumstances, and only when all work for the course is completed except the final assignments.7.All course writings in which you directly use a course text should properly cite the texts that are used.You may use any standardized citation system (i.e. MLA, Chicago, etc.) You must use and cite coursetexts in some discussion responses and in all papers.Course RequirementsALL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WORD – as .doc or .docx (NOT .wps or .rtf) If you do not have MS Word already, you should be able to get it for free via the following link, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/officeWeekly Journal Assignment–10% of your total grade -Reading is essential to a well-lived life and success in this course. To help assist you in better understanding your readings and to help you live this well-lived life, you will be expected to write a short answer to the question prompt.
3This should be no less than one paragraph but do not feel the need to write more than two paragraphs. Any honest attempt to grapple with these questions will result in full points, any attempt at all will get you half points, and no attempt will earn you no points. This is designed to help ensure you both read and listen to the lectures.Participation (In Laulima Discussion Boards) – This will be based on participation in the discussion board topics for each section/week of the course – 10% of your total grade. To be clear, you are required to submit a post per discussion, but more is better. Please feel free to respond to others posts as well, as this helps us build community. These responses may consist of questions posed to your classmates or to me, thoughts about the material presented, or reply responses to the new topic posts contributed by other students.Exams– 40% of total grade -You will have two opportunities on exams to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject material. These exams are not comprehensive and will take place in the middle of the semester and during finals week. You will have this opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and will be able to apply this knowledge to real-world examples both from your own life and history. The exact format will be discussed before each exam, but they generally will include multiple-choice, short answers, and a single essay question which will allow you to demonstrate deep knowledge of a concept as well as real-world application.Applied Sociology 40% of total grade – Over the course of the semester you will have two opportunities to participate in your own sociological research, doing two applied sociology activities. Prompts will be provided and details will be given throughout the semester to help ensure you have a successful research experience.Letter Grade PercentA 92.5-100A - 89.5 – 92.4B + 86.5 – 89.4B 82.5-86.4B- 79.5 – 82.4C + 76.5 – 79.4C 72.5-76.4C - 69.5 – 72.4D 59.5-69.4F Below 59.5
4Unless otherwise noted, all readings can be found in your course texts and/or etext or laulima resources and all other assignments can be found in laulima. It is best to complete the assignments in the order listed.You may need to access films or television episodes online to complete the discussion board.Section 1: Week One: What is Sociology –Theory and Methods (All Assignments due by 11:55 pm on Friday, September 6th unless otherwise noted)READ: Conley Chapters 1 and 2Must do Discussion board “Tell me About You”Week Two: Sociological FoundationsMust do Discussion board “What are your values?” Must do “Journal 1”Week Three: SocializationREAD: Conley Chapter 4 Must do Discussion board “Socialization” Must do “Journal 2”Section 2:Week Four: Race, Ethnicity, and ColorismREAD: Conley Chapter 13 Must do “Journal 3”Week Five: Inequality and Social StratificationREAD: Conley Chapter 14Must do Discussion board “Stratification” Must do “Journal 4”Week Six: Gender and WorkREAD: Conley Chapter 12 Must do Discussion board “Gender Inequality and my Major” Must do “Journal 5”
5Week Seven: Sociology of HealthREAD: Conley Chapter 16 Must do Journal Assignment: “Mental Health/life check in” MID-TERM EXAM! (Covers weeks one through six)Week Eight: Sociology of EducationREAD: Conley Chapter 8 Must do Discussion Board “Education and Sociology” Must do “Journal 6” Applied Sociology Paper OneSection 3:Week Nine: Crime and DevianceREAD: Conley Chapter 6 Catch Up WeekWeek Ten: Religion and SocietyREAD: Conley Chapter 9 Must Do Discussion Board “Civil Religion in America” Must do “Journal 7”Week Eleven: Nationalism and Political SociologyREAD: Conley Chapter 11Week Twelve: The CommunityREAD: Conley Chapter 5 Applied Sociology Paper Two Must do Discussion Board “Building Community”Week Thirteen: Sociology of Mass Media and Social MediaREAD: Conley Chapter 3
6 Must do Discussion board “Social Media and me” Must do “Journal 8”Week Fourteen: Flex WeekWeek Fifteen: Finals WeekRemember – It is best to complete the assignments in listed order. You should start early inthe section period! Each section is published at the week listed in the syllabus, so that each student has the opportunity to work at their own pace, within reason.Additional InformationUH Hilo provides a wide variety of support to students including tutoring, disability services, mental health counseling, and EEO-Title IX support:DISABILITY SERVICESAny student with a documented disability who would like to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Office - Student Services Center E230, 932-7623 (V), 932-7002 (TTY), uds@hawaii.edu- as early in the semester as possible.ACADEMIC ADVISINGAdvising is a very important resource designed to help students complete the requirements of the University and their individual majors. Students should consult with their advisor at least once a semester to decide on courses, check progresstowards graduation, and discuss career options and other educational opportunities provided by UH Hilo. Advising is a shared responsibility, but students have final responsibility for meeting degree requirements.ACADEMIC INTEGRITYIntellectual development requires honesty, responsibility, and doing your own work. All UH Hilo students are expected to know and abide by the Student Conduct Code(https://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/conduct/student_conduct.php). Acts of dishonesty, for example, plagiarism (taking thoughts/ideas or words from others), cheating, collusion, or other forms of academic dishonesty will possibly result in penalties, consequences, and/or other disciplinary actions. If you have any doubts or questions about what constitutes academic misconduct, please do not hesitate to contact me. For information about your student rights, contact Karishma Kamath, Director of Student Conduct, 932-7472, karishma@hawaii.edu.ACADEMIC SUCCESSKilohana: The Academic Success Center provides a range of free, drop-in academic services and resources to all currently enrolled UH Hilo students. Services include access to peer student staff from a range of academic majors, course-related resources (handouts, practice exams, etc.) PC desktops with subject-specific software, and study environments for individuals and small groups. Please check the Kilohana website at https://hilo.hawaii.edu/kilohana/forinformation, locations, and contact phone numbers for our various Centers on campus. You can also contact Karla Hayashi, Director of the Kilohana Academic Success Center, 932-7287, karlah@hawaii.edufor more information.MENTAL HEALTH/SUICIDE PREVENTIONThe UH Hilo community is committed to and cares about all students. Life at college can get complicated. Students sometimes feel overwhelmed, lost, experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationship difficulties, family responsibilities, or diminished self-esteem. However, supportive services are available and effective. UH Hilo
7Counseling Services helps undergraduate and graduate students cope with difficult emotions and life stressors. Counseling Services is staffed by experienced, professional counselors, who are attuned to the diverse needs of all types of college students. The services are FREE and completely confidential.Find out more at https://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/counselingor by calling 932-7465.For immediate help, contact The Crisis Line of Hawaii 1-800-753-6879, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255(suicidepreventionlifeline.org), or text “Aloha” or “Hello” to the Crisis Text Line 741-741.STUDENT CONDUCTAll members of UH Hilo have the right to pursue educational endeavors as part of the institution's fundamental purposes of teaching, learning, and research. Students have the responsibility to maintain standards of personal integrity (honesty, civility, and respect) that are in harmony with the educational mission of the University; to respect the rights, privileges, and property of others; and to observe University policies as well as national, state, and local laws.The student conduct process holds students accountable for violations of university policy, which are described in the Student Conduct Code(https://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/conduct/student_conduct.php).STUDENTS OF CONCERNUniversity life should be challenging not overwhelming. There may be times when students experience severe stress or distress from adjusting to college life and adapting to unforeseen changes/circumstances. Consider referring a friend, fellow classmate, or yourself to the UH Hilo CARE Team who can provide information, resources, and options for successfully navigating a challenging academic life. Typical referrals include behavior which raise significant concerns and reasonably suggests that the behavior, physical and/or emotional state:Presents safety issues for yourself or others; orMay hinder one’s ability to meet expected standards of conduct or achieve academic requirements; orMay be evidence of severe emotional distressAnyone may use this(https://hilo.hawaii.edu/careteam/report.php) form to refer a UH Hilo student to the University's CARE Team. All matters discussed are regarded as highly confidential and are protected by the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). If you have any questions about filing a report, please contact Karishma Kamath, the Care TeamCoordinator at (808) 932-7472, or karishma@hawaii.edu.TITLE IX SYLLABUSThe University of Hawaii is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect and is free of all forms of sex discrimination and gender-based violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these, the University has staff and resources on your campus to support and assist you. Staff can also direct you to resources that are in the community. Here are some of your options:If you wish to remain ANONYMOUS, speak with someone CONFIDENTIALLY, or would like to receive information and support in a CONFIDENTIAL setting, contact:UH Hilo Counseling Services: SSC, room E-203, 932-7465UH Hilo Medical Services: Campus Center, room 212, 932-7369
8REPORTING INCIDENTSIf you wish to REPORT an incident of sex discrimination or gender-based violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking as well as receive information and support*, contact:Jenna Waipa, Lead Deputy Title IX Coordinator, 932-7818, waipajk@hawaii.eduJennifer Stotter, Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator: 932-7641, jstotter@hawaii.eduKalei Rapoza, Interim Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs, 932-7626, kaleihii@hawaii.edu* Please note that you do not have to file a complaint with the University to receive institutional support or assistance.As a member of the University faculty, I am required to immediately report any incident of sex discrimination or gender-based violence to the campus Title IX Coordinator. Although the Title IX Coordinator and I cannot guarantee confidentiality, you will still have options about how your case will be handled. My goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources and support you need.For more information regarding sex discrimination and gender-based violence, the University’s Title IXAcademic Success (As of January 2021 until future notice)Kilohana: The Academic Success Center provides a range of free academic services and resources to all currently enrolled UH Hilo students. Current services include access to peer student staff via Zoom from a range of academic majors and course-related tip sheet pdf handouts for various courses available on the Kilohana Math Center website (https://hilo.hawaii.edu/kilohana/mathcenter.php)and the Kilohana Science Center website (https://hilo.hawaii.edu/kilohana/ScienceCenter.php)Please check the Kilohana website at http://hilo.hawaii.edu/kilohana/for more information. Tutor availability is accessible via the academic subject google calendars at https://hilo.hawaii.edu/kilohana/tutoring.php.Questions can be directed to Karla Hayashi, Director at karlah@hawaii.eduor by phone at 932-7287 and Corin Kim, STEM Coordinator/Student Employee Supervisor at corink@hawaii.eduor 932-7294.