Principles of Sociology COURSE SYLLABUS SOCIOLOGY 231 I51 Distance Learning Course (3 credits) Winter Semester 2012 January 30, 2011 – April 27, 2012 Instructor: Debra Swihart McDivitt Hall Room 144 Telephone: (517) 796-8590 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: (517) 796-8637 COURSE DESCRIPTION This is an introductory course in Sociology. Most students enter this course to gain an understanding of our society, obtain an understandingof people and their relationship to society or maybe because it is just a good general education course. All three reasons are valid. Sociology is a way of life. It allows us to bring different perspectives to our view of the world and encourages us to question everything around us. If we use a true sociological perspective, Sociology can help us become more successful as an employee, student, friend, spouse, parent, neighbor and citizen. This is a distance learning course. This means that all contact hours of the course will consist of online discussions, essay postings and of course, on-line testing. 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 Sociology In Our Times, Kendall, Diane Wadsworth 8th Edition The text is available from the JCC Bookstore. This book is also available in an e-book version. Please make sure you have purchased the correct text!!! WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS Last day for refund with no “W” see jcc website Last day to withdraw with a “W” see jcc website It is critical that you keep these dates in mind if you decide to withdraw for refunds or 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 with Disabilities 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. 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.PREPARATION Flexibility of time is one of the best advantages of a distance learning course. On-line courses allow you to tailor your time to suit your own unique schedule. Time management however, is crucial in order for you to be successful in this course. - Just as in a traditional classroom course, my experience has taught me that regular class attendance and keeping up on the reading and assignments is strongly correlated with survival in college. Distance learning records show that students who submit work on time are also more likely to complete the course than those who delay. In other words, don’t procrastinate!! - Take out your planning calendar, mark your deadlines and then follow them. On our JetNet site I have included a separate schedule that gives you the deadlines for all tests and assignments. No late work accepted or missed exams made up without a documented excuse. A problem with technology is not an excuse. You must have a backup plan in case your computer crashes or you are unable to access the internet. The ability to access a computer with internet capability and compatible software is required. - It is my recommendation that you plan to do your assignments and take your exams BEFORE the last day they are due. If problems occur, there is time to fix them