Flex Class Introduction to Sociology

This four-week flex class will meet on your flexible time frame. Over the course of four weeks, the Learner will become familiar with the introduction to sociology. There is no prior knowledge or skills required for this course. A detailed class schedule is below. 


Week 1:   class introduction, homework, end of the class project, and preface will be covered. During our class meeting in the first week, I will introduce myself and give background information about my hobbies and education. I will read over class assignments. All information will be posted in the Classroom Thread. The class assignments are important for class because it states all of the assignments in one place for the Learner. This will include due dates, end-of-class project, and homework assignments. The Classroom Thread is a reference tool for the Learner throughout the course. If there is a question or clarity is needed, I will clarify and give examples. This will include the class expectations, behavior standards, and assignments that will be given throughout the course. I will go over the homework section and the class project in more detail in the video I post on the Classroom Thread. Learners can ask questions anytime during the class. Also during our first class, we will cover chapter 1 we will also discuss prior knowledge of sociology. 

Chapter 1:  “The Sociological Perspective”.  In this chapter the Learner will gain knowledge about the definition of the sociological perspective.  We will discuss this in depth and have examples.  The Learner will be able to confidently discuss the sociological perspective by the end of week one.  There is a lot of information to cover in an introduction class.  However, I have chosen only four chapters to focus on for this class.  This will allow the Learner to spend more time on fewer topics in order to gain a better appreciation and understanding.  All of these topics will come together to give the Learner a better understanding of what sociology is and the role it plays in human life.  With the below list, some words will only be defined and examples given, while others will go into more depth.  Learners will also have a sociology bingo game during the first week.

Topics covered in Chapter 1:
*sociological perspective
*society
*social location
*natural sciences
*sociology
*social science
*generalization
*common sense
*positivism
*natural evolution
*class conflict
*values
*pure sociology
*applied sociology
*public sociology
*C. Wright Mills
*Auguste Comte
*Karl Marx
*Max Weber



Week 2:  
Chapter 3:  “Socialization”.  This chapter will define for the Learner what exactly it means to be socialized.  The Learner will have examples give as well as videos to watch that will help them to understand this topic.  Learners will also have a sociology monopoly game during week two.  Other topics that will be covered in week two are as follows.
*social environment
*feral children
*isolated children
*institutionalized children
*deprived animals
*”The Looking Glass Self”
*development of the personality
*socialization into emotions
*life course of socialization
*George Herbert Mead
*Sigmund Freud


Week 3:  
Chapter 4:  “Social Structure and Social Interaction”.  This chapter discusses the levels of the social structure and the role that sociology plays in these levels.  This week the Learner will learn about different parts of the sociological structure.  Learners will have sociology crossword and word search puzzles this week.  Other topics that will be covered in week three are as follows.
*social interaction
*social structure
*social class
*status
*role
*group
*social institution
*social integration
*stereotype
*Thomas theorem


Week 4:
Chapter 10:  “Social Class in the United States”.  This chapter will give the Learner in-depth knowledge about social class.  The Learner will be able to tie together the previous three weeks of class and have a better understanding of sociology in our daily lives.  This chapter will not only cover chapter 10, but it will also be the week for presenting the class project.  This will be a great week for engagement in the Classroom Thread as Learners continue to comment on each other’s posts.  Other topics that will be covered in week four are as follows.
*poverty
*wealth
*income
*prestige
*status
*social mobility
  
Course Wrap and project presentations. This week will be a course wrap-up including, chapter 10, any final questions or comments about sociology. This class time will also be devoted to reading and discussing each student's class project. (more detail about the project below) I will grade students on a pass/fail bases for their participation during the course, their homework, and their project. Also during week 4 Learners will be presenting in the Classroom Thread, their project. Class project due on the last week of class: Requirements: -Learners will choose their own topic or I have a list of ideas below to choose from. -A minimum of 1 page, typed, 12 point font, new times roman, double-spaced. (maximum of 3 pages) -I am not placing many writing restrictions on this assignment. The goal is to expose you to a new topic or a topic that you may not know very much about and have you write about it. The Learner will choose what to write about their topic. -You may choose to answer these questions when writing your project: who, what, where, when, why, and how. -I will cover these requirements in-depth in the Classroom Thread. -I am always available to answer questions. 


Project ideas:  (please remember you are welcome to choose your own topic as it relates to sociology even if it is a topic we have not discussed).
*culture
*social status
*socialization
*social media/technology
*deviance
*Karl Marx
*social mobility
*economy
*social change

The homework will be related to each Learner's topic. I suggest every Learner have their topic chosen during the first week of class. This will give me enough time to tailor your homework assignments around the topic you choose. The first homework assignment will be to choose a topic. The Learner will have their topics or any question about selecting their topic by the first week of class. The following homework assignments for each class will be for the Learner to work on their project paper. It is advised but not required to start with an outline of ideas and then narrow down the topic for your project, followed by a rough draft, edit, and final draft. The Learner is not required to have a reference page, however, if you cite anyone's work you have to give them credit. Please always ask if you have a question


Each week, I will discuss the homework assignment that will be due in the next class. Do not fret, this will be simple assignments that will typically take less than thirty minutes. Since our class is flexible, remember you are doing the assignments on your time when it is convenient for you. 

This class will be structured as an instructor lecture with student interaction and discussion. The success and learning of this class will be impacted by the amount of student interaction and discussion. This class will be civil and polite and open and welcoming to everyone's opinions and comments. 

My teaching style is a learner-based style. I include the students in the conversation and engage them from the very first week until our last minute spent together. It is my belief and my testimony that students learn better when they are involved in the class. However, if the student is shy or uneasy about talking or discussing in the Classroom Thread. I will respect them and not embarrass them. However, they will know by my tone and interaction in my videos and Classroom Thread that they are in a safe learning environment no matter their learning style. It will be my hope that towards the end of the class the student will become outspoken in the Classroom Thread and interactive. 

In addition to learning sociology basics, it is important for the learner to become comfortable writing short paragraphs or papers. I include this type of writing in my classes to give exposure to the importance of writing. I will be looking for class participation, effort, and relevance while reading homework. It is not to scare the learner or make them think they will fail if they are not comfortable writing. My goal is to get the learner writing. So, by the time they are in college, they will be more at ease with writing a paper or whatever their writing may be. 


The sociological perspective examines social contexts in which people live and how these contexts influence people’s lives. I ask that you please note, the discipline of sociology studies different aspects of daily human life and real things that have an effect on people.  This course will not cover any sensitive topics other than a definition according to the sociological perspective.  For example, one of the topics in the course is “Freud”.  HIs contribution to sociology will be discussed because it is important to the sociological perspective.  However, there will be no personal opinions given, nor will students be asked to share or participate in any sensitive topic or topic that makes them feel uncomfortable.  My class is a safe space for everyone to come and learn.  If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to message me.