Overview

This course focuses on the social and cultural foundations of human life. The concepts of this course enable students to appreciate how they and others are molded and shaped by society and understand the complexity of social forces in their environment.

This course is meant to introduce you to the scientific study of human society. An emphasis will be placed on:

• major sociological theories
• methods
• concepts
• institutions.

Together we will learn to compare the contributions of the three major sociological theories to the study of society: conflict theory, structural functionalism, and symbolic interactionism.

We will also be spending a great deal of time analyzing and critiquing the various ways that we see ourselves and others. It will be our task not only to learn specific information or concepts but also to learn to think critically about the determinants of social behavior.

Requirements

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.

Required Resources

Resource Title/Description (books, software, etc.)	Author/Provider	Ed./Vol.	13-Digit ISBN
SOC	Nijole Benokraitis	5th	978-1305660625

The required textbook for this course is a low-cost, auto-access digital textbook. Access the textbook using the link provided in the Auto Access Dashboard (on the menu to the left) or the Textbook Access module (under Modules on the left menu). You will automatically be charged for the digital textbook after the “Add” deadline (the end of the 2nd week of the semester) unless you opt out before then. If you do not want to use the digital textbook (perhaps you already purchased the print version of the textbook), you must opt out or you will be charged for the digital textbook. Follow this link if you wish to opt out: About Your Textbook 

Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site. They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best price available.

Structure

Course Outcomes

1. Analyze social institutions from a sociological perspective. 
2. Apply the three main sociological theories to social phenomena. 
3. Recognize the impact of social issues on individual lives, including your own. 
4. Reflect on cultural gender, race, and class differences within and between societies. 

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions.

Due Date*	Learning Model Aspect	Activity Title	Description
Midweek	Teach One Another	Discussion Board Initial Post	Applying key concepts and ideas through class discussion.
End of Week	Prove	Quizzes	Helping you stay up to date in your reading assignments. Quizzes are closed-book and closed-note. You will have 20 minutes to match 6-8 terms with their definitions.  **If you need special accommodations, contact your instructor as soon as possible to see what options are available.
End of Week	Prove	Zoom Meeting Group Participation	Applying key concepts and ideas in small group situations.
End of Week	Teach One Another	Discussion Board Response Posts	Applying key concepts and ideas through class discussion.
End of Week	Prove	Exploring Sociology Exercise	Analyzing essay questions that allow you to wrestle with various sociological questions by applying what you are learning.
End of Week	Prove	Hands-On Activities	Using the concepts being taught for deeper learning.
End of Week	Prove	Exams	Showing learning through multiple-choice exams that cover both course material, including additional reading assignments. These exams are in W04, W07, W10, and W14. They are also timed and not cumulative. **If you need special accommodations, contact your instructor as soon as possible to see what options are available.

Note: Instructors may occasionally substitute a video of their own choice for a weekly discussion board video to accurately reflect current events or other relevant topics.

Expectations

Due Dates

All assignments are due by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time) either Wednesday (midweek) or Saturday (end-of-week). 

*Times are set according to US Mountain Time. Be sure to set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for you according to where you are located. 

Late Work Policy

As a sign of professionalism and respect, students are expected to complete quality work on time. 

Extra Credit

There are no extra credit opportunities for this course. However, in very rare instances, and because something unusual has happened in the course, your instructor may determine that extra credit is acceptable as a one-time fix. Your instructor will alert the class to this circumstance and it will be made available to the whole class. Please do not ask your instructor for extra credit opportunities. Keep up in the course, turn all your assignments in, act professionally, and you will do fine without it. 

Retries

Retries are not allowed in the course as per department policy. Exceptions to this policy are rare. However, if you feel you have extenuating circumstances, contact your instructor to determine what, if any, accommodations might be made. 

NOTE: It is easier for your instructor to work with you before rather than after an assignment is due. Your instructor has the final say on whether accommodations will be granted so communicate with him/her as soon as you know of an issue.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and countless others are tools that can enhance learning, increase productive, and improve the quality of work. However, to ensure academic integrity and encourage original thought, the following policy outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI tools in this course.

Acceptable uses if AI: 

• Strengthening content understanding: AI can help students check understanding of weekly content by creating practice quiz questions, explaining concepts/theories, and providing additional information when studying for exams or quizzes.

Unacceptable uses of AI: 

• Copying and Pasting AI Responses: Directly copying and pasting AI-generated content into assignments or submissions is strictly prohibited. All work submitted must be the student's original work.

• Misrepresentation of AI Contributions: Students must clearly distinguish between their own analysis and ideas generated with the assistance of AI. Misrepresenting AI-generated content as one's own work will be considered academic dishonesty.

• Over-Reliance on AI: Students should avoid over-reliance on AI tools. Assignments must demonstrate critical thinking, personal insight, and understanding of the criminological theories.

Penalties for Improper use of AI

• Unauthorized use of AI in a single assignment will result in a zero on the assignment. If there is a pattern of use, you may fail the course. You may also be reported to the honor office for further help in understanding this policy. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure your use of AI aligns with the stated policy.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	100% – 93%
A-	92% – 90%
B+	89% – 87%
B	86% – 83%
B-	82% – 80%
C+	79% – 77%
C	76% – 73%
C-	72% – 70%
D+	69% – 67%
D	66% – 63%
D-	62% – 60%
F	59% – 00%

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article (Links to an external site.).

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Support

If you need assistance, visit the I-learn help tab located on the left-hand side of your screen to contact the appropriate support center.