Course Syllabus
Sociology 3301W: Introduction to Political Sociology
Fall 2000, 11:15-12:05 MWF, Blegen 215
Instructor: Evan Schofer
Office: 1172 Social Sciences
Email: schofer@atlas.socsci.umn.edu
Phone: (612) 624-4075
Office Hours: 9:00-10:00 Monday and by appointment
Web Page: http://www.soc.umn.edu/~schofer/soc3301w
TA: Switbert Kamazima
Office: 956 Social Sciences
Email: kama0025@tc.umn.edu
Phone: (612) 624-3598
Office Hours: Monday and Friday 12:30-2:00 and by appointment.
Introduction
The most pressing issues of our time are addressed via the political system. How, and to what extent is the natural environment protected? What sort of social welfare system (if any) exists to aid those in poverty? Are greater or fewer resources devoted to education or to public health or to military defense? This course considers the many processes that influence the political system and political outcomes, such as: the power and resources of groups (e.g., corporations, interest groups), individual voting and civic participation, the activities of protestors and social movements, the advice of policy experts and scientists, the expansion of a global economy and cultural system, and others. By drawing on the insights of sociology, we are better able to understand these processes, and thus gain a better understanding of how the political system works.
Course Requirements
1. Reading. Assigned readings should be read and understood prior to class on the week they are assigned -- in other words, by Monday of each week. Completion of reading assignments is critical to fully understanding lectures, participating in class discussion, and successfully completing exams and assignments.
2. Attendance. It is your responsibility to attend class. Class lecture and discussion activities will prove invaluable when it comes to completing course assignments and exams.
3. Writing. This is a Writing Intensive Course. There will be approximately 15-20 pages of writing assignments over the course of the semester. To help develop your writing skills you will receive commentary on various stages of your research paper.
3. Assignments and Exams. There will be several assignments over the course of the quarter, as well as a midterm and final exam. All must be completed fully by the relevant deadlines.
4. Adherence to all university guidelines. You are required to adhere to university codes of conduct and guidelines throughout this course. In particular, must be aware of what constitutes plagiarism and cheating. Neither will be tolerated, and will result in severe penalties, to be determined on a case-by-case basis, which might include a failing grade in this course and/or formal disciplinary proceedings within the University.
Assignments and Evaluation
There will be several assignments as well as a midterm and final exam. They will be graded on a standard scale A+ to F. The grade you receive on each will determine your final course grade as follows:
Short Writing Assignments 20%
Preliminary Research Assignments 20%
Research Paper 20%
Mid-term Exam 20%
Final Exam 20%
Final course grades will simply be computed based on the weightings above. In the event of a borderline grade, class participation will be used to determine the final course grade.
If you feel that there has been an error in an assignment grade, make an appointment with the TA. Type a brief note explaining why you think the grade is incorrect. The TA will either adjust your grade or provide an explanation of why the assigned grade is appropriate. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact me.
Policies Regarding Papers, Deadlines, and Extensions
Please type all papers in Times (or Times New Roman) 12 point font, double spaced, with standard margins. All assignments must be printed. Email attachments and faxes will not be accepted.
Assignment deadlines will be clearly specified. Late papers will be penalized one partial grade (i.e., an A becomes an A-, a C+ becomes a C) for every day that the paper is overdue. Papers overdue by less than one whole day will be considered one day late.
Plan ahead and start work early to allow time to complete your assignments. Extensions will not be granted simply because people are "busy" or have other obligations. Assignment extensions may be arranged for legitimate reasons prior to the due date. Legitimate reasons for an extension include medical health problems, family emergencies, etc, that can be documented. No extensions will be granted on the due date or thereafter.
Exams must be taken at the assigned time and place. Missed exams will result in a failing grade. Exceptions will only be made in cases of documented medical or other emergencies. Also, incompletes will generally not be given except in similar unusual circumstances.
Course Web Page
Up-to-date course information and copies of course handouts can be found at the course web page: http://www.soc.umn.edu/~schofer/soc3301w.html
Check the web page on occasion, in case important notices are posted -- for example, in the event that an assignment due date was to be changed. Additionally, the web page may be used to post additional assigned course readings, such as current news articles that are relevant to class.
Texts
Domhoff, G. William. 1998. Who Rules America? Power and Politics in the Year 2000. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company.
Tarrow, Sidney. 1998. Power in Movement: Social Movements and Contentious Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Sociology 3301W Course Packet, available at the West Bank Bookstore.
Service Learning
This course incorporates service learning as an option for interested students. It is an option that I recommend -- students typically have very rewarding experiences. Arrangements for service learning are facilitated by the Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC), located at 345 Fraser Hall on the East Bank. For example, they will help link you to an organization to work with. If you opt to get involved in service learning, you should attend one of the orientation sessions offered by the CCLC. Also, while the CCLC will aid you, it is ultimately your responsibility to follow up on contacts with your organization and complete a minimum of 20 hours of service over the course of the semester.
Additional information on service learning can be found at:
Or contact our service learning coordinator:
Kristin Dawson, Student Programs Coordinator
Email: kdawson@adv.cla.umn.edu
Phone: 612 626-8032
Class Schedule (subject to minor changes -- see the course web page for updates)
Week 1 (Sept. 6, 8): Course Introduction
Week 2 (Sept. 11, 13, 15): Power: Elites and the Political System
Week 3 (Sept. 18, 20, 22): Power: Elites and the Political System
Week 4 (Sept. 25, 27, 29): Power: Elites and Pluralism
Week 5 (Oct. 2, 4, 6): Power: Pluralism
Week 6 (Oct. 9, 11, 13): Citizenship, Civic Engagement, and Social Capital
Week 7 (Oct. 16, 18, 20): Citizenship, Civic Engagement, and Social Capital
October 18:
Mid-term Examination
Week 8 (Oct. 23, 25, 27): Social Movements
Week 9 (Oct. 30, Nov. 1, 3): Social Movements
Week 10 (Nov. 6, 8, 10): Social Movements
Week 11 (Nov. 13, 15, 17): Professionals, Knowledge, and Politics
Week 12 (Nov 20, 22): Professionals, Knowledge, and Politics
November 24 -- Thanksgiving -- No Class
Week 13 (Nov. 27, 29, Dec. 1): Globalization: Economic, Political, Cultural
Week 14 (Dec. 4, 6, 8): Globalization: Trans-national Social Movements
Week 15 (Dec. 11, 13): Globalization and Course Conclusion