Introduction to Sociology Syllabus

Course Description: 

Introduction to the scientific study of human societies and behavior focusing on the process of social interaction, patterns of social inequality, and the influence of social institutions on individuals as members of social groups. Special emphasis provided to explain factors promoting social stability and social change.

Textbook Information: Here is your Textbook

Course Materials:

This course uses digital course materials designed using Open Educational Resources (OER), high-quality, openly licensed educational materials, rather than a traditional textbook. You can access all readings, videos, quizzes and other activities through our course site on Canvas. (http://rsccd.instructure.com)

Our course materials were created and assembled by Giana Cicchelli and funded by the Santa Ana College Student Equity Grant and the Achieving the Dream OER Degree Initiative. We are strongly committed to student access and excellence. You will not have any additional cost for textbooks. Extra care and effort was involved to assure access to high-quality affordable materials. I am interested in your experience using these materials and welcome your feedback in an anonymous survey at the end of the course and at any time during the course of this class.  You can access more information about OER at our website, http://sac.edu/oer (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

Course Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Incorporate course terminology and key concepts into specific class discussions, lectures and assignments
• View PowerPoint presentations and listen to guest speakers in order to discuss social issues and to write take-home response papers
• Evaluate the extent and consequences of current cultural differences and problems both within the U.S. and globally
• Interpret data describing social changes in the areas of family, work, school, religion and the economy
• Examine major social dysfunctions that impact individuals and organizations
• Analyze the relative accuracy and effectiveness of the conflict, functionalist and interactionist sociological perspectives

Student Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Assess the various measures of relative social inequality and the variety of approaches to change social stratification systems
• Develop an appreciation of the diversity among different races, genders, ages, and socioeconomic statuses in contemporary society
• Discuss and grow more aware of the variety and severity of issues impacting people because of their particular location within the social structure
• Recognize the full spectrum of cultural realities and experiences within one’s own society and in other societies
• Discuss the moral and ethical aspects of being a responsible citizen
• Assess the role played by individual behavior and collective behavior in the development of social programs and organizations
• Learn to meet deadlines, cooperate with classmates and community members, and to make social commitments

Meet Your Instructor: 

     Giana Cicchelli holds a BA in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!) and an MA in Sociology from Cal State Fullerton with an emphasis in religion. Cicchelli's Master's thesis was focused on modern witchcraft and shamanism. Having also graduated from Fullerton College, she is very familiar with the needs of community college students.
     Professor Cicchelli's research interests include religion, gender, sexuality, feminism, and privilege. Giana loves to travel and go on wild adventures whenever she is able, otherwise in her spare time she is a painter, writer, and professional mystic.

Course Syllabus: Syllabus