Faculty Syllabus
SOCI-1301 Introduction to Sociology
Margarita Arce Decierdo
Credit Spring 2026
Section(s)
SOCI-1301-005 (18562)
LEC MW 1:30pm - 2:50pm HLC HLC1 1306.00
Course Requirements
Course Overview
Credit Hours: 3 | Prerequisites: None
Meeting Time: MW 1:30–2:50 PM
Building/Room: HLC1 (1000), Room 1306
Office Hours: MW 12:00–1:00 PM & 3:00–4:00 PM (email for appointment if needed)
Course Description
- Study how social forces and interactions shape individual behavior and society
- Explore major sociological theories and research methods
- Analyze topics including culture, socialization, inequality, race/ethnicity, gender, and social change
- Apply C. Wright Mills’ sociological imagination to connect personal experience with larger social structures
Why Study Sociology?
Sociology equips you to:
- Understand human behavior across diverse populations
- Examine cultural practices, decision-making, and social norms
- Apply sociological theory to current events and everyday life
You are not required to agree with the instructor or classmates; instead, the goal is to analyze, apply, and critically evaluate sociological ideas.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define sociology and develop a sociological imagination.
- Apply key sociological concepts and theories to analyze contemporary life.
- Evaluate major theoretical traditions, understanding social inequality and social change.
- Analyze identities (race, class, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality) and their impact on social experiences.
- Reflect on personal growth and development throughout the semester.
Program SLOs (PSLOs):
- Sociological Concepts: Apply basic sociological concepts to social situations.
- Sociological Imagination: Apply the sociological perspective to everyday life.
- Communication, Critical Thinking, Empirical Skills, Personal & Social Responsibility
Required Texts/Materials
OpenStax Sociology e-Book (Free – ZTC Section):
All course materials are online through Open Educational Resources (OER).
- Access via OpenStax Sociology
- Email instructor if you cannot access the Blackboard course site.
Course Structure & Assignments
- Modules: 12 total, each including readings, writing assignments, and group work.
- Writing Assignments: Three attempts allowed; feedback provided for improvement.
- Group Work: Collaborative projects; interaction is critical for learning.
- Deadlines: Completing assignments on time is essential; missed points affect grades.
- Engagement: Active participation in discussions, readings, and assignments is required and expected.
Module Topics Include:
- Classical Sociological Thought
- Social Research Methods
- Social Inequalities (class, race, gender, culture)
- Sociology in Action
- Contemporary Social Issues
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Why Study Sociology?
Sociology equips you to:
- Understand human behavior across diverse populations
- Examine cultural practices, decision-making, and social norms
- Apply sociological theory to current events and everyday life
You are not required to agree with the instructor or classmates; instead, the goal is to analyze, apply, and critically evaluate sociological ideas.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define sociology and develop a sociological imagination.
- Apply key sociological concepts and theories to analyze contemporary life.
- Evaluate major theoretical traditions, understanding social inequality and social change.
- Analyze identities (race, class, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality) and their impact on social experiences.
- Reflect on personal growth and development throughout the semester.
Program SLOs (PSLOs):
- Sociological Concepts: Apply basic sociological concepts to social situations.
- Sociological Imagination: Apply the sociological perspective to everyday life.
- Communication, Critical Thinking, Empirical Skills, Personal & Social Responsibility
Required Texts/Materials
OpenStax Sociology e-Book (Free – ZTC Section):
All course materials are online through Open Educational Resources (OER).
- Access via OpenStax Sociology
- Email instructor if you cannot access the Blackboard course site.
Course Subjects
Key subjects include the sociological imagination, social inequality (race, class, gender), culture, socialization, deviance, and social institutions like family and education. Students study these topics to develop critical thinking skills, analyze social patterns, understand diverse perspectives, and foster a better understanding of their own lives within a broader societal context.
Key Subjects Covered in Introductory Sociology:
- Sociological Imagination & Theory: The foundational ability to connect personal troubles to public issues, alongside major perspectives like functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
- Culture and Socialization: Examination of norms, values, beliefs, and how individuals learn to behave in society.
- Social Inequality and Stratification: Analysis of race, ethnicity, gender, and class, including their impact on opportunities and outcomes.
- Social Institutions: In-depth study of family, education, religion, government, and the economy.
- Deviance and Social Control: Study of breaking societal norms, crime, and punishment.
- Social Change and Movements: How societies evolve, revolutions occur, and social movements influence policy.
Why Study Sociology?
- Develop Critical Thinking: Learn to question societal assumptions, biases, and "common sense" understandings of social issues.
- Understand Personal Experience: Recognize how personal choices are shaped by broader social forces.
- Appreciate Diversity: Build the ability to understand the world from diverse cultural and social perspectives.
- Develop Transferable Skills: Gain skills in research methods, data analysis, and evaluating, which are applicable to careers in law, education, social work, and business.
- Foster Social Responsibility: Develop a "social justice orientation" by analyzing and attempting to solve, or address, inequalities and societal problems.
Readings
Calendar of Readings, Schedule of Assignments
**I reserve the right to amend the syllabus with proper notification to all students.
|
READ CHAPTER/PREPARE |
Content of Chapter |
Complete Writing Assignment (Blackboard) |
Post/submit on or before the due deadline |
|
Module One: CHAPTER 1 Why Study Sociology |
Understanding behavior and society |
Submit Writing Assignment |
02/01/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module Two: CHAPTER 2 Research Methods |
How do Sociologist gather information, data, interpret? |
Submit Writing Assignment |
02/08/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module Three: CHAPTER 3: Culture |
What is culture? traditions, values? |
Submit Writing Assignment |
02/15/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module Four: CHAPTER 5 Socialization |
How do we form Identity, spheres of influence? |
Submit Writing Assignment |
02/22/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module 5: CHAPTER 8 Social Media and Technology |
Impact of social media on society and behavior |
Submit Assignment |
03/08/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module 6: CHAPTER 9 Stratification/Class |
Inequality, work, and discrimination |
Submit Writing Assignment |
03/15/26 11:59 PM |
|
SPRING BREAK March 16-March 22 |
COLLEGE CLOSED |
COLLLEGE CLOSED |
COLLEGE CLOSED |
|
Module 7: CHAPTER 11 Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination |
Inequality based on race/ethnicity |
Submit Writing Assignment |
03/30/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module 8: CHAPTER 12 Gender, Sexuality |
Inequality based on gender/sexuality |
Submit Writing Assignment |
04/08/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module 9: Chapter 17 Government & Politics |
Government institutions and how they shape and influence behavior |
Submit Writing Assignment |
04/20/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module 10: Chapter 21 |
Social change and protest movements |
Submit Writing Assignment |
05/03/26 11:59 PM |
|
Module 11: Final Presentation |
Social Movements |
Submit Writing Assignment |
05/11/26-05/13/26 11:59 PM |
Office Hours
M W 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Highland Campus Building 1000-Rm. 2.2201
NOTE Mon Wed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Highland Campus-Bldg. 1000 Room 2.2201 Additional Office Hours: MW 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Email: mdecierd@austincc.edu Students may email me for appointments via Zoom or In-Person. Evening appointments are welcomed.Published: 01/28/2026 11:46:40