SOCIO 1: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

FALL 2008

MW 8:00 – 9:25A

TOYON 2

Dr. Paula Clarke

Office: 217 Tamarack Hall

Email: clarkep@yosemite.edu

 

 

CENTRAL THEMES, CONCEPTS, AND PROCESSES

 

 

THEMES

CONCEPTS

PROCESSES

Human Behavior, Sociological Perspective

Themes, Methodologies, Theories

Comparative Analyses

Scientific Method

Myths and Misconceptions, Popular Ideas vs. Empirical Evidence

Questions, Assumptions, Evidence

Reliability, Validity

Changes in Human Conditions over Time

Traditional vs. Demographically Mature Societies

Micro- vs. Macro- Level Analyses / Unprecedented Challenges and Opportunities

Economic Stages of Humanity

Stratification, Supply, Distribution

Social Class, Inequality

Social Problems

Social Assumptions and Culturally Accepted Solutions

Deviance, Crime, Harm Reduction, Population

 

GRAPHIC PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

 

·          1ST Presentation: (50 Points) Due September 24th

 

·          2ND Presentation: (50 Points) Due October 29th

 

·          Final Presentation: (100 Points) Due December 8th

 

For each Graphic Presentation:

 

(A)   Select three of the most significant examples of `Globalization and Everyday Life’ from the readings for this exam.  Provide a graphic presentation for each that (a) meets the 5 criteria for good graphics and (b) employs 5 dimensions of sociological thinking most evident in your selection; AND

 

(B)   Select three of the most significant examples of “Using Your Sociological Imagination” from the readings for this exam.  Provide a graphic presentation for each that (a) meets the 5 criteria for good graphics and (b) employs 5 analytical dimensions.  These dimensions should reflect the most significant aspects of “sociological thinking: and /or  “asking and answering sociological questions” present in your selection.

FIRST EXAM (100 POINTS)

 

1.         It is the business of sociology to investigate human behavior.  Create at least two graphs, one identifying the most significant popular ideas about specific human behaviors, the second identifying the most significant ideas from empirical evidence about the same behavior.  Interpret the graphs using ideas of conflict and resistance.

 

2.         Why do people do what they do?  Apply the “sociological perspective” to at least four significant human behaviors emphasized in the readings.  For each selection provide at least five sociological themes, methodologies, and/or theories. Assess the meaning and significance of multiple views of the same behavior.

 

3.         Has the organization of social group membership changed in significant ways?  Provide a graphic presentation of the contrast between social group membership in “traditional” societies with social group membership in “demographically mature” societies.  Interpret the patterns of similarities and/or differences, employing at least three sociological perspectives supported by substantial theory.

 

4.         Describe and demonstrate the most significant a) economic stages of human society; b) their patterns and types of stratification; c) foundations of supply and patterns of distribution; d) and at least three additional institutionally relevant characteristics.  In addition, provide at least three theoretically informed interpretations of the current global pattern of extreme poverty in the midst of unprecedented wealth and affluence.

 

5.         List, describe, and critically evaluate the focus of the discipline of sociology, the historical context in which the discipline emerged, the most significant contributors (and their contributions) to the development of the discipline, and the methodologies used.  Is sociology a “scientific” discipline?

 

Rules and Guidelines

n  Use the ‘Ten Criteria.’

n  Graphic presentations accompanying responses are strongly RECOMMENDED.

n  Essay breakdown should approximate one-third each of the following:  reading/class dialogue/original thinking (which does not mean opinion).

n  Students must have notes and text books approved by instructor before outlines are due for each exam.

 

Practice ‘Learned Resourcefulness.’ Avoid procrastination, develop appropriate help-seeking behaviors, ask questions, learn to recognize & utilize resources (e.g. the library, fellow students, the instructor, tutoring, study groups, etc.) embrace realistic goals and priorities.

SECOND EXAM (100 POINTS)

 

1.         Social stratification and social class are clearly observed realities here and elsewhere. List in rank order the most significant a) causes of class and social stratification; b) the most significant changes that have occurred in recent history; and c) the most significant consequences of class and stratification. Responses should compare and contrast the U.S. with at least four distinctive societies.

 

2.         List and describe the most significant “myths” of race, ethnicity, gender, and age.  Compare and contrast sociologically constructed understanding(s) of these.  Select, defend your selection, and interpret the best theories/ideas for understanding and correcting current conditions.

 

3.         Most inequality is the consequence of complex demographic interactions.  Select four significant examples of inequality.  For each example list in rank order the demographic factors which best explain the inequitable conditions, demonstrate how an “Ecological Model” reveals the interactions, and assess the role of other variables (e.g. decision making) in creating/contributing to the inequality.

 

4.         Can Poor Countries Become Rich?  Evaluate the usefulness of this question in light of the pattern of poverty in the midst of unprecedented wealth. Can poor countries become rich by following the model(s) of rich countries?  Analyses should include macro as well as micro level explanatory forces.

 

5.         American definitions of "deviance, crime, and understanding of social consequences is unique.  Describe and demonstrate the most significant characteristics of contemporary crime as an expression of deviance.  Employ the most valid and reasonable theories/ideas/perspectives for designing “harm reduction” strategies.  Evaluate how American cultural values predispose social responses to crime.

 

 

Rules and Guidelines

n  Use the ‘Ten Criteria.’

n  Graphic presentations accompanying responses are strongly RECOMMENDED.

n  Essay breakdown should approximate one-third each of the following:  reading/class dialogue/original thinking (which does not mean opinion).

n  Students must have notes and text books approved by instructor before outlines are due for each exam.

 

Practice ‘Learned Resourcefulness.’ Avoid procrastination, develop appropriate help-seeking behaviors, ask questions, learn to recognize & utilize resources (e.g. the library, fellow students, the instructor, tutoring, study groups, etc.) embrace realistic goals and priorities.

FINAL EXAM (200 POINTS)

 

1.         Is population a new global problem?  Are the “Neo-Malthusians” correct in their perspectives about population issues?  List in rank order the most important strengths and weaknesses in their perspective. 

 

2.         Graph the most significant questions, assumptions, and evidence presented in Advertising and the End of the World.  Identify and describe the kind of science being done.  How do we assess and evaluate its reliability and validity?  Are the interpretations and conclusions an “ethical imperative” for contemporary society?

 

3.         Describe and demonstrate the most significant ways in which “economic systems are legitimized through institutions.”  Include in your analysis the institution of science along with at least three other institutions. Describe and demonstrate the most significant elements of authority, institutional support and conflict within and between your selections.

 

4.          Sociologist James Côté argues that “most people operate with a cognitive sophistication appropriate to earlier societies and are unable to fully comprehend and cope with the more complex demands of contemporary society”.  List and describe the most significant demands placed on adults in contemporary conditions.  Critically evaluate the most significant institutions and decision-making that create barriers to the creation of the “competent adult” today.

 

5.         Draut emphasizes the economic function of an education, claiming that a Bachelor’s degree has become an “entry-level pass”, or “the bare minimum required to function in the new economy”.   Provide a critical assessment of Draut’s analysis of education in light of contemporary social challenges and demands.  List and describe additional functions required of education in contemporary conditions.  In your assessment, be sure to address local, national and global impacts of a narrow view of the function of education.

 

FINAL EXAMINATION – GRAPHIC PRESENTATION (50 points)

 

Rules and Guidelines

n  Use the ‘Ten Criteria.’

n  Graphic presentations accompanying responses are strongly RECOMMENDED.

n  Essay breakdown should approximate one-third each of the following:  reading/class dialogue/original thinking (which does not mean opinion).

n  Students must have notes and text books approved by instructor before outlines are due for each exam.

 

Practice ‘Learned Resourcefulness.’ Avoid procrastination, develop appropriate help-seeking behaviors, ask questions, learn to recognize & utilize resources (e.g. the library, fellow students, the instructor, tutoring, study groups, etc.) embrace realistic goals and priorities.