Ron Penton Sr., Associate Professor, Sociology

Office Location: Social Sciences Bldg. SS109

Room 105. Phone: (850) 769-1551, Ext. 4817 or 1-800-311-3685

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: SYG 2000 (Principles of Sociology. Concentrates on the scientific and systematic study of society. It examines general topics such as Culture, Socialization, Social Interactions, Organizations and Groups, Personal Development, Deviance, Race & Ethnicity, Sex and Gender, Social Class & Stratification, Education, Religion, Politics, the Workplace, and Marriage & Family; as well as other issues.

I. OBJECTIVES:

A. As a co-author of this textbook, I have specific objectives that I wish the student to grasp upon completion of this course. However, I feel it is important to reiterate the benefits and some of the reasons why you should take a course in sociology. Sometimes we become so familiar with our status and way of doing things that we fail to "see the forest for the trees." Therefore my first objective is for you to learn more about the society in which we live. This course will benefit you because it will help you better understand life's problems, and through this newfound understanding, you will be better equipped to solve them.

B. Secondly, I believe that we are products of our environment. Who we are and what we become is largely a matter of socialization (one of my favorite sociological topics), and one of the chapters of required reading. As we discuss the chapter on socialization, you may ponder the question of how we become who we are. As several of the chapters suggest, some people have more control of their lives than others do. Although the reasons may vary, it would be a safe bet that those that have more control over their lives are more knowledgeable. Knowledge is power. A third benefit for taking this course is that you will gain new insights, and these insights will lead to more choices. Freedom is the confidence to make choices without interference. I might also add that most successful people are not only knowledgeable but also successful; and successful people don't get this way without taking some risks.

C. A fourth reason for taking this course is that a sociological understanding of society and your place in it can actually lead to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. We all have fears, insecurities, prejudices, and anxieties. These slight defects can affect how we see and how we feel about others. Sociology provides us with the ability to understand the faults and the destructive behaviors of those who are less fortunate than we are. What we are suggesting is that by understanding the conditions that make people behave destructively, we can more easily move away from blame and focus our attention on solutions.

D. Finally, much of what you think you know-is going to be challenged in this course by me and from your classmates. Don't be alarmed by this. Instead, take this opportunity to open your mind and look at society with an objective eye. We refer to this type of thinking as the "sociological imagination." Sociology deals with some sensitive topics. Throughout this course you will read and hear things that might make you unhappy, even angry. This is the nature of the study of sociology; it's about life, and we are not always happy campers. By forewarning you, it is my hope that you can put aside your anger and learn from the experience. Try to view the situation as a learning opportunity. I believe that after reading this book and completing this course you will know a great deal more about yourself and the world in which we live. Not only will this lead to a more sense of empowerment, but a sense of appreciation for the diversity, complexity and yes, the wonder of life.

II. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:

A. Lecture

B. Class discussion

C.  Inclusive and Supplementary Readings (Chapters 4 & 10)

D.  Video tapes (shown in class)

III. MATERIALS: Textbook, Botterweck, Penton, others. "Everyday Sociology," 5th Edition, 2006 StarPoint Press, Inc., Elmhurst, Illinois.

IV. EVALUATION:

A.  TESTS: Test #1, Midterm and Final Exam.

B. FINAL EXAMINATION: The final examination will be comprehensive. There will be no exemptions of students from the final examination.

C. Extra Reading assignments, Chapters 4 and 10.

D. Quizzes (May be unannounced)

V. CLASS ATTENDANCE:

1.  Students absent in excess of the equivalent of three weeks on a cumulative basis will be withdrawn. Six (6) meetings for MWF classes and four (4) for T-H classes). For a night class, two (2) absences are allowed. If you need to withdraw for some reason, please see me first. I will not do any administrative withdrawals. If you stop attending class, and have not completed the required exams and assignments, you will be given an incomplete. See College catalog for specifics on incomplete grades.

2.  Students are expected to be prompt. If you are late, it is your responsibility to inform me immediately after that class. While an occasional tardiness is acceptable, consistent lateness will not be tolerated. The instructor will excuse a total number of tardies equal to a week’s class meetings (3 for MWF classes, 2 for T-H classes). Additional tardiness will count as an absence and at a minimum - result in point deductions from the final grade (two points for each tardy). It is the student's responsibility to maintain awareness of his/her absences.

3.  A student who needs to leave class early (except in cases of an unanticipated emergency) should notify the teacher of this before class begins.

4. If you are going to be absent, or late, a courtesy call will be appreciated.

VI. COURSE/CHAPTER OUTLINE OF SUBJECT MATTER: Responsible Reading & Exams

Chapter 1 - Thinking Sociologically

Chapter 2 - Methods & Tools (Selected reading)

(First examination 50 question Quiz)

Chapter 3 - Society, Culture, and Social Structure

Chapter 4 - Social Interactions, Organizations, & Groups (Extra Reading)

Chapter 5 - Personal Development & Socialization

Chapter 6 - Deviance

(Second examination -- Midterm Exam)

Chapter 8 - Race and Ethnicity

Chapter 9 - Unraveling Sex & Gender

Chapter 10 - Marriage & the Family (Extra Reading)

Final Examination (see schedule on classroom bulletin board).

EXAMPLE GRADING SYSTEM

Grading System: *Maximum recorded score =100

Initial Quiz 33%

Midterm Exam 33%

Final Exam 34%

Class Participation

Bonus points (are optional & subjective and therefore non-negotionable. Equals 10% of Final Grade

EXAMPLE #1:

Initial Quiz score 92

Midterm exam score 78

Final exam score 80

Subtotal 240:3=80

Participation Bonus + = 8.0

Total Score: 88 = B