Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | SOC-1010-VO04S - Introduction to Sociology

Synchronous Class

Synchronous courses are delivered through a combination of online and regularly-scheduled Zoom sessions. In synchronous classes, students must attend Zoom sessions and actively engage with each other and faculty in course activities and discussions.

Faculty

Nina Kunimoto
View Faculty Credentials

Hiring Coordinator for this course: Gilberto Diaz Santos

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.

Allowed: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges technology, including generative AI, plays a supportive role in learning and feedback. During our class, we may use AI writing tools such as ChatGPT in certain specific cases. You will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are permitted to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use outside of these specific cases constitutes a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) Policy

The following are appropriate and inappropriate uses of generative AI in this course:

1. The use of generative AI tools (e.g. U-M GPT, ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
• Fine tuning your research questions;
• Finding information on your topic;
• Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
• Checking grammar and style, and general editing.

You are required to disclose that you used generative AI.

2. The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments without reviewing and editing it.
• Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using generative Al to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat; you can use generative AI to improve your answer but not to generate the answer.
• Completing group work that your group has assigned to you, unless it is mutually agreed upon that you may utilize the tool.
• Writing a draft of a writing assignment.

Methods

This is a Synchronous course which means that we meet each week on Zoom (online) on Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Each week you will read the textbook to learn fundamental concepts and you will take quizzes to check your knowledge. Additionally, you will have supplemental readings, podcasts, or videos to apply sociological concepts. During the synchronous class time on Zoom you will participate in small group discussions and other activities. Canvas is used for assignment submission, grading, and a general organizing tool for the course.

Evaluation Criteria

A+ through A-: For any work to receive an "A," it must clearly demonstrate keen insight and original thinking. It must not only demonstrate attention to detail and full understanding of the topic or issues addressed, but it must also provide a critical analysis of these. In addition, an "A" grade reflects a student's ability to clearly and thoughtfully articulate his or her learning.

B+ through B-: For any work to receive a "B," it must be good to excellent work. It must demonstrate strong originality, comprehension, critical thinking, and attention to detail. In addition, a "B" grade reflects a student's ability to clearly articulate his or her learning.

C+ through C-: For any work to receive a "C," it must demonstrate real growth in their comprehension, critical thinking, and attention to detail. In addition, a "C" grade reflects a student's ability to adequately articulate his or her learning.

D+ through D-: For any work to receive a "D," it must minimally meet the expectations of the assignment. It demonstrates problems in comprehension, critical thinking, and attention to detail. In addition, a "D" grade may reflect a student's difficulty in articulating his or her learning.

F: Work that receives an "F" grade does not meet the expectations or objectives of the assignment. It may demonstrate consistent problems with attendance, missing assignments, comprehension, organization, critical thinking, or supporting details. In addition, an "F" grade reflects a student's inability to articulate his or her learning. Students are strongly urged to discuss this grade with their instructor and advisor.

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

“Attendance” means being physically present on Zoom with your camera on. If there is a circumstance which does not allow you to have your camera on, then you need to communicate with the professor before the class.

“Participation” means taking part in classroom discussions and activities.

Absences

Students are responsible for catching up on any missed material by reviewing notes, accessing online resources, and meeting with the instructor if needed.

Excused Absences

You are allowed 3 excused absences without any explanation. If you miss a class due to illness or another valid reason beyond the 3 allowed, please notify the instructor within 48 hours and provide appropriate documentation.

Unexcused Absences

For each unexcused absence beyond the 3 allowed, your participation grade will be reduced by 5%. Excessive absences (more than 5 total) may result in failure of the course. In cases of extenuating circumstances, please reach out to the instructor to discuss potential accommodations.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Assignments are due on the dates specified in the assignment. To ensure fairness and maintain academic standards, the following policy will apply to late work:

• Grace Period: A 24-hour grace period will be allowed after the official deadline. Submissions made within this period will receive full credit.
• Late Submission Penalty: After the grace period, a penalty of 10% of the total grade will be deducted for each day the assignment is late. This penalty will be capped at 50% of the total grade.
• Extensions: Extensions may be granted in cases of serious extenuating circumstances. Students must request an extension as soon as possible and provide appropriate documentation.
• Communication: Students are encouraged to inform me as soon as they anticipate missing a deadline. Open communication will help in finding a solution that supports your success in the course.

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

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