Sociology 108, Section 3 and Section 6,
10:00am-10:50am, MWF, 105 WHAM
Professor Darren E. Sherkat
Office: 3422 Faner Hall
Office Hours: M 11:00am-1pm, W 11am-1pm.
Phone: 453-7619
E-mail: Sherkat@siu.edu
Teaching Assistants: Donna Marie Storey (Office Hours TBA), Kristi Weaver (Faner 4434, M 8:30-10:30, TU 8:30-9:30).
Sociology is the study of human behavior and interaction at the micro, group, organizational, and even global levels. It differs from psychology in that it primarily focuses on groups rather than individuals. It also analyzes the social structures that humans create and maintain such as organizations, religion, and political systems. Sociology is a rather broad discipline since all of human behavior is social. It is fair to say that it contains elements of psychology, political science, history, economics, anthropology, communications, and philosophy, yet is a unique discipline that differs from all of these in important ways---Gee, this is straight off of the Sociology department web site!
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: (a) demonstrate
knowledge of basic sociological concepts about social processes (e.g.,
socialization, deviance, social control, and stratification by class, gender,
and race) and social institutions (e.g., the family, religion, and the state);
(b) summarize theoretical or explanatory arguments in sociology; (c) apply
these arguments to contemporary events or personal experience; and (d) display
knowledge of cultural, class, religious, and other differences within and
between societies.
What Is Expected in the
Class?
You will learn about many sociological theories and substantive areas, including crime, inequality, social conflict, family, and religion. We will follow Rodney Stark’s Sociology, Eight edition. However, I will also add additional materials in my lectures. At some point before an exam, the lecture notes will be posted on the internet. We will have 5 examinations (including the final) of equal weight, each comprising 19% of your grade. The additional 5% of your grade is tied to a writing assignment, where you will be required to compare two contemporary articles published in a list of approved sociology journals (assignment instructions will follow later in the course).
Examinations: All examinations and the due dates for assignments are fixed, and are on the schedule below. Late examinations will not be conducted without a written excuse from the dean. Those who need special consideration for athletics and other extracurricular activities (eg. Debate, theatre, etc.), may take the examinations early. Students will be required to have a pencil in all examinations—Remember to bring one! Materials from the lectures and the book will be covered in the examinations. The final examination is non-cumulative. If a student has a B or higher on every examination, s/he may drop the final.
Attendance and Conduct: Students are not required to attend class, however lecture material from class will be on the exams. If you choose to attend class, I expect that you will refrain from talking (except to ask questions about class material), cell phones are to be turned off. I will ask you to leave it you converse during class. I you come in late or must leave early, please sit in the back of class.
Honor Policy: Soliciting, receiving or obtaining help on examinations or the written assignment is a violation of the honor code for this class, and will be dealt with in accordance with University Policy.
Course Schedule.
Stark, Chapters 1-4, Core Principals.
First
Examination, Sept 12.
Stark, chapters 5-8, Culture, Socialization, and Crime.
Stark Chapters 9-12, chapter 16, Stratification and inequality.
Stark, Chapters 13-15, chapter 21. Family, Religion, and Politics.
Fourth
Examination, November 19.
Stark, Chapters 17-20, Social change, demography, and
organizations.
Final Examination: Monday, December 10, 12:50pm-2:50p.m.