SYG 2000 — INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Dr. Abraham D. Lavender, Professor

Summer A 2007, University Park Campus, Florida International University

Mondays and Wednesdays – 12:30 to 3:15, May 7 to June 20, 2007

Classroom: Ryder Business Building, Room 120

Section U01A, Component C, Class Number 56972

Professor’s Office: DM Building, Room 322B    Phone: 305-348-2247

NOTE: The best contact is 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 areas generally include the specific topics covered in the different chapters in the textbook beginning with Chapter 6 and concluding with Chapter 21.

After the introductory material, the class will begin with the major areas of Social Stratification, Ethnicity, and Social Deviance. Other specific topics will follow. 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), 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 important role 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. In effect, this professor does not agree with the “political correctness” concept which says that some topics or positions should not be discussed in a university. The purpose of sociology should be to open one’s mind to the complexity of society, and to better understand that complexity.

One Book is Required

Introduction to Sociology, by Laurence a. Basirico, Barbara G. Cashion, and J. Ross Eshleman. This relatively inexpensive and “brief” book of about six hundred pages covers the topics listed above. Students should begin reading chapters 1, 2, and 3 on “The Nature and Uses of Sociology,” “The Development of Sociology,” and “Methods of Studying Society.” Other chapters will be assigned as appropriate, but will not follow the order in the book. This book is available at the campus bookstore, and is very inexpensive compared to others: about $28 new, $20 used.

Grading

There will be one test. The test will be on Monday, June 11, one week before the end of the semester. The test will have 74 questions, worth one point each, and will be mostly multiple choice, but with a small number of true/false questions. 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. In a short class of only seven weeks, it is difficult to have a “midterm” and a “final.” But, for those of you concerned about having only one test, note below the importance of attendance and the amount of the grade based on attendance.

The ambience of the class, and the interaction with the professor and other students, is also part of learning. Hence, attendance will be taken every class other than the first day, a total of thirteen times, and will count a maximum of 26 points, two points for each attendance. In effect, good attendance is required for a top grade. On the other hand, the possible maximum of 26 points for attendance is a major factor in the final grade and can help offset a bad grade on the test. In the three classes after the test, regular classes including  movies and special projects will be presented, but obviously, as noted, attendance is expected.

Attendance

This is not a correspondence school or an online course, 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 “Grading.”

Approach

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.