St.

Andrew’s Theological College

SYLLABUS FOR
SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS
Course Code: IS 300
Course Credit: 3
Semester: ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/ 2024 SEMESTER I
Instructor: Major Joseph Bridgewater
Instructor Phone: 1.868.349.1843
Instructor Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Format: In person
Semester Start Date: September 19, 2023
Semester End Date: December 12, 2023

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Sociology is the study of society. It explores ways of looking at the world that allow us to understand how the events and
experiences of our lives are part of group dynamics, of social institutions, of cultural meanings. It allows us to see personal
events and meanings as affected by historical forces, and to see how historical events may be shaped by personal choices.
It focuses on identifying, explaining, and interpreting patterns and processes of human social relations.

This course is an introduction to the set of perspectives on human life that allows us to understand how our personal lives
are affected by our place in society. It is designed not just to teach students some of the major findings of sociology, but to
help them to master fundamental sociological skills, including both the ability to think with a "sociological imagination" and
to understand the basics of computer-based data analysis--skills which have broad applicability in a range of educational
and work settings.

The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with some of the basic concepts in sociology and an understanding
of how sociological research is conducted.

Throughout the course an attempt will be made to interrelate what is being studied to real life situations. It is important that
students learn to determine the usefulness of information gathered by social scientists.

BASIC NEEDS STATEMENT

St. Andrew’s Theological College cares about you. If you are having any difficulties meeting the essential life requirements
that would allow you to study for this course, contact the course instructor/ Principal, Rev. Adrian Sieunarine –
[email protected].

SATC aims to support you to achieve your potential through early identification of, and response to, personal and academic
issues which have the potential to adversely affect your educational achievement.

Our Student Support Policy can be found here SATC Student Support Policy.pdf

SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS | IS 300 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 1ST SEMESTER (SEPT-DEC) 2023
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY
This institution recognizes the importance of a diverse student body, and we are committed to fostering equitable classroom
environments. You are invited to share how you want to be referred to both in terms of your name and your pronouns
(he/him, she/her, they/them, etc.). St. Andrew’s Theological College is committed to and promotes the full realization of
equal opportunity throughout the College.

Our Equal Opportunity Policy can be found here SATC Equal Opportunity Policy.pdf

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

You will:

1. Become familiar with different sociological perspectives and be able to apply the various perspectives to societal
issues.
2. Have a greater understanding of institutional structures and how these impact the lives of individuals.
3. Develop their capacity for critical thinking, research and analysis.
4. Know and understand major theoretical approaches in sociology.
5. Distinguish and critically evaluate these approaches.
6. Understand the different conclusions drawn when applying different theoretical approaches to identical problems.
7. Describe and differentiate methodologies in the study of sociology.

CO/PREREQUISITES

There are no co/prerequisites for this course.

COURSE MATERIALS

REQUIRED TEXTS:

▪ All course materials are available through St. Andrew’s Theological College’s online EBSCOhost library.

To access the EBSCOhost library, go to:

Online Library: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=uid
User ID: standrewscol
Password: psalm23!

Technical Support for EBSCOhost

Contact the Administrative Office.

Phone: 1.868.657.7554 | 1.868.653.0449
Email: [email protected]

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

▪ Laptop/ Desktop Computer

SOFTWARE REQUIRMENTS

▪ PDF READER
Downloadable course material will be sent as PDFs. You are required to have a PDF reader on your device. The
preferred PDF reader is Adobe.
SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS | IS 300 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 1ST SEMESTER (SEPT-DEC) 2023
 Download Adobe: PDF reader | Adobe Acrobat Reader

PROVISION OF STUDENT SUPPORT

All students have access to video conferencing equipment, for use on the SATC compound, for classes and research.
Arrangements can be made through the Administration Office.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

▪ Technical Support for Virtual Classes:

Contact or visit the Office Administrator.
Phone: 1.868.653.0449
Email: [email protected]
▪ Technical Support for the College Website https://www.satc.edu.tt/ :
Contact the Web Master.
Phone: 1.868.750.6798
Email: [email protected]

REGULAR AND SUBSTANTIVE INTERACTION

Class will be held weekly, on Tuesdays. The instructor, Major Joseph Bridgewater, plans to interact and engage with each
student on a regular basis throughout the course to support their learning. He will provide direct instruction related to the
course’s learning objectives, respond to questions, provide feedback on thoughts, post regular announcements on the class
email and chat, and engage in the course discussion areas regarding academic course content when appropriate.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

This course focuses on how the social and behavioural scientists discover, describe and explain the behaviours and
interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. It will equip you to have a better understanding of
yourself and the roles you play in addressing the issues facing society.

To help us in this learning journey, we shall engage in the following activities:

• DISCUSSIONS

Discussions are vital for engagement through learner-to-learner interaction and instructor-to-learner interaction, which
is a required element of understanding the theories of social and behavioural scientists. These discussions/interactions
help us develop and feel a sense of class community as we interact, collaborate, and share ideas on the interpretation
of the patterns and processes of human social relations.

• JOURNALS

Journals provide an opportunity for learner self-reflection, which can be used to encourage deeper thinking and
metacognition to improve learning. You may find it useful to keep a journal of any thoughts, ideas and reflections as we
progress through this course to help you have a better understanding of your role and impact on society.

• ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS

Individual assignments and presentations will provide you with an opportunity to apply what you are learning and to
demonstrate your understanding of the perspectives of social scientists as it relates to real life situations. This will allow
for feedback, peer- and self-assessment, and evaluation.

• READINGS/LECTURES
▪ Barrow, C & Reddock, R. (Editors). (2001). Caribbean Sociology: Introductory readings. Jamaica: Ian Randle
Publishers.

SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS | IS 300 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 1ST SEMESTER (SEPT-DEC) 2023
 ▪ Haralambos, M. & Holborn, M. (2008). Sociology themes and perspectives. (7th ed.). London: Collins.

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

You are expected to engage in all instructor-facilitated discussions. Student-to-student peer discussions will be encouraged.

If you cannot make it to a class, you can let the instructor or Administrative Office know as soon as possible. The class will
be recorded, and the video will be emailed.

At the end of each lesson, you will be given an opportunity to ask questions on the lecture and receive immediate
clarifications and/ or feedback.

FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS

If you encounter any issues with the course, or would like to give suggestions, you can email Rev. Adrian Sieunarine or the
Administrative office and expect a response within one working day.

At the end of the course, you will be emailed a feedback form.

EVALUATION AND GRADING SCALE

GRADING WEIGHTS:
Grade Items Associated Learning
Category % Of Grade (Learning Activities) Objectives/Outcomes

Attendance 5%
1. In-class research • Objective 1
Class Discussion/ Participation 5% 2. Critical reflections • Objective 2
• Objective 3
1. Oral presentation • Objective 3
Class Presentation 15%%
• Objective 4
1. Written research paper • Objective 5
Mid Term Paper 35% • Objective 6
• Objective 7
1. Written research paper • Objective 5
Final Paper 40% • Objective 6
• Objective 7
TOTAL 100%

SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS | IS 300 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 1ST SEMESTER (SEPT-DEC) 2023
GRADING SCALE:

Grade Points Mark% Descriptors

A+ 4.3 90-100 Exemplary

A 4.0 80-89 Outstanding
A- 3.7 75-79 Excellent
B+ 3.3 70-74 Very Good
B 3.0 65-69 Good
B- 2.7 60-64 Satisfactory
C+ 2.3 55-59 Fair
C 2.0 50-54 Acceptable
F 0.0 0-49 Fail

Our Grading Policy can be found here SATC Grading Policy and System.pdf

If you feel you were graded unfairly, or would like to dispute a grade, you can initiate a grade appeal process. “A student wishing to make
a formal appeal regarding a course grade shall inform the instructor in writing. Ordinarily this should be done as soon as the informal
process fails to be satisfactory, and no later than ten working days after the student has received the grade from the Administrative Office.”

Our Appeal Policy can be found within the Student handbook: SATC Student Handbook.pdf

COURSE SCHEDULE
This course runs for twelve weeks, from September 19th to December 12th 2023

• TOPICS

• Section 1 - Defining Sociology

o Defining Sociology

o Sociological Perspective

o Sociological Theory

o Theoretical perspectives

o Sociological Analysis

• Section 2: Socialization and Deviance

o Socialization

o Gender Socialization

o Deviance and Crime

• Section 3 - Social Class

SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS | IS 300 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 1ST SEMESTER (SEPT-DEC) 2023
 o Social Class in the Caribbean

o Poverty

o Social Structure and Social Interaction

• Section 4 - Gender and Ethnicity

o Race and ethnicity

o Gender stratification

o Family

o Sexuality and Society

• Section 5 - Other relevant topics

o Aging and the Elderly

o The Economy and Work

o Religion

o Education

o Health, Population, Urbanization, and Environment

o Collective Behavior and Social Movements

o Change: Traditional, Modern, and Postmodern Societies

• Final Paper

o Due Date: December 15th 2023

COURSE POLICIES

LATE WORK/MAKE-UP POLICY

If absences occur, it is your responsibility to seek guidance from Major Joseph Bridgewater for makeup sessions. Permission
to make up assignments and extensions may be granted at his discretion.

Our Late Work/Make-Up Policy can be found on page 4 in the Student handbook: SATC Student Handbook.pdf

ONLINE ATTENDANCE POLICY

You are expected to attend at least 75% of classes. If you cannot attend a class, you are required to contact Major Joseph
Bridgewater, as soon as possible by his personal email, the class email or inform the Administrative Office.

Our Attendance Policy can be found on page 4 in the Student handbook: SATC Student Handbook.pdf

NETIQUETTE

You are solely responsible for how you interact with others. Inappropriate interaction and/ or postings that may include
discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated
and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Our rules of conduct for online can be found in our Social Media policy: SATC Social Media Policy.pdf
SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS | IS 300 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 1ST SEMESTER (SEPT-DEC) 2023
SATC’s Code of Ethics also applies to all electronic and online communications.

Our Code of Conduct can be found here: SATC Code of Ethics.pdf

SATC POLICIES

CODE OF ETHICS/ CONDUCT

The Code of Ethics of SATC seeks to ensure the welfare and the protection of individuals and groups within SATC. The
behaviours and ethical practices described in the Code are essential for healthy and safe life, work and ministry.

Our Code of Ethics can be found here: SATC Code of Ethics.pdf

PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES/ APPEALS

If you have any concerns, complaints or grievances about matters or issues relating to your experiences at SATC, you may
engage in the Appeal Procedure.

Our Appeal Policy and Procedure can be found here: SATC Appeal Policy & Procedure.pdf

The Student Grievance Form can be downloaded here: SATC Student Grievance Form.pdf

WITHDRAWAL & DROPPING COURSES POLICY

You may withdraw from this course within the first two months of the course.

Our Withdrawal and Dropping Courses Policy can be found on page 5 - 6 in the Student handbook: SATC Student
Handbook.pdf

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM

Academic integrity is the foundation on which learning at SATC is built. SATC expects that you perform your academic work
honestly and fairly.

Our Integrity and Plagiarism Policy can be found on page 7 - 8 in the Student handbook: SATC Student Handbook.pdf

You are required to complete and include a Plagiarism Declaration Form when submitting your final assessment.

The Plagiarism Declaration Form can be downloaded here: SATC Plagiarism Declaration.pdf

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

If you require reasonable accommodations, you can let the Administrative office know so all necessary arrangements can
be made.

SOCIOLOGY FOR CHURCH LEADERS | IS 300 ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024 1ST SEMESTER (SEPT-DEC) 2023