Prof. Felipe Pimentel

E-Mail: fpimente@hejira.hunter.cuny.edu

     "To ask sociological questions, then, presupposes that one is interested in looking some distance beyond the commonly accepted or officially defined goals of human actions. It presupposes a certain awareness that human events have different levels of meaning, some of which are hidden from the consciousness of everyday life" (Peter Berger, Invitation to Sociology, 1963).

Course description: This course focuses on basic principles, concepts and research strategies used by sociologists today. We will examine a broad range of sociological questions that include how cultural factors explain social behavior, the dynamic of social change, the meaning of social organization, socialization, stratification and social institutions, and the status of sociology vis-à-vis other social sciences. Basically, this course is designed to achieve critical insights into the development and working of modern society.

Academic objective: This course seeks to enhance the student's basic understanding of society as a human construction. It pursuits the development of essential sociological awareness on how our lives are part of a large social structure in which institutions, groups, and social forces shape our identities and life chances. The class encourages students to recognize the complex network of social relationships that have an effect on contemporary social life by stressing on our place in society as individuals who have been socialized by the forces of culture and history. In addition, the class presents a critical perspective on the problematic character of everyday life by looking at how social conflict and inequality are embedded within the structure of society.

Class requirements & students' responsibilities: There will be three exams during the semester. In addition, students are expected to write a short paper (4-6 pages, typed) on specific questions to be given by the instructor. You will share your work with the rest of the students by giving a 5-10 minutes presentation in front of the class. Students must expect several unannounced quizzes (3 to 5) during the semester. Missed quizzes cannot be made up. Class participation is highly encouraged. Students are responsible for being up-to-date in their readings.

White Poor People in Mississippi, From the book "American Pictures" by Jacob Holdt.

Sociologists try to explain poverty and social inequalities as phenomena that are not the"natural" outcome of human differences but the result of social relations and the unequal distribution of material and symbolic resources.

Exams: Examinations are based on required readings. An examination missed is graded as a zero. Make-up tests won't be given, and the so-called "curves" won't be used to grade exams in this class. The grading system is simple. All examinations are scored on a 100-points scale. The lower score of the three exams will be eliminated.

Attendance & lateness: Attendance is highly encouraged, however, points won't be deducted for absences. If for any reason you don't come to class you are responsible for all the material discussed that day. Students are expected to be in the classroom on time. Please, don't come late since it creates unwanted disruptions that affect the normal flow and dynamic of the class.

Grades: I follow the college's grading system as stated in the catalogue. I don't change final grades; neither doI accept last minute work for "extra credit". No incompletes will be given. Non Credit only for students who have fulfilled all class requirements.

Final Grading:

Quizzes: 10%

Exams: 60%

Paper-presentation: 30%

Class Grade 100%