Introduction to Sociology: Flipped and Organized by Core Components

Abstract

This introduction to sociology course is organized according to Ferguson et al’s (2016) core concepts in sociology.  The classroom is flipped with content taught through readings and videos.  Class time is used to engage in activities and discussion that reinforce the main ideas.  At least 90 percent of the activities are drawn from TRAILS and most of...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

This course is a 100-level introduction to sociology that is flipped and based around the core components in sociology (Ferguson, 2016).  The syllabus is intended to be used in conjunction with the full instructor’s manual.  That manual contains detailed information about the course pedagogy as well as discussion questions/answers and more detailed...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Apply sociological theories to understand social phenomena.
2. Critically evaluate explanations of human behavior and social phenomena.
3. Apply scientific principles to understand the social world.
4. Evaluate the quality of social scientific methods and data.
5. Rigorously analyze social scientific data.
6. Use sociological knowledge to inform policy debates and promote public understanding.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students are provided with “guiding questions” for assigned readings/videos. Answers must be posted prior to class. The purpose of the questions is to direct students to the main ideas while providing them with an opportunity to apply course concepts. (measures all six learning goals).
2. A final project that asks students to apply sociological concepts to a topic of their choice (measuring learning goals 3 and 5)
3. A paper requiring students to use quantitative data to examine a sociological hypothesis. (Measuring learning goal 3 and 5)
4. A paper requiring students to identify themes using qualitative data (measuring learning goals 3 and 5)
5. An annotated bibliography/literature review summarizing findings on a question chosen by students. (measures learning goals 2, 4, and 5).
6. A paper asking students to apply theory to a movie (related to learning goal 1)