Course Syllabus
Syllabus Sociology
Welcome
Welcome to Sociology! We’re so glad you’re here.
Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.
To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.
As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.
We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community!
Pacing
This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.
This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.
Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style.
We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong.
Course Description
This fully virtual, general education Sociology course introduces students to how societies are built, how they function, and why they change over time. Students learn core sociological concepts and theories, then apply the scientific method through ethical sociological research and real-world analysis. Units explore culture, social interaction, socialization, groups and organizations, media and technology, social stratification, and demographics, with attention to how identity, inequality, and power shape everyday life. Students demonstrate understanding through short quizzes, a few applied projects (including culture analysis, diffusion and change, and an interview-based mini study), and midterm and final exams. By the end of the course, students will be able to use sociological perspectives to explain social patterns, evaluate social change, and reflect on how society influences people and communities.
Course Essential Questions
- How do societies shape individual behavior, identity, and opportunities?
- In what ways do culture, groups, and institutions create social order and drive social change?
- How can sociological research help us explain patterns like inequality, prejudice, and demographic change?
Course Overview
Sociology |
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Lesson |
Objectives |
Quiz |
Assignment |
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1: Introduction & Sociological Research |
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following: 1.1: Define concepts central to sociology 1:2: Explain what sociological theories are and how they are used 1.3: Demonstrate how the scientific method is used in sociological research 1.4: Differentiate between four kinds of research methods: surveys, field research, experiments, and secondary data analysis 1.5: Understand why ethical standards exist |
Lesson 1 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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2: Culture |
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following: 2.1: Differentiate between culture and society 2.2: Explain material versus nonmaterial culture 2.3: Understand how values and beliefs differ from norms 2.4: Differentiate between subculture and counterculture |
Lesson 2 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: Material vs. Nonmaterial Culture Assignment - Students will explain how six objects represent material and nonmaterial culture. |
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3: Society and Social Interaction |
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following: 3.1: Describe the difference between preindustrial, industrial, and postindustrial societies 3.2: Understand how technology impacts societal development 3.3: Identify theoretical perspectives on society 3.4: Explain how individuals present themselves and perceive themselves in a social context |
Lesson 3 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: Changing Times - Students will analyze how indigenous groups have changed in relation to modern global advancements from other cultures (diffusion) and create a visual presentation. |
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4: Socialization |
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following: 4.1: Discuss the importance of socialization both for individuals and society. 4.2: Explain the roles of families and peer groups in socialization. 4.3: Demonstrate how we are socialized through formal institutions like schools, workplaces, and the government. |
Lesson 4 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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5: Groups & Organizations |
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following: 5.1: Identify primary and secondary groups. 5.2: Discuss the different types of formal organizations. 5.3: Define deviance, and explain the nature of deviant behavior. 5.4: Differentiate between methods of social control. |
Lesson 5 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
Midterm Exam |
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6: Media & Technology |
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following: 6.1: Define technology and describe its evolution. 6.2: Discuss technological inequality and issues related to unequal access to technology. 6.3: Describe the evolution and current role of different media. 6.4: Explain the advantages and concerns of media globalization. 6.5: Trace the globalization of technology. |
Lesson 6 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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7: Social Stratification |
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following: 7.1: Differentiate between open and closed stratification systems. 7.2: Distinguish between caste and class systems. 7.3: Describe several types of social mobility. 7.4: Understand how different classification systems have developed. 7.5: Explain the cyclical impact of the consequences of poverty. |
Lesson 7 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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8: People & Demographics |
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to do the following: 8.1: Understand the difference between race and ethnicity 8.2: Explain the difference between stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and racism 8.3: Define and differentiate between sex and gender 8.4: Examine aging as a global issue. |
Lesson 8 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: Being a Sociologist - You have been hired to conduct a sociological study. Your job is to interview an adult who is of a different gender, a different race/ethnicity, outside of your social class, or who is elderly. This adult can be a parent, religious leader, educator, family friend, work colleague, etc. Just make sure that the person was born before 1995! Ask your interview questions and, based on the responses, consider what sociological perspective your interviewee expresses. Be prepared to define that perspective and use evidence from the interview to support your analysis. |
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9: Family & Marriage |
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following: 9.1: Describe society’s current understanding of family. 9.2: Recognize changes in marriage and family patterns. |
Lesson 9 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: Prejudice & Discrimination - Pick an event from you life that made you feel was prejudicial against you, or made you feel discriminated against. Describe it in detail making sure to reference course material to explain and support how your event shows prejudice or discrimination. IF you don't have this experience, or don't want to share, pick an event that they've seen on TV, movie, or other media. |
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10: Institutions of Societal Change |
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following: 10.1: Describe how different institutions influence social change. 10.2: Discuss how sociological perspectives explain social change. |
Lesson 10 Quiz - 12 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
Final Exam |
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Grades
Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:
| Source | Available Points |
|---|---|
| Lesson Assignments | 140 |
| Lesson Quizzes | 120 |
| Midterm Exam | 150 |
| Final Exam | 135 |
| Total | 545 |
Textbook & Technology Requirements
To fully participate, make sure you have:
- A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
- A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
- Any other required textbooks or materials for the course
Accessibility
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.Canvas Technical Support
Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.
- Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
- For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide: How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
- For questions about enrollment, access to courses, exam proctoring, or billing, contact our Support Services Team at (855) 256-4975 or mizzouacademy@missouri.edu.