People who like to avoid shocking discoveries, who prefer to believe that society is just what they were taught in Sunday School, who like the safety of the rules and the maxims of what Alfred Schutz has called the 'world-taken-for-granted,' should stay away from sociology. People who feel no temptation before closed doors, who have no curiosity about human beings, who are content to admire scenery without wondering about the people who live in those houses on the other side of that river, should probably also stay away from sociology. They will find it unpleasant or, at any rate, unrewarding. People who are interested in human beings only if they can change, convert, or reform them should also be warned, for they will find sociology much less useful than they hoped. And people whose interest is mainly in their own conceptual constructions will do just as well to turn to the study of little white mice. Sociology will be satisfying, in the long run, only to those who can think of nothing more entrancing than to watch men (sic) and to understand things human. - Peter Berger
Required Text| Course Description| Course Objectives|Student Responsibilities| Grading| Office/Office Hours| Course Outline
Sociology: A Global Perspective, 5th edition
Joan Ferrante
Additional articles distributed in class, found on Info-Trac, or on
reserve.
This course is designed to explore the social processes of creating, maintaining, and changing both the individual and society. And to develop a critical, sociological stance in interpretation and understanding of those processes; to develop a sociological imagination.
1. In addition to the usual expectations of attendance and preparation, you are expected to contribute to class discussions. Cultivating the sociological imagination requires that you learn the basic elements of systematic and critical social science, rather than trusting and relying on ideological or "common sense" accounts of the world. Therefore, I expect you to think critically, interact with other students and ask questions in class. The time we spend together will be devoted to lectures, discussions, and exercises. Remember you have something valuable to say and what you learn from this class will be in proportion to what you put into it.
2. You are expected to get a student internet account and learn how to access Pipeline and my webpage. There will be an expanded outline, links to other reading sources, assignments, and so on that I will not duplicate for class.
3. Exams (400 pts.) --
Four exams (100 pts. each, including the
final) will be given in class. If you know you will miss an exam you may take it early, but only under
discussed and acceptable circumstances. An unexcused missed exam scores zero.
Approximate exam dates -- Jan 30, Mar 6, April 15, and May 6 (1:00-3:00)
4. Class Attendance (100 pts.)
5. Homework and In-class exercises (150 pts.) --
Assignments will vary in value. There will be a significant amount of writing in this class and unless specifically designated as handwritten, it is to be typed, double-spaced, with your name and question/assignment clearly labeled. ALWAYS PROOF YOUR WORK!
6. Extra credit (15 pts. max) --
You may earn up to 15 pts, completing at least 2 extra activities.
Throughout the semester I will suggest various options.
Final grades will be computed through a simple tally of points using the following scale:
1417 E. Main (Sociology/Anthropology Annex) 898-2125; FAX 904-8589
TR 8:30-10:30; 3:30-5:00; W 11:00-3:00
Other times by appointment.
Any student with a special need concerning taking notes, exams, etc., should contact me as soon as possible so that we might work out arrangements.
In Process