COURSE SYLLABUSSOCIOLOGY 231.H50PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGYWinter Semester 2011COURSE OBJECTIVESREQUIRED TEXTMETHOD OF INSTRUCTIONATTENDANCEWITHDRAWAL FROM CLASSTOPICOBJECTIVEChallenge students to comprehend and use information in the written formCRITERIACOURSE SCHEDULEDATE TITLEJanuaryCOURSE SYLLABUS SOCIOLOGY 231.H50 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY Winter Semester 2011 Monday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 10:57 a.m. /9 hrs. hybrid Instructor: Debra Swihart Telephone: (517) 796-8590 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: 796-8637 Office Hours: Mon. & Wed. 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tues 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Additional hours by appointment COURSE DESCRIPTION The discipline and its contributions to understanding the fundamental processes of social interaction. Includes development of self, socialization process, groups, and social structure. Application of sociological principles to our society by examination of relevant research.COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. Examine problems and issues related to life and the behavioral sciences in general and sociology in particular, using appropriate critical thinking techniques. 2. Comprehend and use information, including written and oral forms. 3. Apply scientific process and related techniques, as employed by science in general and the social sciences in particular. 4. Understand at least three competing theories of human behavior in general and sociology in particular. 5. Understand individual and group differences, and show appreciation for the traditions and values of various groups in the United States. ASSOCIATE DEGREE OUTCOMES (ADO’S) This class will stress the following essential skills, knowledge, and abilities expected of college educated people. ADO 2 Demonstrate the ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms. ADO 4 Demonstrate the ability to examine problems and issues related to society and employ appropriate critical thinking skills. ADO 7 Demonstrate critical thinking skills involving curiosity, emotion, evaluation of evidence, understanding implications and problem solving. ADO 10 Demonstrate an understanding of 3 competing theories as applied to the field of sociology. REQUIRED TEXT Kendall, Diane SOCIOLOGY IN OUR TIMES, Wadsworth Seventh EditionMETHOD OF INSTRUCTION This course will be based on lecture, class discussion and group activities. Students should feel free to ask questions at any time. The discussions are an important and critical element of this course. For the discussion to be successful and for you to participate you must have finished the reading assigned before you come to class. As a general rule, it is a good idea to bring your book to class. I will not simply trace the textbook. ATTENDANCE It is expected that you attend class regularly. My experience has taught me that regular class attendance is strongly correlated with survival in college. You will be responsible for what is assigned in the text and what is discussed in class. Class attendance is graded by having 5 points deducted from your overall points for each absence. I do realize that circumstances beyond one’s control can, on rare occasion, make class attendance impossible. In such cases, it is your responsibility to make yourself aware of course changes which have been announced to the class in your absence. TEACHING PHILOSOPHY “Education is when you learn something that you didn’t even know that you didn’t know” I truly believe that if students create their own knowledge it is much more powerful than when they are given knowledge. WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS Last day for refund with no “W” February 9, 2011 Last day to withdraw with a “W” April 18.2011It is critical that you keep these dates in mind if you decide to withdraw for refunds. Please check with Registration for the last day to withdraw for a “W”. If you decide not to complete the course, and do not withdraw, your grade will be determined based on the grades you have earned. This can result in a grade of 0.0. “I” INCOMPLETE GRADE A student may request an “I” grade from an instructor. The request for the “I” grade may be granted if, in the opinion of the instructor, the course work is sufficient in quality and quantity to meet course objectives. All allowed make-up exams must be taken within the prescribed time unless extended by the instructor. A grade of “I” may be removed by satisfactory meeting the course objectives during either of the next full-length semesters (fall/winter) or at an earlier date specified by the instructor. If the “I” is not removed by the end of the specified time, the “I” grade will remain as a permanent entry on the student’s transcript, and the student must register and repeat the course to receive a grade and credit for degree and/or transfer purposes. Please note that purchasing the wrong book, not “getting the grade you want”, going on vacation, not having time to study, etc. are not sufficient reasons to consider an incomplete grade. A Message from the Office of Learning Support Services: “Tutors and additional free services for academic success can be accessed by calling (517) 796-8415 or by stopping by the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall Room 123. Faculty and tutors in the CSS will help you with writing, study skills, test anxiety, math, and reading. Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans withDisabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning.” Students with disability who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Center for Student Success at 796-8415 or visit the office, BW 123, as soon as possible. Instructors need documentation from the center in order to comply with accommodations. REQUIREMENTS TESTS There will be five tests. Each test will cover two chapters and consist of questions from EACH chapter. Each test will be worth 60 points for a possible 300 points total (5 tests x 60 points). The questions will be generated from your text and class material. Hybrid Assignments A hybrid learning model provides students with an approach that combines face-to-face instruction, active learning exercises and distance learning.