SOC322 Sociology of Childhood
and Youth Spring 2008
COURSE PROCEDURE AND
GRADING POLICY
COURSE NAME: The Sociology of Childhood and Youth
INSTRUCTOR'S NAME: Cheryl Albers, Ph. D. Associate Professor in
Sociology
OFFICE LOCATION: Classroom Building B322 OFFICE HOURS: Tuesdays
and Thursdays 1:30 to 3:00, and by appointment
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 878-3292 E-MAIL
ADDRESS: alberscm@buffalostate.ed
COURSE DESCRIPTION: this
course challenges traditional thinking about the interaction between society
and its youngest members. Sociology is no longer limited by the development and
socialization models of the past. Contemporary sociologists are interested in understanding
the two directional relationship between society and
youth. The central model for this course is developed by William Corsaro. This interpretive reproduction model suggests that
children and youth learn about adult culture while creating their own culture,
which in turn shapes the culture of the wider society. Our readings will help
us understand how time and place determine the experience of childhood and
adolescence. Following Corsaro’s model we will
examine ways the contributions of children and youth shape various aspects of
culture such as education, economics, family, and community. Finally, we will investigate
both how children and youth are perceived AS
social problems, as well as social problems OF children.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
COURSE FORMAT: Course content will be presented
through lectures, films, guest speakers and readings. Students will increase
their understanding of class material through discussion and group work.
Successful completion of the requirements for this course will involve:
1. Reading the assigned textbooks
2. Participating in class discussions and group work
3. Taking notes of the main points covered in lectures
4. Taking exams during scheduled class times.
EVALUATION: Your grade in this course will be
determined by your total number of accumulated points on four exams.
Exams may include multiple choice, true/false, matching, short
answer, or essay questions.
No extra credit options, beyond that discussed under attendance, are
available in this class.
REQUIRED TEXTS: The
Sociology of Childhood, Second Edition by Corsaro. 2005. Pine Forge Press.
Youth and Society by White and Wyn.
2004.
You must have access to AND read all of these texts to pass this
course. A copy of each text is on two hour reserve in the library
ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken and the
instructor reserves the right to use class attendance to provide up to 10
points of extra credit to students with perfect attendance. Material covered in
class will be included in exams and will be different from material covered in
the text. THEREFORE coming to class increases your chance of doing well on
exams and improving your final grade. In addition, this class involves a
substantial amount of group work. These groups will benefit from consistent
membership participation.
Students are advised to find a study partner who is willing to share
lecture notes for missed classes. Any printed material distributed will be
available at the next class, but it is the student's responsibility to ask me
for such material.
Attendance is mandatory on the day of scheduled exams. Missed exams
may only be made up with a written excuse from a physician or the Health
Office, or at my discretion.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
1. This class will involve extensive class discussion, often in
small groups to make discussion easier. The success of discussion is directly
related to individuals’ willingness to participate, their respect for the
opinions and feelings of others and ability to stay on task. I feel strongly
that there should be ample opportunity for students to actively participate in
class. However, the oath of matriculation requires that students conduct him or
her self "with dignity, honesty and civility, respecting the views and
diverse backgrounds of ... teachers and peers".
2. A portion of each class will be devoted to lecture. During
lectures, as at all times, you are required to direct you attention and
consideration to the class. I do not tolerate disruptive behavior by students
in my classes. Whenever I deem a student to be acting in a disruptive or
threatening manner, I will exercise my right to ask that individual to leave
the classroom. If refused, I will exercise my right to notify University
Police. The responding officer will determine whether an arrest should be made or
whether a referral to medical or counseling staff is appropriate. If a student
is perceived as a danger to himself, herself, or others, the dean of students,
may propose an interim suspension until a hearing is held. Any student removed
from class will have the right to a hearing.
3. Students should be familiar with the college policy regarding
academic misconduct in the undergraduate catalog .
Consistent with this policy, plagiarism, cheating on assignments or
examinations, or other academic dishonesty, will result in a failing grade for
the course.
4. If requested by students letter grades may be attached to exams
or the paper. Such grades serve ONLY to help students compare their performance
on one specific assignment to that of other students in the class. Final grades
are based on accumulated points over ALL assigned work.
5. Any student who requires accommodations to complete the
requirements and expectations of this course because of a disability is invited
to make his or her needs known to the instructor and to Marianne Savino, coordinator of services for students with
disabilities, South Wing 120, ext. 4500.
6. Buffalo State College faculty and staff want all students to feel
safe on campus. Be alert and walk in pairs, especially after dark. Consider
using campus safety services, including the Bengal Buggies, Escort Van,
Motorist Assistance Program, and walking escorts. Blue light emergency phones
located throughout the campus provide direct access to the University Police.
For all emergencies on campus, call University Police at ext. 6333.
COURSE OUTLINE AND READING SCHEDULE:
|
CLASS/ DATE |
TOPIC |
|
|
|
|
Learning About Children and Youth as Social Groups: |
|
|
|
1. 1-22 |
Course Introduction |
|
|
|
2. 1-24 |
Accumulating Knowledge of Children and Youth |
45-58 |
|
|
3. 1-29 |
History of Children and Youth as Social Groups |
59-81 |
|
|
4 . 1-31 |
The Traditional Sociological Views: Socialization & Development |
5-18 |
|
|
5. 2-5 |
Experiencing Childhood and Youth: Class Divisions |
|
1 |
|
5. 2-7 |
Experiencing Childhood and Youth: The Impact of Gender |
|
2 |
|
6. 2-12 |
Experiencing Childhood and Youth: The Impact of Race and Ethnicity |
|
3 |
|
7. 2-14 |
EXAM ONE |
|
|
|
8.2-26 |
A New Sociological Perspective: 'Interpretive Reproduction' |
18-44 |
|
|
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The Two Cultures of Childhood and Youth: |
|
|
|
9. 2-28 |
FILM: Childhood: In the Land of the Giants |
83-106 |
|
|
10. 3-4 |
Family Field |
|
6 |
|
11. 3-6 |
Political Field |
|
5 & 8 |
|
12. 3-11 |
Economic Field |
|
9 |
|
13. 3-13 |
EXAM TWO |
|
|
|
14. 3-18 |
Children's Peer Culture FILM: Childhood Among Equals |
107-132 |
|
|
15. 3-20 |
Pre Adolescent Peers |
191-223 |
|
|
16. 4-1 |
FILM:
Children in |
|
|
|
17. 4-3 |
Educational Field |
|
7 |
|
18. 4-8 |
Community Field |
|
12 |
|
19. 4-10 |
EXAM THREE |
|
|
|
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Themes in Children's Culture |
|
|
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20. 4-15 |
Sharing and Control |
133-160 |
|
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21. 4-17 |
Conflict and Identity |
161-189 |
|
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22. 4-22 |
Children as Social Problems FILM: Children of Poverty |
225-249 |
|
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23. 4-24 |
Social Problems of Children: poverty, health, abuse/violence, |
251-310 |
|
|
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Themes in Adolescent's Culture |
|
|
|
24. 4-29 |
Marginalisation, Interdependancy, Transition and Identity |
|
10 |
|
25. 5-1 |
Social Problems of Adolescent's: pregnancy, eating disorders, violence, suicide |
|
11 |
|
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EXAM FOUR During CEP Week At time of printing May 6, 7:40-9:30 am |
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