Introduction to Sociology
SOCI-200

A study of social theories, their histories, social structures, functions, and conflict emphasizing human, institutional, and group interactions. The course provides an overview of political, economic and other cultural phenomena and methodologies of the results of scientific social research. In addition, it seeks to expand ideas, concepts, theoretical, and practical orientations by utilizing a comparative perspective.

Sociology offers a perspective that stresses the viewpoint of people’s social experiences underlying their behavior; its focus is increasingly on the growing global context of social life. Social institutions were created by God and provide the framework for societal living. As Christians, it is necessary to understand the structures and dynamics of all societies in order to have a positive impact on one’s fellow man while bearing witness and following the calling of Jesus Christ.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Evaluate concepts from Sociology and from a biblical perspective.
2. Describe the major theories of Sociology.
3. Improve upon his or her reading writing and research skills through the composition of a research paper and the implementation of directed activities.
4. Apply sociological research and theory to real-life situations involving individuals within the social world and media.
5. Observe and analyze social behaviors in individuals in the community.

General Education Foundational Skill Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. SSI 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of science on the world in which we live.
2. SSI 2a: Demonstrate a biblical understanding of human behavior within various social structures.
3. SSI 3: Apply solutions for a social and/or scientific question experienced in nature or society.
4. SSI 4: Describe how social and/or scientific inquiry equips human beings to be participants in God’s redemptive work.

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore.

Additional Materials for Learning 

1. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
2. Internet access (broadband recommended)
3. Canvas recommended browsers
4. Microsoft Word
5. APA Formatting Information
6. Undergraduate courses will use the Student Paper Standards; graduate and doctoral courses should follow the Professional Paper Standards (See current APA standards).

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create 1 thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 350 words and must cite at least 1 source in current APA format. In addition, the student must post replies to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words, and each reply must cite at least 1 source in current APA format. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and scholarly articles. (CLO: A, B, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

The student will write an essay of at least 750 words that relates to one of the sociology theories reviewed in the course. In order to complete the Current Event Paper, the student must choose a current event article that addresses a social problem of his or her choice. The paper should include a cover and reference page in current APA format. (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

The student will write an essay of at least 1000 words that relates to one of the sociology theories reviewed in the course. The Social Problems Paper will be based on an issue of the student’s choice such as: homelessness, gang violence, the culture of poverty, teen pregnancy, abortion, etc. The paper should include a cover and reference page in current APA format. (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

The student will take an active part in a community outreach activity of his or her choosing; this will enable the student to connect with the needs of the community. This activity can be purely voluntary or can be an activity related to the student’s employment. The student will then write three full pages of content explaining the experience and what was learned from the experience. Along with the three pages, there must also be a cover page in current APA format. There must be APA supportive citations and reference. (CLO: B, D, E; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

This quiz will assess the student's understanding of basic concepts related to research, theories, and worldview. The student will answer 10 questions (multiple choice). The student may consult the Research Overview Presentation at any time during the quiz. (CLO: E; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 3)

The Quiz: Sociology & Research will be 20 multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions from a large test bank, and have a 60-minute time limit and be worth 40 points. This quiz can be taken up to two times within its assigned module; the highest score will be recorded.

The other seven (7) quizzes for this course will cover the material presented in the textbook readings and presentations. The exams will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions from a large test bank, and have a 60-minute time limit and be worth 50 points. These quizzes can be taken up to two times within the assigned module; the highest score will be recorded. (CLO: A, C, D; SSI Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email.

Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.
2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.
3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.
4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at [email protected] for accommodations.  Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition.   For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/. Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at [email protected].  Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy or the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures.

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs. Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non-Attendance). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory.

Liberty University comprises a network of students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/.