Welcome to Introduction to Sociology! and thank you for selecting this course. I hope to learn as much from you as you do from me and the materials provided. I realize that for many of you, this is a required course for your discipline, but you will find how the topics addressed as well as the overall course information will directly apply to your field.

The Purpose and Description of this Class

This course focuses on understanding and applying the sociological perspective, which stresses the importance of the impact of social forces external to the individual in shaping people’s lives and experiences. Topics studied will include socialization, social interaction, culture, groups, social structure, deviance, social inequality, social class, race, gender, institutions (political, economic, educational, and family), collective behavior, and social change.

Other Essential Information

Since we are in an “online” environment, several students ask if we will be meeting through “Zoom”. The simple answer is, “possibly but no dates and times have been established for any zoom meetings for this class.” I will let you know well in advance should one or more be scheduled.

Instructor Contact Information: Jim Baylor

The best way to contact me is through the Canvas Inbox. At times, the CPTC email system does not get through to me on a timely basis so please use the Inbox for any and all communication.

“Module 1: Getting Started and Course Information” contains all the administrative information you need to negotiate through this course.

“Review the Course Orientation” This material will explain some of the key aspects of the course such as discussion guidelines, formatting requirements and contact information.

Read the course Syllabus carefully! This document explains everything you need to know about this course in terms of policies, guidelines, course outlines, and assessments. I would prefer not to respond to questions that have already been addressed by the course syllabus but rather direct you back to the syllabus. Also, make sure that you check into the course, preferably daily, to review any announcements, quizzes, or assignments so that you don't miss important information.

Course Outline and Schedule in the Syllabus. This information which is found on the last two pages of the syllabus provides you a detailed look at the quarter as well as very important due dates and times for assignments and quizzes. I would strongly urge you to print a copy of this part of the syllabus as a reminder “calendar” of what is due and when.

If you have any questions, please ask right away! The first week is very critical for a smooth sailing quarter. If you do not pay close attention to the details in the course documents, you are likely to encounter bigger problems later.

**Please Note: Though this is an on-line course, it is NOT a self-paced course. Materials will open and close on a schedule and may not become visible until a specified point in the course. Once an assignment or quiz closes, it is closed and will not be reopened under any circumstances.

***Exception: I will make necessary adjustments to the course should we encounter a major malfunction with the Canvas software or platform at the college level.