SOCY 101

Introductory Sociology

May 2014
Class Meetings: Sloan Hall 112; Monday-Friday 8:30-11:00am
_____________________________________________________________________
Professor: Jason Cummings
Office: Sloan Hall, Room 307 (Third Floor)
Office Hours: Mon, Tues and Thurs: 11:00am-12:00pm or by appt. (Sloan 307)
Email: jcumming@mailbox.sc.edu
Departmental Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm
Phone: 1-803-777-3123 (Leave a message)
_______________________________________________________________________
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES
This course will introduce you to the sociological perspective! Broadly speaking, sociology is the
study of society. According to the American Sociological Association, "Sociology is the study of
social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior" We will
examine many of the questions that sociologists ask, the theories that frame these questions and
the methods that answer them. We will address several questions such as, why does inequality
exist? Why do some people commit crimes and others dont? Why are there so many problems
with the U.S. health care system? Throughout the course of the semester I hope to enhance your
ability to think critically, develop your ability to express your thoughts and give you insight on
how you shape society and how society shapes you.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to
o Understand: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theories, concepts, key
figures, terms and methods used in sociological inquiry and analysis.
o Apply: Apply the sociological imagination to an understanding of contemporary
social issues.
o Analyze: Compare and contrast the three main sociological theories in sociology
and differentiate social research methods from other research models.
o Evaluate: Show a critical understanding of the role that culture plays in affecting
group as well as individual behaviors in various contexts.
o Evaluate: Explain how various social locations such as class, gender, race and
important institutions (i.e. family, government, education, media, and health care
system) are vital to the study of sociology.

SOCY100: Introductory Sociology

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Required Text. Schaefer, Richard T. 2011. Sociology Matters, 5th edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Readings. Assigned readings are your responsibility. You are expected to read before the start of
class. I will provide questions to aid your understanding and lectures will cover material relevant to
the readings, but we may not discuss the readings specifically in class. Please note that all readings
from the Schaefer text are denoted by a (*) below. All other readings can be found on Blackboard
(https://blackboard.sc.edu).
Graded Requirements Exams. There will be three (3) exams in this course (5/16, 5/23, Final
Exam: 5/30). Exam questions may consist of any combination of multiple choice, true/false, short
answer, and essay. These questions are designed to measure your knowledge of course materials and
ability to use course concepts. Exam questions will cover class lectures, readings, discussions,
activities, and movies. Exams are not cumulative, in other words each exam will cover the material
covered since the last exam, but you may be asked to apply some core concepts throughout the
course.
Reading Quizzes. In addition to the scheduled exams, there will be 1 take home quiz and at least
two reading quizzes/in-class assignments over the course of the next three weeks. Generally, 2 to 3
written pages in length, take home quizzes typically include doing some outside work (i.e. research,
watching videos) and require students to answer several questions that critically engage assigned
course readings/materials. Take home quizzes are intended to help you prepare for the exam and
contribute to your overall learning experience. No makeup quizzes will be given.
Your course grades will be calculated as follows:
Grading
Exam 1
Exam 2
Final Exam
Reading Quizzes

30% (225 points)

30% (225 points)
33% (250 points)
7% (50 points)

Total

100% (750 points)

Grade Scale
Grade Points Percentage
A
675-750 (90-100%)
B+
652-674 (87-89%)
B
600-651 (80-86%)
C+
577-599 (77-79%)
C
525-576 (70-76%)
D+
501-524 (67-69%)
D
495-500 (60-66%)
F
< 494
(< 59%)
GUIDELINES, POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Blackboard. Most course materials, including the syllabus, readings and handouts, will be posted on
the course website. I may also post grades on Blackboard at various times throughout the semester.

SOCY100: Introductory Sociology

This way, you can monitor your performance on graded materials. Blackboard will become your best
friend, if it hasnt already (https://blackboard.sc.edu).
Attendance. I expect all students to attend class, be on time, and not leave early. Although
attendance is required, I do understand that we all face legitimate reasons for absences over the
course of the semester (such as illness, family emergency, university sanctioned events or religious
holidays). Therefore, you may miss up to two classes without penalty, regardless of the reason (you do
not need to provide excuses for these absences). After that, each absence will result in a 10% (75pt)
reduction of your grade, regardless of the reason (except for university sanctioned absences, such as
religious holidays). Note that even if you have a note from doctors, a family emergency, or any other
excuse; absences beyond the two will deduct your final grade by 75 points. This means save your
freebies for days when you are actually sick, or have unplanned emergencies! If you are absent, you
are still responsible for the assigned material and any information given out in class. I will try to make
any handouts and announcements available on Blackboard within 24 to 48 hours of the lecture. My
notes are not available under any circumstances.
Participation. I expect students to be prepared for class, contribute meaningfully to class
discussions and demonstrate that they have read the assigned material. We will be discussing a variety
of social issues in this class. Each person comes to class with a unique background and perspective; I
encourage students to draw on that perspective when discussing the sociological issues in class.
Please keep in mind that sharing opinions and experiences is a valuable but sometimes
uncomfortable experience, and everyone must make the commitment to create an atmosphere of
respect for each persons contribution. Various points of view are welcome and expected. Please be
respectful and as open-minded as possible when listening to viewpoints different from your own. If
you disagree, criticize the evidence that supports a stance, or the negative implications of a viewpoint,
but do not criticize the person who holds that view.
Classroom Etiquette. Proper classroom etiquette conducive to learning, and consideration of your
fellow classmates is critical. It is imperative that you keep in mind the impact your behavior has on
those around you, your instructor, and on the general learning environment. For these reasons, the
following rules are in effect for class meetings:

Feel free to ask questions of me in class, but do not carry on running conversations with
your seatmates.
As a courtesy to your instructor and your classmates, do not leave class early and do not
arrive late. If you must leave early due to an unavoidable reason, let me know prior to the
start of class.

Any class conduct that is disruptive will receive a single warning. Any further disruption will be
referred to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC).
Makeups. Makeup exams typically WILL NOT be given. The only exceptions to this policy are
extreme and unusual circumstances (which MUST be documented) and religious observances (which
require notification at the beginning of the session). If you cannot take an exam you must contact me
prior to the class period. You will not be eligible to take a makeup if you fail to follow these
procedures.
Incompletes. In accordance with departmental and university policies, I will not grant an incomplete
except in unusual circumstances.

SOCY100: Introductory Sociology

Grade Begging. This entails asking for special exception to be made for you that is not outlined in
my grading policy. Grade begging is not allowed in this class. Remember, grades are earned in this
class and there is no excuse that can justify being given a grade that was not earned.
Special Needs. I will make every effort to accommodate students with special needs. If you have
any special needs that might impact your ability to learn, you should inform me sometime during the
first week of class. You will also need to provide supporting documentation from the Office of
Student Disability Services (http://www.sa.sc.edu/sds/).
Academic Integrity. Academic misconduct in the form of plagiarism, sharing, copying, or cheating
on any of the exams is not tolerated. In accordance with the Carolina Community Student Handbook,
misconduct will result in a failing grade for the course, suspension, or in some cases, expulsion. For
more information, see:
http://www.sa.sc.edu/carolinacommunity/
IPADs, Laptops & Cellphones. Please turn off your cell phone and/or pager during class time.
Laptops and/or IPADs will be allowed in the classroom ONLY for the purpose of reviewing course
materials and taking notes during class. Using electronic devices for any other purpose is prohibited.
Laptops and other electronic devices are often a distraction to students - those using one, as well as
those sitting nearby. Texting is also prohibited in the classroom. Students found texting or using
Laptops/IPADs for non-approved purposes (i.e. playing games, browsing the internet, participating
in social network sites) WILL be asked to leave class and will be counted as absent for that day
and lose 10 points from their final course grade. If a student who is asked to leave class refuses to do
so, I will not hesitate to call security.
Student Responsibilities. If you miss a class, ask your classmates for notes. Please remember,
however, they are not obligated to provide these to you. If you are having problems with course
materials or if something outside the course is interfering with your performance please see me as
soon as possible. I will try to contact you if I notice any issues (i.e. poor performance), but ultimately,
you are responsible for your performance and your grade. Students must take responsibility for their
performance in this class. Students are to come prepared, to engage in class assignments and
discussions, and initiate conversations with the instructor regarding issues and questions about the
course.
To this end, it might be useful for you to get the name and email address of at least one classmate so
that if you must miss class, you can get the notes, and be caught up on any announcements made in
class. Understand, though, that these people are not responsible for providing you with any pertinent
information. Whether or not they choose to is solely up to their discretion.

Name:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________
Name:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________

REMAINING ENROLLED IN THIS CLASS WILL CONSTITUTE YOUR

AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY THESE POLICIES.
Contacting the Professor. If you need to contact me for any reason, the best way to do so is either
through email (jcumming@mailbox.sc.edu) or during office hours listed on the front page of the
syllabus. Please be sure to include in the subject line of your email: SOCY 101 and your name.
If you are unable to come to these times, let me know by email or before/after class, and we can set
up an appointment. I check my email regularly throughout the week, at least once a day by 4:00pm

SOCY100: Introductory Sociology

(Mon-Fri). Although at times I may be unavailable via email over the weekend, I typically will not
check email for this class until Sunday evening. Should you need to reach me in the event of an
emergency during the week, please contact the secretary in the Sociology department (between
8:30am-4:00pm) at (803) 777-3123 and they will be able to get in touch with me.
Additional Resources.
USC Writing Services (Byrnes 703)
http://www.cas.sc.edu/write/
Academic Success @ USC
http://www.housing.sc.edu/academicsuccess/

CLASS SCHEDULE

Readings are due before the start of each class. I may also ask you to finish readings earlier in
the week so that you are prepared for a specific lecture/presentation.
Week 1

The Sociological Perspective, Sociological Theory & Research Methods

M 5/12

Mills, The Promise Blackboard Readings

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 1-20)*

T 5/13

Lengermann, WomenBirth of Sociology Blackboard Readings

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 20-30)*
Cargan, Doing Social Research Blackboard Readings
Culture, Society & Interaction

W 5/14

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 37-46)*

Miner, Body Ritual among the Nacirema Blackboard Readings

R 5/15

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 46-70)*

Davis, Case of Extreme Isolation Blackboard Readings

***Date: F 5/16 Exam #1 (Covers Week #1)***

Week 2

Crime, Punishment & Deviance

M 5/19

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 101-110; 119-128)*

Durkheim, The Functions of Crime Blackboard Readings
Newman, Roots of Rampage Blackboard Readings
Leonard, Tight-knit Communities a Factor... Blackboard Readings

T 5/20

Reiman, The Crimes that Come to Mind Blackboard Readings

Desmond and Emirbayer, Crime Blackboard Readings

SOCY100: Introductory Sociology

Social Class, Stratification & Inequality

W 5/21

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 129-144)*

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 144-152)*

R 5/22

Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed Blackboard Readings

Wilson, When Work Disappears Blackboard Readings

F 5/23

Rank, As American as Apple Pie Blackboard Readings

Block et al, The Compassion Gap Blackboard Readings

***Date: F 5/23 Exam #2 (Covers Week #2)***

Week 3
M 5/26

Health, Medicine & Health Care I

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 279-293)*
Parsons. The Social Structure of Medicine Blackboard Readings
Starfield, Is U.S. HealthBest in the World? Blackboard Readings
CNN 2008 Ten Amazing Facts About Health Blackboard Readings
Gender/Sex, Race/Ethnicity

T 5/27

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 188-192; 198-205)*

Hartman, The Sanctity of Sunday Football Blackboard Readings
Irvine, Selling Viagra Blackboard Readings
Wolfe, The Beauty Myth Blackboard Readings
Race and Ethnicity

W 5/28

Schaefer, Sociology Matters (p. 164-173; 177-184)*

McIntosh, Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Blackboard Readings

R 5/29

Springwood and King, Playing Indian Blackboard Readings

Lichter and Amundson, Distorted Reality Blackboard Readings

***Date: F 5/30 Exam #3 (Covers Week #3)***

o

This is a tentative outline of the course. As such, I reserve the right to make changes as needed.

SOCY100: Introductory Sociology