Syllabus
The main learning goal of this course is "mastery of the scientific methods by which sociologists have studied the organizational structure and dynamics of society" (Department of Sociology Statement of Goals, 2003).
To achieve this goal, the course has several learning objectives. By the end of this course, you should be able to:
• Compare and contrast philosophical perspectives on research. [M]
• Identify two or more ethical issues in contemporary research practice. [M]
• Identify the main features of the scientific method. [M]
• Assess the reliability and validity of a measurement. [M]
• Construct an index or a scale. [M]
• Design a sampling strategy for a specific research question. [M]
• Contrast the levels of measurement. [M]
• Describe and apply the logic of hypothesis testing. [F]
• Construct a hypothetical program assessment for the sociology major. [F]
• Use photographic data to illustrate a sociological concept. [F]
• Interpret empirical evidence in the form of crosstabulations and means. [LABS]
• Identify the main features of the most common kinds of social research. [M, F & LABS]
• Construct a well-formed empirical question. [LR & LABS]
• Abstract (write a concise review of) an empirical research article in the sociological literature. [LR & LABS]
• Compare the methods and findings of two or more empirical studies. [LR]
• Compare the interpretations of two or more theoretical articles. [LR]
And, by way of synthesizing the particular concepts and skills you encounter in this course, you should be able to:
• Critically review the journal literature in sociology as it bears on a particular research question. [LR]
In order to help you understand how the learning objectives in this course relate to the learning activities, I've indicated the context in which you will be evaluated on each goal above. M refers to the midterm; F refers to the final; LR refers to the literature review essay; LABS refers to the lab reports. The classroom activities and the lab exercises will touch on all of these learning goals, in order to prepare you for the examinations and essay.
Because this course includes a web site and internet activities, each student is required to have an email address. The college provides one to each student. Web-based email accounts are also available free of charge from a number of service providers.
Structure of the Course
Our textbook is Making Sense of the Social World, by D. F. Chambliss & R. K. Schutt (Pine Forge, 3rd Edition, ISBN: 978-1-4129-6939-0). Additional readings will be assigned. The text is available from Shakespeare & Co. on Hillel Place and any large online bookstore.
Grading for this course consists of five parts: (a) the midterm exam; (b) the final exam; (c) a literature review; (d) classroom activities; and, (e) laboratory assignments.
The midterm exam will cover the material presented in the first half of the course. It will consist of short answer questions. The midterm is worth up to 25 points. The final exam will cover the material presented in the second half of the course. It will consist of short answer questions. The final is worth up to 25 points.
In the literature review, five scholarly articles in the social science literature are briefly summarized and discussed. At least two of the articles must be theoretical and at least two must be empirical — the review, therefore, will include both theoretical and empirical work that bears on your research question. An ungraded draft is required. Late essays are subject to a five point deduction. The literature review is worth up to 25 points.
Credit for classroom activities will take many forms. The most common types of activity are the in-class reading quiz and collaborative group exercises. Other activities include online review quizzes and internet exercises. You may earn up to 20 points from participation.
Lab assignments will involve a variety of tasks, including computer work and research in the field. There will be four lab reports, each is worth up to 5 points. You may earn up to 20 points from lab participation.
Grades will be assigned according to the following scale: [110+ points = A+] ... [109-92 = A] ... [91-90 = A-] ... [89-86 = B+] ... [85-82 = B] ... [81-80 = B-] ... [79-76 = C+] ... [75-72 = C] ... [71-70 = C-] ... [69-66 = D+] ... [65-62 = D] ... [61-60 = D-] ... [59-0 = F]. According to the requirements for the major, students must earn a B- or higher in this course to be eligible for Sociology 90. You must have demonstrated mastery of the learning goals, given above, to earn a B- or better in this course.
Attendance is required. Every unexcused absence will result in a two point deduction. If you must miss a meeting, you are required to fill out the absence form. (Fill out the form in advance if the absence is planned. Otherwise, complete the form as soon as possible after the meeting you missed.) If I do not receive a completed form, the absence will be counted as unexcused.
You should come to class prepared to participate. Out of respect for your classmates, you should refrain from disruptive activities, such as talking in class during the lecture, sleeping, arriving late or leaving early, etc. Please do not bring your cellular phone to class, or turn it off during the class meeting. You will be marked as absent on a given day for persistent infractions.
Consult the Brooklyn College Bulletin and the university policy [PDF] for regulations regarding academic integrity. If you submit work for credit that is not your own, you will receive a zero on that assignment. Academic dishonesty is grounds for failure in the course. Additional penalties may result, at the discretion of the college.
