SYG 2000 C
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Dr. Abraham D. Lavender, Professor
Summer A 2005, University Park Campus, Florida International University
Tuesdays and Thursdays B 11 to 1:45, May 10 to June 23, 2005
Classroom: MM 2-120
Professor=s Office: DM Building, Room 322B Phone: 305-348-2247
NOTE: Dr. Lavender 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 issues and 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. Stratification (class structure)
2. Racial, Ethnic, Gender, and Age distinctions in society
3. Deviance and Social Control
4. Religion
5. Education
6. Family and Intimate Relationships
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 Atruth@ 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 Abrief@ book of about six hundred pages covers the topics listed above. For the student who wants to get an early start reading, the first four chapters to read are Chapters 1, 9, 10, and 11. Other chapters will be assigned as appropriate and will not follow the order in the book.
(2) Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Social Issues by Kurt Finsterbusch (editor), Thirteenth Edition, 2006. It is very important that you get the THIRTEENTH EDITION! This book discusses twenty-two controversial issues in society, classified into six groups: Culture and Values; Sex Roles, Gender, and the Family; Stratification and Inequality; Political Economy and Institutions; Crime and Social Control; and The Future: Population/Environment/Society. Selections will be assigned throughout the semester largely, but not entirely, to correspond with chapters in the textbook.
Grading
There will be one exam. The exam will be on Tuesday, June 14, one and a half weeks before the end of the semester. The test will be have 44 questions, worth 2 points each, and will be mostly multiple choice with some true/false. About half of the questions will cover all assigned readings in both books and any handouts given in class, and about half of the questions will cover class lectures and discussions. Attendance will be taken 12 times during the semester, and will count a maximum of 12 points, 1 point for each attendance. In effect, good attendance is required for a top grade. In the three classes after the exam, movies and special projects will be presented, but, as noted, attendance will be required for a top grade. (Attendance will not be taken the first day of class, May 10, because of unsettled schedules and issues).
Attendance
Class discussions, student interactions, and the ambience of the class also are important to the learning process. This is not a correspondence school, and you are expected to attend. If you are one of those students who seldom attends class, then this class probably is not the class for you. Students who have a summer work schedule that precludes usual class attendance will be at a disadvantage. Note the comments on attendance under AGrading.@
Approach
I believe that a relaxed atmosphere is more conductive to learning, but that doesn=t mean Aeasy.@ 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.