Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | SOC-1010-VO02 - Introduction to Sociology

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Melissa Holmes
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Philip Crossman

General Education Requirements

Social Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course is a survey of the basic issues, concepts, theories, and methods of sociology. Students learn to think critically about the nature of society and social institutions, and the relationship among individuals and groups. Topics will include social organization, socialization and social change, social stratification, class and class conflict, biological sex, gender expression, sexuality, race, ethnicity, age, and ability.

Essential Objectives

1. Describe the origin and development of sociology as a social science and give examples of how sociological concepts, theories, and methods can be used to explain cultural and social phenomena around the world.
2. Discuss how the interrelationships of heredity, environment, and social agents contribute to the development and socialization of the self.
3. Discuss the influence of social, cultural, and institutional contexts on behavior norms in global societies.
4. Compare the structure and function of various social groups and identify the factors which affect group dynamics.
5. Differentiate between functionalist, conflict, and interactionist explanations of deviance and social control.
6. Compare theories of social stratification based on biological sex, gender expression, sexuality, class, race, ethnicity, age, and ability and discuss resulting inequalities including power differentials, prestige, and privilege.
7. Identify key social institutions such as the family, education, religion, politics, and economy and examine their composition and function in global societies.
8. Demonstrate and interpret how demographic and statistical research is used to understand and respond to social change and recognize critical questions and ethical issues related to quantitative claims.
9. Describe the applications of sociology locally and globally and the various roles that sociologists play in today's societies.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

Welcome to SOC-1010: Introduction to Sociology

In this course, you'll be actively engaged and challenged—because meaningful learning happens when you're alert, involved, and in charge of your journey. I'm not just here to teach you, I'm here to grow alongside you. With over two decades of experience, I promise a dynamic classroom that's constantly evolving—filled with real-world insight, interactive learning, and thought-provoking discussion.

Course Access & Lectures

• Weekly modules open every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on Canvas

• All lectures stay available throughout the semester

• You can learn on your own schedule while staying connected to the rhythm of the course

My Approach to Teaching Education is a two-way street—I learn from your questions, insights, and perspectives. Students often say my real-world examples help make abstract concepts clear and relatable. Prepare to find clarity in complex ideas and excitement in your growth.

What You'll Experience This isn’t a sit-back-and-watch kind of course. You’ll be part of a lively, collaborative environment. Expect to take part in:

• Group discussions to explore diverse viewpoints

• Interactive projects and hands-on activities

• Multimedia presentations and resources

• Readings, writing, and inquiry-based research

• Work-based learning experiences tied to real professions

• Interview assignment with experts in your field of interest

Evaluation Criteria

How Your Work Will Be Evaluated in SOC-1010

Weekly Assignments – 40% of Final Grade Your written work is the foundation of this course. Weekly papers give you the chance to apply course concepts in meaningful ways. Be thoughtful, clear, and reflective—they matter most.

Discussion Boards – 20% of Final Grade Engagement matters! Each week you’ll:

• Post your original discussion by Friday @ 11:59 PM

• Reply to classmates by Monday @ 11:59 PM

Your original post should be about 100 words, and replies need to go beyond “I agree.” Add ideas, sources, or questions that spark deeper conversation.

Attendance – Measured Through Discussions Your original discussion post is how attendance is tracked. Posting on time shows you're active in our online community.

Midterm Project – 20% of Final Grade This project shows your ability to connect ideas from the first half of the course. Take time to demonstrate your learning through analysis and creativity.

Final Project – 20% of Final Grade Your final project is your chance to synthesize what you’ve learned and apply it to real-world or theoretical contexts. Reflect, explore, and bring everything together.

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

‍ How This Class Is Presented

• This is a fully asynchronous online course—no Zoom sessions required

• Lectures are delivered as audio-recorded PowerPoints that I update every semester

• New modules go live every Tuesday at 10:00 AM on Canvas

• Tip: Check the module every Tuesday—it takes just 10 minutes to see deadlines and weekly expectations. This saves you stress and keeps you on track!

Discussion Boards & Attendance

• A new discussion board is posted almost every week (unless you’re given a break)

• Your main post is due by Friday @ 11:59 PM

• Then respond to 3 classmates by Monday @ 11:59 PM

• Grading:

  • Your main post: up to 85 points

  • Each response: 5 points (15 total)

• Attendance is based on participation:

  • If you don’t post your original comment, you’re marked absent

  • Three absences = we’ll need to meet and talk about your progress in the course

My Philosophy: Learning Should Be Human and Fun

Life happens—I get it. If you hit a rough patch, email or call me. I’ll always keep you informed if I face delays on my end too. The key is: let’s keep communication open and honest.

I want learning to be engaging, meaningful, and fun. We’re here to grow, not just complete tasks—and I look forward to taking that journey with you.

Experiential Learning Expectations

Hours: 1-5

Interview Assignment Overview

In this course, you'll complete an interview with a professional working in a helping-related field. This is your chance to connect classroom learning to the real world.

Who Can You Interview? Choose someone who works in one of these areas:

• Sociology

• Social Work

• Counseling or Therapy

• Education

• Criminal Justice

• Healthcare

• Or any role that focuses on helping others or creating social impact

What’s the Goal? You'll learn how professionals apply key ideas from class in their day-to-day work—how they handle challenges, make decisions, and serve their communities.

Assignment Details

• Find a professional and schedule an interview

• Use guiding questions provided in class

• Submit a reflection/report based on your interview

Need Help? If you're not sure who to contact, I’ll help you brainstorm ideas or point you toward helpful resources.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.