Introduction to Sociology Drew University behavior. · Introduction to Sociology ... (Giddens et...

Course Description: Sociology is the systematic study of human life, groups, and societies and the social context in which behaviors occur. Sociologists study human behavior in a systematic and methodologically sound way. Rigorous scientific analysis, rather than individual anecdotes, is used to support claims about social behavior. This course is an introduction to the analysis and description of structures and dynamics of human society. Emphasis is placed on the application of scientific methods of observation and analysis of social groups, intergroup relations, social change, social stratification, and social institutions. Sociologists focus on human interactions and how social relationships influence people’s attitudes and how societies form and change. Sociology is a wide ranging discipline which includes topics such as – gender, race, work/economy, education and health care (to name only a few). This course will give you an overview, which will hopefully provide you with an understanding of some fundamental sociological concepts, theories, and methods. A goal of social research is to “debunk” taken for granted assumptions about social life. As Peter Berger argues in his essay “The Promise of Sociology,” “to ask sociological questions presupposes that one is interested in looking some distance beyond the common accepted beliefs and assumptions about social behavior.” Topics covered in the course include: the Sociological Perspective; social methodology; core theories (Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Structural-Functionalist Theory); the meaning of social structure; society and culture; socialization; roles and statuses; norms, values, beliefs and language; social groups/intergroup relations; social organizations, institutions, and bureaucracy; social stratification /socioeconomic class; gender roles/ inequality; race, ethnicity and inequality; social/cultural change; and demography.

Prerequisite: None 4 Credits

Introduction to Sociology

Drew University

Summer, 2011 (SOC101) (4 Cr)

• MW – 1 pm-4pm

• June 20-July27

Instructor: Susan Bodnar-Deren [email protected] [email protected] *When communicating by email please type “DREW INTRO” in subject line Office Hours: Thursdays 4:20-6:20 (Pls call or email first) Phone: 862-266-6587 973-383-5957 Course Objectives/Learning outcomes (competencies): By the end of this course, students will be able to: Evaluate scientific methodology and ethical issues in the discipline of sociology, define culture and its inter-relationship social structure, and analyze the nature and function of social institutions in society. Students will additionally be able to describe sociological concepts related to social processes and social interaction. And students will be able to differentiate the importance amongst the range of norms, values and beliefs in American society. Finally, upon completion of this course, students will be able to define the core concepts related to all forms of social inequality.

Course Requirements Attendance and Class Participation: Success in this course is directly correlated with class attendance; Class participation (and by proxy attendance) is a significant part of your grade, assigned reading must be done before the class period so that our class discussions can be well informed and thoughtful. Students are encouraged to bring in additional material (newspaper and magazine articles, etc.) as another way to participate in class topics and discussion (will be considered for exam extra credit). The thoughtful integration of current events is a great way to engage the material we will be reading and discussing. Attendance is required. For every three unexcused absence, course grade will be dropped one letter grade (i.e. 4 absences w/o excuse – a grade of a B+ will become a C+), six unexcused absences – two letter grades; nine unexcused absences – 3 letter grades. Bottom line, come to class! Examinations (tests): There will be three tests administered over the session. Each exam will be worth 20% of your final grade. These examinations will not be cumulative, and will consist of multiple choice, true false, short answers, and will each have a short essay/open ended question component (mainly based on film content). They will cover any material covered in class (including films) as well as the assigned readings. Please note that make up for the exams will not be permitted without excused absences – you will need documented proof (i.e.: a doctor’s note, excuse from a dean, or similar document). Assignments: There will be two research assignments – directions attached at the end of the syllabus. Assignment one is due 07/06 and assignment two is due 07/25. For each assignment, students are required to carry out their own research and write it up pursuant to the instructions for empirical writing. It is imperative that for each assignment students use the text and two outside sources (one which must be from a peer reviewed sociological journal), the papers will need to include citations and a works cited page. No direct quotes will be allowed. Each paper will be approx 3-5 pages of text (with citations), for the quantitative assignment you will also need to include: 2-3 pages of tables/graphs and an appendix that has your raw data. Details and rubrics are at the end of the syllabus. Each will be worth 20% of your final grade. Academic Integrity: You will be held to the College’s Policy on Academic Integrity. Which is as follows, and can be found on the Drew website. Students are required to perform all of the work specified by the faculty and are responsible for the content and integrity of all academic work submitted, including term papers, reports, and examinations. A student will be guilty of violating the Rule of Academic Integrity if he or she knowingly represents the work of others as his or her own, and if he or she uses or obtains unauthorized assistance in any academic work. Cheating on examinations, through use of unauthorized aids or inappropriate resources, is forbidden. In addition, plagiarism, or the unattributed use of another's words or ideas, through either direct appropriation or paraphrase, is a serious breach of academic standards. Students have an obligation to exhibit honesty in carrying out their academic assignments. They may be penalized by the following: written warnings and/or assignment of an 'F' grade for the assignment/test or for the course. If the student is found guilty in more than one case, he or she will be dismissed from the College. I do not tolerate cheating and plagiarism (a very serious type of cheating) of any kind. In this course, if you are caught cheating, you will receive a 0 for the assignment and be referred through the appropriate channels of academic discipline. The bottom line is DON’T cheat! Come to class prepared, ready to participate, turn off your cell phone, and most of all respect other people’s opinions and experiences. Disrespecting others will not be tolerated.

Grading: Research project I (quantitative) 25% Research project II (qualitative) 25% Exam I 25% Exam II 25% Books/Readings: Giddens, Anthony, Mitchell Duneier, Richard Appelbaum, and Deborah Carr. (2011). Essentials of Sociology – Third Edition. W.W. Norton and Company:New York.

ISBN: 978-0-393-93237-9. The text (Giddens et al) is required for this course and is available at College Book store or online at the regular venues.

Reading Schedule - It is expected that you will complete all readings prior to class. So you can be ready to engage in meaningful discussion. I reserve the right to change the reading/assignments dates as I see fit to best meet class needs and discussion.

Date Topic Reading/Assignments

Monday 6/20 Welcome, Introduction and Theory and Method – Part I

Giddens Chapter 1

Wednesday 06/22 Methods – Part II

Film – Unnatural Causes

We will begin Chap 2 as well

In class exercise how to do research and read a research article. (Journal article to be distributed for reading)

Giddens Chapter 2

Monday, 06/27 Culture and Society

Socialization and Lifecourse

Giddens Chapter 2

Giddens Chapter 3

Wednesday, 06/29 Aging, and Demographic Transition

Film – Young at Heart

Social Interaction and Everyday Life in the age of the internet

Giddens Chapter 3

Giddens Chapter 4

Monday, 07/04 No Formal Meeting – 4th of July

Wednesday, 07/06 Exam I (chap 1-4)

Assignment ONE DUE

2nd Part of day – begin Chapter 5

Monday, 07/11 Groups, Networks, and Organizations

Conformity, Deviance and Crime (pt. 1)

Giddens Chapter 5

Giddens Chapter 6

Wednesday, 07/13 Conformity, Deviance and Crime

Film: Senorita Extraviada

Giddens Chapter 6

Monday, 07/18 Stratification, Class, and Inequality

Film: Waiting for the World to Change

Giddens Chapter 7/8

Wednesday, 07/20 Gender Inequality

Film: Dreamworlds III or Killing Us Softly IV

Giddens Chapter 9

Monday, 07/25

Assignment TWO DUE

Ethnicity and Race Giddens Chapter 10

Wednesday, 07/27 Exam III (5-10)

Article Extract Form

Title:

Author(s):

Journal, date, pages:

Institution of primary author:

Project or data set:

Most important previous studies mentioned in literature review:

Research question:

Hypothesis:

Study design:

Sample size and selection procedures:

Dependent variable(s):

Primary independent variable(s):

Analytic or statistical technique used:

Primary Findings:

Weakness of study:

Strength of study:

Other Important Issues:

Introduction to Sociology Summer 2011

Conducting Social Research Assignment One – Quantitative/Survey Research

Social scientists use a number of methods to conduct their research. This is a chance for you to get a taste of how social research is conducted. To do this assignment, you need to read chapter one chapters of the text relating to the topic/project you have chosen (deviance – chap 6, gender – chap 9, education – chap 12), and two other outside sources of information on the topic (one must be a journal article = we will discuss in class), and the lecture/class slides for methods.

Instructions: You are to select one of the following three research projects, or you can create your own.

For each assignment come up with a hypothesis based on your experience as a member of American society, any readings/research that you may have done in the past, courses you have taken, and sections of the book which is applicable and your two other sources of outside information. (You need to follow the research process outline in chapter one of the text and review the literature before developing your hypothesis) Any one or more of the aforementioned are acceptable for hypothesis formulation – just make sure you let the reader know how you came up with the hypothesis that you did.

Remember, to receive full credit, use the steps outlined in the social science research process (Giddens, 2011), cite applicable work – (no quotations, you must paraphrase and cite), use narrative form (the best papers will include all of the sections listed below. The narrative part of your paper will be between 3-5 pages, double spaced, times roman 12 point font. You must also include charts/tables (an additional 1-2 pages, the best papers will present the data in a number of ways) and include your raw data! A rubric is included for all options.

AGAIN – REMEMBER TO CHOOSE ONLY ONE! ☺ -

All papers should follow this format for write up. Instructions for Project Report Writing

I. Literature Review • summarize background information (at the very least use the text – extra points given for outside

sources) • establish why this is an important subject to study

II. Hypotheses • state what you expect your data to show, be specific about direction

III. Methods • who, what, where, when, how • problems and how you solved them

IV. Results • general pattern, specific example, exceptions, if any • give specific numbers, but not every number • compare hypotheses to results

V. Discussion • summarize findings • limitations of study • address discussion questions

VI. Tables / Figures • titles • neatness counts, but may be hand drawn or computer produced

VII. References • complete references for all sources used • use APA, or ASA, or other standard social science format for references

VIII. Appendix • raw data • other materials

Option 1 - Quant Research: Observation – How is gender constructed at the mall? Chapters 2, 3, and 9 may help you formulate your hypothesis if you are having trouble.

Visit a music store at the mall. Name of store: ___________________ Look at 40 CDs from a particular type of music. Select one genre of music (R&B, rap, country, pop, rock, etc) Look at the art/photo on CD cover – How are the men portrayed? How are the females portrayed? Are there blatant differences in posture, dress, subliminal messages, etc? What social factors do you think contribute to these portrayals? How does the type of music you selected reflect that particular music subculture?

Visit the card store: Name of the store_______________________________ Look at the birthday card section and select 20 male cards and 20 female cards. What are the differences in the messages conveyed for each gender? Provide three good examples of each gender and the messages conveyed?

Visit the food court: Select five stores: as you look at the five stores, count the number of male vs. female employees. Try to determine who the manager(s) is. Do not ask anyone who they are. Create a table with the number of male, female employees for each of the five stores and explain how these jobs reflect the concept of “pink collar” jobs. Are these jobs devalued by society? What types of people are likely to work there?

In addition to the research component, please answer the following theoretical questions with regards to your research: these counts as the interpretation of your results.

a) How might the feminist perspective view a phenomenon such as the mall? b) How would a structural functionalist view shopping malls? (For this question, discuss the mall,

not gender at the mall). Type up your findings in narrative form. I also would like you to include the raw data sheets used in your observation. Using the information in chapter one and in lecture, also, answer the two theoretical questions in your paper.

Grading criteria: 1. Format (40 points) NEED ALL SECTIONS of report writing instructions!

a. Typed 12-point font, double spaced b. Make sure you follow report writing instructions (page 1) c. Inclusion of raw data (not part of page count) d. Not more than 4 pages (narrative section)

2. Content (40 points) a. Thorough selection b. Thorough discussion of each section

i. Discussion of 1. Music store 2. Card store 3. Food court

ii. How might feminist perspective view mall iii. How might structural functionalist view mall

3. Quality (20 points) a. Clear, concise, college level writing

b. Spell checked

OPTION 2 – Quantitative Research - Survey methods (Chapter 6 and 9 and outside sources may help formulate your hypotheses) Have twenty individuals (10 male and 10 female) answer the following questions. Fill in the chart attached with survey responses. Use this information to write research report based on the results of the survey. Before starting. Record the sex and age of your respondent. Remember, you can add additional demographic information that you might think is necessary.

1) Have you ever had an unknown person of the opposite sex yell something to you about your body in a public place or on the street? If so, how often would you say this happened to you?

a. Every week or more frequently b. Once a Month c. Once every few Months d. Once or twice per year e. Only a few times ever f. never

2) Have you ever had an unknown person of the opposite sex stare at you? If so, how often would you

say this has happened to you? a. Every week or more frequently b. Once a Month c. Once every few Months d. Once or twice per year e. Only a few times ever f. never

3) Have you ever considered changing your plans so that you would not be out late alone? If so, how

often would you say you have done this? a. Every week or more frequently b. Once a Month c. Once every few Months d. Once or twice per year e. Only a few times ever f. never

4) Have you ever planned on being driven or accompanied home to avoid being out late alone? If so,

how often would you say you have done this? a. Every week or more frequently b. Once a Month c. Once every few Months d. Once or twice per year e. Only a few times ever f. never

5) Do you ever go out late at night alone? If so, how often would you say that you have been afraid of

being physically attacked when you are out late alone? a. Every week or more frequently b. Once a Month c. Once every few Months d. Once or twice per year e. Only a few times ever f. never

6) Have you ever taken a self-defense class or thought about taking a self-defense class?

7) Have you ever brought or received as a gift an item meant to aid your personal safety, such as pepper spray, personal alarms, knives, etc. If so, what item did you buy? Receive?

8) Have you ever not lived somewhere because you thought you would feel unsafe?

9) What hours of the day, if any, would you feel unsafe walking alone in your neighborhood?

10) Would you feel same going to a bar alone if you expected that you would not know anyone at all at the bar?

Form a hypotheses – what do you think your data will tell you (do this prior to your survey administration.) Type up your preliminary findings in narrative form, following all of the steps in the research process. For example – in the methods section, Indicate how you selected your respondents, from where and when you administered the survey.

The following table may or may not be helpful in your data collection

Grading criteria:

1. Format (40 points) NEED ALL SECTIONS of report writing instructions! a. Typed 12-point font, double spaced b. Make sure you follow report writing instructions (page 1) c. Inclusion of raw data (not part of page count) d. Not more than 4 pages (narrative section)

2. Content (40 points) a. Thorough discussion of how you selected your sample, who is in sample, type of sample,

etc. b. Thorough discussion of your findings, why do you think you found what you found, did in

confirm or refute your hypothesis. c. How did your findings relate to your background (literature on the subject) d. How could your project be more complete (limitations – what, why, how to overcome if

you could) 3. Quality (20 points)

a. Clear, concise, college level writing b. Spell checked

Question Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5

Sex

Age

1 (yell?)

1 (how often)

2 (stare?)

2 (how often)

3 (change plans?)

3 (how often)

4 (escorted)

4 (how often)

5 (go out at night?)

5 (how often afraid)

6 (self-defense?)

7 (bought security?)

7 (gift security?)

8 (not lived somewhere?)

9 (unsafe walking?)

10 (go to bar alone/)


Sex

Age

1 (yell?)

1 (how often)

2 (stare?)

2 (how often)

3 (change plans?)

3 (how often)

4 (escorted)

4 (how often)



6 (self-defense?)


7 (gift security?)


9 (unsafe walking?)


Question Person 16 Person 17 Person1 8 Person 19 Person 20

Sex

Age

1 (yell?)

1 (how often)

2 (stare?)

2 (how often)

3 (change plans?)

3 (how often)

4 (escorted)

4 (how often)



6 (self-defense?)


7 (gift security?)


9 (unsafe walking?)


OPTION 3 - Quantitative Research: Applying the scientific method. Does hard work lead to better grades? You will need to use outside sources for this option. See me if you are having problems. Survey 25 – 50 students. Apply the seven steps of scientific research. Using the steps of scientific research (i.e. hypotheses…). Identify Dependent and Independent variables. Possible control variables? Who did you select, how did you select them? (what type of sampling technique) When? Where? Ask each how many hours they spend per class studying. Ask them their grades. Other factors to consider – their employment status (ft/pt), their enrollment status (ft/pt), etc… “Code” and graph you findings. Did you find any possible correlations? Why or why not. Write up your findings. “Code” and graph you findings. Did you find any possible correlations? Why or why not Grading criteria:

4. Format (40 points) NEED ALL SECTIONS of report writing instructions! a. Typed 12-point font, double spaced b. Make sure you follow report writing instructions (page 1) c. Inclusion of raw data (not part of page count) d. Not more than 4 pages (narrative section)

5. Content (40 points) a. Thorough discussion of how you selected your sample, who is in sample, type of sample,

etc. b. Thorough discussion of your findings, why do you think you found what you found, did in

confirm or refute your hypothesis. c. How did your findings relate to your background (literature on the subject) d. How could your project be more complete (limitations – what, why, how to overcome if

you could) 6. Quality (20 points)

a. Clear, concise, college level writing b. Spell checked

The following table, may or may not be helpful with your data collection and analysis Respondent Number

Sex Age Hrs. Spent Studying (per course per wk)

GPA Enrollment Status (FT/PT)

Work Status (FT/PT)

Other key variable

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Respondent Number

Sex Age Hrs. Spent Studying (per course per week)

GPA Enrollment Status (FT/PT)

Work Status (FT/PT)

Other key variable

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

Introduction to Sociology

Summer 2011

Conducting Social Research Assignment TWO – Qualitative/Research The social construction of race and gender

Social scientists use a number of methods to conduct their research. This is a chance for you to get a taste of how social research is conducted. To do this assignment, you need to read chapter one chapters of the text relating to the topic/project you have chosen (socialization – chapter 2, gender – chap 9, race – chapter 10, education – chap 12), and two other outside sources of information on the topic (one must be a journal article = we will discuss in class), and the lecture/class slides for methods.

Instructions: You are to select one of the following two research projects, or you can create your own.

Remember, to receive full credit, use the steps outlined in the social science research process (Giddens, 2011), cite applicable work – (no quotations, you must paraphrase and cite), use narrative form (the best papers will include all of the sections listed below. The narrative part of your paper will be between 3-5 pages, double spaced, times roman 12 point font. You must also include charts/tables (an additional 1-2 pages, the best papers will present the data in a number of ways) and include your raw data! A rubric is included for all options.

AGAIN – REMEMBER TO CHOOSE ONLY ONE!

Option 1 – Qualitative Research (Participant Observation) [Chapter 2, 3, and 9 may help you formulate a hypothesis]

Take a trip to a mall, a major toy store (e.g. Toys R Us), or a major discount store such as Target. Your job is to observe Barbie and Ken in their “natural habitat”, the store shelf. The best papers will compare/contrast more than one store or one community.

Look for the following dolls: Barbie Dolls, Friends of Barbie, Ken Dolls, and other male dolls in the Barbie and Ken line.

(Make sure you record a description of the neighborhood where the store was located. Record a description of the type of customer the store aims to attract)

Pay attention to the following questions as you observe Barbie and Ken:

How is Barbie dressed?

What types of jobs does Barbie hold?

Who are Barbie’s friends?

How is social difference represented? In other words, did you find Latina, Asian, or Black Barbie Dolls? If so, how were they positioned (e.g. clothes, special collection status, jobs, positioning on the shelves – did the have equal display space/) in relationship to the White Barbie dolls?

How are Ken and other male dolls in the Barbie line dressed?

How are Ken and the other male dolls positioned in relationship to Barbie in the store display?

Do Ken and other male dolls seem to work? If so, what do they do?

How is social difference represented amongst the male dolls?

Write a brief analysis of your findings. The analysis should include the following:

• Summary of your observations. Describe your observations (e.g. number of dolls by race; the positioning of the dolls; a description of the neighborhood the store was in) in narrative form. You may graph or chart them in addition if you are so inclined.

• How do your findings relate to the demographics of the community? You will have to do outside research here. Hint: census data is publically avail on-line for all NJ and PA towns.

• Analyze your findings. What messages do you think Barbie sends to White girls? What messages does she send to girls of color? Does the presence of Asian, Black and Latina Barbie and friends challenge racism and White privilege? Does Barbie reinforce or resist traditional gender roles? What is the point of the Ken doll (or other male dolls in the Barbie collection)?

Grading criteria:

1. Format (40 points) NEED ALL SECTIONS of report writing instructions! a. Typed 12-point font, double spaced

b. Make sure you follow report writing instructions (page 1) c. Inclusion of raw data (not part of page count) d. Not more than 4 pages (narrative section)

2. Content (40 points) a. Thorough selection b. Hypothesis c. Thorough description, discussion and analysis of each question (above)

3. Quality (20 points) a. Clear, concise, college level writing b. Spell checked

Option number 2 – IMAGES AND MESSAGES OF CHILDREN IN CHILDREN’S BOOKS CONTENT ANALYSIS

One of the many ways we learn about how to and what it is to be a man or a woman is through the media (which includes print and books). To further explore the intricacies of these issues we will look at children’s books. The Best papers will compare more than one book.

1. Select a book aimed at children (try to stay away from picture books) 2. Asses the book on the following criteria:

a. TEXT – What is the story about? Briefly summarize the narrative. It should not take more than ½ to ¾ of a page to do this.

b. IMAGES & IDEAS – Who are the characters and what are their demographic characteristics? What themes about gender (and race) does it include? How does the book convey dominant societal values? What are they? (Is it patriarchal? Are women portrayed only as mothers and men portrayed as workers and fathers? Are women and girls nurturers? Are boys and men? Are boys depicted as active, are girls depicted as passive? Etc…) How do the visual images support the text? Evaluate the artistic merit on creativity. WHAT LESSON IS THE CHILD TO LEARN FROM THIS BOOK? (frame your discussion on the social construction of gender (and race.)

c. CRITICAL THINKING- Is the book consistent with the ideas presented in the textbook and discussion in class? If yes, how so? If not, what is different? Please cite specific examples. Was the book a success or a failure? Did it meet its goals? Would you recommend this book? Why?

Note: This project must be typed with 12-point font, double spaced and spell checked. The entire project should be no more than 3 (to 4) pages. Grading criteria:

4. Format (20 points) a. Typed 12-point font, double spaced b. Spell checked c. Not more than 4 pages d. Summary – not more than ½ to ¾ page

5. Content (60 points) a. Appropriate book selection b. Thorough discussion of each section

i. TEXT ii. IMAGES and IDEAS

iii. CRITICAL THINKING 6. Quality (20 points)

a. Clear, concise, college level writing.

Introduction to Sociology Drew University behavior. · Introduction to Sociology ... (Giddens et...

Documents

Transcript of Introduction to Sociology Drew University behavior. · Introduction to Sociology ... (Giddens et...