Introduction to Sociology

Instructor Information

• Course Coordinator: Dr. Renée Baptiste (Associate Professor of Sociology)
• Section Instructors: Listed for each section in AlkimiHub. Your section instructor's office hours and office are posted in your Canvas course page.
• Email: rbaptiste@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Lovell Hall 132
• Coordinator Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person, Lovell Hall 132)
  • Friday: 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

The sociological perspective on culture, socialization, groups, deviance, social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender, family, religion, health, and social change, with an introduction to research methods. SOC 101 introduces students to the systematic, empirical study of human society, social structures, and collective behavior. Developing C. Wright Mills' sociological imagination, students examine how macro-level social forces shape micro-level individual biographies and life chances. The course investigates core sociological domains including culture, socialization, deviance, social stratification by race, class, and gender, institutional dynamics across family, education, and healthcare, and the mechanisms of collective action driving social change.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of SOC 101, students will be able to:

1. Apply the Sociological Imagination: Connect individual personal troubles to broader historical and structural public issues using foundational sociological paradigms.
2. Evaluate Sociological Research Methods: Differentiate quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, evaluate sampling and measurement validity, and apply ethical research principles.
3. Analyze Social Stratification and Inequality: Examine the systemic creation and reproduction of social hierarchies based on socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.
4. Examine Social Institutions: Analyze the organizational structure, manifest and latent functions, and institutional inequities of education, family, religion, and healthcare.
5. Conduct Empirical Sociological Observation: Design and execute structured qualitative field observations and interpret empirical social patterns within established sociological frameworks.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Heather Griffiths, Nathan Keirns, et al. Introduction to Sociology 3e. OpenStax, 2021. Free digital edition at openstax.org; optional print copy approx. $40.
2. Alkimi Sociology Reader: Classic Articles and Empirical Fieldwork Exercises. Free digital access provided via Canvas.
3. Total estimated cost: $0 to $40.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), SOC 101 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to explore public demographic datasets (such as US Census tables), brainstorm sociological interview questions, and check spelling and grammar on preliminary essay drafts.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to fabricate observational field notes, generate empirical survey data, compose essay bodies or arguments, or take quizzes and examinations.
• Disclosure: Any submitted observational paper or term project that utilizes AI assistance for brainstorming or proofreading must include an AI disclosure statement describing the tools and prompts utilized.

Grading Components and Weights

• Sociological Observation Paper 1: Norms and Interaction: 15% (Due Friday, September 25 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Midterm Examination: 20% (In class during week 8 (week of October 12))
• Sociological Field Study Paper 2: Stratification and Institutions: 15% (Due Friday, November 13 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Sociological Imagination Reflections: 15% (Weekly short analytical responses to readings and social phenomena submitted in Canvas on Mondays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest score dropped)
• In-Class Workshops & Seminar Discussion: 15% (Active participation in weekly sociological data workshops, breakout discussions, and peer debates)
• Final Capstone Sociological Research Project: 20% (Due Monday, December 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in SOC 101. Final grades are based strictly on regular course deliverables, reflections, and examinations.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

All sections follow this common weekly schedule. Section meeting days vary, so dates are shown by week; your section instructor posts exact class dates in Canvas.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Sociological analysis relies on active in-class deliberation, observational discussions, and collaborative data workshops. Regular attendance is required in all lecture and discussion sections. You are permitted two unexcused absences without penalty; subsequent absences will lower your final course grade by one-third of a letter grade. Missing more than five class sessions will result in a failing grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Observational papers and research project submissions lose 10% per calendar day overdue and will not be accepted after three days past the deadline. Weekly reading reflections must be submitted by Monday at 11:59 p.m. to be eligible for credit.

Final Exam Policy

SOC 101 has no final examination. The final capstone sociological research project takes its place. Nothing is due on Reading Day (Thursday, December 10, 2026).