collin college

 

LS-NY
Larry Stern
Professor of Sociology

Introduction to Sociology
Professor Larry Stern
Prologue - Student Profile

This is a REQUIRED assignment - it does NOT receive a grade. The goal is to give all students - and the Professor - the opportunity to find out who our fellow-classmates are and, perhaps, forge bonds and facilitate future class discussions.

To Post Your Student Profile in the "Pinned Discussions" section of Canvas:

First, click on the "Discussions" tab in Canvas (it is listed in the left column)

Second, click the "Pinned Discussion" button titled "Student Profile: Mandatory Assignment."

Third, in the "Reply" Box enter your first and last name (for example "Rufus T. Firefly"and then cut and paste your introduction to the class and answer to the question "I Am a Sociologist Because . . ." (after reading the brief article posted below).

Fourth, you may attach an appropriate photo by clicking on the "Attach" button below the text box.

Fifth, and last, click the "Post Reply" button in the lower right hand corner.

 

Prologue: Student Profiles

This required assignment has two parts:

(1) First, please provide a brief introduction of yourself to the class. The purpose of this introduction is to begin to foster a sense of community that will facilitate future discussions. As shall be seen, a course such as this ordinarily covers many sensitive issues and it is NOT expected—nor is it desirable—that we all view them in the same manner.  This is not simply a reflection of my cultural bias – I spent my formative years growing up in New York City where to argue with someone is a sign of respect. Instead, I will argue that there are clear and specifiable sociological reasons that would lead one to expect – to predict – widespread disagreements among people when it comes to beliefs, values, attitudes, and interpretations of the social world. 

It is one of the fundamental principles of sociology that we are all – to some extent – shaped and molded by our life-experiences. How could it be otherwise? And it is clearly the case that men and women experience the world differently, just as do wealthy and impoverished people, older and younger people, parents and children, people of different complexions, people of different religious beliefs, New Yorkers and Texans, to name but a few of the relevant differences that affect who we are.

These differences will be especially relevant this semester as we witness the various political controversies that are likely to unfold. To discuss these matters – and other issues on which disagreement will inevitably occur during the semester – we must all take seriously – and respect – the legitimate existence of reasonable differences of opinion.

As a guide, then, consider the following, but include only those bits of information that you feel comfortable providing:

How old are you? Where were you born? Where have you spent the most formidable years of your life? Are you male or female? How would you describe your race/ethnicity? What is a rough estimate of your social class?

Why have you enrolled for this course? Have you chosen an academic major yet or do you have some idea of where you see yourself ten years from now? Do you have any interesting life experiences, special talents, and/or hobbies that you’d like to share with us?

When you have the chance, read some of your fellow-student's profiles. You might notice some similar interests and want to respond . . .

To get some sense of who I am, you can read "About Me" and/or a brief essay on "Why I Teach."

(2) Second, in his “I Am a Sociologist Because . . .” Peter Kaufman, an associate professor of sociology at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, lists 41 reasons why he considers himself a sociologist. Please list which of these – if any – you find congenial to your self-image and offer your opinion on how and why you developed these interests? Last, please note which of the reasons Kaufman offers you have never thought about but find interesting.