Course Overview

This course introduces students to the discipline of sociology. What is sociology? Why is it important? Over the course of the semester students will develop what C. W Mills called a “sociological imagination” that will allow them to see how individuals are shaped by social structures and institutions, and in turn how we as individuals recreate those institutions. We will discuss theoretical and methodological approaches, becoming aware of how sociologists make sense of this complex social world. 

Sociology is a broad discipline. We will not be able to cover all topics that are of interest to sociologists. In this course we will focus on three broad themes:

(I) Sociological Imagination and Thinking

(II) Power and Structural Inequality

(III) Lived Experiences in Social Institutions

Within these broad themes we will examine what sociology entails, the key theoretical perspectives through which social life is analyzed, the intersectional operation of power and inequality through race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, nation, (dis)ability, age, among others, and how social life is lived through key social institutions like families, workplaces, higher education, public space, mass incarceration, etc.

Course Objectives

Gain an understanding of basic sociological concepts, theories, and research methods

Examine social life as it relates to your own experiences and beyond, recognizing the context of cultural and societal patterns, processes, and arrangements for yourself and others; i.e., develop a “sociological imagination.” 

Strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills by reading and writing critically and integrating ideas and concepts from the course material

Course Deadlines

Tuesday, March 8 – Sociological Autobiography OUTLINE Due

Thursday, March 24 – Midterm Exam

Thursday, April 7 – Sociological Autobiography Due

Thursday, April 14 – Final Project DRAFT Due

Tuesday, May 17 – Final Project Due

Tuesday, May 24 – Self-Assessment Due

Class Policies

A large part of our class meetings will involve active discussions and group work. In order to create a learning atmosphere that fosters open discussion and thought, and where all students feel safe and confident to share their ideas, here are some basic expectations which I expect everyone in the class to adhere to:

Students should come to each class prepared. This means having done the assigned reading, having it easily accessible, and being prepared to read, write, and discuss.

Students are expected to actively participate in class by asking questions, sharing thoughts, and expressing opinions. It is important to always be respectful of the diverse experiences and viewpoints shared in class. 

***Ground rules surrounding discussion will be decided on as a group in our first meeting and the syllabus will be updated to reflect them***

We are a small group and class will function best if we are all present and on time. Excessive tardiness, absences, and a lack of communication will impact your understanding of the material as well as your participation grade in the class.

***I understand that things come up and your class attendance should never come at the expense of your physical or mental health. If you need to miss class or anticipate being more than 10 minutes late, please email me ahead of time and we can arrange for you to make up any material you have missed***

Discussion Question Guidelines

Students will post 2-3 questions or reflections in response to the assigned materials

Blackboard > “Discussion Board” > Select that week’s forum > “Create Thread” (upper left)

Can be in paragraph or bulleted form (between 50-200 words)

Should be posted by 11:59 PM the night before class

You will need to complete 15 posts by the end of the semester (out of 23 possible class sessions where there is material assigned)…so budget your time!

Assignment Submission

All assignments should be submitted on Blackboard.

Assignments should be submitted by the start of class (9:30 AM) on the day they are due. All deadlines are listed on the syllabus above.

Late assignments can be submitted on Blackboard, but points will be deducted unless an extension has already been granted.

Extra Credit Opportunities

Find a media article that connects to any concept or topic we have covered in the readings

Submit a one-page single spaced paper (Times New Roman 12-pt font, 1-inch margins)

First half of paper should summarize the media piece

Second half of paper should connect the media piece back to the sociological concept/readings

Students can earn 10 points of extra credit a semester (5 submissions – 2 points each)

Submit on Blackboard under the “Extra Credit” tab

Last day to submit extra credit is Thursday, May 12th

Notes on Plagiarism

***Just don’t do it! 🙂

Plagiarism is the presentation of anyone else’s work or words as one’s own. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the CUNY Academic Integrity policy available on the CUNY and Brooklyn College websites. Anyone who is found to have plagiarized on any assignment will automatically receive a zero, potentially fail the course, and further action may be taken. 

The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both. The complete text of the CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and the Brooklyn College procedure for policy implementation can be found at www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/policies. If a faculty member suspects a violation of academic integrity and, upon investigation, confirms that violation, or if the student admits the violation, the faculty member MUST report the violation.

Support

All kinds of learning will be supported in this class. If you need any particular support in order to succeed, don’t hesitate to speak with me. In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations students must first be registered with the Center for Student Disability Services. Students who have a documented disability or suspect they may have a disability are invited to set up an appointment with the Director of the Center for Student Disability Services, Ms. Valerie Stewart-Lovell at (718) 951-5538. If you have already registered with the Center for Student Disability Services, please provide me with the course accommodation form and discuss your specific accommodation with me.  The Learning Center in Boylan Hall is also available to students if you require help with your writing (grammar, spelling, and structure). Please make regular appointments if you feel you need to work on certain areas of your writing.