Introduction to Sociology Syllabus
Course Description and Objectives
This course focuses on the social and cultural foundations of human life. The concepts of this course enable students to appreciate how they and others are molded and shaped by society, and understand the complexity of social forces in their environment.
This course is meant to introduce you to the scientific study of human society. An emphasis will be placed on major sociological theories, methods, concepts, and institutions. You will learn to compare the contributions of the three major sociological theories to the study of society: conflict theory, structural functionalism, and symbolic interactionism.
We will also be spending a great deal of time analyzing and critiquing the various ways that we see ourselves and others. It will be our task not only to learn specific information or concepts but also to learn to think critically about the determinants of social behavior.
Required Text: Auto Access
Benokraitis, Nijole. SOC5: Introduction to Sociology. Wadsworth. (ISBN: 1-111-30141-7) or ISBN (978-1111301415).
The required textbook for this course is a low cost auto access digital textbook. Access the textbook using the link provided in the Textbook Access module of this course (on the menu to the left). You will be automatically charged for the digital textbook after the “Add” deadline (the end of the 2nd week of the semester) unless you opt out before then.
If you do not want to use the digital textbook (perhaps you already purchased the print version of the textbook), you must opt out or you will be charged for the digital textbook. Follow this link if you wish to opt out: BYU-Idaho Course Materials List.
Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site. They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best price.
Quizzes (25%)
To help you stay up to date in your reading assignments, this course offers weekly quizzes that consist of matching questions. Quizzes are closed book and note; you will have 20 minutes to match 8–12 terms with their definitions.
Group Participation (5%)
This course takes advantage of the deeper learning that can happen when you learn with others. These Zoom meetings will be opportunities to apply key concepts and ideas in small group situations. You must be present and participate the entire group meeting to earn points for these assignments. There are no opportunities to make up these activities if you miss them.
In addition to the group activities, you will review your team members' performance in W05 and W14. Use the PDF review form provided. This review process accounts for half of your Group Participation grade (2.5% of your overall grade).
Discussion Boards (5%)
Weekly discussion boards will be opportunities to apply key concepts and ideas through class discussion. For each discussion do the following:
- Post a sociological question based on a video.
- Read some of your classmates' posts.
- Respond to at least one other question during the week.
Exploring Sociology (30%)
Exploring sociology assignments (analytical essay questions) will allow you to wrestle with various sociological questions by applying what you are learning.
Exams (35%)
Periodic, multiple-choice exams cover both course material and additional reading assignments (provided in the course).
Overall Grading Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 100% – 93% |
| A- | 92% – 90% |
| B+ | 89% – 87% |
| B | 86% – 83% |
| B- | 82% – 80% |
| C+ | 79% – 77% |
| C | 76% – 73% |
| C- | 72% – 70% |
| D+ | 69% – 67% |
| D | 66% – 63% |
| D- | 62% – 60% |
| F | 59% – 00% |
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating will not be tolerated at any time. Any person suspected of cheating will be handled in accordance with the policies and procedures of Brigham Young University–Idaho.
Additional Resources
- In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, all qualified students enrolled in this course are entitled to "reasonable accommodation." It is the student’s responsibility to disclose to the teacher any special need she/he may have before the end of the first week of class.
- Go to the Academic Support Center web page, or come to the McKay Library 272 for information about how the writing, reading, math, and study skills centers can help you increase success in all of your classes. To schedule a tutor for a specific class, log on to Tutor Request under Student Services and follow the instructions.
Copyright
Materials on BYU Idaho I-Learn and related sites may be protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code). These materials are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.