SOCI-101 - Introduction to Sociology - Mark Meegan

Introduction

Welcome to Sociology 101! I am Mark Meegan, and I'm excited to be your instructor for this course. My interests in sociology range from artificial intelligence in education to social psychology and environmental justice, but I love it all. I am especially fond of the Introduction class because it gives students a taste of everything the field has to offer. The course is designed to provide you with a basic sociological foundation with the help of relatable examples that you may have experienced or observed in your personal life. No matter what your major, Sociology 101 will deepen your critical thinking skills and help you begin to unlock your sociological imagination!

Course Description

Sociology 101 examines small group interactions and cultural patterns of American and other societies using the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological principles and applications to explain how values, roles, norms, social interaction, and social inequality, as well as other concepts that influence individuals, groups, and society. 

What to Expect in this Course

This letter covers both my 8-week, fully online course, and my 16-week hybrid course.  

For my 8-week short-term online students, this course is 100% online, meaning there are no required live class meetings. Please ensure you have logged into Canvas (https://coc.instructure.com) no later than day two of the term; if you do not, I AM REQUIRED to drop you from this course.  

While this class is eight weeks in duration, please understand that you will be required to complete the same amount of work as a normal 16-week course. This requires a strong sense of commitment, self-motivation, and consistent time management. Ongoing active engagement with the course material is necessary for success in this class.  

Finally, while you may be working alone, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way! Please do not hesitate to ask for help. Communication is key! I will send out a welcome email shortly before the beginning of the semester with more detailed information. 

For my 16-week hybrid students, while we will meet twice a week, you will also be required to complete much of your work online in Canvas. Please ensure you have logged into Canvas (https://coc.instructure.com) no later than day two of the term; if you do not, I AM REQUIRED to drop you from this course. This course is set up for you to be successful in your journey to learn the foundations of sociology. Accomplishing this requires a strong sense of commitment, self-motivation, and consistent time management. Ongoing active engagement with the course material is necessary for success in this class.  

Finally, while you may find yourself working alone, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way! Please do not hesitate to ask for help. Communication is key! I will send out a welcome email shortly before the beginning of the semester with more detailed information. 

Types of Assessments

This course utilizes exams, discussion boards, and class projects, all of which can be found in the class syllabus. 

Textbook Information

The textbook for this course is FREE. We will be working from a Zero Cost Textbook that is available for download on the course Canvas page. 

Other Relevant Course Information

After reading through this page, feel please free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. You can reach me through the Canvas Inbox or email mark.meegan@canyons.edu. Please add the class name (Intro to Soc will suffice) to the subject line of your email. I typically respond to all messages within 24-48 hours during weekdays. On weekends or holidays, expect a response on the next business day.   

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 07/17/2026 Sub#: 2060 Sub ID: 217946