Dr. Brad Tripp
Office: Kinard 339
Office Phone: EXT 4602
Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
E-mail: trippb@winthrop.edu
Web Site: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/trippb/
SOCL 502, Section 001
Fall 2008
Kinard 316
Monday and Wednesday 3:30-4:45
This capstone course for the sociology major challenges students to develop a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of sociology. In this class, we will examine the historical roots that led to the creation and definition of the discipline of sociology. The objectives within this course include:
1) Students will be able to describe the role of theory in building sociological knowledge.
2) Students will be able to apply sociological theories to different areas of social reality.
3) Students will be able to compare and contrast theoretical orientations.
4) Students will be able to show how theories and theorists reflect the historical content of the times and cultures in which they developed.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
EXAMS: There will be 5 tests and 2 exams (1 midterm, and 1 final comprehensive exam). These tests and exams will consist of matching, multiple choice, short answer questions, and essays.
CLASS PRESENTATIONS: One of the key goals within this class is to develop a greater understanding of the social context within which these theories were developed. In order to do that, students will engage in a 10 to 15 minute presentation on one specific theorist. Students will be provided with a rubric that provides greater detail on the expectations for this assignment. Finally, you will have to bring a list of 5 discussion questions for the class. The rubric for this assignment will be handed out during week 2 of the semester.
RESPONSE PAPERS: Students will be responsible for five response papers. These papers will be 2 pages, double spaced, and typed. They will be used to display students’ understanding of the readings. Some of the papers will be on specific subjects. Otherwise, minimal guidelines will be provided. If a student does not fully understand the articles assigned, the review should consist of an explanation of the topics understood, along with a series of intelligent questions on the material that was found to be troublesome. All papers must be turned in. FAILURE TO TURN IN ANY OF THESE WILL RESULT IN A GRADE OF ZERO FOR RESPONSE PAPERS.
TERM PAPER: In this assignment, students will need to display their understanding of theorist and theories in a variety of manners. The core of this paper will involve the analysis of a current social issue. This project will take place in a series of steps. First, students will need to choose one of the theorists we have discussed in class. Students will need to inform the professor of their choice by September 8th via email. Second, students will need to choose a current social issue. The professor will need to receive an email with this information by the 22nd of September. I will be available for any meetings or questions as students choose these key components. The term paper will consist on an analysis of the current social issue and how the theorist chosen would address the current issue. Students should also compare the current social issue with similar issues that occurred during the lifespan of their theorist. In this manner, students will need to examine the social context within which these theories were written, and how the modern social context either changes or maintains a similar interpretation and understanding of sociological theories. A more detailed rubric will be made available to students as the semester progresses. Students will be required to turn in an initial draft (11/7 before noon) and a final draft (12/8).
Test 1 = 25 pts
Test 2 = 25 pts
Test 3 = 25 pts
Test 4 = 25 pts
Test 5 = 25 pts
Mid-term Exam = 100 pts
Final Exam = 100 pts
Class Presentation = 25 (include discussion questions)
Response papers: 50 (5 Papers; 10 points per paper)
Term Paper: 150 pts (1st draft 50; Final 100)
Total Points Available = 550
Grade Points
A 550 - 492
B+ 491 - 481
B 480 - 437
C+ 436 - 426
D 370 – 327
F 326 and Below
GRADING POLICIES: I expect students to take the exams on the dates scheduled and during the allotted time period. Make-up exams are available under dire circumstances (EX: student is hospitalized.) If you will not be at the exam during its scheduled time you must notify me in advance, we will then determine an appropriate course of action. I reserve the right to give a make-up exam that is different from the original exam. ALL MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN ON STUDY DAY (DECEMBER 9TH ).
All dates given, and material covered can be changed at the instructor’s discretion, therefore it is your job to keep informed via attendance, and getting make up material from friends in class.
Take pride in your own work and personal preparation for exams. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. Any student caught cheating on exams or plagiarizing their paper will receive a final course grade of “F.”
8/27: INTRODUCTION
9/1: Origins of Sociology
· Reader: What is Social Theory (pgs. 1-11)
9/3-9/8: Compte and Spencer
· RESPONSE PAPER #1 DUE (9/8)
· THEORIST FOR TERM PAPER CHOSEN (9/8)
9/10: TEST 1
9/10-9/17: Durkheim
· Text: CH 9
· Reader:
· On Mechanical and Organic Solidarity (pgs. 46-50)
· What is a Social Fact? (pgs. 51-56)
9/17-9/24: Marx
· Text: CH 11
· Reader:
· Alienated Labor (pgs. 12-19)
· Manifesto of the Communist Party (pgs. 26-33)
· SUBJECT FOR TERM PAPER CHOSEN (9/22)
· RESPONSE PAPER #2 DUE (9/22)
9/29: TEST 2
9/29: Simmel
· Reader: The Problem of Sociology (pgs. 114-120)
10/1-10/8: Weber
· Text: CH 10
· Reader:
· The Spirit of Capitalism (pgs. 82-88)
· Bureaucracy (pgs. 89-94)
· Class, Status, Party (102-107)
· RESPONSE PAPER #3 DUE (10/6)
10/8:
· REVIEW
10/13:
· MIDTERM EXAM
10/15: American Sociology and Talcott Parsons
· Reader: The Functional Prerequisites of Social Systems (pgs. 194-199)
10/17-10/20: FALL BREAK – NO CLASSES
10/22-10/27: Merton
· Text: CH 5
· Reader: The Unanticipated Consequences of Social Action (pgs. 186-193)
10/29: TEST 3
10/29: C.W. Mills
· Text: CH 15
· Reader: Culture and Politics (pgs. 218-223)
· PAPER #4 DUE (11/3)
11/3-11/5: G.H. Mead
· Text: CH 13
· Reader: The Fusion of the ‘I’ and ‘Me’ in Social Activities (pgs. 180-185)
· TERM PAPER VESRION 1 DUE (11/7 BEFORE NOON)
11/10: Cooley, and W.I. Thomas
· Download: W.I. Thomas, The Unadjusted Girl from JSTOR (Read pgs. 41-69)
11/12: TEST 4
11/12-11/17: Goffman
· Text: CH 7
· Reader: Performances (pgs. 253-256)
· RESPONSE PAPER #5 DUE (11/17)
11/19-11/24: Garfinkel
· Text: CH 8
· Reader: Studies of Routine Grounds of Everyday Activities (pgs. 279-282)
11/26-11/28: THANKSGIVING – NO CLASSES
12/1: TEST 5
12/1-12/8: Blumer
· Reader: Society as Symbolic Interaction (pgs. 246-252)
· FINAL VERSION OF TERM PAPERS DUE (12/8)
12/9 (STUDY DAY): REVIEW SESSION – TIME TBA
FINAL EXAM: FRIDAY, DECEMBER, 12TH, 3PM
Students with Disabilities
Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible. Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first test, paper, or assignment.