If you are looking for the Canvas syllabus page listing assignments and due dates, click here.
Below is the whole Syllabus for this course
A webcam is required for this course. Also, you will need a PC, Mac, or Chromebook. The proctoring software does not work on tablets or smartphones. 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 Honorlock section for more information.
Note: Links to the course will not work until the first day of class and only for students enrolled in the class.
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 (except for the one orientation meeting). I am very excited to have you join this course as we explore the social world we live in together. I very much look forward to getting to know you all as the course progresses. I always learn a lot from my students, and I know that you will learn a lot 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 your time will be self-directed, and substantial reading, viewing, studying, and writing will be required. Again, if you put in the time, you can succeed, and I am here to help you!
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 hiking and going 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 everyone to be polite and respectful. Courteous, respectful honesty is the standard I uphold in this class.
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.
This online course will be using Canvas, where you will access lecture notes, discussion forums, quizzes, assignments, and the gradebook.
On the first day of class, you will receive an email at your my.Cuesta.edu address with a reminder that class has started and instructions for logging in to 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.
First, go to the Online Readiness Resources page to take a self-assessment. There are many resources designed to help you understand the structure of an online class and the skills necessary for success. If the tutorials describe you, you CAN succeed in this class!
Go to the Module 1 Checklist and due date page to get started. The modules contain checklists, multiple-choice quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums. Due dates are noted on the Checklist page for each Module. The due dates are also listed at the bottom of the syllabus page. Due dates are also indicated on the Calendar (or click the calendar icon to the far left). After reading the checklist page, work through the items in the Module.
I enjoy helping students learn sociology and succeed in this course. Please get in touch with 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 the CRN.
Office phone: 805-592-9679
You can also use Pronto to contact me (see the Pronto link on the Canvas page or download the app on your phone)
Office: SLO Campus Building 6200, Room 6213
Student hours
Spring 2026 Zoom student hours: I will hold student hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1:30 pm via Zoom. However, I am available most any time. Make an appointment here or contact me to schedule one. On the day and time of the appointment, you can join me on Zoom.
Do 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 or 805-546-3113, or set up an in-person or virtual appointment through Cuesta Connect.
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.
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, available through links in our Canvas course, found in Modules and Assignments.
You have until the 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 textbook for this course, along with its price, and can opt out of it if desired. If you opt out, you will need to purchase the course materials elsewhere. If you opt out and you 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 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 can 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, but you can choose what works best for you.
If you would prefer to use a print book, you have two options:
If you 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.
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 include a code for access to the ebook or InQuizitive.
Here is a video showing you how to access the course materials:
Here is the link to Norton's Help Desk for ebook/InQuizitive tech support.
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. I can also proctor you via Zoom, or you can go to the SLO campus proctoring center and be proctored by someone there. Please get in touch with 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 their support team. You can start a chat by clicking 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
Turning off 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 deliberately makes your face difficult to see
Doing anything to make your face difficult to see or undetectable intentionally
Using Chrome DevTools while taking the quiz
Constantly looking away from the monitor as if you are reading something not on the monitor
Even though you can finish the quiz, you will get a zero, at minimum, if you engage in any of these behaviors.
Introduces the basic principles of sociology. Studies human social life, focusing on the modern world. Emphasizes the analysis 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)
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
Module proctored quizzes = 60 percent (40 percent textbook, 20 percent lecture)
Essay Questions/Assignments = 30 percent
Module discussions = 10 percent
The scale below will be used when calculating your final grade
A 90 percent or 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 course's level of difficulty. I will not change the scale to your disadvantage.
Dropping of students who do not log on to Canvas by Sunday, March 22, 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 it 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 plan to drop the course, you must do so yourself. It is the student's responsibility to drop the course if they do not plan to take it.
It is the student's responsibility to officially drop a class by the withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: If you drop this class on this day, 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 complete the course successfully. You are only allowed 3 attempts to repeat courses for which you received an "unsatisfactory" grade. A "W" on your transcript will count as an "unsatisfactory" attempt to complete the course successfully.
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 entirely independently. Plagiarism will result in a zero for that assignment, at minimum. Also, asking someone who has taken an exam before you about the exam's content, or referencing a past exam you have taken, is prohibited. After taking the exam, please do not discuss it with anyone who has not already taken it. 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.
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.
When citing sources, make sure you follow the ASA or APA style. Since this is a sociology class, you should learn the ASA style. Here are links to descriptions of 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. Points will be deducted if there is an in-text citation but no mention of that citation in the references section.
You are encouraged to talk about the assignment 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 effective at detecting plagiarism. Students are sometimes penalized for high similarity scores (which suggest plagiarism).
You should be able to get full credit with an essay that is about 900 words long. The suggested word length is 1800 for the final essay. However, since there is no penalty for extended essays, and if your essay is shorter, you run the risk of not providing enough detail, I would recommend that you describe 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, use complete sentences. Make sure you proofread your essay. Students are sometimes penalized for having too many writing mistakes in their essays.
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, schedule a Zoom meeting with me so I can help you improve your essay.
The use of generative AI is authorized for use in this course. This course encourages students to explore the use of generative AI (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 AI (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 AI 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 considered 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 your paper will not be graded and will be considered late.
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, your paper will not be graded and will be considered late. Your appendix must contain a complete word-for-word transcript, not just a summary.
Submit the appendix as a separate file.
You are allowed to use writing aids. However, you must write your essay in Google Docs or Microsoft Word with version history on. Do not write your essay inside the writing aid. If you use a writing aid other than the Grammarly extension inside Google Docs or Microsoft Word, you must state so at the top of your paper, listing all writing aids used, and you must provide a link to your Microsoft Word or Google Docs document showing version history.
If you did not use any other writing aid other than what is native to Google Docs and Microsoft Word or the Grammarly extension used inside Google Docs or Microsoft Word, you must state so at the top of your paper, or your paper will not be graded and will be considered late. You can state "No non-pre-approved writing aids used."
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 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.
Click the "Add another file" link.
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 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 these accommodations are implemented promptly. The DSPS phone number is 546-3148, and they are located in the Academic Support Center, Building 3300.
Students are expected to know how to use a computer and use an internet browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.
Browser requirements and minimum computer specifications
Tutorial services are provided to students and can be found at the following link: Tutorial Services.
For a list and reference to library services, including learning research and assistance, please follow the link: Library and Learning Resources.
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.
For issues related to accessing Cuesta's Canvas Site or other technical problems, email: support@my.cuesta.edu.
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 because you are using your phone or 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.
General Campus Policies (including: Withdrawal, Repeatability, Student Code of Conduct)
Authentication policy: Student identity will be authenticated through the Learning Management System, Canvas. Canvas requires each student to log in to the program using a secure login and password.
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.
In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops
Students should log on to the course at least three times per week.
To succeed in the course, students should purchase the required book listed above.
To succeed in this course, expect to spend at least 18 hours per week doing the readings, assignments, participating in the discussion forums, and preparing for quizzes.
The course structure is pretty straightforward. For almost 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 textbook, lecture notes, and other readings.
Regarding the proctored quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums, I will make them available on the date indicated in the Syllabus or earlier. The due dates are noted on the home page.
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 prepare 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.
Each Module contains two untimed (but must be completed in one sitting) proctored, closed-book, closed-notes multiple-choice quizzes (one covering the lecture notes and one covering the textbook). These quizzes are automatically graded, and you will see your grade immediately after taking 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 retake it, email me, and I will give you another attempt.
Two of your lowest-scoring Chapter quizzes will be dropped.
All lecture quizzes count; however, you will have an opportunity to earn extra credit points that go toward your lecture quiz score.
Also, before retaking the quiz, it helps to schedule a Zoom meeting with me to go over the questions 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 retake this quiz, going over the questions with me may be 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 for quizzes and discussion posts, and 0 percent for essay assignments. 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.
All assignments must be turned in through Canvas. I will grade and provide feedback within one week of the assignment's due date. Make sure to double-space your assignments. Also, proofread your essays and write in complete sentences. Your writing should be at a college level.
Your lowest-scoring Assignment score will be dropped.
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. Also, schedule a Zoom meeting with me so that I can help you improve your essay. Even if you don't want to revise and resubmit the assignment we talked about, you may find it helpful to go over it with me. All resubmissions must be turned in by Sunday, May 10.
There are three self-assessment surveys in this course. The surveys are required. They are worth 1 point each and go toward your lecture quiz 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 reviewing the student responses, I will provide feedback within a week of the survey closing.
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 and forum posts not turned in by the due date will be given an automatic 40 percent. However, if you take a quiz or post a discussion after the due date, your grade will be adjusted to reflect your actual score. However, the lowest score you can get on any quiz or forum post is 40 percent. Also, all incomplete quizzes and forum posts will be recorded as 40 percent.
All essay assignments, including the final essay, not turned in by the due date, will be given an automatic 0. However, if you turn in an essay assignment late, your grade will be adjusted to reflect your actual score.
I will post study guides for module lecture quizzes and chapter quizzes in every Module. Also, I recommend reading the lecture notes and textbook carefully and memorizing names, theories, terms, and concepts. I would also make sure you have a good grasp of the statistics and dates so you can guess the answer, given that the choices will not require memorizing them; 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 another study guide website. If someone else has already posted their responses, you can review their answers and note any 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.
I 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 1 week of the discussion due date. Make sure you regularly and substantially participate in the discussion board. Please pay attention to the Syllabus so you know which readings we are discussing on which days. I will embed discussion questions into my online lectures and post them on the discussion board. You are not limited to responding to the questions I ask; you are encouraged to post any comments or questions related to the course material we are covering. You are required to respond to the remarks made by at least one other student.
Your lowest-scoring discussion grade will be dropped.
The course schedule can be found on the Home Page.