1SOCIOLOGY 1010-090, Summer 2010 Course Syllabus Instructor: Bruce Rigby Class Meetings: This is an Online Course Office Hours: “Virtual” and on campus hours by appointment Office: 311 BEHS Phone: 581-5842 or 581-6153 (message) E-Mail: [email protected] or through the Blackboard Vista mail feature. Required Text: Anderson and Taylor, Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society, Wadsworth, 2008, ISBN 0-495-03555-6 System Requirements: This is an online class that can be “attended” from anywhere there is an internet connection. Assignments and discussions will be submitted electronically. There is a “Check Browser” tab on the Blackboard Vista homepage. I would highly suggest you utilize that utility to ensure your system will operate efficiently within this course. The recommended browsers are Firefox and Safari (Safari 4 has had some issues, we would recommend you NOT upgrade while taking this course). You must also be able to view PowerPoint presentations, as well as have a Media Browser on your system. Students must be able to use an internet browser, send attached files via e-mail, and create text messages. 1. Objectives The primary goal of this course is to familiarize students with the sociological perspective. The student will be introduced to several key sociological theories, and learn to apply them to a wide range of specific sociological topics. Research methodology will also be discussed to familiarize the student with many of the methods used, as well as ethical issues in social science research. The student will be asked to become familiar with sociological issues, and how they appear in nearly every aspect of daily life. 2. Grading Procedures The final course grade will be determined by your performance on 3 equally weighted objective type exams, 3 electronic discussion boards, and 9 brief outside class assignments. There is no comprehensive final exam in this course. The exams will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. Each exam is worth 100 points. The discussions are worth 10 points total, and the assignments are worth 10 points each for a total of 90 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%2 3. Important Dates: Exam #1 Dates TBA (Chapters 1-6) Exam #2 Dates TBA (Chapters 7-16) Exam #3 Dates TBA (Chapters 17-23) Exams will cover the assigned readings, lectures, and any other in-class activities. If you miss an exam, an essay type make-up must be scheduled with the instructor within one week of the regular exam. Make-up exams will only be allowed in the case of hospitalization or a death in the immediate family. THERE IS NO MAKE-UP FOR EXAM #3. 4. Assignments Assignments will be due on Friday’s beginning week #2. There is a complete listing of the assignments under the "Assignment" icon on the home page for this course. These assignments are similar if not identical to the assignments for the other sections of Sociology 1010. Assignments not turned in on time will NOT be graded. This means on time on the due date. 5. Discussions There will be 3 discussion boards for students to post comments to during the semester. They will be on various sociological topics that your instructor feels are relevant to this course.. 6. Testing Exams in this course will be taken electronically. Exams will be available for a 48 hour period. Students will have 45 minutes to complete a 50 question multiple-choice exam. Exams may NOT be retaken. 7. Student Code: All students are expected to maintain professional behavior in the classroom setting, and in all electronic interactions according to the student code, spelled out 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 will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in alternate format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.3Course Assignments for Sociology 1010-090 The following out of class assignments require the student to define/utilize/and apply many relevant sociological concepts presented in the class. These activities are intended to be interesting, fun, and enlightening. The addition of these exercises in all sections of introduction to sociology reflect the University of Utah requirements to increase the class from a three credit hour class to a four credit hour class. Your written assignment should be 1-2 pages in length. Assignments are due on the dates indicated below. Late assignments will NOT be graded. Each assignment is worth 10 points towards your course grade. Assignments should be submitted electronically to the Assignment Drop Box. Week Three (6/2) Assignment #1: Conduct a brief survey of at least 30 people regarding and issue or topic of your choice. In a brief summary paper include the survey, summarize your findings, and draw conclusions regarding your research. Refer to Chapter 2, Doing Sociological Research. Week Four (6/9) Assignment #2: Conduct a brief participant observation or ethnographic study wherein you study and/or participate in a