Description:

Introduction to Sociology introduces students to sociology, the "science of society," and its approach to human social life. The course shows students how sociologists conduct research, and it describes the basic concepts and theories sociologists use to explain the social world. This course may be offered as a Learning Communities (LCOM) section, see current credit schedule for LCOM details.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Show evidence of a sociological imagination.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic sociological concepts and theories.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic methods of sociological investigation and analysis.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of social structure, status, roles, groups, organizations, institutions, and societies and how they change.
5. Recognize the role of race, ethnicity, gender, and class in society.
6. Analyze the importance of culture and cross-cultural variations.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Development of Sociological Thought
   A. Outline the history of sociology.
   B. Recognize and describe major sociological perspectives.
   C. Recognize and describe sociological research methods and related
ethical issues.

II. The Individual, Culture, and Society
   A. Recognize the components of both material and non-material culture.
   B. Define norms and values.
   C. Recognize the significance of language, cultural variation and
cultural change.
   D. Analyze the components of social structure and their significance,
including status, role, groups, organizations and institutions.
   E. Describe the process of socialization.
   F. Identify the key agents of socialization.
   G. Analyze social interaction in everyday life.
   H. Distinguish the various types of groups and other collectivities.
   I. Identify significant sociological explanations of deviant behavior.

III. Social Stratification
   A. Differentiate among systems of social stratification such as caste
and class.
   B. Recognize aspects of social mobility.
   C. Demonstrate knowledge of major theories of social stratification.
   D. Describe the American class system.
   E. Recognize race as a social construction.
   F. Appreciate the significance of the ethnicity.
   G. Differentiate between prejudice and discrimination.
   H. Identify patterns of racism in social structure and ideology.
   I. Differentiate between sex and gender.
   J. Identify gender roles.
   K. Identify patterns of sexism in social structure and ideology.
   L. Identify patterns of ageism in social structure and ideology.

IV. Social Institutions
   A. Recognize the variations in marriage and family forms.
   B. Recognize the various sociological approaches to religion.
   C. Analyze the variations of the economic structure.
   D. Analyze the structures of power and political systems.
   E. Describe features of other major institutions, such as, education,
mass media, and medicine.

V. Social Change
   A. Describe the processes of urbanization and population change.
   B. Differentiate major theories of collective behavior and social
movements.
   C. Describe other major theories of social and cultural change.      

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. Between two and four exams stressing analytical and evaluative
approaches to course content.
2. From one to several research, topical, or responsive papers.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.