introduction to the Society and Culture course

1. SOC131
Society and Culture
Cindy Cruz-Cabrera
English, Women and Development, Media Studies and Media Anthropology
about.me/cindycruzcabrera en.gravatar.com/cindycatz
prof.cindycatz@gmail.com

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION

3. This course covers: (1) the development of
social and cultural literacy and a clear
understanding of the interaction of persons,
societies, cultures, environments and time;
and (2) the influence of aspects of society
and culture, including power, authority,
identity, gender, technologies, and
globalization.

4. COURSE OBJECTIVES

5. • To develop knowledge and understanding about
societies and cultures, social and cultural concepts,
and social and cultural research methods
• To survey the main traditions, concepts, themes,
problems and theories associated with the
sociology/social anthropology of society and
culture
• To analyze and understand how people in different
social, cultural, and environmental settings behave,
communicate, and perceive the world around them
• To apply ethical social and cultural research in the
investigation and analysis of information
• To analyze the role of mediation in the interaction
and influences of societies and cultures

6. COURSE CONTENT

7. • Sociology / social anthropology as a discipline
– nature, scope, foundations and perspectives
• Sociological imagination/perspective
• Culture, ethnocentrism, cultural relativism,
xenocentrism, colonialism
• Society, social groups, institutions, virtual
communities and socialization
• Social, cultural, sustainable development and
environmental change

8. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
and GRADING

9. • 20% Class Participation
• 20% Midterms
• 20% Coursework
• 40% Final Examinations
• Sixty percent (60%) is required as a passing
mark for each requirement and for the
course.

10. CLASS MEETINGS

11. • Discussions
–lectures, discussions, reports, activities,
and presentations.
• Work Sessions
–composition, research, consultation,
assessment and evaluation
(teacher/group/peer).
• Film Viewing

12. ATTENDANCE and
CLASS WORK

13. • Attendance is mandatory.
• You are allowed a maximum of one and a half
(6) absences from our six-hour class.
• The Office of Academics shall automatically
drop you from the roll on your absence
beyond 6 meetings.
• 3 counts of tardiness = 1 absence.
• Arriving 15 minutes late = absent.

14. • Any class work done on the day of one’s
absence is automatically forfeited, regardless
of whether the absence is excused or not.
• Any questions you may have for me regarding
attendance will be about your requirements
only.
• All other concerns (submission of
certificates/letters/etc.) should be
accompanied by a cover letter addressed to
me, Mr. Berbano and Mr. Silva.

15. CLASS PARTICIPATION

16. • You are expected to participate consistently in
class discussions.
• The success of discussions depends to some
extent on the work you do before stepping in
the classroom. Make sure you come to class
prepared.
• Read the required texts carefully. Put a lot of
thought and effort into your assigned work.
• We do not need mere talk in class. What we
need is talk that is interesting and insightful.

17. DEADLINES

18. • Work should be turned in on time. Failure to
comply will affect your grade.
• All assignments in hardcopy are due at the
beginning of class.
• All assignments in softcopy shall be submitted
via email:
prof.cindycatz@gmail.com
• Closing dates and times shall be strictly
observed.
• Any requirements not submitted when due
need not be turned in.
• Deadlines are non-negotiable.

19. COURSEWORK FORMAT
Soft Copy / Printout
APA

20. Handwritten
• Intermediate Pad OR College Ruled Pad –
white or yellow only
• NO SCENT
• One-inch borders
• LEGIBLE script / print
• Black or blue ink only

21. A NOTE ON PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is cheating and is punishable
by:
• failure in a requirement
• failure in a course
• suspension
and
• expulsion.

22. CONSULTATION

23. • CONSULTATION takes place during Workshop
Sessions. These will be announced.
• Sign up for consultation on Facebook.
• Please be ready to consult and deliver during
your designated time.
• You may consult briefly via email. Be sure to
indicate the course title.
• I do not refuse ambush consultations, but, to
ensure having your pertinent documents,
grades etc. on hand, sign up for consultation.

24. Students with Disabilities
• If you have (or suspect you have) a disability
for which you are or may be requesting
accommodation, you are encouraged to
speak to me privately as early as possible in
the term.
• We will properly verify your disability and
determine reasonable accommodations for
this course.