m.fujiwara.Soc1syllabus.onlineSP25

Course Overview

• Course Title: Sociology 1: Introduction to Sociology

• Instructor: Professor Melissa Fujiwara, PhD

• Semester: Spring 2025

• Delivery Mode: Online (Santa Monica College)

• Office Hours: Mondays, 2:00 - 4:25 PM

• Contact Information: Email: fujiwara_melissa@smc.edu, Canvas Inbox

• Units: 3

• Transfer Information: CSU/UC Transferrable

Course Description

• Objective study of society and human social interaction.

• Emphasis on:

  • Macro and micro sociological theories

  • Methods of sociological inquiry

  • Cultural development

  • Socialization processes

  • Social structure and stratification (class, race/ethnicity, gender)

  • Social change

• Prerequisites: None, but eligibility for English 1 is recommended.

• Technology Platform: Canvas

Important Policies

• No-Show Policy:

  • Mandatory 'no-show' report due to class being online.

  • First two assignments (Syllabus Quiz and Introductory Discussion) determine attendance.

  • Completion of Syllabus Quiz requires a 100% for access to the first discussion.

• Due Date for Initial Assignments: February 20, 2024.

Course Objectives

1. Identify characteristics of sociological analysis.

2. Distinguish sociological perspective from others.

3. Differentiate anecdotal evidence from systematic analysis.

4. Compare theoretical paradigms: functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism.

5. Recognize and employ theories in social analysis.

6. Utilize sociological imagination to contextualize experiences.

7. Propose solutions to social issues informed by sociology.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Display strong academic behaviors: attendance, participation, adherence to Honor Code.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of course content through oral and written communication.

3. Exhibit proficiency in research, analytical, and communication skills.

Required Textbook

• Title: Open Stax, Introduction to Sociology 3e (2021)

• Access: Free online access at OpenStax.

Evaluation and Assignments

• Assignments include:

  1. Syllabus Quiz

  2. Introductory Discussion

  3. Reading Comprehension Check-Ins (RCCs)

  4. Engaged Discussions

  5. Sociological Imagination Projects

  6. Midterm Exam

  7. SLO Quiz

  8. Final Exam

Assignment Types

• Syllabus Quiz: Establishes understanding of syllabus content (mandatory).

• Introductory Discussion: Required to meet attendance criteria.

• Engaged Discussions: Collaborative discussions on course material.

• Reading Comprehension Check-Ins (RCCs): Assess comprehension of readings.

• Sociological Imagination Projects: Explore personal and societal issues via project assignments.

  • Project 1: Voting Rights Analysis

  • Project 2: Interview Analysis (conduct interviews and analyze through theoretical perspectives)

• Midterm: Covers the first half of the course.

• Final Exam: Covers material post-midterm.

Due Dates and Late Policy

• General Due Dates: Assignments generally due Fridays.

• Grace Period: 2-day grace period for assignments (Sunday 11:59 PM).

• Late RCC Submissions: Possible with point deductions ongoing every day late.

• Contact for Extensions: Must be proactive before deadlines for assistance.

Grading Structure

• Total Points Available: 100

• Points for Assignments:

  • Syllabus Quiz: 2

  • Introductory Discussion: 2

  • SLO Quiz: 4

  • Other Assignments: Total of 40 (RCCs and Engagements)

  • Sociological Imagination Projects: 18

  • Exams: Total of 16 (Midterm and Final)

• Grade Cut-Off Table:

  • A: 90-100%

  • B: 79.5-89.4%

  • C: 69.5-79.4%

  • D: 59.5-69.4%

  • F: Below 59.4%

Additional Resources for Students

• Campus Resources: Assistance for academic support, mental health, and disability services.

• Food and Housing Resources: Access to food security programs.

• Mental Health Resources: Wellness center available for emotional challenges.

• Contact Information for Help: Provided resources should be utilized proactively if needed.

Course Policies and Practices

• Online Learning Expectations: Active participation is necessary.

• Email Communication: Main form of correspondence. Please allow for a 24-hour response time.

• Collegiality: Create a respectful environment for discussions on sensitive topics.

• Name and Pronoun Respect: Proper pronouns and names should be used for all participants.

• Mandatory Reporter Disclosure: Instructors must report abuse and suicidal/homicidal feelings.

Academic Integrity and Source Policy

• Honor Code: Academic honesty is mandatory—plagiarism results in severe penalties.

• Consulting Outside Sources: Caution advised, must be correctly cited to avoid plagiarism.