PROF: Dr. Jack Taylor OFFICE: Rm 2111, Northridge	MAILING ADDRESS: Austin Community College 11928 Stonehollow, Austin, TX 78758
PHONE: Leave message at: 223-1795 ext. 23434# SPEAK  SLOWLY and REPEAT the message Call 223 4828 (NRG),  ONLY during office hrs.	BLACKBOARD: http://acconline.austin.cc.tx.us//, website
EMAIL: jtaylorzz@yahoo.com	TESTING CENTER HOURS: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr
FAX: 512-223-4310 Be sure to use a cover page URL: http://www.austincc.edu/jtaylor	SOCIOLOGY DEPT WEB SITE: http://www.austincc.edu/sbs

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  PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE
This course is an introduction to the scientific study of human social behavior.  Using the methods and theories of sociology, we will explore the social realities humans construct through ongoing patterns of individual and group interaction.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1.   To introduce you to the skills of critical thinking used in the social sciences as
     theories and methods of analysis.
2. To provide you opportunities to practice these skills through direct observation of
    human social behavior and through the analysis of written reports.
3. To introduce you to the "sociological imagination" perspective of interpreting the
   relationship between your personal life and the larger forces of social existence.
4. To examine the operation of the major institutions of human societies such as
    government, economics, the family, religion  and education, and their interdependence.
5. To raise your awareness of social problems and the nature of social structures,
   including issues of race, gender and class.

 HOW TO EARN POINTS IN THIS CLASS: 500 posible points.

1. Tests:There are 3 required tests. (Tests are 100 points each, maximum 300 points)
2. Book Report: Up to 200 points. OR
3. Volunteer Work: up to 200 points
    You may choose to do either book reports or volunteer work

GRADING SYSTEM

A= 470 POINTS
B= 440   "
C= 410   "
D= 380   "

For a F:
1. Make less than the requirements for a "D"
2. Engage in ANY form of scholastic dishonesty.
3. Fail to withdraw yourself if you are not passing.
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INCOMPLETES are given only if a student has made substantial progress in completing all class assignments and  testing. The circumstances that led to your not completing the course material must have been entirely beyond your control such as medical emergencies. If you are not making satisfactory progress withdraw yourself before Nov 23

Tests 1, 2, & 3 are required tests. There are 50 multiple choice questions on each test, each question is worth 2 points, possible 300 points. The test questions come from the text and Lectures
TEST 1 covers Chs. 1 - 4.
TEST 2 covers Chs.  5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
TEST 3 covers Chs. 11, 12, 13 & 15  omit 14 & 16

Test review sheets are available online at www.austincc.edu/jtaylor
See semester calendar for test dates

Some recommended books:
Invitation to Sociology, Peter Berger, Anchor Books
There is Nothing In The Middle Of The Road But Yellow Stripes And Dead Armadillos by Jim Hightower. [Available at most major bookstores.]
Ten Questions: A sociological perspective by Joel Charon, 4th ed. [Available in ACC bookstores.]
The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison, by Jeffery Remain, 6th ed. [Available in ACC bookstores]

Check the library for my books on reserve under my name. The Kendall text book cannot be used, but you can use those links to find other books. Another very good list of books is by Professor Bob Woldman  http://www2.austincc.edu/rwoldman

Guidelines for writing a book report.
1.  The book report should summarize the book as a whole, integrating the ideas of
     each chapter.
2.  Critically evaluate the author's major sociological points of view.
3.  State how you agree or disagree with the author.
4.  For more details see: Writing a Book Report  to be handed out in class.

1.  You must volunteer for at least 10 hours (orientation time does not count as volunteer time)

2.  You must volunteer in one of the approved list of agencies or get my approval for a
     different agency. An approved list of agencies will be handed out in class but
     if you have one in mind discuss it with me.  Contact the agency immediately and
     get started. You must have in-person contact with 5-10 clients This does not include staff.
     Orientation cannot count as part of  your hours served.
     Last day for approval for any volunteer agency NOT on the list is the second week of class

3.  At the end of the volunteer period you must submit a Volunteer Time Sheet
    stating the hours you volunteered and signed by your supervisor. Time sheets
    will be available in class. Late or no time sheet = 0 points for volunteer work.

4.  You must submit a three to five page summary report of your work in the agency.
   FORMAT FOR VOLUNTEER WORK  REPORT  (After completing your volunteer work)
    (Your Name ------------------
    SOCI 1301 - Intro to Soc , 16 weeks Fall 2009,  MW
    (Name of agency________________)

(The body of the report comes next)
Divide the report into 3 numbered and clearly labeled parts:
1. Discuss the work of the agency.
2. Discuss the work you did. [You must have in-person contact with 5 - 10 clients.]
3. You must write a paragraph about each major social force that you observed that are influenced the condition of the clients [Clients only, not the staff.] Major social forces include: social class, gender, race, family, religion, education, politics, age, economics, rural, small town, and urban influences, regional differences, and ethnic differences.
The Volunteer Work Report and & Time Sheet must turned in by May 1

You are expected to participate in class discussion.
Your discussion in class reveals the degree of effort you are giving to the study of sociology.  In my classes, students who demonstrate that they have read the material under discussion and show an understanding of the subjects usually make better grades.

. You are expected to be in class, on time, and ready to begin the days assignment. Three unexcused absences are acceptable for the semester. More than three absences will result in your final grade being lowered by 1% point for each absence. Leaving class early or coming in late is counted as an absence. The total of this percentage will be subtracted from the total points you have earned during the semester.   Absences will be excused for justified reasons that are documented. Transportation problems, family problems, child care problems, legal problems and all the other hardships and anxieties of our pilgrimage on this earth are not accepted as excusable reasons for you to neglect your dedicated pursuit of your education. You can do it!!  Adherence to a class and study schedule similar to attendance at a job is a characteristic of a successful student.

Students will be automatically withdrawn from the class roll if their absences  exceed 6 unexcused absences for the total semester. "An instructor may withdraw a student who is not meeting course requirements." (Student Handbook) If your class schedule conflicts with other obligations, you should WITHDRAW from the class. Coming in late or leaving early is disruptive for the class.  These  will be considered an absence.

It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from the course before the deadline.  Failure to withdraw from the course without completing the course work will result in a grade of "F"

Last updated Dec, 2010