CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for SOC102 - Introduction to Sociology II

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. List the basic characteristics of the family. Discuss the importance of marriage and kinship to the family.
  2. Describe the functions the family performs for its members and for society.
  3. Describe some cross-cultural variations in families.
  4. Indicate the changes that have occurred in family patterns with increasing industrialization and urbanization.
  5. Outline the functions and dysfunctions of the nuclear family form.
  6. Describe the impact of divorce upon the two individuals directly involved, other family members, the community, and society.
  7. Describe how education has changed with the rise of industrialism in the United States.
  8. Present the functionalist view of the purposes of education.
  9. Present a conflict view of education and the influence of schooling on social mobility.
  10. Explain how the self-fulfilling prophecy operates in schools.
  11. Discuss the relationship between class, race, and educational achievement; explain which factors affect students’ chances of educational success.
  12. State the sociological definition of religion.
  13. List topics of interest to a sociologist studying religion as social behavior.
  14. Compare and contrast the elements of religion with those of functionally equivalent belief systems.
  15. Compare the views of Marx, Durkhem, and Weber on the relationship between religion and social change.
  16. Explain Weber’s “Protestant ethic” thesis and the current evidence for it.
  17. Compare the religiosity of the American people with that of other nations and discuss the social consequences of these differences.
  18. Identify the factors that have led to a fundamentalist revival in the United States.
  19. Discuss the economic order and the importance of economic activity.
  20. Explain the idea of division of labor and the consequences of surplus wealth.
  21. Compare Durkheim’s concepts of mechanical and organic solidarity in terms of social cohesion.
  22. Define “anomie” and describe its sources and consequences.
  23. Contrast occupations and professions and explain the trend toward professionalization.
  24. Present Marx`s analysis of alienation and work.
  25. Describe the extent of economic control exerted by large corporations, noting its social consequences.
  26. Explain the increase in multinational corporations and its global consequences.
  27. Outline the social consequences of unemployment for the individual and for society.
  28. Define the sociological concepts of the political order and the state.
  29. Explain Weber`s definitions of power, legitimacy, and coersion.
  30. Characterize the state in modern industrial societies.
  31. Contrast the three basic forms of government.
  32. Discuss current political trends in the U.S.
  33. Describe the political behavior of interest groups.
  34. Present evidence of ways in which interest groups support or interfere with democratic government.
  35. Summarize Mill`s view of the concentration of power in the United States.
  36. Outline Reisman`s perspective on the levels of power in the United States.
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using modules, websites, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Define marriage and family, and explain the essential functions and dysfunctions of family for society and the individual.  A, B, C, D, E, F
2 Investigate the universal characteristics and variations of families across cultures.  A, B, C, E
3 Demonstrate how the family is both a private relationship and a public institution by describing the impact of divorce upon the individual, his or her community, and society. A, B, D, E, F
4 Apply each of the three theoretical perspectives to produce contrasting explanations of power and inequality in marriage. B, C, E, F
5 Describe how social forces, such as urbanization and industrialization, have changed the form and function of family over time. A, B, D, E
Module 2
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Identify the social functions of education, and differentiate between manifest and latent functions in education.  G, H, K
2 From the conflict perspective, explain how educational systems reproduce the class structure in society.  G, I, J, K
3 Research and report on the effect of social stratification on educational success.  G, I, J, K
4 Define religion as a social institution, and explain its functions for society and individuals.  L, M, N
5 Explain the meaning of Durkheim’s “sacred” and “profane” and the three elements that comprise religion.  M, N
6 Compare the views of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber and apply Marx’s perspective to demonstrate how religion can reinforce social inequalities and discourage social change. M, N, O, Q, R
Module 3
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe the development of economic systems, and how the changed from the agricultural revolution to postindustrial society. S, T
2 Identify the effects of global capitalism, including the impact on workers and nations. X, Y, Z, AA
3 Differentiate between power and authority, and define the three types of authority. AC, AD
4 Identify the characteristics of the four types of government: monarchies, oligarchies, dictatorships, and democracies. AB, AE
5 Describe the components of the U.S. political system, including interest groups and voting. AF, AG, AH
6 Apply the functionalist and conflict perspectives, and explain contrasting views of the role of power in government. AI, AJ
Module 4
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe urbanization and its relationship to social cohesion. U, V
2 Explain the rise in multinational corporations, and describe the related global environmental consequences. Z
3 Define social change, and explain modernization and some societal changes that accompany it. U
4 Explain the relationship between religion and social change using the ideas of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber. O
Module 5
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Discuss the role of social movements in creating social change. AH, AI
2 Compare the general characteristics of small, traditional societies with large, modern societies. T, U
3 Describe social changes brought about by one or a combination of the following: technology, industrialization, modernization, urbanization, globalization. V, W, X
4 Apply the three collective action theories of social movements. AG
5 Explain social movements on a state, national, and global level. AG, AH

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

The semester schedule for this course may be 15 weeks, 10 weeks, or 6 weeks in duration. Based on the course format, this table shows the approximate amount of time you should plan to spend per week on this course. This includes time to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete all assignments, and study the course material.

For accelerated courses, the amount of time required per week is greater. Note that regardless of course format, the course material is the same and all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Course Activity Hours and Student Learning Hours
Course Credit Hours Course Format (Duration) Pace Relative to a 15-Week Course Course Activity Hours Student Learning Hours per Week
3 15 Weeks - 135 8.5 to 9.5
3 10 Weeks 1.5x faster 135 12.5 to 14.5
3 6 Weeks 2.5x faster 135 21 to 24

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

Summary of Grading
Assignment Points %
Student Icebreaker (1 @ 50 points each) 50 5%
Discussions (10 @ 30 points each) 300 30%
Response Papers (3 @ 100 points each) 300 30%
Final Project Outline (1 @ 100 points each) 100 10%
Final Project  250 25%
TOTAL 1000 100%

 

CCCOnline Course Quality Commitment

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