SYG 2000 Introduction to Sociology Fall 2008 Instructor Michael

							SYG 2000: Introduction to Sociology
Fall 2008

Instructor: Michael Andoscia, M.A.
Office and Office Hours: See me before or after class
Telephone: 560-5971
E-mail: fgcuintro@andosciasociology.net

Goals of the Course

Students will gain an introductory level of understanding of the field of sociology.
   • The Sociological Imagination
   • The Four Sociological Perspectives
   • Critical Analysis of “common sense notions”
   • Understanding of contemporary social trends

Grading

Students will be graded on a point system. The points allocation system is as
follows:
    • Assignments (Take Home)           10 points
    • Assignments (In Class)             5 points
    • The Tarp                          10 points
    • Midterm Project                   50 points
    • Final Exam                        50 points
    • Total                             ~ 200

Attendance

Attendance is a requirement for passing this course, but I will not chase you
down. The course is designed so that it is very difficult to pass if you do not
attend. In class you will receive a great deal of information, much of which is not
in the text. Class time may be the only time you have to ask questions and
clarify abstract and complicated ideas. Also, assignments and activities done in
class cannot be made up. As a sociologist, I’ve run the numbers. It turns out that
there is a .9 correlation among those who miss more than four classes and those
who receive an F for a final grade. For those of you who are not statistically
savvy, this means that almost all of my students who miss four classes or more
will not pass the course. This is not intentional; this is the way it works out.
Course Procedures
This is a lecture course. Students will be expected to be prompt and to take
notes on the things that are discussed in class. Since the lecture format can be
tedious I would like to encourage students to participate in their own learning by
opening the floor to discussion. For me it is less important to “cover the material”
than it is to make the material come alive with relevant discussion.

Assignments are given a due date, and that’s when they are due. If there are
extenuating circumstances please contact me before the due date. I will make
the final decision as to the legitimacy of the extenuating circumstances. There is
a website www.andosciasociology.net that has been developed that will have the
notes/lectures, assignments and other research information. There is no excuse
for incomplete assignments, even if you miss class.

Assignments and other assessments should be legible. I do not require that
assignments be typed, especially since many are done in class, however, I do
insist that assignments be legible. If I can’t read it, I can’t grade it. As someone
whose handwriting can use some work, I can empathize with those who have
difficulty in this area. I also know that handwriting can be improved with enough
care. For assignments that are done at home, if you do not have good
handwriting, type it.

Students are responsible for knowing the course policies and requirements
described in the syllabus. Students are also expected to know FGCU’s policies
and adhere to them.

A word of warning: There is no excuse for plagiarism. Students will be expected
to do their own work, which may a survey of the available research. Students are
expected to use appropriate citation should they feel it necessary to include
someone else’s work in their projects or assignments. Students caught
plagiarizing will fail this course. If a student has questions in this regard please
see me before the possibility of plagiarism becomes an issue.

Please notify me if you have a disability which may require modification of
seating, testing or other class requirements. For more information regarding
students with disabilities in the classroom, please visit
http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/omas/dg

Text
Newman, David. Sociology: Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life. 7th ed.
Los Angeles: Pine Forge Press 2008

Recommended Reading
See the Web Site: www.andosciasociology.net

I will be making periodic recommendations throughout the course.
Schedule

    August 25:      Lecture 1: The Sociological Imagination
                    Activity 1: Sociology Quiz
                    Assignment 1: Autobiography Due 9/4
    September 8:    Lecture 2: Origins and Contributions of Sociology
                    Activity 2: Categorization
    September 15:   Lecture 3: Who am I?
                    Assignment 2: Media and Identity Due 9/18
    September 23:   Lecture 4: How does society create meaning?
                    Activity 3: Rebel Flag
                    Assignment 3: Brave Neuro World Due 9/25
    September 30:   Lecture 5: Where do I fit in society?
                    Activity 4: The Tarp
    October 6:      Lecture 6: How does society determine life
                    chances?
                    Assignment 4: Your Life Chances?
    October 13:     Fall Break: No Class

    October 20:     Lecture 7: What about those who do not fit in?
                    Activity 5: Identify the Deviant
    October 27:     Lecture 8: How does society meet needs?
                    No Assignment
    November 3:     Lecture 9: Where do I fit in the world?
                    No Assignment
    November 10:    Lecture 10: How have things changed?
                    (Mid-Term Projects Due)
                    No Assignment
    November 17:    Lecture 11: What is my impact on the planet?
                    Assignment 5: Earth Footprint
    November 24:    Lecture 12: How does society define intimacy?
                    Assignment 6: Family Observation

    December 1:     Lecture 13: What are the challenges of the 21st
                           Century?
                    Assignment 7: Where will you be?
    December 8:     Lecture 14: How can I become an agent of
                    social change?
                    Receive Final Review

    December 15:    Final Exam