Course Policies
Overview of contemporary sociological theories. Focus on major theorists and schools of sociological theory from mid-20th century to the present. Analysis of research methods and theoretical concepts as related to class, structure and agency, gender, race, globalization, feminism, and post-modernism. Techniques for writing about sociological ideas.
SOCY.2102 is designed for undergraduate students at CUNY Brooklyn College. Its aims are twofold: One is to deepen some notions, concepts, and problems studied in both Introduction to Sociology (SOCY.1101), and Classical Social Theory (SOCY.2101), and the second is to introduce students to some new schools of thoughts, perspectives and paradigms that have shaped the development of contemporary sociological theory.
This course is very important for students majoring/minoring in sociology. It will be taught from an anti-European cultural hegemonic perspective in a broader context of intellectual critique of the colonization of the sociology curriculum from whiteness and masculine domination. It is hoped that throughout the semester, students will acquire intellectual ideas that can be applied in building a better society anchored in ‘social justice4.’ Based upon a critical approach, SOCY.2102 will examine the strengths and limits of contemporary paradigms and schools of thoughts for the accurate interpretation of core issues affecting people’s lives in the twenty-first century.
[4] See Joe Feagin. “Social Justice and Sociology. Agendas for the Twenty-First Century: Presidential Address.” American Sociological Review, Vol. 66, No. 1, 2001, p. 12.
To achieve these goals, the course combines lectures, students’ discussions, small groups’ presentations, and written assignments (essays). This course is part of CUNY OER (Open Educational Resources) project. All readings are posted on the course website as listed in this syllabus. Throughout the semester, SOCY.2102 will be taught in person in James Hall room 3604 known also as the Seminar Room.
SOCY.2102 final grades will be based on an accumulation of the following activities:
- 10 percent for attendance
- 10 percent for qualitative participation in classrooms’ discussion
- 25 percent for the in-classroom midterm exam
- 20 percent for the in-classroom group presentation
- 35 percent for the outside classroom term paper, which is expected to be a research paper.
- Participation refers to qualitative participation that shows that the student did the mandatory reading assigned, and intellectually contributed to the topic in discussion.
- Group presentation: It is expected that every group’s member contributes to the activity.
- Individual research paper (term paper): The topics to be suggested for this research activity will be both posted on Blackboard and emailed to students. The length of this final research paper should be between six (minimum) and eight (maximum) pages, typed in word (docx), letter 12, Times New Roman, and double line spacing, and must be emailed to the Professor. Students will not be given the opportunity to revise and resubmit essays or other assignments.
Students will be allowed to use their electronic devices (laptops, tablets) to take notes during classes.
Four students’ small group presentations are scheduled for the following dates:
- First: Monday, October 7, 2024, the first group will address the topic of ‘Conflict Theory.’
- Second student presentation on the topic of Symbolic Interactionism is programmed for November 4, 2024.
- Third student group presentation on the theme ‘An Overview of Contemporary Sociology in Latin America and the Caribbean’ will be held on November 18, 2024.
- Fourth student group presentation that addresses the issue of ‘Sociology and Social Justice’ is scheduled for December 16, 2024. Specific instructions about the mechanisms of that activity will be communicated to each group.
As an intellectual and University Professor, I do believe that history and knowledge are inscribed into a continuous process of questioning and deconstruction. As an intellectual community, we do have a moral obligation to work in an atmosphere compatible with freedom of speech of every individual; freedom of speech that needs to be mindful of the respect of the dignity of every individual. I strongly support the use of science to walk toward the construction of truth that is an intersubjective enterprise. I deeply believe that every Faculty has the right to be engaged in challenging teaching that might conflict with traditional history and narratives historically built on the distortion of the truth. Accordingly, I firmly encourage reciprocal practices of personal and academic integrity. Faculty are free to teach on challenging topics dealing with the continuous legacies of white superiority, settler colonialism and slavery against those classified as ‘blacks’ and ‘browns’ by the normative scientific community. Seeing in this perspective, I am for the promotion of a culture of tolerance and respect that are core values in any decent human society. Lastly, I do encourage the rejection of all forms of violence (epistemological, symbolic, psychological, and physical).
The course materials remain the intellectual property of the faculty. It is every student obligation to take notes while the faculty is lecturing. Notes from the instructor’s lectures & PowerPoint are his intellectual property. The faculty does not have any obligation to share them with students. Therefore, misuse of course materials is a violation of academic and intellectual property that is punished by Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17).
CUNY Policies
Academic dishonesty of any type, including cheating and plagiarism, is unacceptable at Brooklyn College. Cheating is any misrepresentation in academic work. Plagiarism is the representation of another person’s work, words, or ideas as your own. Students should consult the Brooklyn College Student Handbook for a fuller, more specific discussion of related academic integrity standards.
Academic dishonesty is punishable by failure of the “…test, examination, term paper or other assignment on which cheating occurred” (Faculty Council, May 18, 1954).
In addition, disciplinary proceedings in cases of academic dishonesty may result in penalties of admonition, warning, censure, disciplinary probation, restitution, suspension, expulsion, complaint to civil authorities, or ejection (Adopted by Policy Council, May 8, 1991).
NOTE: If you have a question about how to cite correctly ask your teacher BEFORE submitting your work.
- The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism.
- Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both.
- View complete text of CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and Brooklyn College procedure for policy implementation.
- If a faculty member suspects a violation of academic integrity and, upon investigation, confirms that violation, or if the student admits the violation, the faculty member must report the violation.
- Please read the section entitled “Academic Regulations and Procedures” in the Brooklyn College Undergraduate Bulletin or Graduate Bulletin for a complete listing of academic regulations of the College
The Brooklyn College Center for Student Disability Services is back to working in-person on campus, though you can still reach out via email and phone. Please email them at testingcsds@brooklyn.cuny.edu for assistance.
Location: 138 Roosevelt Hall
Phone: 718.951.5538
FAX: 718.951.4442
Department Office Hours:
- Monday: 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m.–6:45 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m.–6:45 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Note: Office hours during summer and winter intersession breaks varies.
Students should inform the professor if they have a disability or any other situation that may require Section 504/ADA accommodations. The faculty and staff will attempt to work out whatever arrangements are necessary.
Please provide your professor with your course accommodation form and discuss your specific accommodation with your professor as soon as possible to ensure accommodations are met in a timely fashion.
In order to receive academic accommodations students must first be registered with the Center for Student Disability Services. Students who have a documented disability or who suspect that they might have a disability are invited to set up an appointment with the Director of the Center for Student Disability Services, Ms. Valerie Stewart-Lovell or the Assistant Director, Josephine Patterson or their general email testingcsds@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Center for Student Disability Services (CSDS) Mission:
It is the mission of the Center for Student Disability Services (CSDS) to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all campus facilities, curricula, and activities. The program’s objective focuses on providing students with reasonable disability-related accommodations and the opportunity to maximize their academic success at Brooklyn College. The goal is to ensure an inclusive environment while maintaining and enhancing the college’s academic excellence by providing students with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their highest possible academic potential.
Brooklyn College is committed to fostering a safe, equitable and productive learning environment. Students experiencing any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment on or off campus can find information Page 5 of 7 about the reporting process, their rights, specific details about confidentiality, and reporting obligations of Brooklyn College employees on the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs. All reports of sexual misconduct or discrimination should be made to Michelle Vargas, Title IX Coordinator (718.951.5000, ext. 3689), and may also be made to Public Safety (719.951.5511), the New York City Police Department (911 or a local NYPD precinct), or Melissa Chan, Associate Director of Judicial Affairs, Division of Student Affairs (718.951.5352), as appropriate. The CUNY Equal Opportunity and Non-discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedures includes additional information regarding reporting discrimination and/or retaliation.
- The New York State Education Law provides that no student shall be expelled or refused admission to an institution of higher education because he or she is unable to attend classes or participate in examinations or study or work requirements on any particular day or days because of religious beliefs.
- Students who are unable to attend classes on a particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be excused from any examination or study or work requirements.
- Faculty must make good-faith efforts to provide students absent from class because of religious beliefs equivalent opportunities to make up the work missed; no additional fees may be charged for this consideration.
- If classes, examinations, or study or work requirements occur on Friday after 4 p.m. or on Saturday, similar or makeup classes, examinations, or study or work requirements will be made available on other days, where possible and practical.
- The faculty and the administration will not allow any adverse or prejudicial effects to accrue to students availing themselves of this regulation.
- If students have complaints about the application of this policy, they are entitled to bring action or a proceeding for enforcement of their rights in the Supreme Court of Kings County
Bereavement Policy:
- Students who experience the death of a loved one must contact the Division of Student Affairs, 2113 Boylan Hall, if they wish to implement either the Standard Bereavement Procedure or the Leave of Absence Bereavement Procedure. The Division of Student Affairs has the right to request a document that verifies the death (e.g., a funeral program or death notice). Contact Email: studentaffairs@brooklyn.cuny.edu
- Typically, this death involves that of a family member, in parallel to the bereavement policy for faculty and staff. However, it is up to the discretion of the Division of Student Affairs to determine if a death outside of the immediate family warrants implementation of the student bereavement policy.
- As an option, and in consultation with the Division of Student Affairs, students may take the Leave of Absence Bereavement after the Standard Bereavement.
- Reference to the Student Bereavement Policies will be noted on course syllabi.
- Students requesting a religious accommodation should contact the Division of Student Affairs as well. The chief student affairs officer, or a designee, and the student will engage in an interactive process with the goal of finding an acceptable accommodation.
Bereavement Procedure:
- Upon approval from the Division of Student Affairs, the student is allowed one week, commencing from the day of notification to the Division of Student Affairs, of excused absence.
- Should the student feel that he/she needs additional days, these should be discussed with individual course instructors and/or the Division of Student Affairs.
- The Division of Student Affairs will contact the student’s faculty and academic staff of the student’s courses.
- Faculty and academic staff will be advised that extensions must be granted to the student for the period of one week of excused absence.
- Further extensions may be negotiated with the student when he or she returns to campus.
- Students are encouraged to discuss options with their instructors.
Leave of Absence Bereavement Procedure:
- Students may be allowed to withdraw from the semester in which the death occurs.
- The Bereavement Leave of Absence is for one semester only.
- Students who have opted to take the Bereavement Leave of Absence and have already attended classes for the semester of the leave will be allowed to re-enter the following semester without having to reapply to the college.
- Students who wish to take the leave of absence prior to the beginning of the semester will be required to reapply for the following semester.
- Students who are in good academic standing will be given the opportunity to successfully complete the credits for the semester in which they return.
- Students will consult with the Division of Student Affairs, on a case-by-case basis, as to whether they should withdraw from their courses during this leave of absence or to request incompletes from the faculty member.
- Given that there may be a potential impact on financial aid, students who receive financial aid and who take the Bereavement Leave of Absence, upon arrangement with the Division of Student Affairs, will meet with a financial aid adviser prior to taking this option.
Note from Professor: As an educator, I support the rights of undocumented students to an education. If you have any concerns in that regard, feel free to discuss them with me, and I will respect your wishes concerning confidentiality.
- Brooklyn College’s Immigrant Student Success Office
- Location:117 Roosevelt Hall
Email: Jesus.Perez@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Immigrant Student Success Office or access the College’s Resources for Undocumented Students and DACA. For those who would benefit from support with English language, ESL services are available. The mission of the Immigrant Student Success Office (ISSO) is to recruit, enroll, and retain students, with an emphasis on new immigrants, such as students granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) who identify with the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAMERS), and first-generation students by providing the necessary academic and non-academic support to ensure graduation from Brooklyn College in a timely manner.
- Location:117 Roosevelt Hall
- Brooklyn College’s Resources for Undocumented Students and DACA
- Brooklyn College has a long-standing commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and education practices. We are strongly committed to supporting policies and practices that foster nondiscrimination, affirmative action, diversity, and inclusion as well as to providing myriad resources that assist our students.
- ESL (English as a Second Language) Program
- Brooklyn College is the largest public university in Brooklyn, which in turn is the most populous of New York City’s five boroughs and the chosen destination of many college bound immigrants. As a branch of the English Department, the ESL Program serves the college’s immigrant population and international students by offering academic preparation in reading, writing and conversation to matriculated non-native speakers of English. Undergraduate students enroll in a series of undergraduate courses; graduate students may opt for an elective course within the graduate division.