Instructor: Kristi Clark

Email: clarkkb@lamarpa.edu (Preferred)

Phone: 409-984-6102

Office Hours: By Appointment

Additional Contact Information: 936-596-0573 (call or text)

The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance.

Sociology Text Required -Free Online

Introduction to Sociology 3e, Open Stax,

Rice University. Published date June 3, 2021.

Download at:  https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-sociology-3e.                           

Hardcover: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-98-5; Paperback: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-97-8

Published June 3, 2021

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Required Equipment:

Students must have a reliable computer and reliable internet connection. Mobile devices (cell phones and tablets devices) do not adequately support or run course content.

Computer Skills and Digital Information: All students are required to use a computer for this course. The required Browser is Google Chrome for Blackboard navigation. Do not attempt to use Explorer or Safari for as they will not allow access to all Blackboard course content. It is your responsibility to make sure that your computer is set up properly to navigate through all aspects of the class. 

All students should be able to use a word processor and its options such as spelling and grammar check and computer tutorials.

None

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology.
2. Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.
3. Describe the key concepts in sociology.
4. Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.
5. Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces

Week 1 – Introduction and Course Overview

Week 2 – Introduction to Sociology

Week 3 – Sociological Research

Week 4 – Culture

Week 5 – Society and Social Interaction

Week 6 – Socialization

Week 7 – Groups and Organizations

Week 8 – Deviance, Crime, and Social Control

Week 9 – Media and Technology

Week 10 – Social Stratification in the United States

Week 11 – Race and Ethnicity; Gender, Sex, and Sexuality

Week 12 – Age and Aging; Relationships, Marriage, and Family

Week 13 – Religion, Education, Government, and Politics

Week 14 – Work, Economy, Health, and Medicine

Week 15 – Environment, Social Movements, and Social Change

Week 16 – Final Review and Exam

December 10, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM

GRADING CRITERIA

GRADING SCALE

PLAGIARISM/CHEATING/AI USE:



Plagiarism (Intentional or Unintentional), collusion, or cheating (in any form) will result in an “F” in the course.  Each student’s work must be original and his or her own work.  Cheating will be defined as using unauthorized materials during an exam (notes, books, cell phones, etc.), using, or being in possession of a pirated exam, copying from or “conferencing” with another student during a test, and plagiarizing journals, papers, or other written assignments. 

Any work which requires research requires appropriate documentation.  Sources must be documented completely and accurately. Failure to accurately and completely cite your research sources will be considered as plagiarism; therefore, resulting in an “F” in the course. 

If a student is directly observed to be cheating or if there is ample evidence of cheating, then the student guilty of cheating will result in an “F” for the course.

When a grade of “F” is issued for the above reasons, then the numeric grade will be

recorded as a “0” (Zero) for the semester.

AI Use prohibited: Students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2) on assignments in this course. Each student is expected to complete each assignment without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools. The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you.
• Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete course assignments.

However, there are times where the instructor will ask you to use AI as part of an assignment. This use of AI will be used as a tool and will be used responsibly. 

Log into Blackboard at least twice a week.

ONLINE CLASS WORK:

Online classes require a greater degree of independence and responsibility than traditional classes. You must learn to pace yourself, and find time in your schedule to work on the class. Online classes typically take as much time as traditional classes overall but allow more flexibility with the time. You still have to put in the time. If you allow yourself to neglect your studies you will fall quickly behind and end up performing below your expectations. 

You should also have a reliable computer or access to a computer. Computer problems or lack of internet are not a valid reason for not completing work by the due date. If you are dual credit high school student, you must plan around your extra curriculum and work schedule.  

No late work or extensions are given.

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.