SOCIOLOGY 101 DESCRIPTION

A study of the principles and problems pertaining to group behavior, the relationships among human beings, the development and nature of institutions, and the structure of society.

Critical Thinking and Research Methods - Demonstrate the ability to think critically about knowledge, how it is defined, generated, and interpreted and understand the basic principles of quantitative and qualitative scientific research methods.

Culture and Socialization - Understand the process of social interaction and describe the role of culture and socialization in the development of the self.

Sociological Imagination - Describe the sociological imagination and apply its emphasis on the interconnections between individuals and macro-level forces to a better understanding of their own lives and the society in which they live.

Sociological Theory - Compare and contrast the three main theoretical paradigms in sociology and analyze social phenomena from these different perspectives.

· Also, check your palomar.edu email. I will send out information through mass emails on occasion.

· If you have any question about the class, for example, a question about your grade, send me an email at jratliff@palomar.edu. For more complex issues, we can chat on Zoom or have a one-on-one Zoom session.

· If you email me be sure to include your entire name and the section number of the class.

Other writing assignments 50 points (3 smaller writing assignments @ 25 points each)

Participation 75

Note: exams will be graded on a curve, so it’s important to refer to letter grade on exam. [IMPORTANT: Do NOT let Canvas calculate your grade for you as it is sometimes incorrect! Only use this method to calculate your grade. We’ll talk about all this more as semester progresses. If you have any questions about your grade in the class please do not hesitate to ask me. I want you to be successful!

The major written assignment will be a paper of 4-5 pages on socialization. I will give you more details on the assignment as time goes by.

There will also be several other small writing assignments connected to in-class discussions. More details later.

There will be three major online multiple choice examinations during the course of the semester. The final exam will not be cumulative.

The major written assignment will be a paper of 4-5 pages on socialization, due at the beginning of Week 9. I will give you more details on the assignment after Exam One.

You will also write a Final Reflection essay of 2-3 pages at the end of the class. More details on this as the time approaches.

There will also be several other small writing assignments connected to in-class discussions. More details later.

All Palomar College students are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have an approved exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine, to be onsite for face-to-face classes or student service appointments that last more than 15 minutes. Students may upload their vaccination information or request an exemption by following these directions in English or in Spanish.

Campus entry and building entry signage notifies employees, students, and visitors of requirement of the following to enter campus to be:

Late work/makeup policy: Any test or essay done late without prior arrangement will involve at least a 10% drop unless a written medical excuse or the equivalent is provided.

If I say anything that confuses you, upsets you or offends you, I definitely didn't mean to. The reality is that I can't read your minds and I really need you to tell me. I will thank you for giving me feedback, and you will help me be a better teacher.

All forms of communication, in all my classes, require civility and respect. I will not tolerate disrespectful emails or posts and I insist that everyone be courteous to everyone else.

I prefer to have an open classroom with free discussion, but this requires some restraint and respect for others on the part of individuals. Please refrain from the expression of purely personal opinions, especially on controversial issues, but feel free to discuss the topics raised in class on a factual, rather than opinionated, basis.

Please respect others in the class by not chatting with your neighbor. Also, silence your cell phone and put it away before the beginning of class. No working on other course work, using the Internet, texting, etc. in class. As adults, let’s show each other mutual respect.

The responsibility for officially adding or dropping classes belongs to the student. Make sure you do the paperwork yourself. Failure to attend class can result in an “F” or “FW” grade unless the student processes a drop before the W deadline.

Email is the best way to reach me. I try to check my e-mail several times a day. However, you are more likely to get a prompt answer if you send your emails during normal “business hours” – Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.

If you have a verified disability and need academic accommodations, please come and talk with me during the first week of the course or contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 760-744-1150, extension 2375; the TTY number is 760-471-8506

Your work in this class should be representative of your own ideas and understanding of the course material. If you copy someone else’s work or even paraphrase their ideas without giving them proper credit, this is considered plagiarism/cheating and will be penalized at my discretion. Cheating on exams will result in a failing grade for the assignment and possible expulsion from the course. I also report all instances of academic dishonesty to the Director of Student Affairs.

A three unit college course normally involves three hours per week in class and an average of six additional hours per week of outside preparation (reading, studying, and so forth).

If you are having trouble with the readings or exams, please talk to me after class. The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) is another good resource for students.