SOCIOLOGY
4396
SOCIAL
THEORY
SPRING
2006
7-9:30
PM Thursdays
Sara Horsfall,
Ph.D.
243 Poly
United Methodist Church
Phone 531-4264
Email: shorsfall@txwes.edu
Theory Web Page
http://web.txwesleyan.edu/sociology/horsfall/Theory.html
(http://sociology.txwes.edu/horsfall/Theory.html)
Office Hours:
Mon 12-5 PM, Tues 2:45-5 PM,Thurs 2:45-7 PM, Sat 12-1 PM (Tk B)
TEXTS: 1) THE
METAPHORICAL SOCIETY: AN INVITATION TO SOCIAL THEORY by Daniel Rigney, Roman
& Littlefield, 2001.
2)
ILLLUMINATING SOCIAL LIFE, by Peter Kivisto, Pine Forge Press, 2005
OBJECTIVES: This course
introduces the student to basic concepts of social theorists. Upon completion
of the course the student should be able to recognize major theorists and
explain their major contribution to Sociological Theory. The student should
also be familiar with major theories used by contemporary sociologists and
analyze various social events using sociological theories, being able to
identify which theory is more appropriate for which event.
PROCEDURES: In general,
the student will read the material and come to each class session fully
prepared for discussion. It is obvious if a student has not read or studied the
material. This lack of attention will be reflected in the quality of discussion
for that day. Additional material will be presented by the instructor as
needed.
GRADES:
Papers 33%
Midterm 33%
Final 33%
NOTES: While doing
the reading for each section, students are strongly encouraged to jot down
important points on paper to help them in the class discussion. To truly
understand the various theorists, it may be helpful to answer the following
questions for each theorist/section.
1.
What is the social "engine" for this theorist? What is it that causes
society to change?
2.
What is the theorist's view of human beings and/or human nature?
3.
What question is the theorist trying to answer in his/her theory?
4.
What place does religion or the supernatural have for the theorist?
5.
In what situations would this theory be useful?
PAPERS: Paper assignments will be made periodically throughout the semester. Usually
the question to be discussed in the paper will be given by the instructor. Most
papers will be short – two pages Times Roman 10 point font. There will be one
longer research paper of 10 pages. This is a theory class, so extensive sources
are not required. However any sources used should be cited properly at the end
of the paper.
ATTENDANCE: Since the
class meets only once a week, each classtime is important. Students should plan
not to miss class, as much of the understanding of the content of the theories
will become clear in the discussion. Theory can be a difficult subject to
tackle independently, which makes the classtime even more important. Should
students miss a class period, they should make arrangements with another
student to get the notes and any important announcements, handouts or
assignments.
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Anyone caught cheating on a test/assignment will receive a grade of zero for that assignment.
Anyone guilty of plagiarism will receive a zero on that assignment. Plagiarism is copying someone else’s writing and claiming that it is your own. This includes ANY AND ALL material from the Internet, papers of other students, material from the text or any other book.
Generally no late papers or assignments will be accepted.
Students with questions or complaints about anything having to do with the course are encouraged to make an appointment with the instructor to discuss the situation. Misunderstanding and inadvertent human error - on the part of students or instructor – can cause unnecessary problems. The easiest solution is informal discussion. No concern is too small to be addressed.
Students are urged to use common sense when approaching the course procedures and grading. Evaluation is based on expressed knowledge, including definitions and indications of meanings. Instructors cannot be expected to understand your unexpressed meaning. Should it happen that you receive a low daily grade, there is no assumption that you are not a good students or that you will fail the course. Especially if the course material is difficult, it is not unusual for a student to receive a low grade for new material early in the semester. Please refer to the syllabus for the weight that grade has in the over all grade.
Every attempt is made to judge and grade all students fairly. Please note, however, that a portion of the final grade rests on the subjective judgment of the instructor. If you feel this assessment is in error, you may appeal to the instructor with evidence to support your reasoning. Further grade appeals must go through the procedure outlined in the University catalog.
A
free flow of ideas is essential to a college education. All ideas are valuable,
and all contributions are welcome. No student should hesitate to express
him/herself for fear of being wrong, or for fear of ridicule. Respect is an
essential element of academic discussion and interaction: between students and
between instructor and students. Prejudice, resentment and other hostilities
are not a part of academic behavior. Disagreements can be settled by
clarification of the issues, reference to Texas Wesleyan University guidelines,
and amicable discussion between parties. Agreeing to disagree is an acceptable
academic resolution.
Students should read the current Texas Wesleyan University Catalog and Student Handbook to become familiar with University policies. These policies include, but are not limited to grade appeal, sexual harassment, student access to records, and others; policies specified in the current catalog are applicable unless otherwise stated in this syllabus.
Texas
Wesleyan University adheres to a disability policy which is in keeping with
relevant federal law. The University will provide appropriate accommodation as
determined by the Director of the Counseling Center, Dr. Michael Ellison.
Students must notify instructors of any permanent or temporary disabilities and
must provide documentation regarding those disabilities prior to the granting
of an accommodation. For assistance, students should consult with Dr. Ellison.
Note: Course syllabi are intended to provide students with basic information concerning the course. The syllabus can be viewed as a 'blueprint' for the course; changes in the syllabus can be made and students will be informed of any substantive changes concerning examinations, the grading or attendance policies and changes in project assignments.
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CLASS
SCHEDULE
To
Be Announced