SYG---INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Dr. Abraham D. Lavender, Professor
Summer B 2002
Monday and Wednesday – 11:001:45 – July 1 to August 14, 2002
CP Room 145
Contact: Office: 305-348-2247 Home: 305-480-0940
Dr. Lavender usually teaches at the Biscayne Bay Campus of FIU, and his office is there. For the summer, students wanting to visit with the professor can meet with him in the sociology department at the University Park Campus, DM 334, followed by information on which specific room to use depending on what is available. Students are welcome to contact Dr. Lavender at his home telephone number after 10 am and before 10 pm. He also can be contacted at abelavender@aol.com.
Purpose of Course
The first part of the course will introduce students to the history and background of sociology, the major people involved in the founding of sociology, the methodologies used in sociological research, comparison of sociology to other disciplines , and some major sociological controversies in society. In the second part of the course, which will comprise most of the course, different areas studied by sociology will be examined in some detail. These include topics such as the following, with each topic being presented in class for about one class period each:
1. Deviance and Social Control
2. Stratification (class structure)
3. Racial, Ethnic, Gender, and Age distinctions in society
4. Family and Intimate Relationships
5. Religion
6. Education
7. Government and the Economy
8. Population and Health
9. Communities and the Environment
10. Social Movements and Social Change
Classes will consist largely of lectures by the professor with some student discussions expected on most topics. Students are expected to participate in class discussions enough to have intellectual and informed discussions (not one-sided uninformed opinions to others), but participation is not required from every student because of class size and differing personalities among students. A small amount of time will be devoted to video presentations. A major goal of the course will be to increase student awareness of the part that sociology can play in understanding and perhaps changing problems in society. Theories will be presented for some areas of sociology, but applied understanding also will be emphasized. It also is important for the student to attain a good knowledge of concepts, facts, definitions, etc. in each area in order to have a more informed position on issues. On controversial topics, various sides of different issues will be presented and discussed. This is a university class where one of the goals is to search for the “truth” and it is assumed by the professor that any topic can be discussed without any limitations applied by people who agree or disagree with one side on specific topics. The purpose of sociology should be to open one’s mind to the complexity of society, and to better understand that complexity.
Two Books are Required
(1) Sociology: A Brief Introduction, by Richard T. Schaefer. This “brief” book of 592 pages covers the topics listed above. Selected chapters will be assigned.
(2) Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Social Issues, edited by Kurt Finsterbusch. This edited book presents two sides on controversial issues such as immigration, gender roles, sexual identities, and economic policies. Some of the topics will be selected for class reading and discussion. Selected chapters will be assigned.
Grading
Because of the shortness of the semester, a test on class lectures will be given after about four weeks, and a test on all assigned readings (plus class lectures given after the earlier test) will be given near the end of the semester. Each test will count one half of the final grade except for attendance. Each test will consist of 50 questions, a combination of short discussion questions, fill in the blanks, and multiple choice.
Attendance
Attendance will be taken on a random basis, depending on the size of the class. Students are expected to attend class, and the professor reserves the right to lower the grade of any student who has excessive absences. Class discussions and interaction, the ambience of the class, is also important to the learning process. This is not a correspondence school. Students who have a summer work schedule that precludes usual class attendance will be at a disadvantage.
Approach
The professor’s approach basically will be easy going and friendly, but with expectations and standards. I believe that a relaxed atmosphere is more conductive to learning, but that doesn’t mean “easy.” If you are willing to read a lot, take good notes, and attend class most of the time, you should be able to get a good grade.