Sociology 1010: Introduction to Sociology Online, Summer 2012, Section 090, class number 6512, 4 credits Syllabus and Course Outline Instructor: Jennifer Givens, M.S. M.Ed. Class Meetings: Online, via Canvas Office Hours: TBA Email: [email protected] Required Text: Conley, Dalton. 2011. You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. 2nd Edition. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN: 0393935175 or 978-0393935172 Supplementary Materials: Sometimes you will be asked to view a documentary film that complements the week’s reading. All of these films will be available online, usually via the University of Utah’s Marriott Library’s Media Streaming site. Go to www.lib.utah.edu and then go to Services, then Media Streaming, videos, and search for that week’s video. Most of these videos are also available to watch on DVD in the Marriot Library. Course Summary: This course fulfills: Social/Behavioral Science Exploration. The class offers an introduction to the basic nature of society and the relationship between society and the individual. This course focuses on how society functions and is organized, and how society impacts and influences individual motivation, understanding, action, and well-being. Basic sociological ideas regarding social relations, social interaction, social structure, and social change are examined. Students are introduced to key issues addressed by contemporary sociologists; class, race, gender, sexuality, religion, globalization, education, health care, crime, the media, and the environment. The knowledge gained in this course will aid students in future studies within a variety of fields and careers, and encourage the development of critical thinking about important issues. Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to: - Identify how the sociological perspective illuminates understanding. - Discuss specific areas of study within sociology. - Synthesize the local and global nature and impacts of social circumstances. - Critically examine theoretical perspectives and be able to apply them to current issues. - Evaluate ideas and debates using the sociological perspective. Teaching and Learning Methods: Class will consist of you reading the text book, reviewing lecture slides online, participating in group discussion online, online submission of assignments and exams, and engaging with supplementary materials such as pertinent documentary films. Exams are designed to be a motivating and learning experience for you and they allow me to assess your understanding. You must stay caught up to do well in this class. Please contact me immediately should problems arise so we can discuss your options. Instructor Responsibilities: I will strive to make the course clear, interesting, and useful. As the instructor for the course, I will hold class unless I provide notice and/or a valid reason to cancel class. I will return performance evaluations and feedback in a timely manner. I will inform you of general course content, course activities, course evaluation methods, course grading guidelines, and course schedule. I will also strive to ensure that the class environment is conducive to learning by restricting disruptive behavior and fostering respect for course participants and for the material. Other faculty rights and responsibilities are further detailed online: http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/8/8-12-4.html Evaluation Methods and Criteria: The final course grade will be determined by your performance on two exams, one quiz, six short assignments, and class participation, which for this class is 100% online, and consists of ten short posts and ten brief responses tosomeone else’s post, in the effort to stimulate online discussion. If you complete the 10 posts and 10 responses at an acceptable level of quality you will earn full credit for participation. There is no comprehensive final exam in this course; the first exam will cover the material from the first half of the semester, the second exam will cover the material covered in the second half of the semester. The two exams will consist of multiple choice, true-false type and short answer questions and will cover the assigned readings, lecture notes, and any additional materials noted by the instructor. Each exam is worth 100 points. The quiz is worth 10 points and will be given before the first exam so students will have an idea of the type of questions to expect on the exam. The six assignments are worth 15 points each for a total of 90 points. Class participation is worth 100 points for a grand total of 400 points. The following schedule will be used to determine grades: Course Grade Total Points Percentages Course Grade Total Points Percentages A 372-400 93-100% C 292-307 73-76% A- 360-371 90-92% C- 280-291 70-72% B+ 348-359 87-89% D+ 268-279 67-69% B 332-347 83-86% D 252-267 63-66% B- 320-331 80-82% D- 240-251 60-62% C+ 308-319 77-79% E 0-239 0-59% Faculty and Student Responsibilities: All students are expected to maintain respectful and professional behavior in the classroom setting; this includes the online setting. Appropriate behavioral guidelines are spelled out in the student code found in the student handbook. Students have specific rights in the classroom as detailed in Article III of the code. The code also specifies proscribed conduct (Article XI) that involves cheating on tests, plagiarism, and/or collusion, as well as fraud, theft, etc. Students should read the code carefully and know they are responsible for the content. According to Faculty Rules and Regulations, it is the responsibility of the faculty to enforce responsible classroom behaviors. Violations of the student code may result in a written warning, dismissal from the class, a failing grade, or dismissal from the university. Students have the right to appeal such action to the Student Behavioral Committee. ADA NOTICE: University guidelines for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require the following to be included in all syllabi: “The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS