Syllabus

UNE Summer Session

SOC 150: Introduction to Sociology – Summer Session – 6 Weeks

Credits - 3

Description

The main objective of this course is for students to develop what C. Wright Mills called a ‘socio-
logical imagination’. Having a sociological imagination entails connecting ‘personal troubles to

public issues’, and thus this course will focus on the relationship between the individual and soci-
ety. To that end, the course introduces students to a broad range of sociological theory and re-
search to think through the impact of society on individuals (and vice versa) as we consider the

role of social structures, culture, institutions, social relations, social interaction, and so forth. The
course examines key themes addressed by contemporary sociologists, including: social inequality,
poverty, race, gender, globalization, deviance, the media, health care, and more.

The knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ‘imagination’ gained in this course will aid stu-
dents as they embark in future studies within a variety of disciplines.

Materials

Textbooks

Lally, M. & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan development: A psychological perspective (2nd ed.). Creative Commons. 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Course Goals

Specifically, this course aims:

  • To provide the opportunity for students to develop a ‘sociological imagination’.
  • To show how sociology differs from other academic disciplines.
  • To explore the idea that our ‘reality’ is socially constructed.
  • To introduce students to at least four major sociological perspectives (Functionalist, Conflict, Symbolic Interactionist, Feminist thought, etc)
  • To explore the consequences of social structures, culture, and multiple forms of social stratification (including race, class, and gender) for individuals and society.
  • To explore the relationships between social institutions, socialization, social control, and human behavior.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course students should be able to:

  • Recognize the differences and similarities between sociology and other social science perspectives.
  • Describe at least four major sociological perspectives.
  • Evaluate the impact of various forms of inequality and stratification (including race, class, and gender).
  • Describe the features of a social institution and analyze their impact on society and individuals.
  • Apply the sociological imagination to their own lives.

SELF PACED DESIGN

On the course start date, students will have access to orientation. This must be completed to be able to gain access to the first module in the course. Students must complete the first module to gain access to the next one. We recommend that students spend about 15 hours per week to complete a course in 16 weeks. When trying to complete the course in less than 16 weeks, we typically see students do this successfully within 12-14 weeks. Instructors will be timely in grading and feedback, but it will not be instant.

Assignments

Homework/Reading Quizzes:

Each chapter of the textbook, and some other readings or podcasts, will have an associated BrightSpace quiz. Additional ‘homework’ assignments, generally short writing assignments, will be given. The grade of all of these will be averaged for this 20% of your grade. This is to give students a bit of room to take risks and to help understand what areas they have a better or worse understanding of as prep for exams. A few rough assignments will come out in the wash and you’ll have learned what to focus your studies on. A few zeros will cause problems very quickly. Do not get zeros.

Discussion Forum:

In the absence of class discussion, we will be sharing thoughts via a BrightSpace discussion forum. When part of the unit asks you to contribute thoughts and/or respond to someone else’s, my expectation is that you will offer your opinions and responses politely, with appropriate sociological terminology and ways of thinking and that you will be making a good-faith effort to contribute more than a minimum to our discussion. Do this and you will get 100 on this section. If your ef-
forts are minimal, non-sociological in nature, or impolite to others, you will not.

Exams:

Exams will be taken on BrightSpace. The midterm exam has a 80 minute time limit, the final 120 minutes. The midterm exam contains both short written responses and multiple choice questions. The final, for grading expediency, contains only multiple choice questions.

Social Biography/Memoir:

The final paper for the course is a sociological biography, looking at your own life in a broader sociological context. An assignment description will be provided after the midterm exam. The minimum is 5-6 pages double spaced but it is likely you will have much more to say. Creative alternatives to a written paper will be tentatively considered (i.e. a podcast might be fun but I am not qualified to grade a cake based on your relationship with society).

Written work must be referenced in an appropriate style where necessary.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Homework/Reading Quizzes20%
Discussion Forum20%
Midterm20%
Final20%
Social Biography/Memoir20%

Grade Scale

Grade Points Grade Point Average (GPA)
A 94 – 100% 4.00
A- 90 – 93% 3.75
B+ 87 – 89% 3.50
B 84 – 86% 3.00
B- 80 – 83% 2.75
C+ 77 – 79% 2.50
C 74 – 76% 2.00
C- 70 – 73% 1.75
D 64 – 69% 1.00
F 00 – 63% 0.00

Schedule

Course Schedule

  Topics Assignments and Readings
Unit 1

Introductions, Syllabus and
Expectations

What is Sociology? and Per-
spectives in Sociology

Read:

‘The Trials of Alice Goffman’ from the New York

Times Magazine
Textbook Chapters 1 and 2

Do:

Use the discussion board on BrightSpace to respond to posted questions about the Alice Goffman reading

Take the BrightSpace quiz on Chapters 1 and 2

Create a short video introducing yourself and discussing how you think sociology will be useful for your career and life goals (this is Homework 1).

Provide a link in the relevant topic on our discussion forum. In the relevant forum topic, post your examples/answers to the Unit 1 discussion questions.

Unit 2

Sociological and Individualistic Explanations for Human Behavior

Culture and Society: Norms, Values, and the Stuff of Life

Read:
Textbook Chapter 6

Do:

Watch ‘A Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment’

Formulate a discussion question relating the film to sociology even though it is about work by a psychologist. Post this to the discussion forum, and also add to the discussion of someone else’s ques-
tion.

Take the BrightSpace quiz on Chapter 6
In the relevant forum topic, post your examples/answers to the Unit 2 discussion questions.

Unit 3

Socialization: Becoming Human and Social Interaction and Everyday Life

Read:

Textbook Chapters 3, 4 and 5
Grunspan et al. 2016

Do:

Watch either:
‘Miss Representation’ or ‘The Mask You Live In’

Formulate a discussion question relating the film you watched to socialization. Post this to the discussion forum, and also add to the discussion of someone else’s question.

Take the BrightSpace quiz on Chapter 3, on Chapters 4 and 5, and on Grunspan et al. 2016. In the relevant forum topic, post your examples/
answers to the Unit 3 discussion questions.

Unit 4 Deviance, Crime and Social
Control

Read:

Textbook Chapter 7

Do:

Listen to the ‘This American Life’ episode ‘The Psychopath Test’

Take the BrightSpace quiz on Chapter 7 and on the podcast

Write a minimum 1 page (single spaced) paper about the lyrics of a song of your choice. Identify within these lyrics sociological concepts we have discussed (deviance, socialization, norms, values, status, etc. etc.). This is excellent exam review, and also Homework 2.

In the relevant forum topic, post your examples/
answers to the Unit 4 discussion questions.

THEN

When you have done these things, take the
midterm exam on BrightSpace

Unit 5 Class and Gender Inequalities

Read:

Textbook Chapters 8, 9 and 10

Do:

Take the BrightSpace quiz on Chapters 8 and 9 and Chapter 10

In the relevant forum topic, post your examples/answers to the Unit 5 discussion questions.

Unit 6 Class and Gender Inequalities

Read:

Textbook Chapters 11, 12 and 18

Do:

Take the BrightSpace quiz on Chapters 11 and 12; Chapter 18

Watch ‘In Sickness and in Wealth’

Final Exam and Paper

Student Resources

Summer Session Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

Questions? Email: summersessiononline@une.edu.

Instructor and Support Contact Information

Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.

UNE Libraries

Further Assistance

Your student support specialist monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.

To request an accommodation a student needs to go through the process with our UNE office. If the student has a current/already established accommodation in place with UNE it is the responsibility of the student to notify the program at summersessiononline@une.edu to ensure it is applied properly.

If you need to inquire about a possible accommodation, please reach out to the Student Access Center by calling 207-221-4418 or send an email to pcstudentaccess@une.edu.

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.

Instructor and Support Contact Information

Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.

UNE Libraries

Further Assistance

Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.

Policies

Summer Session & Academic Engagement Policy

Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm EDT of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion by 11:59 pm EDT on Sunday of the first week, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the Student Summer Session Manual for full details.

Proctored Examinations

The University of New England has contracted with ProctorU to provide students with the most convenient online exam proctoring system. This system provides a simple, no cost to the student, secure, online proctor for exams and allows the student to take all the exams at home and on their own schedule.

Upon enrollment into the course, if the course has proctored exams, each student will register with ProctorU and establish a login name and password. This will give the student access to all of ProctorU's services. When ready, students will schedule each of their proctored exams with ProctorU. Exams must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance to avoid fees. Prior to taking their exams, students must be sure that they have downloaded the ProctorU Chrome or Firefox extension and are using the most current version of Chrome or Firefox. They must also be sure their testing site's connection meets the minimum requirements by using ProctorU's "Test It Out" utility.

Upon the exam day and hour, students will log in to ProctorU and click on "exams". After following the procedures outlined at ProctorU's website, the student will log in to Brightspace and locate their correct exam. The proctor will then allow student access to that exam.

Students must use ProctorU and must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited.

Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements.

Course Length

A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.

Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 12 weeks.

  1. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar.
  2. Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact summersessiononline@une.edu with any questions.

Grade Policy

Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course.

Transcripts

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.

To view your unofficial UNE student transcript:

  1. Log into uonline at http://uonline.une.edu
  2. Select Student Services
  3. Select Student Records
  4. Select Academic Transcript

To request your official UNE student transcript:

Please review your Unofficial Transcript prior to requesting an Official Transcript.

  1. Log into uonline at http://uonline.une.edu
  2. Select Student Services
  3. Select Student Records
  4. Select Request Printed/Official Transcript
  5. Follow the prompts

After you click Submit Request, your official transcript will be put into the queue to be processed in the Registrar's Office.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the College. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.

Attendance Policy

Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.

Assignments

Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Proctored Examinations

The University of New England has contracted with ProctorU to provide students with the most convenient online exam proctoring system. This system provides a simple, no cost to the student, secure, online proctor for exams and allows the student to take all the exams at home and on their own schedule.

Upon enrollment into the course, each student will register with ProctorU and establish a login name and password. This will give the student access to all of ProctorU's services. When ready, students will schedule each of their proctored exams with ProctorU. Exams must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance to avoid fees. Prior to taking their exams, students must be sure that they have downloaded the ProctorU Chrome or Firefox extension and are using the most current version of Chrome or Firefox. They must also be sure their testing site's connection meets the minimum requirements by using ProctorU's "Test It Out" utility.

Upon the exam day and hour, students will log in to ProctorU and click on "exams". After following the procedures outlined at ProctorU's website, the student will log in to Brightspace and locate their correct exam. The proctor will then allow student access to that exam.

Students must use ProctorU and must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited.

Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Length

A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.

Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks

  1. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
  2. Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.

Grade Policy

Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.

Transcripts

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.

To view your unofficial UNE student transcript:

  1. Log into uonline at http://uonline.une.edu
  2. Select Student Services
  3. Select Student Records
  4. Select Academic Transcript

To request your official UNE student transcript:

Please review your Unofficial Transcript prior to requesting an Official Transcript.

  1. Log into uonline at http://uonline.une.edu
  2. Select Student Services
  3. Select Student Records
  4. Select Request Printed/Official Transcript
  5. Follow the prompts

After you click Submit Request, your official transcript will be put into the queue to be printed in the Registrar's Office.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.