Introduction to Sociology SOC100

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Questions and Answers

What is focused on in SOC100 to improve written communication skills?

Writing a course essay (correct)

Watching lectures

Group discussions

Reading textbooks

How does SOC100 help students learn critical thinking?

Through timed tests

By memorizing facts

Through writing essays on debate topics (correct)

By solving math problems

Which aspect of SOC100 aids in understanding equity and inclusion?

Reading historical texts

Attending individual lectures

Participating in quizzes

Engagement through lectures and tutorials (correct)

What does the definition of sociology emphasize according to the content?

The study of social institutions and relationships Signup and view all the answers

What does studying in SOC100 teach students about synthesizing information?

How to extract essential parts of information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of discussing sociology in small groups during SOC100?

To foster collaborative skills and social interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant outcome of engaging with material in tutorials?

Enhancing collaborative relationships Signup and view all the answers

What does the course SOC100 emphasize regarding viewing the world?

Through a sociological lens Signup and view all the answers

What must be the reason for requesting a further extension beyond the 7-day grace period?

Illness or extenuating circumstance Signup and view all the answers

What does the re-submission opportunity allow students to do?

Submit a brand-new paper for improvement Signup and view all the answers

How many total hours does the instructor work each week on average?

50 hours Signup and view all the answers

When will the midterm exam take place?

October 17th Signup and view all the answers

What is the designed process for students to seek help before emailing the instructor?

Check the syllabus, then post questions in the discussion board Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the final grade is the midterm worth?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of designing the SOC100 course sociologically?

To help with structural improvements related to university student issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the total time available for course coordinators to respond to emails each week?

5 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the SOC100 teaching structure?

Discussion Forums Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if a student's final exam grade is higher than their midterm grade?

The final exam grade will replace the midterm grade. Signup and view all the answers

How many questions will the midterm exam consist of?

50 questions Signup and view all the answers

If the course coordinators take 5 minutes to answer each email, how many emails can they respond to in a week?

60 emails Signup and view all the answers

How are lectures in SOC100 made available to students?

Lecture slides are posted on Quercus after each lecture. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of receiving too many emails from students?

It delays response times significantly Signup and view all the answers

What is stated about attendance points for lectures in SOC100?

There are no attendance points and attendance is optional. Signup and view all the answers

Which tutorials are included in the midterm exam coverage?

Tutorials #1-4 Signup and view all the answers

What does Sociology suggest about college students facing severe anxiety?

It is influenced by broader social and structural factors. Signup and view all the answers

What should students do if they want to improve after submitting for the first or second debate?

Submit a completely new paper for the third debate. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of teaching responsibilities is taken up by lecture preparation according to the instructor's description?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Why is the course SOC100 designed without a textbook?

The instructor wishes to save students' money. Signup and view all the answers

What does the instructor suggest regarding the length of the slides?

They can be long but contain mostly images and memes. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is mentioned as contributing to lower levels of stress in college students?

Adequate financial and emotional support. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main requests made by the instructor regarding email communication?

Emails need to be sent to the course email for efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What would be a proposed solution if anxiety is viewed as an individual issue?

Increasing the availability of counseling services. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of FAQ resource is mentioned in relation to lectures?

An FAQ page available on Quercus for additional information. Signup and view all the answers

How many hours does the instructor dedicate to holding office hours each week?

1 hour Signup and view all the answers

How does Sociology differ in its approach to understanding college student anxiety?

It explores the interplay between societal factors and individual experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What should students do if they miss a SOC100 lecture?

Review the detailed lecture slides posted on Quercus. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common problems traditional college students face?

Balancing work and social life. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle 'See the Strange in the Familiar' imply in the context of Sociology?

Challenging and questioning routine beliefs and practices. Signup and view all the answers

What can increase the amount of pressure on college students, according to the content provided?

Higher expectations from previous generations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a traditional college student problem?

Developing professional skills. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of submitting multiple term papers?

To learn from feedback and improve grades Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended number of steps to succeed in this course?

Five Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action if a student is struggling despite following all advice?

Seeking assistance during office hours Signup and view all the answers

How are TAs described in relation to their availability?

Have limited hours for various responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What should students do before each lecture to help their understanding?

Review assigned material and complete the AM quiz Signup and view all the answers

What is one situation where a student can submit a late paper without penalty?

If they submit within a 7-day grace period Signup and view all the answers

How many hours per week are professors allotted for teaching each class?

8 hours Signup and view all the answers

What should students do to prepare for the midterm test effectively?

Go over lecture content and ask questions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: Introduction to Sociology

SOC100 course introduction and welcome
The course will examine current social issues
Students will develop critical thinking and communication skills
Important to understand current social issues and perspectives
Most people aren't optimistic about the world's direction

What is SOC100 about?

Examining current social issues/events
Determining the current state of things
Understanding the underlying causes of the situation
Exploring potential solutions for improvement
Topics include: current issues, social theories, education, health, social class, economics, and the environment

Topic Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to the course and sociology
Week 2: Education and social theories (Part 1)
Week 3: Education and social theories (Part 2)
Week 4: Health and mental health
Week 5: Social class and economic inequality
Week 6: Environmental problems
Midterm – Labour and technology, culture and media, gender and sexuality, racial inequality, crime and deviance

SOC100 Skills

Written Communication
Synthesizing and applying information
Critical Thinking
Equity and Inclusion/Leadership

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the systematic study of society, social institutions, and social relationships; specifically the systematic study of development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings.
Sociology examines everything (economics, political science, medicine, psychology, criminology, anthropology, history, and natural sciences).
Sociology is a broad discipline and examining social issues.
Sociology approaches problems by looking at the social and structural explanations for issues, rather than biological or individual ones.

What is Sociology? (continued)

Key examples are the global issues affecting nearly everything and everyone.
There's no topic that isn't sociological for example: -Even whales are affected by society's impact on the environment (pollution, climate change, fishing).
There's no issue that can't be approached sociologically; nothing escapes sociology.
Not every question can be answered, but all questions are sociological.
There are many ways to look at teen depression from a sociological point of view.

Cognitive Dissonance & Teen Depression

The cognitive dissonance theory of teen depression (Stadler & Anderson, 2014) is explored as a sociological perspective.
This theory highlights the cognitive dissonance that teens experience during the transition from childhood to adulthood.
The theory proposes that this transition leads to a realization that values taught in childhood may not be upheld in adulthood.
This contrast creates cognitive dissonance.

What is Sociology? (continued part 2)

The course will teach you how to think sociologically (and apply sociological theories)
The trick with sociology is that it is easier to tell you how to do it than what it is.
In other words, sociology is best defined by the way we approach problems looking at social structural explanations.

Principle 1 & University Student Anxiety

High rates of anxiety and depression in university students compared to prior generations
A sociological perspective can examine broader factors affecting students as a social group.
Factors influencing increased anxiety and depression:
- Highest tuition ever recorded
- Highest student debt levels recorded
- Highest work hours from part-time jobs ever recorded
Increased competition, parental pressure and the feeling of being overwhelmed to succeed as a 'social norm'

Principle #2: "See the Strange in the Familiar'

Challenge common assumptions and routines.
For example, the act of shaking hands.

Tutorials

Tutorials are in-person meetings for discussions
They are held during some weeks of the semester.
Cover assigned materials
Activities and reflections are graded as a contribution to the final grade.

Assigned Material

Lectures are NOT recorded.
All lecture materials are posted (in written form)on Quercus, including assigned material (video guides).
There's no textbook required
This assigned material will have multiple-choice quizzes before each lecture.
- These quizzes are worth 1% of your final grade
- These quizzes are open book, open notes
- Missed quizzes add to the final (shift automatically)

Debate Research Papers

Students must write one independent research paper.
Papers are 3.5 double-spaced pages.
Includes detailed instructions, a FAQ, a grading rubric, and writing guide on Quercus.
Topics for papers and their due dates are provided.
Each paper topic must match the specific paper due date in order to receive credit.

Midterm Test

The midterm test will cover lectures one through six, and tutorials one through four.
50 multiple-choice and true-false questions

Final Exam

The Final exam is held during the final exam period, as set by the university.
It is in-person, and worth a minimum of 35% of the final grade
The score of any missed AM Quizzes and/or tutorial activities add to your final exam score

Course Evaluation Summary

Summary of the course's grading, including each assessment's worth.

Course Evaluation Flexibility Summary

Review of the course policies, flexibility, and solutions to stress reduction

My "How to Succeed" Advice

Guidance for success in the course, including preparation strategies and seeking assistance when needed.

Understanding Your TA's

Understanding the TAs' role and responsibilities. These often include numerous additional tasks and responsibilities beyond teaching tutorials.

Understanding Your Professors

Understanding instructors' roles and responsibilities, including preparation time and responsibilities beyond teaching.

Getting Questions Answered

Strategies for getting your questions answered, including using course forums, emails, and office hours.

Visiting Online Office Hours

Office hours are held online and in person. Detailed schedule of all weekly office hours is available on Quercus

Part 3: Bias

Recognizing personal biases in decision-making, and how social location and experience affect perspectives.
Types of biases to be aware of (Social Location Bias, Confirmation Bias, Fundamental Attribution Error, Self-Serving Bias, Optimism Bias, and Pessimism Bias and Cultural Bias)

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts taught in SOC100, focusing on improving written communication skills, critical thinking, equity, and inclusion. It also explores the importance of group discussions and offers a framework for synthesizing information and seeking help. Prepare to engage deeply with sociological content and tutorials to enhance your understanding of the world.