Syllabus Checklist Snapshot
Approved: dw/January 2026 Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 1301 3B1) CREDIT 3 Semester Credit Hours (3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Face to Face PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: None COURSE DESCRIPTION The scientific study of human society including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. COURSE OBJECTIVES INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Dennis White Email: dwhite@lit.edu Office Phone: 409-247-5277 Office Location: Technology Center Building Room 214 Office Hours: By Appointment MONDAY: 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm TUESDAY: 9:30 am - 10:30 am; 12:00 pm (noon) – 1:00 pm WEDNESDAY: 9:30 am – 11:00 am THURSDAY: 9:30 am - 10:30 am; 12:00 pm (noon) – 1:00 pm FRIDAY: 9:00 am – 10:00 am Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to 1. Explain what sociology is, how it developed, and how it differs from other social sciences. 2. Compare and contrast sociological perspectives as they relate to our social world. 3. Identify various research methods and explain why sociological research is important in our everyday lives. 4. Describe key concepts in sociology and early contributors to the field. 5. Explain how using our sociological imagination helps us to understand society.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS ATTENDANCE POLICY This is a face-to face attendance class. CLASS ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Participation is assessed through exercises completed in class. Activities may consist of class assignments, group activities and individual analysis of information from various sources including the text. However, six unexcused absences will result in a 50% grade reduction in the Participation/Attendance Grade. DROP POLICY If you wish to drop a course, you are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process by the specified date as listed in the College Calendar on the Student Success web page. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. COURSE CALENDAR Note: All Readings are from the course required text and designated pages, as well as course-included PowerPoints which are available on Blackboard. DATE TOPIC READINGS (Due on this Date) ASSIGNMENTS (Due on this Date) Week 1 Course introduction and policies An Introduction to Sociology Orientation Textbook: Chapter 1 February 13, 2026 February 13, 2026 Week 2 Sociological Research Textbook: Chapter 2 February 13, 2026 February 13, 2026 Week 3 Culture Textbook: Chapter 3 February 13, 2026 February 13, 2026 Week 4 Society and Social Interaction Textbook: Chapter 4 February 13, 2026 February 13, 2026 Week 5 Socialization Textbook: Chapter 5 March 20, 2026 March 20, 2026 Week 6 Groups and Organizations Textbook: Chapter 6 March 20, 2026 March 20, 2026 • Textbook: SOCI - Introduction to Sociology 3e, OpenStax, Rice University, 2021. ISBN number for digital version is 978-1-951693-97-8. Note: Digital version is immediately available on Blackboard for students and there is no need to purchase the book. • Note: Bring Pens/Pencils and writing and Note Taking Materials to Each Class. Study All Handouts supplied in the course. Make Use of Study Guides • Access to media/video files Blackboard, Computer Access, etc. for submitting all assignments • Access to PowerPoint – Chapter Power Points via Blackboard • Internet access and appropriate computer for Course EXAMS 1 and 2 and Final Exam.
Week 7 Deviance, Crime and Social Control Textbook: Chapter 7 March 20, 2026 March 20, 2026 Week 8 Media and Technology Social Stratification in the United States Textbook: Chapters 8 & 9 March 16, 2025 March 20, 2026 Week 9 Global Inequality Race and Ethnicity Gender and Sexuality Textbook: Chapters 10, 11, 12 April 17, 2026 April 17, 2026 Week 10 Aging and Elderly Relationships, Marriage and Family Religion Textbook: Chapters 13, 14, 15 April 17, 2026 April 17, 2026 Week 11 Education Government and Politics Work and the Economy Textbook: Chapters 16, 17, 18 April 17, 2026 April 17, 2026 Week 12 Health and Medicine Population, Urbanization, and the Environment Social Movements and Social Change Textbook: Chapters 19, 20, 21 April 17, 2026 April 17, 2026 Week 13 Assignments and Research Work on Assignments, Projects, and Research May 5, 2026 Week 14 Research Projects and Papers Work on Assignments, Projects, and Research Papers May 5, 2026 Week 15 Finalize Projects and Research Papers Work on Assignments, Projects, and Research Papers May 5, 2026 Week 16 Final Exam Review May 5, 2026 COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: • Research Document “Social Issues” - 30 % • Exams 1 & 2 One (1) FINAL EXAM – 15 % • Common Assignment – Community Service Project – 10% Alternative to Community Service Research Document • Critical Thinking Analysis – 10 % • Assignments – 25 % • Participation – 5 % • Attendance – 5 %
GRADE SCALE • 90-100 A • 80-89 B • 70-79 C • 60-69 D • 0-59 F TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS For the latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc., review the Minimum Computer and Equipment Requirements on the LIT Online Experience page. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. DISABILITIES STATEMENT The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. LIT provides reasonable accommodations as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to students with a diagnosed disability. The Special Populations Office is located in the Eagles’ Nest Room 129 and helps foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment by maintaining partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as promoting awareness among all members of the Lamar Institute of Technology community. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)-951-5708 or email specialpopulations@lit.edu. You may also visit the online resource at Special Populations - Lamar Institute of Technology (lit.edu). STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar Institute of Technology students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook. The LIT Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed at www.lit.edu. Please note that the online version of the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook supersedes all other versions of the same document. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STATEMENT Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) recognizes the recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, have changed the landscape of many career disciplines and will impact many students in and out of the classroom. To prepare students for their selected careers, LIT desires to guide students in the ethical use of these technologies and incorporate AI into classroom instruction and assignments appropriately. Appropriate use of these technologies is at the discretion of the instructor. Students are reminded that all submitted work must be their own
original work unless otherwise specified. Students should contact their instructor with any questions as to the acceptable use of AI/ChatGPT in their courses. STARFISH LIT utilizes an early alert system called Starfish. Throughout the semester, you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades, attendance, or academic performance. Faculty members record student attendance, raise flags and kudos to express concern or give praise, and you can make an appointment with faculty and staff all through the Starfish home page. You can also login to Blackboard or MyLIT and click on the Starfish link to view academic alerts and detailed information. It is the responsibility of the student to pay attention to these emails and information in Starfish and consider taking the recommended actions. Starfish is used to help you be a successful student at LIT. ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES/INFORMATION LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED. DUE DATES ARE NOT EXTENEDED. If a Student fails to complete the course work on the designated time/date(s) a GRADE of ZERO (0) will be recorded on line blackboard. NO MAKE UP WORK ACCEPTED. Students should log into BLACKBOARD a minimum of three (3) times a week to view ANNOUNCEMENTS, and work on and complete required Assignments, Projects, Research Documents and review the dates for EXAMS (Open and Close dates and times). ALTERNATIVE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE SUBMISSION – After completing Chapter 7, “Deviance and Social Control”, and viewing the power point files, review a movie or documentary from the sociological perspective. You are to complete a summary of Your Topic (double space) utilizing sociological terms and submit the document on line blackboard. (SEE CONTENT SECTION) EXAMS – Tests will cover various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods in sociology. Exams will be administered on BLACKBOARD. There will be two exams and a final exam. ASSIGNMENTS – All assignments must be submitted on BLACKBOARD. RESEARCH PAPER – Each student will conduct research on a specified topic related to sociology. Students will produce a research paper and a presentation using the research model and methods discussed in class. All written work must be submitted on BLACKBOARD. CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT – Students will utilize their critical thinking skills to discuss issues currently trending in the field of sociology. One (1) typed document must be completed and submitted on BLACKBOARD.
PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE – Participation is assessed through exercises completed in class. Activities may consist of class assignments, group activities, and individual analysis of information from various sources, including the textbook. However, six unexcused absences will result in a 50% reduction in the Participation/Attendance grade. Students should log in to BLACKBOARD a minimum of three times per week to view announcements, check exam availability and due dates, and review email communications. The course calendar is subject to change without prior notice.