1Sociology 1010-002 Introduction to Sociology Fall Semester 2011 Time: MWF 9.40-10.30 am Location: SBEH S AUD Instructor: Dr. Claudia Geist Email: [email protected] Office Location: 431 Beh S Office Hours: Wednesday1.30-2.30 pm and by appointment Graduate Teaching Assistant(s): TBA Email: TBA Office Hours: TBA Required Materials (available at the campus bookstore): Book: Conley, Dalton. 2011. You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist. SECOND EDITION New York: W.W. Norton & Company. You can also buy this book as Ebook Turningpoint Clicker Course Summary This course is designed to provide a broad overview and introduction to the discipline of sociology. Sociology involves the study of human society – its structure, patterns and problems. In this class we will examine aspects of contemporary society and daily life that are often taken for granted. We will explore a broad array of topics, including culture, the economy, deviance, family, religion, education, gender, race, and inequality. This course approaches sociology not simply as a concrete body of knowledge, but also as a perspective that can be used to understand human behavior and social life, even outside of academia. Course Objectives At the end of this course, you will be able to use a sociological perspective on everyday life. You will be able to identify the key institutions in society and understand some of the key social problems facing these institutions and society in general. You will be able to describe the major social divisions in contemporary society both in the United States and globally.2Course Requirements and Grading Your grade is based on:  THE BEST 3 out of 4 MULTIPLE CHOICE EXAMS (60%): the exam with the lowest score will be dropped.  8 ONLINE DISCUSSIONS (15%) The exams and discussions will cover materials from the assigned readings, lectures, class discussions, and in-class films.  6 SHORT WRITTEN OUT-OF-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS (25%) The assignments are explained in detail below the course schedule and are designed to allow you to “do” sociology on topics of your choice.  ATTENDANCE: Measured through the clicker technology. (10%) I will take attendance each class period, sometimes there will be to clicker points per class. You are allowed to miss 10 clicker points without any effect on your final grade. You cannot make up clicker points for missed classes and you will not receive attendance credit if you forgot your clicker. However if you will miss class for university sanctioned travel AND you notify me in advance you will receive the clicker points you missed. Grading Summary: 3 Exams (best of 4): 360 points (60%) Online discussions: : 60 points (10%) Out-of-Class Assignments: 120 points (6 assignments, 20 points each) (20%,) Attendance: 60 points (10%) TOTAL 600 total possible points (100% For final letter grades, convert your accumulated points into a percentage and use the following breakdown: A: 93-100% A-: 90-92% B+: 87-89% B: 83-86% B-: 80-82% C+: 77-79% C: 73-76% C-: 70-72% D+: 67-69% D: 63-66% D-: 60-62% F: 0-59% Deadlines and special circumstances: Make-up exams will only be allowed for extraordinary, documented emergencies, documented illness or injury. If you miss an exam for athletic or university related travel you have to notify me at least ONE WEEK before the exam to schedule an alternative date. Failure to do so means that you cannot make up the exam. Late assignments will be penalized (except for documented cases of hospitalization) Travel, technical problems, or other circumstances cannot be used as an excuse for missed deadlines. Late penalties will be imposed for assignments submitted after the deadline. This includes weekends, holidays, and school breaks.3Up to 24 hours after the deadline: 3 point deduction 24-less than 48 hours: 8 point deduction 48-less than 72 hours: 15 point deduction More than 72 hours: 20 point deduction=no credit. Guidelines for Class Participation Due to the size of the class, this is primarily a lecture-oriented course, but participation DOES matter. We will have in-class flash surveys (using the clicker technology) which will serve as a basis for in class discussion and will measure your attendance. I expect you to come to class ready to participate and engage with the subject matter. To ensure a respectful and productive environment in the classroom, my expectations for you are: - To arrive to class on time, and for all class meetings. It will be difficult to do well in this class without attending regularly. - Bring your clicker. Forgetting your clicker is not an excuse. - To complete the assigned readings before their corresponding date. - To complete the required written assignments on time. - To prevent disruption of the learning environment (no usage of cell phones!). - To follow University of Utah code for student conduct (see below). Instructor Responsibilities My goal is to maintain a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to thinking and learning. I will do my best to get you excited about the material and support you in your learning. . I will be available to students outside of the classroom during office hours and through email (I usually respond more quickly to messages sent to [email protected] compared to WebCT mail). Following the Student Code, I adopt a zero tolerance policy for academic misconduct. “Academic misconduct,” according to the University of Utah student code, “includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresenting one's work, inappropriately collaborating, plagiarism, and fabrication or falsification of information...it also includes facilitating academic misconduct by intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic misconduct." For detailed definitions and possible academic sanctions please see: http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/8/8-10.html Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 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 alternative format with