Cincinnati Christian University Foster School of Biblical Studies, Arts & Sciences

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1 Cincinnati Christian University Foster School of Biblical Studies, Arts & Sciences SOCI semester credit hours Mon, Wed & Fri, 11:00-11:50am Room WM147 Introductory Sociology Spring 2015 Steve Skaggs, Campus Box #2 Director, The John A. Wilson Center for Urban and Global Outreach Steve.Skaggs@CCUniversity.edu Phone: (513) Office: WM 133 CCU Catalog Course Description An overview of significant theories and issues in the study of human social behavior. Special attention will be given to ways in which sociological theory may be applied in Christian life and ministry. Course Rationale The mission of Cincinnati Christian University is to develop students into selfless, well-rounded leaders who follow Christ and positively impact their community, country, and world. Certainly an important part of this is to attempt to understand how our society, and societies around the world, are organized, how they function and how they change. Early sociology was developed in the midst of dramatic changes taking place in western societies as those societies industrialized. Some sociologists sought to explain the way that society functioned while being as objective as possible. Others thought sociology could provide many answers to improve society. As Christians we bring a unique perspective when we study sociology. This course will help each student gain a better understanding of human society and will challenge the student to consider the proper role of the church and the individual Christian as they seek to impact society. Objectives 1. Learn basic sociological terms, concepts and theoretical approaches. 2. Understand how to think from a sociological perspective, learning to see not only one s individual predicament but the larger social structure of which one is a part. 3. Understand varying perspectives on the proper role of the church in society and begin to determine your own position on this important issue. 4. Consider during the course how sociological research can inform, enhance, and challenge the ministry of the church. Required Reading Croteau, David and William Hoynes Experience Sociology. 2 nd ed, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor and Yourself. Chicago: Moody Publishers. Class Assignments The Sociological Perspective Week January Wednesday Review Syllabus Ch 1 Experience Sociology The Sociological Perspective (begin) Week January Ch 1 Experience Sociology The Sociological Perspective (conclusion) Digging Deeper Assignment #1 Stanford Prison Experiment Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #1, Reading Report Ch 1, & Canvas Test 1

2 Week February Ch 2 Experience Sociology Understanding the Research Process Friday: Bring Research Article to Class Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #2, Reading Report Ch 2, & Canvas Test Sociology s Core Concepts Week February Ch 3 Experience Sociology Culture (begin) Digging Deeper Assignment #2 Sociology Research Article Week February Ch 3 & 14b Experience Sociology Culture (conclusion), Consumer Culture (p ), and Christ and Culture Digging Deeper Assignment #3 Confronting Consumerism Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal#3, Reading Report Ch 3 & 14b, & Canvas Test Week February Ch 4 Experience Sociology Social Structure Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #4, Reading Report Ch 4, & Canvas Test Week March Ch 5 Experience Sociology Power Digging Deeper Assignment #4 Christians & Politics Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #5, Reading Report Ch 5, & Canvas Test Spring Break No Class 9-13 March The Social Self Week March Ch 6 Experience Sociology Socialization Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #6, Reading Report Ch 6, & Canvas Test Week March Ch 7 Experience Sociology Interaction, Groups, and Organizations Digging Deeper Assignment #5 Gender Socialization Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #7, Reading Report Ch 7, & Canvas Test Identity and Inequality Week March-3 April Ch 9 Experience Sociology Class & Global Inequality (begin) Friday No Class Easter Break Week April Ch 9 Experience Sociology Class & Global Inequality (conclusion) Due Friday: When Helping Hurts Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #8, Reading Report Ch 9, & Canvas Test Week April Ch 10 Experience Sociology Race & Ethnicity (begin) Digging Deeper Assignment #6 Race & Ethnicity 2

3 Week April Ch 10 Experience Sociology Race & Ethnicity (conclusion) Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #9, Reading Report Ch 10, & Canvas Test Social Institutions & Social Issues Week April-1 May Ch 12 Experience Sociology Family & Religion Extra Credit Digging Deeper Assignment Family Week May Digging Deeper Assignment #7 Religion Due by MIDNIGHT SATURDAY on Canvas: Journal #10, Reading Report Ch 12, & Canvas Test (Note special instructions for final journal entry below.) Grading Procedures Grades will be assigned based upon the school s grading scale. Your grade will be made up of the following components: Chapter Tests 25% Reading Assignments 10% When Helping Hurts Review 15% Journal 25% Digging Deeper Assignments 25% Chapter Tests Chapter tests will be composed primarily of matching and multiple choice questions. Tests will cover the material in the designated chapter as well as information that we discuss during class related to that chapter. Each of these tests will be available on Canvas on the week indicated, opening early in the week. Note that tests will close at MIDNIGHT on SATURDAY of the week they are listed on the syllabus schedule. Tests are open book and open note but are timed, so you should prepare for the tests before taking them you will not have time to look up answers. Once the test closes you may not make up the test. Reading Assignments Reading each chapter is essential to doing well in this class. Not only do you receive a grade for reading but reading is important for participating in class discussion and for doing well on chapter tests. Begin reading each chapter in preparation for our first class on that chapter, and make sure you have completed it well before the chapter test. You will report your chapter reading on Canvas. Note that the reading report forms will close on Canvas at MIDNIGHT on SATURDAY of the week that they are listed on the syllabus schedule. Failure to report reading on Canvas by the deadline will result in a zero reading grade for that week. When Helping Hurts Review Write a 3-4 page (minimum 3 full pages) response paper to When Helping Hurts, due in class on Friday, April 10 th. Be prepared to discuss the book in class on that date as well. Balance summarizing the content of the book with assessing and responding to the author s arguments. Further information on the assignment and grading rubric are on the cover sheet for this assignment which must be completed and stapled to the front of your paper (cover sheet on course Canvas site). Book Reviews turned in after that date will be penalized 10 points per day. 3

4 Journal The journal is to help you organize your thoughts as you consider the key issues that we will discuss this semester in light of your faith. Here s what your journal entries should contain: First consider the key things you have learned in this chapter reading and lectures related to this chapter. Keep your list down to the top 2-3 things. Second, you should use the journal to react to the information presented in the section. As an individual, a citizen and a Christian, how do you respond to the issues that are raised? Third, you should consider what action you as an individual Christian or the Christian community collectively take as a result of what you learned in this section? Finally, over the semester there are a few question I hope you will keep in mind and explore: What does sociology have to offer the church? What do those of faith have to offer to sociology? What is the proper role of the church in society? Your journal should be typed as a Word document, saved, then uploaded to Canvas. Entries should be at least one double spaced typed page in length. Less than a page may result in an automatic grade deduction, but quality as well as quantity will be considered for your journal grade. Each journal should be labeled (single space the label) with your name, the date and journal entry number (see schedule) on the top right hand corner of each page. Each journal is due SATURDAY at MIDNIGHT on the week indicated in the schedule. Journal entries will not be accepted after the due date. Special instructions for Journal #10: The final journal assignment will be 2-3 pages long and will summarize what you have learned in the semester. Include answers to the following questions: What has been most important to you in the course? What are the things that you have learned that are most relevant to your ministry/career goals? Give your final answers to the questions that I asked you to ponder over the semester (see above). What do you plan to do about what you have learned over the course? As you consider what you can/should do, reflect on both your current situation, as well as your future career/ministry. What should the church do about the social problems and other issues raised in class? What part can you play in enabling the church to take action? Digging Deeper Assignments Over the course of the semester, I will provide details in class of Digging Deeper assignments. These assignments will help you further engage with the material in our reading and in lectures. Assignments may range from investigating a web site to watching a relevant video or another activity. Specific instructions on these assignments, along with due dates, will presented in class. Attendance/Participation Attendance will be taken at each class session. Students are expected to be present in class, having read the assignment for the week and be prepared to participate in class. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. If you arrive late, or for any reason the attendance sheet misses you, you must let me know after class or you will be counted absent. Consult the academic catalog for the University s attendance policy. Students absent from the class more than four times will receive a FA (failure due to absences) designation and will have to be reinstated into the class. Submitting Assignments When submitting your work take time to proofread your work. This is a college course, so submit assignments that reflect college level thought and college level writing. Always make sure that you submit your work on time, and to receive maximum points, make sure that you follow the assignment instructions. As a general rule I will not accept any late assignments in the course unless noted otherwise in this syllabus. If you have an emergency 4

5 arise or special circumstance, let me know. Finally, be diligent about saving your work. Always save your work as a Word document and keep to a standard format: Times New Roman or Arial, point font, double spaced with one inch margins. Special Notes The class schedule is a tentative schedule and may be subject to change. You will be notified of any changes in class as we proceed through the semester. Students who require academic accommodations due to a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability should request assistance from Disability Services by contacting Ray Horton at ray.horton@ccuniversity.edu. The Evan Bolejack Learning Center is also available for academic coaching and is located in the lower level of the Worship/Ministry building across from the elevator. You may contact the office by phone at (513) or by at academic.support@ccuniversity.edu. Please familiarize yourself with the school s Policy on Academic Integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, and dishonesty in reporting attendance have high penalties! 5