Course Syllabus

YouthWorks │ ECHS Summer Academy

Quincy College | Quincy Public Schools

Mr. Edgerly, Quincy College Campus

matthew.edgerly@quincycollege.edu 

  

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course comprehensively introduces sociology, the scientific study of human society and social behavior. Students will explore the fundamental concepts, theories, and methods used by sociologists to understand the structure and dynamics of societies. Topics covered include culture, socialization, social institutions, social stratification, and social change.

Throughout the course, students will examine how individuals and groups interact within various social contexts, including family, education, work, and media. The course also addresses critical issues such as race, class, gender, and globalization, emphasizing their impact on social life and individual experiences.

By engaging in lectures, discussions, and readings, students will develop critical thinking skills and gain insights into the complexities of social life. The course aims to foster a deeper understanding of the social forces shaping our lives and encourage students to think sociologically about the world around them.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(s):

The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology by Kerry Ferris and Jill Stein (8th edition).

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1.  Understand key sociological concepts and theories: Students will learn the foundational ideas and perspectives sociologists use to study social phenomena.
  2. Develop sociological imagination: Students will learn to see the connections between personal experiences and larger social structures.
  3. Analyze social institutions and structures: Students will examine how various social institutions, such as family, education, and economy, function and interact within society.
  4. Explore social inequality: Students will investigate the causes and consequences of social inequalities related to race, class, gender, and other dimensions of difference.
  5. Engage in sociological research: Students will learn and apply basic sociological research methods to explore social questions and issues.
  6. Apply sociological perspectives: Students will use sociological theories and concepts to analyze contemporary social issues and propose informed solutions.

Class Overview: Expectations

COURSE DELIVERY FORMAT: On Campus

DATES: 5 Weeks (July 8th/9th through August 7th/8th), 9:00 to 1:00 with M/W or Tues/Thurs

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES

The instructor will seek to achieve the course learning outcomes through lectures, discussions, exams, quizzes, and a research paper. 

GRADING POLICY:

  • Attendance/Engagement/Effort (20%): Students must attend class with all necessary items. A student with a positive attitude, puts the phone away, is willing to participate, comes to class on time, and is respectful, always noticed and rewarded.

  • The Work (50%):  All homework and classwork assignments will be checked and graded and will be assigned through your Quincy College Canvas account 
    • Late work is not accepted. Period. However, in case of an unique situation, a student will be allowed time to make up assignments

  • Assessments (30%): Throughout the quarter, students will be assessed on their performance in and out of the classroom through Tests, Essays, and Projects. Students will ALWAYS have advanced notice for these assessments.

*IN ORDER TO RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT, YOU MUST FINISH WITH AT LEAST A 73%

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Students are expected to attend all classes this semester. If a class is missed, the student is responsible for completing all make-up assignments, notes, and assessments.

COURSE CONTENT (Course content may be modified due to unforeseen circumstances)

WEEK

COURSE CONTENT

TEXTBOOK

Week 1

Thinking Sociologically and Doing Sociology

Chapters 1 & 2

Week 2

Framing Social Life

Chapters 3-6

Week 3

Understanding Inequality

Chapters 7-9

Week 4

Social Institutions & the Micro-Macro Link

Chapters 10-14

Week 5

Envisioning the Future and Creating Social Change

Chapters 15 & 16

Closing Statement 

This year will fly by, and along the way, I hope to enjoy some laughs and success and hopefully learn something.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due