SOCY 1000:
Sociology: Global Perspectives
Spring, 2010

Professor
Dr. Charles Faupel
Office: HC 7022
Phone: 844-2820
e-mail: faupece@auburn.edu
Office Hours: 9:15-10:45 and 12:15-1:45 Tuesday, Thurday
and by appointment

Graduate Teaching Assistant
Mr. James McCutcheon
Office: HC 2220
Phone: 844-5069
e-mail: mccutjc@auburn.edu
Office Hours: 12-2 pm Tuesday, Thursday
Blackboard Chat Room:  7pm - 9pm Monday
and by appointment

Course Web Page: http://www.auburn.edu/~faupece/socy1000/socy1000.htm

COURSE DESCRIPTION

SOCY 1000 is an introduction to the discipline of sociology. Topics covered include: the development of sociology as a discipline; processes of socialization; the nature of social organization; and social institutions such as the family and religion. This course also integrates a laboratory component comprised of a series of  exercises relating to information covered in readings and in class. A Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) will assist with labs and lectures.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Sociology: Global Perspectives is intended as a broad overview of the discipline of sociology. More specifically, after completing this course, the student should be able to:

1. Define sociology, and key concepts that are used by the discipline of sociology;
2. Trace the historical development of sociology as a scientific discipline;
3. Identify the broad theoretical traditions in sociology;
4. Identify and describe major components of culture studied by sociologists;
5. Understand the process of socialization;
6. Recognize population dynamics and trends and understand how they are calculated;
7. Delineate the relationship between human populations and the environment, especially in urban contexts;
   
8. Identify the various components of the social structure, including statuses, roles, groups and institutions;
9. Appreciate the reality and nature of social stratification across various dimensions;
10. Understand the nature of social institutions

The student will be encouraged to think critically as we examine these areas. Many common sense and traditional beliefs about the world will be challenged. You may not necessarily reject your familiar ways of understanding, but if this course is successful you will be compelled to re-examine your understanding of the social world around you. Even more importantly you should gain an appreciation for the way in which your own personal experiences interface with broader social forces.

REQUIRED TEXT

Lukas, Scott, MaryKros Mcilwaine, Sue Dowden and Chien Huang, Sociology: A Critical and Contemporary Perspective.  National Social Science Press, 2008
Kelly McGeever and Charles Faupel, Exercises in Sociology: A Lab Manual for the Study of Social Behavior (2nd ed.). Pearson Publishing, 2008

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Students are expected to attend all lectures.
2. Readings are to be completed prior to the class for which they are assigned.
3. There will be four(4) exams including the final. The final exam will be taken in the lecture hall at the university-scheduled date and time
4. There will be a series of exercises that will be completed outside of class.
  A total of 10 exercises are listed.  You are to complete any 8 of the exercises and turn them in on the date indicated on the "Laboratory and Exam Assignments" schedule below.  These exercises should be submitted via Blackboard, and under no circumstances are they to be hand-written.  (Note: All exercises are due by class time on Tuesdays.)

EXAM POLICY

Students are responsible for both lecture and reading materials on the exams. Reading materials which are not formally covered in class can be informally addressed if anyone has questions they would like to raise. Make up exams are not allowed, except under the most dire circumstances. In these instances the student is expected to contact the professor and the lab instructor prior to the exam date.

BASIS FOR COURSE GRADE

Grades are administered an a "straight scale:" 90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; below 60=F. Final grades will be weighted as follows (subject to change based on final scores):

AVAILABILITY OF INSTRUCTOR

Office hours are posted at the top of this syllabus. If you need to see me at a time other than the posted hours do not hesitate to contact me. My first priority as your professor is to enhance your learning experience. You are never imposing on my time if it can contribute to your learning experience.

E-mail availability:  I can be contacted by e-mail.  You may use e-mail me for "nuts and bolts" type questions (e.g., scheduling, to inform me of an absence--though see the policy on class attendance and make-up work below).  I do NOT generally respond to substantive questions by e-mail (e.g., detailed questions about material you are studying for the exam).  I require that you stop by my office if you need any sort of substantive review.  Normally, I respond to e-mails within one "business day."  (If you e-mail me on Friday, I will usually get back to you by the following Monday.)

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

LABORATORY AND EXAM ASSIGNMENTS

Computer laboratory assignments may be completed anytime prior to the due date (far right-hand column). Most due dates are for Tuesday at 8am (class time). Those weeks in which we have tests, there will not normally be a lab assignment.

Policy on Class Attendance and Makeup Work (Including Exams)

The policy on class attendance is simple: class attendance is required. Any number of mechanisms may, at the professor's discretion, be implemented to enforce this policy: attendance may be taken; announced or unannounced quizzes may be given; in all circumstances, if you miss class for whatever reason, it will be your responsibility as a student to acquire the information that you missed on your own.

If you must miss for whatever reason, including university-recognized excuses, it is mandatory that you inform the professor in advance of the class day that you will miss, except in those circumstances that absolutely prohibit such notification (e.g., that you were in an accident on the way to class). If you fail to notify the professor prior to a scheduled exam or due date on an assignment, you will not be allowed to make up this work or turn it in late. This policy is in effect for university-recognized excuses as well as other excuses not officially recognized by the university.

The student may contact the professor in advance in any of the following ways: (1) by phone (provided at the top of this syllabus; (2) by e-mail (provided at the top of the syllabus); or (3) in person. In all cases, it is the student's responsibility to be certain that the professor has received the message. If notification is by telephone, talk with the professor personally if at all possible, or at least emphasize to the secretary that it is extremely important that I get the message prior to the date and time of the class. In the case of e-mails, I will respond, acknowledging that I have received the e-mail. It is absolutely critical that you follow these steps if you are to be allowed to make up any missed work. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

POLICY ON CHEATING

This class is governed by the policies on cheating set forth in the Tiger Cub and other documents. Read and understand this policy!

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

It is the policy of Aauburn University ro provide accessibility to its programs and activities and reasonable accommodation for persons defined as having disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

If any student has a certifiable disability, he or she should contact the Program for Students with Disabilities located in 1234 Haley Center, (334)844-2096. All reasonable accommodations will be made for students with appropriate documentation from the Program for Students with Disabilities. This documentation must be presented prior to or within the first week of class.

FURTHER HELP

For further helps and information go to one of the following:

Go to SOCY 1000 Main Page

Go to "Information for Students"

Go to "Faupel's Fables"