HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOC-1011
Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Arts Social Sciences
Department of Social Sciences
Departmental Syllabus
SOC- 101 Introduction to Sociology
Date of Most Recent Syllabus Revision: March, 2023
Course Typically Offered: Fall____ Spring____ Summer____ Every Semester__x__ Other__________
Syllabus last reviewed by: BCC General Education Committee ____ Date:____________
(Most courses need review Ad Hoc Committee on Learning Assessment ____Date:____________
by only one of the following) Curriculum Committee: ____Date:____________
Semester and Year:
Course and Section Number: SOC-101-xxx
Meeting Times and Locations 3 contact hours/week
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Departmental/Division Secretary:
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description
SOC-101 – Sociology is an examination of the culture and structure of human societies. The course
focuses on social groups and institutions, their norms and controls, and how and why they change. Topics
of discussion will include the family, education, deviance, race and ethnicity, sex roles, social change, and
social inequalities.
3 lectures, 3 credits
Prerequisites: None
C-requisites: None
General Education Course
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
1. Define concepts, theories, and methods used by contemporary sociologists .
2. Differentiate/distinguish between opposite or apparently similar sociological concepts and
theories.
3. Apply the sociological concepts and/or theories in analyzing social facts, events, phenomena, etc.
4. Evaluate and utilize materials found on the internet and other sources.
5. State and support their own views on social issues addressed in the course with logical rigor and
clarity.
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Means of Assessment
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports, class discussions, and writing assignments.
Course Content
Topics headings that are preceded by an asterisk (“*”) are considered essential topics in this
course. The coverage of additional topics in this class is at the discretion of the individual instructor. The
sequence in which these topics are covered in class is suggested by the following outline, but instructors
are free to rearrange the suggested sequence.
*1. Sociology and the Real World
*2. Sociological Research Methods
*3. Culture
*4. Socialization
*5. Social Groups
*6. Deviance
*7. Social Class: The Structure of Inequality
8. Race and Ethnicity
9. Gender and Sex
*10. Social Institutions: Politics, Education, and Religion
11. The Economy and Work
12. Family
13. Leisure and Media
14. Health and Illness
15. Population Cities, and the Environment
*16. Social Change
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials
Required text: Ferris K. and Stein J. The Real World. An Introduction to Sociology, Norton, 2022
Additional Readings: There are no other required readings for this course, however all faculty have the
freedom to assign the student study guide that accompanies the textbook or any other articles or books of
the instructor’s choosing that are appropriate for an introductory level course. Preferably, instructors will
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make the online learning center created by the publisher available to students, which is free, rather than
expecting them to buy the study guide.
Grading Policy
In determining a student’s semester grade, a minimum of three, and preferably more, grading mechanisms
should be employed. Multiple choice, matching, fill-in, true/false, and short answer questions are
appropriate. Term projects and research reports may be utilized, as well as essay questions based on
outside readings should be considered. If a web site for the course is developed (this is encouraged),
students may also be evaluated on the basis of their participation in online discussions. Online exams are
acceptable, if they are one of several assessment tools.
Grading System:
Students will be presented with a grading system for the course on the first day of the semester. The
grading system will include, at a minimum, two or three components:
1. A scale for determining grades A-F, such as the following:
A = an average of 90 or higher
B+ = an average between 87 and 89
B = an average between 80 and 86
C+ = an average between 77 and 79
C = an average between 70 and 76
D = an average between 65 and 60
F = an average lower than a 65
2. An explanation for the value of course components can include as per the following:
a. 3 tests: each test represents 25% of the final grade for a total of 75%
b. 1 short paper: represents 20% of final grade
c. attendance/participation represents 5% of final grade,
or, if online:
d. 5 online discussions: each discussion is 20% of final gra de for a total of 100%
Research, Thinking, Writing, and/or Examination Requirement(s)
Writing Activity:
Students will be expected to engage in one or more written assignments. These assignments may be
essay questions on one or more tests, and essay test, or a short written report based on outside readings
or activities.
Critical Thinking:
Students should be encouraged through classroom activities to think about, analyze, and use basic
psychosocial concepts. Memorization of key concepts and theories s hould be thought of as the first, not
the final, stage of learning significant course materials.
Student Evaluation:
In determining a student’s semester grade, a minimum of three, and preferably more, grading mechanisms
should be employed. Multiple choice, matching, fill-in and essay questions are appropriate; true-false
questions are not. Term projects and research reports are not necessary at this level, but essay tests
based on outside readings should be considered.
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Attendance Policy
BCC Attendance Policy:
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are
registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each
section of each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline. Attendance
will be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Social Sciences Department Attendance Policy:
The department has agreed to leave attendance policies up t o the discretion of each instructor.
Attendance Policy in this Course:
To be determined by the instructor.
Student and Faculty Support Services
Smartthinking Tutorial Service Online at: www.bergen.edu/library/learning/tutor/smart/index.asp
The Tutoring Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
The Writing Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) Online at: www.bergen.edu/owl
The Office of Specialized
Services (for Students with
Disabilities)
Room L-115
Online at:
201-612-5270
www.bergen.edu/oss
The Sidney Silverman Library Room L-226 201-447-7436
Include a Course Outline and Calendar
Week Topic/Activity Evaluation
1 Sociology and the Real World
2 Sociological Research Methods
3 Culture Exam 1
4 Socialization
5 Social Groups
6 Deviance
7 Social Class: The Structure of Inequality Exam 2
8 Race and Ethnicity
8. Race and Ethnicity
8. Race and Ethnicity
9 Gender and Sex
10 Social Institutions: Politics, Education, and Religion
11 Family Paper
12 Leisure and Media
13 Health and Illness
14 Social Change Exam 3
15 Wrap up
Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.