COURSE SYLLABUS SOCIOLOGY 231.H71 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY Fall Semester 2009 Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 12:27 p.m. PLUS 12 HOURS TBA Instructor: Debra Swihart Telephone: (517) 796-8590 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: 796-8637 Office Hours: McDivitt Hall room 144 Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Lenawee Center Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Additional hours by appointment COURSE DESCRIPTION This is an introductory course in Sociology. Most students enter this course to gain an understanding of our society, obtain an understanding of people and their relationship to society or maybe because it is just a good general education course. All three reasons are valid. Sociology is away 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 hybrid learning course. This means that 12 of the 48 contact hours of the course will be online discussions and essay postings. If students don’t complete the online assignments, the final grade is significantly impacted. 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 7th Edition METHOD OF INSTRUCTION This course will be based on lecture, class discussion and group activities. There may also be in-class and out of class writing assignments. 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. Examinations will cover lecture and class material, textbook material, handout material and video presentations. 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. This course is designed purposely to reward those who attend, have read the assigned chapter and are prepared to discuss the material. Class attendance will be maintained. One of 3 marks (+, /, or -) will be noted on a student card. Participation is a critical part of a student’s effort and will contribute to the overall grade. 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.Arriving late is a disruption so please be on time. If late arrivals become an issue, I will be forced to close the doors after 5 minutes and no one will be admitted. MISCELLANEOUS CONSIDERATIONS In order to create a positive learning environment, all cell phones should be silenced and out of sight. No text messaging is permitted and all iPods, mp3’s etc. should be off and out of sight. Laptop computers are permitted only for taking notes and not for checking facebook, myspace or checking the web. WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS Last day for refund with no “W” September 23, 2009 Last day to withdraw with a “W” November 23, 2009 “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. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIESStudents requiring special assistance (including those affected by the American with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning. EXAMINATIONS As of now, I plan to give a multiple choice/short answer test after 2 chapters/topics are completed. Make up tests will be allowed only in cases of documented emergencies. Each test will cover information from the lectures and class discussions, text, handouts, etc. No late work will be accepted. Please be on time for exams. If you are late for an exam, you will not be given extended test taking time. GRADING SCALE Students can accumulate 500