1. science
2. social science
3. sociology

ITT Technical Institute
SO2550
Sociology
Onsite Course
SYLLABUS
Credit hours: 4.5
Contact/Instructional hours: 45 (45 Theory Hours)
Prerequisite(s) and/or Corequisite(s):
Prerequisites: EN1320 Composition I or equivalent
Course Description:
This course introduces the theories and methods sociologists use to explain and predict
the dynamics of the contemporary social world. Emphasis is on sociological
perspective, culture, social inequality, social change and institutions.
Sociology
Syllabus
Where Does This Course Belong?
This course belongs to the General Education Social Sciences curriculum.
Program Information
Program Scope and Core Content Areas
General Education courses include courses in the humanities, composition, mathematics, the sciences,
and the social sciences.
Program Goals and Objectives
General Education courses are designed to provide ITT Tech students with a well-rounded education in
the context of their technical programs. Each course emphasizes one or more of ITT Tech’s General
Education Student Learning Outcomes.
1. The student will be able to demonstrate personal responsibilities
2. The student will be able to analyze information.
3. The student will be able to solve complex problems.
4. The student will be able to communicate effectively in oral, written and visual forms.
5. The student will be able to contribute as a member of a team.
6. The student will be able to pursue lifelong learning opportunities.
Career Impact
General Education courses provide breadth to a core technical program. Courses in General Education
are intended to broaden a student’s educational experience, and therefore, broaden his/her perspective.
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Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Course Summary
Major Instructional Areas
1.
2.
3.
4.
Sociological imagination and perspective
Sociological research and application
Social stratification and inequality
Social groups and institutions
Detailed Topical Outline
1. Social Science
1.1. The sociological perspective
1.2. The origins of sociology
1.3. Theoretical perspectives in sociology
1.4. Sociological research
2. What Is Culture?
2.1. Symbolic and materialistic culture
2.2. Subgroups and countercultures
2.3. U.S. cultural values
2.4. Technology’s influence on culture
3. Socialization
3.1. Importance of social environment
3.2. Socialization theories
3.3. Gender and self-concept
4. Social Structure and Social Interaction
4.1. Macrosociology versus microsociology
4.2. Social institutions
4.3. Functionalist, Conflict, and Symbolic Interaction perspectives
4.4. Role strain and role conflict
4.5. Ethnomethodology
5. Societies to Social Networks
5.1. Societies and their transformations
5.2. Groups within society
5.3. Categories and aggregates
5.4. Primary and secondary social groups
5.5. Group dynamics
6. Deviance and Social Control
6.1. Deviance theories
6.2. Social control and deviance
6.3. Modern deviance
7. Social Stratification
7.1. Theories of global stratification
7.2. Theories of social stratification
7.3. Social class
7.4. Social mobility
8. Sex and Gender
8.1. Gender differences: biological or cultural?
8.2. Gender inequality
8.3. Gender-biased employment
8.4. Equality in the future
9. Race and Ethnicity
9.1. Defining race
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Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
9.2. Prejudice versus discrimination
9.3. Patterns of intergroup relations
9.4. Racial and ethnic relations in the U.S.
10. Family
10.1. Global perspective on marriage and family
10.2. Theoretical perspective on marriage and family
10.3. Family life cycle
10.4. Diversity in U.S. families
10.5. Trends in U.S. families
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Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Course Objectives
1.
Analyze and compare sociological perspectives as they explain social behaviors.
2.
Evaluate the quantitative and qualitative methods of systematic collection and analysis of data used
in sociological research.
3.
Apply crucial sociological concepts in the analysis of observable phenomena.
4.
Analyze basic sociological theories in terms of concepts and arguments emphasized and ignored
by their developers.
5.
Apply sociological theories in order to predict social behavior.
6.
Analyze and evaluate group and society’s influences on your own and others’ personal decisions
and actions, and interpretations of social processes based on sociological concepts and theories.
7.
Analyze articles from sociological publications and defend or support the authors’ opinions.
8.
Examine social control and inequality in regard to class, gender, race, and ethnicity and argue the
significance each has to society over time.
9.
Use the ITT Tech Virtual Library to research selected topics.
10.
Working within a group, make an oral and visual presentation of research findings.
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Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Learning Materials and References
Required Resources
New to this
Course
Textbook Package
Henslin, J. M. (2012). Sociology: A down-to-earth
approach, core concepts (4th ed.). 2010 census
update version. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
MySocLab access card
Carried over
from Previous
Course(s)
Required for
Subsequent
Course(s)
n
n
Recommended Resources
Books, Professional Journals
ITT Tech Virtual Library> Periodicals> EbscoHost Academic Search Elite>
 Feminist Studies
 Futurist
 Social Research
ITT Tech Virtual Library> Periodicals> EbscoHost Business Source Premier>
 American Journal of Sociology
 Business & Society
 Social Science Quarterly
Professional Associations


American Sociological Association: www.asanet.org
Society for the Study of Social Problems: http://www.sssp1.org/
Information Search
Use the following keywords to search for additional online resources that may be used for supporting your
work on the course assignments:

 Sociology
 Culture
 Marriage
 Family
 Ethnicity
 Social control
 Deviance
 Social stratification
NOTE: All links are subject to change without prior notice.
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Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Course Plan
Suggested Learning Approach
In this course, you will be studying individually and within a group of your peers. As you work on the
course deliverables, you are encouraged to share ideas with your peers and instructor, work
collaboratively on projects and team assignments, raise critical questions, and provide constructive
feedback.
Use the following advice to receive maximum learning benefits from your participation in this course:
DO
DON’T
 Do take a proactive learning approach.
 Do share your thoughts on critical issues
and potential problem solutions.
 Do plan your course work in advance.
 Do explore a variety of learning resources in
addition to the textbook.
 Do offer relevant examples from your
experience.
 Do make an effort to understand different
points of view.
 Do connect concepts explored in this
course to real-life professional situations
and your own experiences.
 Don’t assume there is only one correct
answer to a question.
 Don’t be afraid to share your perspective on
the issues analyzed in the course.
 Don’t be negative about the points of view that
are different from yours.
 Don’t underestimate the impact of
collaboration on your learning.
 Don’t limit your course experience to reading
the textbook.
 Don’t postpone your work on the course
deliverables – work on small assignment
components every day.
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Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Course Outline
Unit 1: SOCIAL SCIENCE
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Identify the sociological perspective and contrast it with an individualistic
perspective of human behavior.
 Reflect on sociology’s origins as a science and examine its main theoretical
perspectives.
 Distinguish and compare the various methods of research for specific types of
studies.
 Argue the importance of ethical and value-free research.
Out-of-class
work:
6 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES

Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grading
Category
Henslin, Chapter 1
Discussion
Unit 1 Discussion 1: Sociologists’ Theories
2%
Assignment
Unit 1 Assignment 1: Theorists
3%
Activity/Deliverable Title
Unit 2: WHAT IS CULTURE?
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Define culture and examine the components of symbolic culture.
 Compare and contrast subgroups and countercultures to cultural norms.
 Evaluate U.S. cultural values and their role in shaping human behavior.
 Discuss technology’s current influence on culture.
 Predict and invent a futuristic, technology-influenced subculture in U.S. society.
Out-of-class
work:
8 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES

Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grading
Category
Henslin, Chapter 2
Discussion
Unit 2 Discussion 1: Subculture and
Counterculture
2%
Assignment
Unit 2 Assignment 1: Beliefs and Customs
Unit 2 Assignment 2: Thinking Critically
3%
3%
Exercise
Unit 2 Exercise 1: Nacirema Culture
2%
Activity/Deliverable Title
Unit 3: SOCIALIZATION
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Analyze and contrast the impact of deficient vs. sufficient social environments for
animals and human beings.
 Interpret and differentiate stages in socialization (morality, personality, reasoning
and self-concept) as described by theorists in the field.
 Identify and classify the various theorists in the study of socialization theories.
 Assess the significance of gender in developing self-concept.
 Identify and summarize the various agents of socialization.
 Recognize and appraise the challenges presented throughout the life course.
Out-of-class
work:
9 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
7
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
 Henslin, Chapter 3
Syllabus
Discussion
Unit 3 Discussion 1: Social Environment
2%
Assignment
Unit 3 Assignment 1: Social Structure in
Macrosociology
3%
Unit 4: SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Distinguish between the macro and micro levels of sociological analysis.
 Identify and summarize the major theories of macrosociology based on social
structure.
 Debate the impact of social institutions on individual behavior.
 Summarize and critique the major theories of microsociology based on social
interaction.
Out-of-class
work:
9 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
 Henslin, Chapter 4
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Quiz
Unit 4 Quiz 1
5%
Discussion
Unit 4 Discussion 1: Social Institutions
2%
Exercise
Unit 4 Exercise 1: The Looking Glass Self
2%
Unit 5: SOCIETIES TO SOCIAL NETWORKS
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Describe the social revolutions of society by designing a timeline.
 Classify, compare, and contrast groups, networks, and electronic communities within
society.
 Examine and evaluate the effects of group membership on attitudes and behavior.
 Name and appraise styles of group leadership.
Out-of-class
work:
8 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
 Henslin, Chapter 5
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Quiz
Unit 5 Quiz 2
5%
Discussion
Unit 5 Discussion 1: Compare and Contrast
Groups
2%
Assignment
Unit 5 Assignment 1: Societal Influence
3%
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Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Unit 6: DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Appraise the theories of deviance and illustrate how it can be viewed as a positive
Out-of-class
work:
9 hours
for society.

Describe and summarize the relationship between social control and deviance.

Discuss and critique the various reactions to deviance in modern society.
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT

Henslin, Chapter 6
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Discussion
Unit 6 Discussion 1: A Close Look at
Deviance Theories
2%
Assignment
Unit 6 Assignment 1: Deviance in Society
3%
Exercise
Unit 6 Exercise 1: Reactions to Deviance
2%
Unit 7: SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Distinguish between systems of social and global stratification.
 Interpret and assess theories of global and societal stratification.
 Argue the theories of controversial theorists in the study of social class.
 Compare and contrast the United States’ culture over time to other cultures over
time.
 Analyze the effects of social class in relationship to gender, race, and ethnicity.
Out-of-class
work:
8 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT

Henslin, Chapter 7
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Quiz
Unit 7 Quiz 3
5%
Discussion
Unit 7 Discussion 1: Global Stratification
Theories
2%
Assignment
Unit 7 Assignment 1: Social Inequities
3%
Unit 8: SEX AND GENDER
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Summarize and debate the explanations for gender differences in behavior.
 Define and explain social inequalities between the sexes in various societies.
 Discuss and either support or criticize gender biased employment.
 Predict future issues related to gender inequality.
9
Out-of-class
work:
9 hours
Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT

Henslin, Chapter 8
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Discussion
Unit 8 Discussion 1: Gender-Biased
Employment
2%
Assignment
Unit 8 Assignment 1: Gender Inequalities
(PORTFOLIO)
3%
Exercise
Unit 8 Exercise 1: Gender Inequality in the
U.S.
2%
Unit 9: RACE AND ETHNICITY
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Analyze racial myths and critique various social groups in the United States over
time.
 Demonstrate and differentiate between prejudice and discrimination.
 Describe theories of prejudice and assess patterns of intergroup relations.
 Summarize and defend beliefs in racial ethnic relations.
Out-of-class
work:
8 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT

Henslin, Chapter 9
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Quiz
Unit 9 Quiz 4
5%
Discussion
Unit 9 Discussion1: Prejudice and
Discrimination
2%
Assignment
Unit 9 Assignment 1: Racial and Ethnic
Beliefs
3%
Unit 10: FAMILY
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Compare and contrast traditional vs. modern societies in relationship to structure
and function of marriage.
 Examine the sociological theories of marriage and family.
 Describe and assess the phases of the family life cycle.
 Recognize and critique the diversity of the modern family.
 Assess emerging family trends.
 Evaluate the impact of divorce and family abuse.
Out-of-class
work:
8 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT

Henslin, Chapter 10
Grading
Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Assignment
Unit 10 Assignment 1: Family Diversity and
Trends
3%
Exercise
Unit 10 Exercise 1: Emerging Family Trends
2%
Unit 11: COURSE REVIEW AND FINAL EXAMINATION
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
 Review and apply learning outcomes from the course.
10
Out-of-class
work:
Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
6 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT

Henslin, Review
Chapters 1-10
Grading
Category
Exam
Activity/Deliverable Title
Final Exam
Grade Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
22%
Note: Your instructor may add a few learning activities that will change the grade allocation for each
assignment in a category. The overall category percentages will not change.
11
Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Evaluation and Grading
Evaluation Criteria
The graded assignments will be evaluated using the following weighted categories:
Category
Assignment
Exercise
Discussion
Quiz
Exam
Weight
30%
10%
18%
20%
22%
TOTAL
100%
Grade Conversion
The final grades will be calculated from the percentages earned in the course, as follows:
Grade
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
Percentage
Credit
90–100%
85–89%
80–84%
75–79%
70–74%
65–69%
60–64%
<60%
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
Academic Integrity
All students must comply with the policies that regulate all forms of academic dishonesty, or academic
misconduct, including plagiarism, self-plagiarism, fabrication, deception, cheating, and sabotage. For
more information on the academic honesty policies, refer to the Student Handbook and the Course
Catalog.
12
Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
Out-of-Class Work
Unit
Number
1
Title of Activity (for work completed OUTSIDE of class)
Type of
Activity
Estimated
Time of
Activity
(minutes)
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
1
Theorists
Assignment
180
1
Research Activity - Subculture
Assignment
100
2
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
2
Beliefs and Customs
Assignment
180
2
Nacirema Culture
Assignment
120
2
Research Activity - Gender and Self Worth
Assignment
100
3
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
3
Thinking Critically
Assignment
150
3
Research Activity - Institutions and the Individual
Assignment
100
4
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
4
Quiz 1
Quiz Prep
120
4
Social Structure in Macrosociology
Assignment
150
4
The Looking Glass Self
Assignment
120
4
Research Activity - Social Networking
Assignment
100
5
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
5
Quiz 2
Quiz Prep
90
5
Societal Influence
Assignment
150
5
Research Activity - Combatting Deviance
Assignment
100
6
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
6
Deviance in Society
Assignment
180
6
Reactions to Deviance
Assignment
120
6
Research Activity - Social Class
Assignment
100
7
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
7
Quiz 3
Quiz Prep
90
7
Social Inequities
Assignment
180
7
Research Activity - Gender and Behavior
Assignment
100
8
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
8
Gender Inequalities
Reading
210
8
Gender Inequality in the U.S.
Assignment
120
8
Research Activity - Prejudice vs. Discrimination
Assignment
100
9
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
9
Quiz 4
Quiz Prep
90
Type of
Activity
Estimated
Time of
Activity
Unit
Number
Title of Activity (for work completed OUTSIDE of class)
13
Date: 8/20/2012
Sociology
Syllabus
(minutes)
9
Racial and Ethnic Beliefs
Assignment
150
9
Research Activity - Divorce and the Family
Assignment
100
10
Preparatory Reading
Reading
150
10
Family Diversity and Trends
Assignment
180
10
Emerging Family Trends
Assignment
120
11
Final Exam
Exam Prep
300
(End of Syllabus)
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Date: 8/20/2012