Welcome To Sociology 101 Introduction To Sociology Professor: Dr. Richard Pitt Teaching Assistant: Lauren Stavish

Books We’ll Read Social Research Social Interaction Social Structure Social Stratification Social Institutions Social Change

What Past Students Say About Me “Dr. Pitt is an unbelievable professor. He communicated perfectly with the class and I loved the way he taught. He is an animated and fun professor that does not hold back. I learned a lot more than I expected to, and he made this class the best class I have ever taken at Vanderbilt.” “Dr. Pitt was one of the best professors, if not the best professor, I ever had at Vanderbilt. He made class so interesting and fun. His ability to engage the students and make us like the subject was astounding. I found myself missing his style and class on days I didn't have it.” “Professor Pitt has a way of making the material interesting to the class. If I were not graduating I would love to take more classes from Professor Pitt!” “Dr. Pitt can relate to students, which is obvious in his lectures. He relates every theory, every subject, to college students which is so helpful when it comes to studying. He made himself available before tests during office hours which was so helpful. He is funny and engaging in class lectures - his class was a highlight of the day and I learned so much about social theory that, as a sociology major, I felt I should know.”

What Else They Say About My Courses Dr. Pitt is the best lecturer I've ever known. I came to class eager to learn something new every single class. However, I really think that his means of grading his students is completely unfair and irrational. I have really enjoyed this course and learning about how the world works, however, there was way too much work for a class many take as an elective. Seven books? Really? Hands-down the best class I've ever had at Vanderbilt in terms of how the material was taught. Terrible, ridiculous, utterly unfair grading scale though. A good professor and knows his material; however, his assignments are somewhat ridiculous. I am no stranger to hard work, but his exams and so-called “reading- check” quizzes are TOO HARD! Grading for the class is interesting, but somewhat unfair: everyone starts with 500 points and then points are deducted accordingly, which makes understanding grading difficult.

There is no... NO... NO way to go back up once you’ve hit a grade threshold except grade replacement for the quizzes.

Reading Quizzes (200) Middlesex Analysis (100) Examination I (100) Examination II (100) 176 points 87 points 83 points 79 points 425 points ( the same as an 85% ) Grade? B extra quiz points = 437 points (Grade? B+) extra quiz points = 437 points (Grade? B+) Average Grades For This Class

Middlesex Analysis KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER This Isn’t A Book Report. This Is A Sociological Argument. This Isn’t A Book Report. This Is A Sociological Argument. This Is A Commonly Analyzed Book In English Courses. Remember The Honor Code! This Is A Commonly Analyzed Book In English Courses. Remember The Honor Code! Big Question: How Do These Twelve Social Dynamics Affect Cal?! Big Question: How Do These Twelve Social Dynamics Affect Cal?! White-Ethnic Identity Intersexuality & Gender Identity The American Dream Ethos Race Relations Immigration & Ethnic Enclaves Entrepreneurship & Industry Family & Life Course Events Mores & Taboos Sexual Orientation: Nature Or Nurture? Social Movements Medicalization Culture Change & Historical Context

Middlesex Analysis KEY DATES TO CONSIDER September 4 th : Groups are assigned topics September 4 th : Groups are assigned topics October 18 th : 10-incident master list due to Lauren October 18 th : 10-incident master list due to Lauren Meeting(s) with Lauren to discuss your topic Meeting(s) with Lauren to discuss your topic Meeting with graduate student “expert” Meeting with graduate student “expert” November 8 th : Outline of paper due to Lauren November 8 th : Outline of paper due to Lauren November 28 – December 6: Presentations November 28 – December 6: Presentations December 6: Final paper is due December 6: Final paper is due