This course introduces basic concepts and methods of sociology. It also presents significant research and theory in areas such as socialization, group dynamics, gender roles, minority group relations, stratification, deviance, culture and community studies.

If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to analyze:

• How your behavior is social, and how you fit and do not fit into society and other social structures.
  
  
• Social interaction, its impact on social structures and on social change and the socialization process.
  
  
• Sociology as a social science.
  
  
• Culture and its diversity within the United States and internationally.
  
• Various levels of social structure, including social groups, communities, and societies.
  
  
• The stratified nature of social structure, including stratification by race and ethnicity, gender, and age.
  
  
• Issues of social control and deviance.

The required textbook and materials for this course are:

• Kornblum, William. Sociology in a Changing World, 8th ed. Wadsworth Publishing, 2008.
  
  
• Penney, Jane A. Telecourse Guide for Exploring Sociology, Introduction to Sociology, 3rd ed. Wadsworth Publishing, 2008.
  
  
• Course Guide for SOC 201 (includes assignments, information on exams and
  other course details) which is on the course web site.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:
 

* The lowest grade will be dropped for a total of 70 points.

There are 4 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your proctored exams at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking proctored exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

Email: dhaledjian@nvcc.edu
Telephone: (703) 323-3243

I do not have office hours, but you can contact me via e-mail at the address above. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.