Course Syllabus

Course Description

Principles of Sociology promotes the understanding of society and how it works. It also examines how society affects individuals and how individuals affect society. Major topics include culture, socialization, social problems, gender, race and ethnicity, and social change.

Course Objectives

The goal of this course is to enable the student to understand and analyze the basic principles underlying human social behavior. Students will explore the sociological perspective, basic research methods, and major topic areas of sociology. Theoretical perspectives will be identified and utilized to examine a variety of subjects. This course is designed to enhance students understanding of the realities of their social world. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Outline the research process and describe different methods used within the discipline of Sociology.
  2. Apply the “Sociological Imagination” in analyzing the ways that societies influence individual and group life.
  3. Distinguish among, and describe, different systems of social stratification and analyze how they create social inequalities.
  4. Compare and contrast different forms of social institutions.

Required Materials  

Textbook 

You do not need to purchase a textbook or any course materials for this course. This course uses digital course materials designed using Open Educational Resources (OER), high-quality, openly licensed educational materials, rather than a traditional textbook. You can access all readings, videos, quizzes, and other activities through our course site on Canvas.

CLICK HERE to access our NO COST textbook Introduction to Sociology 2e.

Figure 2. The image above shows the cover of our class text "Introduction to Sociology" 2 edition.

Internet Connection

Students must have access to reliable internet service (DSL, LAN, or cable connection desirable). You will need to access Canvas & Student Email regularly.

Technical Assistance 

If you need technical assistance at any time during the semester or to report a problem with Canvas or campus email you reach out to the Technology Help Center by 

You can also review the topics/links below for specific issues.

  1. To access Passport Student Administration System (http://passport.peralta.edu)
  2. To view passport Self Service On-Line Training Course or Documents (http://www.peralta.edu/apps/comm.asp?Q=510)
  3. To access Peralta Student Email (Hosted by Microsoft Exchange Labs) (http://outlook.com)
  4. To get additional help and supports for Peralta Student Email (http://www.peralta.edu/studentemail)

Teaching Format

This course will be delivered almost entirely online through Canvas. The only exception is the optional zoom 'meetup' and office hours. Otherwise, you will use your Canvas account to login to the course from the Peralta Portal login page (https://web.peralta.edu/portal/). In Canvas, you will access announcements, course syllabus, supplemental readings, assignments, grading rubrics, and additional materials.

How To Take This Course

Image showing the levels of depth at which a student could take this course. On the far left is meeting the basic requirements and on the far right is critically reading, asking questions, applying your knowledge to your social world.  

Figure 3. The diagram above illustrates how this course can be taken on a continuum with the left side showing that students can do the minimum (read, take quizzes, and do post discussions) and gain valuable information or students can approach the course with a deeper level of engagement (the right side of the continuum) and obtain a much deeper level of knowledge and understanding about themselves and their social world.

Course Requirements

Getting Started in SOC 1 Activity and Quiz (20 Points)

To help me better understand what you may need to thrive this semester, please complete the "Student Needs Survey." To help us create an online community, update your Canvas bio and complete the "Meet Your Peers" discussion post on Canvas . And, in an effort to ensure that everyone reads and understands the course syllabus and knows how to navigate our class Canvas site, students will complete the “Getting Started in SOC 1” module on Canvas and then take a 10-question quiz. The activities and assignments are due by 11:59 pm on Thursday, August 26th.

Weekly Reflection/Application/Discussion Posts (20 Points Each)

After you read, watch videos, and/or engage in online activities, students will create a reflection, application, discussion (RAD) post on Canvas. Discussion posts are short summaries of some of the main takeaways presented in the weekly material, combined with your reflection of the material, and an application to your lived experience and societal observations. Detailed guidelines and a sample post will be available on Canvas. Posts are due to Canvas every week on/before Thursdays by (11:59PM). The discussion topics will be in the “Weekly Modules” on Canvas.

Social Media Posts (10 Points Each)

This class is a public sociology class, which means that we will take our learning and voices into the public sphere and share key takeaways, "ah-ha moments," critical reflections, and more. The purpose is to engage with the public on what you're learning each week and how it relates to what's going on in the world. Students will use the hashtag #MCSoc so we can engage with one another.

Sociological Application Final Project (75 Points)

As a culminating part of your learning, each student will complete a comprehensive visual representation (75 points) that will allow you to apply what you’ve learned over the course of the semester to your life and the world around you. Details about the project will be made available in the final project module in the 11th week of the semester. The final project is due on 12/16 by 11:59pm.

Reflection Assignment (25 Points)

As a culminating part of your learning, each student will complete a final reflection that will allow you to reflect on what you learned over the course of the semester. Details about the assignment will be made available on Canvas during finals week. The reflection is due on 12/16 by 11:59pm.

Course Calendar (subject to change)

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the course calendar.

Overview of the topics covered over the semester. Detailed information is provided in the weekly modules.  

Grading Scale

Assignment

Points Possible

Getting Started Activity

   20 points

Weekly RAD Posts

   220 points

Social Media Posts

   120 points

Sociological Autobiography

   75 points

Reflection Paper

   25 points

Grand Total

460 points

There are 460 total points possible in this course. Grades follow the standard university scale:

Letter Grade Points Percentage
A 460 - 414 100% - 90% 
B 413 - 368 89% - 80%  
C 367 - 322 79% - 70% 
D 321 - 276 69% - 60% 
F 275 and lower 59% and lower 

Late Work Policy

All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through Canvas unless otherwise instructed. Assignments must be submitted by the given deadline. Late assignments are not accepted except under extreme circumstances. Your instructor reserves the right to determine if a late assignment will be accepted under extenuating circumstances and will require documentation.  Twelve (12) points per day are deducted for late assignments – no exceptions. Students who do not complete all of the readings, videos, and assignments in the Student Orientation and Module #1 will be dropped from this class. No exceptions. Please reach out to me on Canvas, by email, or drop into my Zoom office hours if you have any questions or need any support.

How to Communicate with My Instructor and Peers

I strongly encourage everyone to join our optional weekly "study halls" on Tuesdays, 2pm-4pm.

These sessions are relaxed and will be ran as a study group session. Please come as you are. We will use the time to connect with one another, talk through the major points of the weekly module, review the assignments, and hold space for Q&A.

Office hours are Tuesdays & Thursdays 12PM-1PM and by Appointment. 

  • Zoom Office Hour information: Click on the link, call the number, or use the meeting ID on your Zoom app.
  • Link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/94524068049
  • Telephone: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll)
  • Meeting ID: 945 2406 8049

If you have any general questions, please consult the syllabus and Canvas first. 

If you do not find the answer in the syllabus or on Canvas, then please post general questions to the "Help Me Help You!" discussion board under the Discussions tab on Canvas (see the link to the Discussions on the left of this page). 

If you have a personal/private question or concern please message me directly through Canvas. Click on the inbox icon on the far left side of this page. Then, at the top of the screen, click "compose new message." Click here, to watch a short video on how to send a message through Canvas.

Response time from me is usually within 24 hours Monday through Thursday only. Messages sent to me Friday-Sunday will be responded to on Monday of the following week (unless Monday is a holiday, then I will respond on the next non-holiday day).

If you message me and the answer to your question can be found in the syllabus or on Canvas, then I will reply with a gentle reminder and direct you to the source where you can find the answer to your question. Please know that I have spent a lot of time creating a syllabus and designing a Canvas site that provides students will as much information as possible. It's very important that students take the time to read the information I provided before they email me.

Please know that I do not mean to be rude. I have a lot of students and I am usually very good about responding to questions in a timely manner, so if you do not hear back from me within 24 hours M-TH, please resend your message. Also, in the 'subject' line, type a 2-3 word description indicating the subject (or purpose) of your message. Example: Textbook help.

Help and Resources

If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed (click on the blue text below to be directed to the website)…

  1. Communicate with me by Canvas. Please don’t be shy, there is so much research that explains the challenges students experience while trying to navigate the college system and balance school, work, family, and life commitments. Plus, we are experiencing a major public health crisis! It’s not easy to overcome the challenges life throws our way and stay in track with readings, assignments, etc. – but it’s worth it! If you have any questions about this class or need any assistance, please talk to me right away so we can make a plan of action to keep you on a path to success.
  2. Participate in the weekly "study halls." The course is asynchronous, meaning we do not have regularly scheduled meetings. However, if you would like to participate in an optional weekly "study halls," please complete the Doodle Poll in the Student Orientation Module and mark all of the days/times that you are able to meet. I will choose the day/time based on the majority availability. I will create a zoom meeting and share it via Canvas Announcements and add it here in week 2 of the semester. If you're not able to attend the sessions, don't worry, you have other ways of reaching out to me and our class. You can use the "Help me, Help you" discussion board, message me on Canvas, and reach out to schedule a one-on-one meeting too. 
  1. FREE Tutoring and Academic Support: Yay! This semester, Brenda will be our sociology tutor. Brenda took SOC 1 with me in Fall 2020 and aced the class. She's super nice and down to earth. Brenda will be with us in our study hall session and hold tutoring sessions in the virtual tutoring center (see link below). Brenda's schedule in posted under the Discussion Board tab to the left of this screen under "Brenda's Corner".

Did you know that students who seek tutoring from our very own Learning Center tutors are 5%-30% more likely to successfully pass a tough class? Tutors are paid through student enrollment fees, so take advantage of this service. You will need to register for the LRNRE 501—Supervised Tutoring (0 units) - Code: 42783. Enroll TODAY! 

        • Normally,  when we are on campus, students go to Building L for tutoring. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the Learning Center will not open on campus this fall. However, peer tutors are still available to help you with your learning needs. 

  1. Use online resources, such as Kahn Academy, Crash Course Sociology, Open Education Sociology, etc. If you're not sure about the credibility of the resource, please message me via Canvas.
  2. Campus Supports: Meet with counselors remotely to learn about campus and community resources that will help you succeed in school. If you are an AB540/Dream student, you can meet with counselors in Centro Latino Services at Merritt. For programs and services specifically designed to support African-American students, but all are welcome, check out the SANKOFA initiative. For educationally underrepresented students who want to transfer to a 4-year college or university, learn more about the Puente Program.
  3. Chromebook Loan Program: Do you need to borrow a laptop this semester? The Office of the VP of Student Services has a Chromebook Loan Program for eligible students. The instructions on how to request a Chromebook can be found here, or email Student Services for more information. 
  4. Classmates: Use the discussion board on Canvas to communicate with classmates or send messages via Canvas inbox.
  5. Community: If you need assistance in the form of food, shelter, clothing, etc., call 211 and someone will connect you with resources to help you meet basic needs. This will help you to focus on your coursework. 
  6. Services for Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities are encouraged, but not required, to meet with me in private to discuss their services and accommodations. Please send me your “Services and Accommodations” form from the Student Accessibility Services through Canvas and message me if you'd like to schedule a virtual meeting. Your information will be kept confidential and will not affect your grade. Also, students who think they could use support from the Student Accessibility Services for temporary or permanent conditions, or if you suspect you might have a learning disability, please contact their office: (510) 436-2429 to make an online appointment.  Students have the right to request reasonable modifications to college requirements, services, facilities or programs if their documented disability imposes an educational limitation or impedes access to such requirements, services, facilities or programs. A student with a disability who requests a modification, accommodation, or adjustment is responsible for identifying himself/herself to the instructor and, if desired, to the SAS office. Students who consult or request assistance from SAS regarding specific modifications, accommodations, adjustments or use of auxiliary aids will be required to meet timelines and procedural requirements established by the SAS office.

Merritt College has many resources available to help students succeed – please use them!

College Policies on Academic Honesty

College policies on cheating, plagiarism, copyright policy, compute usage, disruptive behaviors are strictly followed. Any problems in these areas are dealt with according to College policies. For detailed information go to the following link: Merritt College Policies on Academic Integrity.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Each community college district has primary responsibility to ensure that its programs and activities are available to all persons without regard to ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, race, sex or gender, color, sexual orientation, ancestry, or physical or mental disability, or to their association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Therefore, each community college district shall investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination in its programs or activities and seek to resolve those complaints in accordance with the provisions of [sections 59300 et seq.]. (Title 5, California Code of Regulations, section 59320.)

Course Policies

Students are required to read the course policies before the end of the third week of the semester. If you have any questions about the course policies, please do not hesitate to message me through Canvas or meet with me during office hours.