Sociology: Introduction to Sociology

Fundamental principles and problems in the sociological analysis of the structure and dynamics of modern society.

Open to degree and PACE students

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies. COMPETENCIES: Objectives for Intro to Sociology Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to do the following: a. Discuss the nature of sociology as a discipline b. Define and discuss the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology c. Identify the importance of the scientific method and the various techniques sociologists use to conduct research d. Examine the elements of culture, including cultural values and norms, sanctions, cultural universals, and ethnocentricity e. Discuss the impact of social structure on the individual and the individual’s role in shaping the social structure f. Define the concepts of social groups and group dynamics g. Discuss the various dimensions of social inequality, including issues of racial/ethnic and gender inequalities h. Explain what is meant by the term “social institutions of society” and list the major social institutions i. Explain the practical benefits of developing a sociological imagination j. Examine the role of socialization in the nature-nurture debate and describe the various agents of socialization and how they affect socialization Topics covered will be chosen from, but not limited to, the following: social interaction in everyday life, deviance, media, culture, socialization, groups and organizations, theory, research methods and perspectives, social stratification, gender stratification, race and ethnicity, family and religion, and population.

LATE WORK: All of the work for each deadline will be open for weeks at a time; therefore, extensions are not needed. You will have weeks to complete large sections of Sage Work and will have time to prep for the Midterm as well. Please check the Course Work Schedule at the end of this syllabus for due dates. Fortunately, you may avail yourselves of the Supplemental Credit if you miss something, so you can make up some of the points. But I am not a fan of late work and may not have time to get to it if it falls outside of my grading timeframe. You must remember to log in regularly to Brightspace to read announcements and emails – you can set up notifications to remind you when new items are posted or due, but this is your responsibility. (The university has changed learning course management platforms from Blackboard to Brightspace, so expect some challenges along the way.) a. UVM expects students, faculty, and staff to remain compliant with all COVID-19 recommendations and measures in place for UVM, the State of Vermont, and the City of Burlington. This includes following all rules about facial coverings when attending class and generally in indoor spaces. If you have a cold or are sneezing, please wear your mask out of consideration for others in the classroom. The Code of Student Conduct outlines policies related to violations of university policies that protect health and safety on campus. b. If you will not be able to attend in-person classes for qualifying health reasons, Student Health Services (SHS) will send a notification to the appropriate student services office or designated staff member informing them of this along with the dates you are unable to attend. The SHS notification will specify whether the request for flexibility is only around in-person class attendance or includes added flexibility for assignments and tests because you are too ill to participate. You are responsible for working with your faculty to make up class content and work you miss due to a documented illness. STUDENT SUCCESS: You will be evaluated, NOT on your opinions, but on how well you make sense of the information presented. You will undoubtedly hear many things you are unfamiliar with or that defy your notion of common sense. I would strongly recommend that you be patient, think, and try to make sense of the information. You will be surprised at how much of the world’s “common sense” information is contradictory to scientific evidence. This is a point that cannot be too stressed. Your opportunity to learn something new is greatest if you avail yourself of all new information and process it clearly and thoughtfully. It is also one of the determinants of future recommendations, scholarships, and personal letters of reference. Students who do not abide by our class standard will not be eligible for supplemental credit. Remember, although this is a class that deals with cutting edge, controversial issues, you have a responsibility to THINK about them and make sense of them within the context of what we are learning. You may find yourself feeling uncomfortable with some material. That’s ok. You’ll become more comfortable as the semester goes on.

The grade you earn in this course relies mainly on your choices. Here are your options: 750 points FINAL 750 points Textbook Work 750 points Participation 750 Midterm =3000 total points