SUMMER 2016

SOC-101-NIN02 - INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Internet Course: May 23July 30, 2016
Instructor: Dr. Srujana Kanjula
Office: 2039 North Campus
Office Hours: Only by appointment.
Email: skanjula@ccac.edu
Course Credits: 3
Course Description
An introduction to the science of sociology, including a discussion of sociological
theory and method, social structure, culture, and socialization. Also emphasized are
social stratification, race, ethnicity, and gender. Social institutions and their change
dynamics are examined.
Learning Outcomes
To identify the major components of sociology
To understand the methods of sociological research
To describe sociological theories
To explain the importance of culture and socialization
To understand the concepts of groups and organizations in society
To identify the major societal institutions including: family, education, religion,
politics, economics
To examine social change, collective behaviour, demography, social problems,
medicalization and deviances as contributors in society
Required Text
Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach (without access code), Twelfth Edition, by James M.
Henslin. ISBN 9780205991648.

Teaching Methods
The basic approach is to develop collective understanding of the course themes and topics
through reading, interactive discussion (sharing experiences and ideas), writing and
applying the concepts learnt to real life situations and vice-versa. This online course
requires self-discipline, self-motivation, independent and interactive learning skills.
Meeting the deadlines is of utmost importance. Please be aware that THIS IS A
READING AND WRITING INTENSIVE COURSE.

COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1: May 23-27 Introductions/Chapter 1: Sociological Perspectives

Week 2: May 31- June 2 Chapter 2: Culture

Week 3: June 6 -10 Chapter 3: Socialization

Week 4: June 13-17 Chapters 4: Social Structure & Social Interaction

Week 5: June 20-24 Chapters 5&6: Sociological Research/Social Networks

Week 6: June 27-July 1 Chapters 7&8: Bureaucracy/Deviance & Social Control

Week 7: July 5-8 Chapter 9: Global Stratification

Week 8: July 11-15 Chapters 9&10: Global Stratification/Social Class

Week 9: July 18-22 Chapters 11&12: Sex&Gender/Race&Ethnicity

Week 10: July25-29 Chapters 13: Elderly

Evaluation Plan: The following points (%) will be awarded for each of the following type
of evaluation and the total sum of all the evaluations (100 points or %) will be taken for
the final grade. There will be No Extra Credit and No Final Exam for this course.
I. Creative Projects
1. Newspaper Article Report
2. Unknown Cultural Practice
3. Interview Based Report
4. Personal Experience Report

5 Points (due June 3)

5 Points (due June 17)
5 Points (due July 8)
5 Points (due July 22)

All the creative projects will be in the form of a one page written report. Detailed
guidelines for each assignment can be found in the Assignments section.
II. Critical Thinking Essays
1. Essay I (Chapter 1)
2. Essay II (Chapters 5&6)
3. Essay III (Chapters 11&12)

10 Points (due June 6)

10 Points (due June 27)
10 Points (due July 25)

The essay question will be given to you at least one week prior to the deadline for
submission with all the necessary guidelines.
III. Discussion Board
1. Participation in Forum I
2. Participation in Forum II

10 Points (June 6-30)

10 Points (July 6-30)

The class will discuss two topics relevant to the course themes. Each student will have
to participate in Forum I to discuss the first topic and Forum II to discuss the second
topic. Guidelines for participation and evaluation criteria for the discussion forums
will be provided.
IV. Quizzes (multiple choice questions)
1. Quiz I (Chapter 2)
2. Quiz II (Chapters 4)
3. Quiz III (Chapter 10)
4. Quiz IV (Chapter 13)

7.5 Points (due June 9)

7.5 Points (due June 23)
7.5 Points (due July 14)
7.5 Points (due July 28)

Each Quiz will have 15 multiple choice questions and you will have 25 minutes to
answer them. Save your answers as you complete them. As students may encounter
an unforeseen family or personal emergency, a power outage, or a computer
malfunction, ONE (1) of the 4 quizzes will be allowed to be reset. This means that you
need a reliable computer and internet connection for this class.

Student Grading Criteria

Type of Evaluation
I.
Creative
Projects

Due Dates

Points Allotted

1. Newspaper
Article Report
2. Unknown
Cultural
Practice
3. Interview
Based Report
4. Personal
Experience
report
Total (Creative
Projects)
II. Critical Thinking
Essays
1. Essay I - Chap
1
2. Essay II
Chapters 5&6
3. Essay IIIChapters
11&12
Total (Essays)
III. Quizzes
1. Quiz I-Chap 2
2. Quiz II-Chap 4
3. Quiz III-Chap
10
4. Quiz IV-Chap
13
Total (Quizzes)
IV. Discussion Board
1. Forum I
2. Forum II
Total (Discussion
Board)
GRAND TOTAL

3 June

17 June

8 July

22 July

Name of the Grade

GRADE-A
GRADE-B
GRADE-C
GRADE-D
GRADE-F (Fail)

Due Date Days

Total

20

6 June

10

27 June

10

25 July

10
30

9 June
23 June
14 July

7.5
7.5
7.5

28 July

7.5
30

(June 6-30)
(July 6-30)

10
10
20
100

CRITERIA FOR CALCULATING THE GRADE

Percentage Range
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
< 60

All Critical Thinking Essays are due on Mondays, Quizzes are due on Thursdays, and
Creative Projects are due on Fridays. This may help you remember the due dates.
Assignments are due by the midnight of the due dates.
Organization is the key to successfully completing the course. I strongly suggest that you
mark your calendars to record all DUE DATES and DEADLINES for this course. Late
submissions will not be accepted.
Students are expected to read the chapters during the assigned weeks in order to perform
well in the tests. When I grade your assignments, I will give personal feedback to you on
each of your assignments. Participation in the discussion board forums is mandatory for
this class. The discussion board forums are set up to facilitate interaction and exchange of
ideas between the students. I will not respond to all your postings. I will keep track of your
online discussions and will intervene only if necessary. The basic objective of these forums
is to help students learn from each other.
Assessment of Student Learning
CCAC has a college-wide assessment program, the primary purpose of which is the
improvement of instruction and student learning. Program goals and course outcomes are
assessed. The varieties of evaluations in this course are based on these goals and
objectives. As a student, you should focus on the goals, objectives and learning outcomes
of this course to help you analyze your performance and make your learning most
effective. It is always our goal to have students function at their fullest capacity.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism, in any form, is a serious breach of college ethics. Students are directed to read
the section addressing plagiarism in the Student Code of Conduct. Plagiarism, copying, or
any type of cheating by the student would earn a zero point grade for the affected
assignment in addition to any sanctions imposed by the college. Plagiarism is taking
someone elses words and presenting them as your own.
Help Desk
Please keep in mind that I am not a member of the Distance Learning technical support
staff. Therefore issues pertaining to technical problems encountered while accessing
Blackboard are to be addressed through technical support. Their email is
help@servicedesk.ccac.edu The email and phone numbers are also provided for you on
the Blackboard login webpage.
Supportive Services

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) makes every effort to provide
reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Questions about services and
procedures for students with disabilities should be directed to the Office of Supportive
Services at each campus. You can find the contact information in the CCAC website.

Attendance
Regular attendance is important. You are expected to be active on the blackboard site by
introducing yourself, submitting assignments, and participating in the discussion forums.
Make sure to introduce yourself in the forum Introductions in the discussion board. In
the beginning, I will consider this as your attendance.
Both the Pennsylvania Department of Education and federal financial aid sources require
CCAC to report on student attendance. Non-attendance may result in class suspension, loss
of tuition already paid or may reduce financial aid. Students are requested to officially
register and satisfy payment for all classes they attend.
CCAC Non-Discrimination Policy
The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and its Board of Trustees are
committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment for all.
CCAC does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or
place of birth, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, use of a
guide or support animal due to disability, marital status, familial status, genetic
information, veteran status or age. Creating, supporting and sustaining a diverse
community will prepare our students to be effective in the world outside of CCAC.
Questions may be addressed to diversity@ccac.edu.
TITLE IX
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, absences due to
pregnancy or related conditions, including recovery from childbirth, shall be excused for
as long as the absences are determined to be medically necessary. Students will be
provided with the opportunity to make up any work missed as a result of such absences, if
possible. The College may also offer the student alternatives to making up missed work,
such as but not limited to, retaking a semester, taking part in online instruction, or allowing
the student additional time in a program to continue at the same pace and finish at a later
date. For more information or requests for accommodations, students should inform their
instructor (s) and/or contact Sumana Misra-Zets, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator, at
412-237-4535 or smisra@ccac.edu.

Communication
The best way to communicate is through email. You can even post your questions in the
discussion board in the forum General Questions. I will try to respond to you as soon as
possible. I check the blackboard site and my email account intermittingly, therefore, some
time may lapse in terms of issuing a response to a particular question/email.
In the past, I have received emails from students without the course number and
sometimes even without their name and I have received assignments without the course
number or the name of the assignment. As I teach many courses, it is difficult for me to
figure out who you are if you do not give me your details. Therefore, if you email me
without giving me your name, course/section number, your email will not be answered.
And if you email me any assignment (if permitted) without your name, course/section
number and the name of the assignment, your assignment will not be graded. For all
emailed assignments, it is the responsibility of the student to make sure all those grade
points are included in the blackboard. Also, please refer to the course outline before you
ask me questions as it has all the information.
During the semester/session, reasonable changes to the course outline may be
academically appropriate. However students will be notified of these adjustments in a
timely manner. Read the announcements regularly.
Srujana Kanjula