Welcome

Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content

Introduction to Sociology

SOC 201A CRN 30422

Spring 2026
Frank Ha, PhD

Course start date (day course will be accessible on Canvas): February 23

Required Hardware

A webcam is required for this course. Also, you will need a PC, Mac, or Chromebook. The proctoring software does not work on iPads or other tablets or iPhones or other smart phones. You can borrow a Chromebook from the library if you do not have a computer. Check the Cuesta Library student resources page for more details. Also, see the section on Honorlock for more details.

Note: Links to the course will not work until the first day of class and only for students enrolled in the class.

Welcome and start date

First of all, I would like to welcome you to Introduction to Sociology! My name is Frank Ha, and I will be your instructor for this fully online course. I am very excited to have you join this course as we explore together the social world that we live in. I very much look forward to getting to know you all as the course progress. I always learn much from my students, and I know that you will learn much from your fellow students as well!

If you have never taken an online course or used Canvas, you will need a few hours to get familiar with the structure. If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. You will need a few hours to get familiar with the structure. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face-to-face. Since there is no face-to-face lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. Again, if you put in the time, you can succeed, and I am here to help you!

About me

I have been teaching sociology full time since 2001 when I first started here at Cuesta. My wife and I live in Arroyo Grande. In my spare time I like to hike and go to the beach.

As this is a sociology course, I work hard to create an environment where students feel safe enough to share their honest thoughts, but this requires that everyone is committed to being polite and respectful. Polite, respectful honesty is the standard I try to uphold in this class.

Waitlist procedure. 

If you are on the waitlist, please read the college waitlist procedure. If you are number 10 or lower (1 through 10) on the waitlist on the first day of class, you will be sent an add code in the morning. YOU MUST ADD THE CLASS BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY.

Logging on to Canvas

This online course will be using Canvas where you will access lecture notes, discussion forums, quizzes, assignments, and gradebook.

On the first day of class, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class has started and log in procedures for Canvas. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by going to the Cuesta Canvas page. Do not bookmark/favorite the Canvas site after you log in or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the Canvas login directly.

Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the directions on the course home page.

Is an online class for you?

First, go to the Online Readiness Resources page to take a "self-assessment.” There are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. If the tutorials describe you, you CAN succeed in this class!

Get started

To get started, go the Module 1 Checklist and due date page.The modules contain checklists, multiple-choice quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums. Due dates are noted on the Checklist page for each module. There are links to the checklist pages below. Due dates are also found on the bottom of the syllabus page. The links to the checklist pages and due dates will appear as the course progresses. Due dates are also noted on the Calendar (or click on the calendar icon to the far left). After reading the checklist page, work through the items in the module.

Contact information

  • I very much enjoy helping students learn sociology and succeed in this course. Please contact me early if you are struggling.
  • Canvas Inbox is the best way to contact me. The Canvas Inbox page can be reached by clicking on the mailbox icon to the far left. I will generally respond within 24 hours on weekdays. Expect longer response times on weekends, holidays, and during the summer session.
  • Email: fha@cuesta.edu. If you contact me via email, let me know what class you are in including CRN.
  • Office phone: 805-592-9679
  • You can also use Pronto to contact me (see pronto link on the Canvas page or download app on your phone)
  • Office: SLO Campus Building 6200, Room 6213
  • Student hours
    • Spring 2026 Zoom student hours: I will hold student hours via Zoom Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2:15 pm. However, I am available most any time. Make an appointment here or contact me to make an appointment. On the day and time of the appointment, you can join me on Zoom.

Problems logging on?

Students, need help with technology? Here at Cuesta we are here to support you. Whether you're struggling with forgotten passwords, navigating Canvas or the myCuesta Portal, Adobe licenses, using Microsoft or Google Suites, adding your student email to your phone, or encountering any other tech issues, we are here to assist you. Don't let technology stress you out—reach out to us at support@cuesta.edu, 805-546-3113 or set up an appointment for in person or virtual through Cuesta Connect.

Required textbook

Giddens, Anthony et al. 2024. Essentials of Sociology. 9th ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Company

The above textbook is required. There are links to the chapter in every Module starting with Chapter 1 in Module 2.

First Day Program

This course is participating in the First Day program. That means you will all have immediate access to the ebook (required) and InQuizitive (optional) assigned in our course starting the first day of class through links in our Canvas course found in Modules and Assignments.

You have until Census date to decide if you would like to opt out of the program. To opt out, go to our Canvas course and click on Course Materials (First Day Access) on the left side. You will see the materials listed for this course and the price and can opt out from there if desired. If you opt out, you will need to purchase the course materials in another way. If you opt out and you want want access to the ebook or InQuizitive, then after the opt-out date, when you click on the ebook or InQuizitive in our Canvas course, you will be prompted to register a code (found in the front of new print books) or purchase access ($43.95 for the ebook with InQuizitive or $20 for InQuizitive standalone) to continue using these materials.

If you do not opt out, you will be charged the reduced rate listed for the course materials to your campus student account. This charge comes after the Census date and will be listed as a course materials fee. If you have financial aid, you may be able to apply it to this fee. Check with the campus bookstore for more information.

First Day access is often the most affordable option for your course materials ($37.53), but you can decide what will work best for you.

If you would prefer to use a print book, you have two options:

  1. If you stay opted in for First Day access, you may purchase a print upgrade through the campus bookstore website. You will also continue having access to the ebook and InQuizitive.

  2. If you have a print book you purchased elsewhere, you may opt out of First Day access. A new textbook comes with a code with access to the ebook and InQuizitive. You do not need the ebook if you have a print version. So if you prefer not to do the optional InQuizitive quizzes, you can buy a used copy of the textbook which does not come with a code with access to the ebook or InQuizitive.

Here is a video showing you how to access the course materials:

Canvas Inclusive Access

Here is the link to Norton’s Help Desk for ebook/InQuizitive tech support.

Honorlock

This course will use Honorlock, a remote proctoring solution designed to protect the integrity of this course’s assessments. This proctoring service requires a webcam. Honorlock is for your convenience. You can also be proctored by me via Zoom or you can go to the SLO campus proctoring center and be proctored by someone there. Please contact me so that we can make the arrangements if you choose not to use Honorlock. Also, if you are a DSPS student, and would like to take the quizzes at DSPS, contact me to make arrangements. If you need help, look at the FAQ page. PROCTORING VIA HONORLOCK, ZOOM, AT THE PROCTORING CENTER, OR AT DSPS IS REQUIRED. 

If you are having problems with Honorlock, the easiest fix is to chat with them. You can start a chat by clicking on the"need help" link at the top right of the box that pops up on the quiz page or by visiting www.honorlock.com/support. 

The following behaviors while taking the proctored quizzes are considered cheating, and you will, at minimum, get a zero on the quiz:

  • Removing the Honorlock extension while taking the quiz
  • Disabling the webcam in any way while taking the quiz
  • Disabling screen recording in any way while taking the quiz
  • Having a bright light or the sun behind you to deliberately make your face difficult to see
  • Doing anything to intentionally make your face difficult to see or undetectable 
  • Using ChromeDevTools while taking the quiz
  • Constantly looking away from the monitor as if you are reading something not on the monitor

Even though you are able to finish the quiz, you will get a zero, at minimum, if you engage in any of these behaviors.

Course description and objectives

Introduces the basic principles of sociology. Studies human social life focusing on the modern world. Emphasizes the analyses of culture, social structure, and interaction. Includes topics on socialization, crime, stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, politics, economy, family, education, religion, health care, and social change. Transfer: CSU; UC. (Formerly SOC 1A)

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the historical, political, cultural, and economic factors that shape contemporary
    social life
  • Describe the major theoretical perspectives in sociology
  • Describe the research methods used in sociology
  • Evaluate sociological data and research findings

Course requirements

Module proctored quizzes = 60 percent
Essay Questions/Assignments = 30 percent
Module discussions = 10 percent

The scale below will be used when calculating your final grade

A 90 percent and above
B 78 to 89 percent
C 65 to 77 percent
D 60 to 64 percent
F below 60.0

I reserve the right to modify the grade scale when computing final letter grades to account for the level of difficulty of the course. I will not modify the scale to your disadvantage.

Dropping of students who do not log on to Canvas by Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 pm, post an introduction, and take the Academic Honesty Quiz:

Students who have not logged on to Canvas by Sunday, posted an introduction, and taken the Academic Honesty Quiz may be dropped from the course. It is not sufficient that you message me. You must take the quiz. If you are having computer troubles, please borrow a computer or go to the SLO or North County Cuesta library or your local library if you don't live in SLO county, where you can use theirs. If there is no way to take the quiz on the computer, call me, and I will administer the quiz verbally. It will take two minutes. My number is 805 592 9679. If I do not pick up, please leave a message, and I will call you back as soon as possible.

If you do plan on dropping the course, you must drop it by yourself. It is the student’s responsibility to drop if you do not plan on taking this course.

Dropping the course

It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a class by the withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: If you drop this class after the last day to drop without a "W," you will receive a "W" on your transcript. All courses in which you earn a grade of "D", "F", "NP" and/or "W" are counted as "unsatisfactory" attempts to successfully complete the course. You are only allowed 3 attempts to repeat courses for which you receive an "unsatisfactory" grade. A "W" on your transcript will count as an "unsatisfactory" attempt to successfully complete the course.

Academic integrity

Cheating is absolutely not tolerated. You are encouraged to study together for the quizzes. You are encouraged to discuss assignments with others, but you cannot work on the assignment together. Assignments should be written completely independently. Plagiarism will result in a zero for that assignment, at minimum. Also, asking someone who has taken an exam before you have about the content of the exam or receiving information about an exam that you have not yet taken is prohibited. After taking the exam, please do not discuss the exam with anyone who has not already taken the exam. Do not post or share the questions with anyone or anywhere. For more information on the college's policy regarding cheating refer to the Cuesta College Student Code of Conduct.

Directions for assignments and discussions

For assignments, follow the instructions below exactly. For discussions, include ALL questions asked of AI and ALL answers given at the end of your post.

Citing sources:

When citing sources, make sure you follow the ASA or APA style. Since this is a sociology class, you might want to learn the ASA style. Here are links describing the ASA style for in-text citations and reference page formatting.

If you write something in your essay where you relied on information from another source, you must include an in-text citation citing that source, EVEN IF IT IS CONSIDERED COMMON KNOWLEDGE. Also, make sure you include that source in your references section at the bottom of your paper.

Things to consider:

  • You are encouraged to talk about this topic with your classmates outside of class or on the study hall forum. You can even read each other’s papers, even papers generated by AI. However, simply copying and editing another person’s paper or a paper written by AI is considered plagiarism and you will, at a minimum, get a zero on this assignment. Please do not attempt. Turnitin is very good at checking for plagiarism. Students are sometimes penalized because their essay has a high similarity score (which suggests plagiarism).
  • You should be able to get full credit with an essay that is about 900 words long. However, since there is no penalty for long essays, and if your essay is shorter you run the risk of not providing enough detail, I would recommend that you write as much as you want, making sure you put in all the detail you think will sufficiently answer this question. Students are often penalized for not providing enough detail.
  • Make sure to double space.
  • Make sure you write at a college level, for example, write in complete sentences. Make sure you proofread your essay. Students are sometimes penalized because the essay has too many writing mistakes.
  • You are allowed one resubmission. If you revise and resubmit this essay, you cannot revise and resubmit any more essays or assignments. If you would like to revise and resubmit this essay, make sure you read my comments. Also, if you want, schedule a zoom meeting with me so that I can help you to improve your essay.

Note about using AI

The use of generative A.I. is authorized for use in this course.  This course encourages students to explore the use of generative A.I. (GenAI) tools for all assignments and assessments.  Any such use must be appropriately acknowledged and cited.  Please note that large language model GenAI tools frequently provide users with incorrect information, tend to make up or “hallucinate” incorrect facts and fake citations, generate contradictory statements, incorporate copyrighted material without appropriate attribution, perpetuate implicit biases, and sometimes integrate or report offensive concepts, products, or images.  Plagiarism is unethically paraphrasing and/or presenting someone else’s words, writing, images, or ideas as if they are one's own without citing and/or quoting the original source material, and this includes work produced with the use of generative A.I. (GenAI) tools.  Students will be responsible for any inaccurate, biased, offensive, or otherwise unethical content submitted regardless of whether the work originally comes from the student or a GenAI tool.  It is each student’s responsibility to assess the validity and applicability of any GenAI output that is submitted.  Violations of this policy will be considered academic misconduct.  Different classes at Cuesta College could implement different A.I. usage policies, and it is the student’s responsibility to be informed of and conform to the expectations for each course.  

I consider AI to be like a friend you get information from, whose paper you look at as a model. YOU CANNOT CITE AI APPS, just as you would not cite your friend's paper.

You can use AI for guidance, but YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH, THINKING, AND WRITING. Just as taking ideas from your friend's paper and paraphrasing is considering cheating, so is taking ideas from AI and paraphrasing. YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN ORIGINAL THINKING.

If you did not use AI in any way, you must state so at the top of your paper or you will get a score of 0 and your paper will not be graded.

If you used AI in any way, you must submit an appendix. The appendix must include a list of ALL questions asked AI and ALL answers given by AI. If you do not submit a separate appendix, you will get a score of 0 and your paper will not be graded. Sometimes AI provides a summary transcript. You must provide a word for word transcript. 

Submit the appendix as a separate file.

Grammarly Use & AI Detection

While Grammarly is a helpful tool for improving grammar and clarity, some AI detection tools may mistakenly flag well-written work as AI-generated.

To ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings, I ask that ALL STUDENTS, whether you use Grammarly or not, follow these guidelines:

1. Draft in Google Docs or Microsoft Word

Use Google Docs or Microsoft Word to draft your work. Use the Grammarly extension. 

Apply edits within Google Docs or Word. Do not write in Grammarly, or any other grammar checking tool, and cut and paste.

2. Keep Version History

If using Google Docs, enable Version History (File → Version History → See Version History).

If using Microsoft Word via OneDrive, keep track of Version History (File → Info → Version History).

3. Be Prepared to Show Your Work

BE PREPARED TO SHARE YOUR VERSION HISTORY to verify your writing process. Cutting and pasting of more than a few words is not allowed.

You may also be asked to explain parts of your work and provide supporting evidence to confirm originality.

These steps are in place to maintain academic integrity while allowing you to use helpful writing tools responsibly.

How to submit your appendix (all questions asked and all questions given by AI)

Click on the add another file link.

Add another file

Students with disabilities

This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) or the instructor as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. The DSPS phone number is 546-3148, and they are located in the Academic Support Center, Building 3300.

Student computer competency requirements

Students are expected to know how to use a computer and use an internet browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.

Computer requirements

Browser requirements and minimum computer specifications

College Support Services

  • Tutorial services are provided to students and can be found at the following link: Tutorial Services.
  • Veteran’s services.
  • STAR Signal
    • At Cuesta College, we are here to support you and your unique journey. That’s why we use STAR Signal—a tool designed to provide tailored and individualized support.
    • We know that everyone’s path is different, and sometimes obstacles may appear. The STAR Signal is a proactive approach to help you get back on track when life’s obstacles derail you from your path.
    • Whether you’ve missed classes, had challenges with quizzes or exams, have fallen behind on assignments, or there’s a dip in your grades, with a STAR Signal, we can connect you with resources.
    • At different points during the semester, I may activate the STAR Signal to connect you with a Student Completion Coordinator. This individual will reach out to you, offer encouragement, and suggest resources that align with your needs.
    • We’re here to support you, and the STAR Signal is just one of the many ways we work together to help you stay on the path toward reaching your goals.

Help and Technical Support

  • If the Cuesta server goes down or the power is out, you are still responsible for accessing the course. When this happens, you can access the class through
  • If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
  • If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
  • Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications.
  • For all other issues related to the course or course content, please email me.

Course and College Policies

  • Authentication policy: Authenticating student identity will be conducted through the use of the Learning Management System, Canvas. Canvas requires each student to log into the program using a secure login and password to access.
  • Regular Effective Contact policy: Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and office hours which may be asynchronous or synchronous.

Add/Drop Policy

In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops

Student Expectations

  • Students should log on to the course at least three times per week.
  • In order to succeed in the course, students should buy the required book listed above.
  • In order to succeed in this course, expect to spend at least 12 hours per week doing the readings, assignments, participating on the discussion forums, and preparing for quizzes.

Structure of the course

The way the course is structured is pretty straightforward. For most every Module (except Module 1) you will be given a reading assignment (usually lecture notes and a textbook chapter), an optional discussion or required discussion, two closed-book and closed-notes proctored quizzes (one lecture quiz and one chapter quiz), and sometimes an assignment. The readings will be from the Giddens et al. textbook, lecture notes and other readings.

With respect to the proctored quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums, I will make them available on the date indicated on the syllabus or earlier.The due dates are noted on the home page (syllabus).

InQuizitive (optional)

InQuizitive quizzes are optional. There is an InQuizitive quiz for every chapter. The quiz covers only the material in the textbook, not the lecture notes. The quiz will give you a good sense of how well you have comprehended the chapter. Along with the study guide, use Inquizitive to help you study for the chapter quiz. Some questions on your chapter quizzes may have been taken from the Inquizitive quiz. Inquizitive quizzes are set up such that you should get 100 percent since you can continue taking the Inquizitive quiz until you get 100 percent. It takes about one hour to complete. You can take as many breaks as you want; you do not have to complete it in one sitting.

Module multiple-choice quizzes

Each module contains two untimed (however, they must be completed in one sitting) proctored closed-book and closed-notes multiple-choice quizzes (one covering the lecture notes and one covering the textbook). These quizzes are graded automatically and you will see your grade immediately after you take the quiz.

You are allowed one retake of a quiz (lecture quiz or chapter quiz but not both) that you scored low on. If you scored low on a quiz and would like to take it again, email me and let me know, and I will give you another attempt.

Also, before taking the quiz again, I found that it helps if you schedule a zoom meeting with me to go over the questions that you missed. I will give you the answers and help you troubleshoot what may be going on so that you will do better on future quizzes. Even if you don't want to take this quiz again, you may find going over the questions with me helpful. All retakes must be completed by Sunday, May 10.

I will be using Honorlock to proctor the quizzes. Let me know immediately if you have any questions about the proctored multiple-choice quizzes.

There is no late penalty in this class. If you do not complete the quizzes, discussions, or assignments by the deadline, that is fine. It will show you got a 40 percent. After you submit the quizzes, discussions or assignments, your grade will be revised. The last day to complete all late work is Sunday, May 10.

NOTE: If you do not take a quiz, though fudge points may be added initially, they will be deleted at the end of the course.

Assignments

All assignments must be turned in through Canvas. I will grade and provide feedback within one week after the assignment is due. Make sure to double space your assignments. Also, proofread your essays and write in complete sentences. Your writing should be at college level.

Also, you are allowed one resubmission of an assignment that you scored low on. You cannot revise and resubmit more than one assignment. If you scored low on an assignment and would like to revise and resubmit, email me and let me know. Also, make sure you read my comments. And also, if you want, schedule a zoom meeting with me so that I can help you to improve your essay. Even if you don't want to revise and resubmit the assignment we talk about, you may find going over the assignment with me helpful. All resubmissions must be turned in Sunday, May 10.

Self-assessment surveys

There are three self-assessment surveys in this course. The surveys are required. They are worth 1 point each and goes toward your Assignments grade. As long as you complete the survey, there is no right or wrong answer, you will get full credit. The instructions are as follows: I would like to know how well you have comprehended the material so far. After reading student responses, I will try to provide some feedback within a week of survey closing.

Late policy

You are allowed to turn in anything late. There is no late penalty. However, the last day to turn in all late work is Sunday, May 10.

All quizzes, assignments, and forum posts not turned in by the due date will be given an automatic 40 percent. However, if you take a quiz late, turn in an assignment late, or post a discussion late, your grade will be adjusted to reflect your actual score. However, the lowest score you can get on anything is 40 percent. Also, all incomplete work will be recorded as 40 percent.

Study guides

I will post study guides for module lecture quizzes and chapter quizzes in every module. I also suggest using Inquizitive to study for the textbook portion of the quizzes. Also, I would advise reading the lecture notes and textbook carefully, making sure to memorize names, theories, terms, and concepts. I would also make sure you have a good enough sense of the statistics and dates so that you can guess the answer given that the choices will not require that you have memorized the statistics and dates, only that you have a good sense of them.

Also, you can post your answers to the study guides in the discussion area. You can also post a link to a study guide you made on Quizlet or other study guide website. If someone else has posted their responses already, you can review their answers and note differences. Posting is optional, and your posts are not graded. However, if you benefit from other students' posting their study guide answers, please contribute to the workload and post your study guide answers as well, particularly if your answers are different from the ones already posted. Also, post questions that you have or respond to a question if you think you know the answer. I do not check your study guide responses.

Learning from each other – discussion participation

It is my hope that you learn from each other just as much, if not more, than from me. To encourage collaborative learning, I have made discussion participation worth 10 percent of your grade. I will grade and provide feedback within one week after the discussion is due. Make sure you regularly and substantially participate on the discussion board. Please pay attention to the syllabus so that you will know what readings we are discussing on what days. I will embed discussion questions into my online lectures as well as post discussion questions on the discussion board. You are not limited to responding to the questions that I ask; you are encouraged to post any comment or question related to the course material we are covering. You are required to respond to comments made by at least one other student.

Course Schedule

The course schedule can be found on the Home Page.

rich_text    
Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content
rich_text    

Page Comments