De La Salle University

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

College of Liberal Arts
COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE
: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
COURSE CODE
: INTSOCI
PREREQUISITE
: NONE
PREREQUISITE TO
: ALL MAJOR SUBJECTS
FACULTY
: STELLA P. GO
ACADEMIC YEAR
: 2009-2010 TERM: 1ST
DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON : STELLA P. GO
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This introductory course orients the student to the perspectives, methods and uses of
Sociology one of the disciplines under the Social Sciences. It discusses basic concepts relevant
to the study of society and culture, including the primary components of social structure and
organizations; the types and functions of social institutions; and the dynamics of societal
processes and social change. The course highlights the understanding and analysis of Philippine
realities within the context of changing Filipino values and challenges of local and global forces.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the course, students are expected to:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Explain basic concepts, methods and perspectives in Sociology;

Identify and analyze issues and problems affecting Philippine society using
Sociological perspective;
Show appreciation and respect for diversity in society; and
Demonstrate the capacity to think critically and act in accordance with La Sallian
values.

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De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines Tel: (632) 302-3899

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De La Salle University
TOPICS, SCHEDULE, TEACHING METHODS/STRATEGIES, EVALUATION AND REFERENCES
TIME
TABLE

(1st-3rd
week)

OBJECTIVES

TOPIC /CONTENT

1. to explain what
sociological thinking is
2. to trace the historical
development of
sociology
3. to explain the different
sociological
perspectives and relate
these theories in daily
life situations
4. to explain and
appreciate the
basics (concepts
elements, limitations)
of sociological
investigation
5. to apply the methods
and ethical
considerations
of sociological research

I. THE SOCIOLOGICAL
PERSPECTIVE AND

CHAPTERS

Chapters 1,
and 2

TEACHING
METHODS AND
STRATEGIES OPTIONS
Lecture-discussion

EVALUATION
OPTIONS

Case Analysis

Social Forces
Matrix and its
rubric

Metacards

Structure of
Opportunity
Matrix and its
rubric

Video Presentation

Reflection paper
rubric

Campus research

Research rubric

Group Reports

Activity rubric

METHODS

1. The Origins of
Sociology
2. The Sociological
Perspective
3. Sociological Theories
4. Sociological Methods

REFERENCES
/READING
MATERIALS/SITES
TO SEE
- The Sociological
Imagination: Turning
Personal Problems into
Public Issues
(Macionis, 2007:p. 7)
- Video documentary:
Connections and Truth
to be Told
- Guidelines for the
Campus Research
- Students Outputs

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila,

Philippines Tel: (632) 302-3899

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De La Salle University
(4th-9th
week)

1. to explain the basic

concepts, building blocks,
and theories about society
and culture
2. to appreciate the
importance of socialization
and understand what
deviation is, causes and
explanations
3. to compare and
contrast different societies
and cultures

II. SOCIETY, CULTURE

Chapters
3,4,5, 9

AND SOCIALIZATION
Film Presentation
1. Defining Society and
Culture, Elements and
Components

wee
k)

1. to identify the
different social institutions
and relate the importance
of these institutions in
society in general and
daily life situations
2. to identify types, nature
and theories of social
change
3. to identify social issues
and problems brought by

2. Cultural Diversity and

Theoretical Analysis of
Society and Culture

III. SOCIAL
INSTITUTIONS
, SOCIAL
PROBLEMS
AND SOCIAL
CHANGE

1. Social Institutions
(Economy, Politics,
Family, Religion, and

Reflection paper
rubric
Research rubric

3. Socialization and
Deviance

(10th
13Th

Lecture-discussion

Chapters 1015; 16-21; 2224

Structured Learning
Exercises/Critical
thinking Exercise

Activity rubric

Field Exercise 2

Field Exercise 2
Report and
Activity rubric

Lecture-discussion
and/or E-meetings
Song Analysis

Reaction/Reflecti
on paper rubric

Film Presentation
Field Exercise and
Group Reports

Field Exercise 3
Reports and
activity report
rubric

http://www.macionis.com
or http://www.The
SociologyPage.com)
Chapters 3,4,5.9
- Film
-A Damaged Culture by
James Fallows, Atlantic
Monthly, Nov 1987
http://nationalgeographic.
com
-Whos Minding the
Kids, Macionis,
2007:p481
-Guidelines for the Field
Exercise 2.

http://www.macionis.com
or http://www.The
SociologyPage.com)
-Films: And the Band
Played On; State of the
Philippine Population;
Contraceptives Know
Your Option; Silent
Scream
-World Population
Watch, 2008
-http://www.fao.org

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila,

Philippines Tel: (632) 302-3899

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De La Salle University
social change
4. to apply different
sociological perspectives in
addressing various social
issues and problems
5. to recommend
solutions/actions to address
social issues/problems

Education)
2. Social Problems
(Poverty, Social
Inequalities, Corruption,
Environmental

Video
Documentation

Degradation, etc)
3. Social Change (Types,
Nature and Theories)

Final paper on
Social Issues/
Problems
research paper
rubric

-www.://neda.gov.ph
-http://www/dole.gov.ph
http://www.denr.gov.ph
-Empowering Women:
The Key to Controlling
Population Growth
(Macionis, 2007:p588)
-The Beauty Myth,
(Macionis 2007, 341)
- The Bell Curve
Debate: Are Rich People
Really Smarter (Macionis
2007, p.274)
- Personal Freedom and
Social Responsibility:
Can We Have It Both
Ways (Macionis, 2007 pp
658-659.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila,

Philippines Tel: (632) 302-3899

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De La Salle University
ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION
Grading will be done on the basis of the total number of points accumulated on exercises,
exams, projects, and other activities. The passing mark is 60%.
The final grade will be computed as follows:
Group and Individual Output
Quizzes/Long Exams
Final exam/output
TOTAL

35 points
35 points
25 points
100 points

Grade Equivalent
Percentage
96-100
90-95
84-89
78-85
72-77
66-71
60-65
Below 60

Grade Equivalent
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0

TEXTBOOK:
Macionis, J.J. (2007). Sociology (11th ed). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
REFERENCES:
Berger, P.L. (1963). Invitation to sociology : A humanistic perspective. garden. City,
N.Y. : Doubleday.
Brym, R. & Lie, J. (2007) Sociology: Your compass for a new world. Belmont, CA:
Thomson/Wadsworth.
Cavanagh, A. (2007). Sociology in the age of the Internet. Maidenhead, Berkshire :
McGraw Hill/Open University Press.
Mills, C. W. (1959). The sociological imagination. New York: Oxford University Press.

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________ De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines Tel: (632) 302-3899

De La Salle University
Newman, D. (2004) Sociology: Exploring the architecture of everyday life. (5th ed.)
Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND CONSULTATION HOURS:
Policies
1. I believe that you will learn considerably more if you are present and involved in
class discussions so I strongly encourage class attendance. There is much research
support that irregular or casual attendance results in fragmented understandings
and poor performance. The best way to avoid such results is to be conscientious
about your physical and mental presence from the start.
2. Group/individual exercises will be given and students are expected to comply
with them. Students are expected to participate actively in the class activities and
field exercises. The expected output of these activities will be in the form of oral
class presentations, guided group discussions, written reports or reaction papers,
and others. These outputs will be graded; however, no paper or written output will
be accepted from a student who fails to participate in an activity which is
required. Outputs resulting from in-class activities cannot be made up.
3. Late assignments will be accepted only within one week of the deadline set, with
appropriate deductions. Two points will be deducted for every day that the
assignment is late. Late assignments should be passed at W702. You must have it
received by the secretary or any other faculty member, with the date and time
indicated,
4. There will be long exams that will be announced. There is no make-up for missed
exams.
5. There will be a midterm exam and a final output.
6. A yahoo groups has been created for the class and each student is responsible for
joining the group and regularly checking it for any announcements, assignments,
readings and the like which will be needed for the class.
7. Plagiarism or cheating of any kind on quizzes, exams or papers/exercises will
result in AUTOMATIC FAILURE in this course
8. Absolutely no cell phones within sight or hearing in the classroom. No i-pods
as well.
Consultation Hours
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________ De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines Tel: (632) 302-3899

De La Salle University
It is your responsibility to initiate consultations with me. You may see me at WH 702,
MW from 0900-1200; TTh, from 1630-1730. If you want to see me outside these hours,
please set an appointment.

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________ De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines Tel: (632) 302-3899