Sociology 1: Introduction to Sociology (3 units- 100% Online - NO on-campus meeting)

Transcription

1 Syllabus-Online Sociology 1 Sociology 1: Introduction to Sociology (3 units- 100% Online - NO on-campus meeting) The online course will be available on August 31st. You need to read the following before deciding to take the course. Once you are certain that you are ready for online learning, and then enroll in this class. Instructor: Dr. Mitra Hoshiar Fall 2015: (08/31/ /12/2015) Phone: (818) Section Numbers: 0918, 0919, hoshiam@piercecollege.edu Prerequisites: None, Eligibility for English 101 recommended is the best way to contact me Website: Feel free to visit my Virtual Office Hours via Should you want to Chat with me in real time - I will open moodle: Moodle Chat sessions on Saturdays 8:00-8:30 am Table of Contents PART I. COURSE INFORMATION Textbook Course Description Course Objectives Student Learning Outcomes PART II. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS COURSE How This Course Works Available Dates, Due Dates, and Times Are You Ready to Take an Online Course? PART III. COMMUNICATION Phone Calls ing PART IV. WHERE TO START Activate your Account and Login

2 Syllabus-Online Sociology 2 PART V. ASSESSMENT AND REQUIREMENTS Exams Assignments Discussion Forums PART VI. COURSE POLICIES Academic Integrity Attendance and In-class Participation Dropping the Course Financial Aid Statement Grade Determination Incompletes Instructor Feedback Modification of the Syllabus and Schedule Reminder Technology PART VII. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AT PIERCE Center for Academic Success Counseling Center Financial Aid Library Pierce Online Central Sheriff (In Case of Emergency) Special Services PART VIII. CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS PART I. COURSE INFORMATION Textbook Introduction to Sociology, HenryL.Tischler. Cengage Publishing Company. Copyright 2014(11 th edition) ISBN: The textbook companion website has interesting Internet sites to visit for each chapter at (Note: this is an optional activity). It s your responsibility to purchase the textbook as soon as you register for the course and remember that your first assignment is due at the end of the first week of class.

3 Syllabus-Online Sociology 3 For ebook and echapters, please refer to Note: Students may use an earlier edition of the book at their own risk. Earlier editions may differ in content and organization of material. Course Description This course is designed to introduce students to the discipline of sociology. Main theoretical and research approaches will be discussed and applied to a variety of social phenomena. Issues analyzed include culture, social interaction, social structure, deviance, social inequality and social institutions. Course Objectives 1.a. Examine the history and development of sociology, its theoretical perspectives, and its major contributors. 1.b. Apply sociological concepts and theories in understanding and analyzing human interactions, institutions, and daily life situations. 1.c. Understand the concept of the sociological imagination and the difference between personal troubles and social conditions. 2.a. Understand the scientific methods used by sociologists and how they gather information about the social world 2.b. Analyze the research procedure and various research methods in conducting social research. 3.a. Identify the components of culture and the role of language in the transmission of culture. 3.b. Compare and contrast the differences among cultures (ethnocentrism and cultural relativism) 3.c. Analyze how social scientists explain cultural variations and assess how and why cultures change. 4. Understand the meaning and implications of socialization as the process of creating social beings 5. Diagram the basic building blocks of social structure and analyze how social structures provide the framework of societies. 6. Analyze human social interaction based on verbal and non-verbal communication 7. a. Understand the functions and the various sociological explanations of deviance, and the relationship of deviance to social change. 7. b. Examine the concept of social norms and develop a strong knowledge of why they exist in every culture worldwide and how they serve to maintain social control. 8. Understand the central concepts of social stratification such as class, ascribed and achieved status and social mobility. 9. Analyze and compare the theories of race and ethnic inequality. 10. Differentiate between sex and gender and apply this distinction to debates about gender

4 Syllabus-Online Sociology 4 inequality. 11. Understand the nature of marriage, family, and kinship in society. 12. Examine the structure, functions, and problems of U.S. educational system. 13. Analyze the different types of religious organizations, and what distinguishes them. 14. Analyze several types of political systems and learn the strengths and criticisms of each. 15. Analyze several types of economic systems and learn the strengths and criticism of each. Student Learning Outcome (SLO) Per Pierce College Course Outline of Records, students will develop an appreciation for what C. Wright Mills called the sociological imagination; that is the ability to situate his or her life in a social context and to understand the impact of social forces on the individual. Student Learning Outcome s Assessment The SLO assessment tool will be embedded into a paper, exam, or a class project. PART II. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS CLASS How This Course Works You will be expected to keep up with weekly assignments on your own, but do not consider yourself to be working "alone"; you will be part of an "online learning community." In addition to reading the textbook, reading lecture summaries and PowerPoints, visiting Internet Websites for further exploration, and completing other assignments, you will be participating in online discussion groups with other class members. Topics for each week's lesson have been posted to the Discussion Forum for discussion by students in the course. You will be expected to respond to my posting that week and to your peers' responses. All assignments, required readings, and due dates are listed in each week's module. I will also post reminders in the announcement function and through s. We will remain in contact primarily through group and private s. A typical module work load (a week where you do not take an exam), a module is roughly equivalent to a week, consists of: 1) Reading PowerPoint Lecture under Lectures 2) Reading pages of text for each chapter 3) Answering the Discussion Question 4) Taking Exams

5 5) Submitting Assignment(s) Syllabus-Online Sociology 5 Available Dates, Due Dates, and Times Given the nature of this class, a typical module runs from Sunday, 12:00 a.m. to the following Saturday, 11:55 p.m. All homework must be posted by 11:55 p.m. on Saturday (Pacific Time). An online course can take a considerable amount of time. For this reason, I would strongly suggest beginning each assignment early. Do not wait until the last minute to complete the exams or discussion board forums. Think of the available date as the due date and think of the due date as your personal extension. This will allow you to have the chance to work out problems or get help if needed. I am not responsible for your computer or Internet malfunctions. I strongly suggest you complete the chapters early in case of technical malfunctions. All chapters will be available for an ample amount of time given the constraints of the semester in which you re taking this class. I do not accept late assignments. Please be aware of this policy and submit your work on time. Are You Ready to Take an Online Class? If you can honestly answer Yes to all of these questions, then online learning may be for you: Are you self-motivated? Do you meet due dates without needing prodding? Do you enjoy communicating by writing? Can you wait a day or more to have your questions answered? Are you comfortable working at a computer? Do you stay on task without direct supervision? Can you prioritize your own workload? Do you learn best from reading text and assignments? Do you usually understand written instructions? How to use a standard browser like Exlorer, Netscape, Firefox, Mozilla, Safari, etc? How to use a word processor like Microsoft Word? How to handle ? How to do basic file management and upload the correct file? How to download software? How to find information on the Internet using a search engine like Google?

6 Syllabus-Online Sociology 6 PART III. COMMUNICATION Phone Calls: My office number is ; however, my preferred method of contact is ing (not complying with the following criteria may result in your being sent to spam folder) In the subject line of , please write your Full Name and Course Section Number. Pierce provides student accounts for all college business and communication. In order to comply with FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), correspondence with the college not coming from your student account may be disregarded. Please go to for having access to your account. Be sure to take the time to look through the syllabus before contacting me as your question is probably answered there. When responding to my please use "reply with history" so that we may have a copy of our previous correspondences. Allow me at least one working day to respond to your . Working days are Monday, 8:00 a.m. thru Friday 5:00 p.m. Do not me any assignment under any circumstances unless there is a prior arrangement before the due date. Assignments should be submitted in the virtual classroom. I would like to remind you that you should use the proper Etiquette (e.g., Use a salutation, signature, standard punctuation, capitalization, spelling and grammar). For an explanation, see: PART IV. WHERE TO START Activate your Account and Login (For officially enrolled students in the class through the Admissions Office ) 1) Go to 2) Click on your class link with the CORRECT section number. (Chose the link with the appropriate semester, year, and section number) 3) Once you are in, familiarize yourself with the materials I have made available to you. PART V. ASSESSMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

7 Grade Syllabus-Online Sociology 7 Item Description Points A Three Exams (You will take 4 exams. The lowest grade will be dropped and you ll be 30 graded for 3 exams). No points are given to the Syllabus Quiz (for your own practice) B Three Assignments ( ) 35 C Seven Discussions (5 for each discussion) 35 TOTAL 100 A= points B=80-89 points C=70-79 points D=60-69 points F=59-0 points Exams There will be four 10-point exams. Your lowest grade will be dropped. Actually you will be graded for 3 exams. Each exam will include multiple-choice questions. These will be taken from the assigned textbook readings and the lectures. If you miss the deadline, I will not extend the exam date and I will not provide you the opportunity to take the exam again. You will be given approximately a week in which to begin your exam, so please plan accordingly and don t wait until the last day to take it. Once you begin your exam, you will have a certain time to complete it and make sure you can isolate yourself for that given time and you may not consult with others during the exam. The timing for each exam will be announced on Moodle. Make-up exams are not allowed EVEN if your computer or your Internet stops working. I have already set up the lowest grade policy for unpredictable events. Exams are not cumulative. All exams are closed book, closed notes. Assignments Students will write a 2-3 page assignment in response to an assignment provided by your professor. Student answers are to be clear, well-organized, and specific. Provide a concise, cogent argument and include details to support your response. Save the file on your computer by your last name, first name, and the assignment number. To receive credit for these assignments, submit your finalized essay in a Word or PDF document in not less than 350 words per page. I will NOT accept any assignment in any other format. Font: Times New Roman (12 point), Line Spacing: Double. Assignments should begin with an introduction and should end with a conclusion.

8 Syllabus-Online Sociology 8 APA style formatting is required for each written assignment. The body of the paper must include citations according to the APA style format. Every assignment should contain at least two references. You are responsible for checking that you have correctly (readable format) posted your response. Do not me after the due date telling me that you have posted your work but it did not show up OR it is NOT the correct file. Late submission of assignments is not permitted on moodle. All assignments must be submitted by 11:55 pm on moodle. No ed assignments will be accepted after deadline and you won t get any credit for it. Grading Metrics for Written Assignments 3=Exemplary 2=Needs Progress 1=Unsatisfactory Assignment Component A The paper is content rich, all questions have been answered, and analysis is evident. B The paper is effective in supporting the student s argument C The paper is well organized with a logical flow. Writing Component D The paper contains correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. E The paper follows all formatting guidelines, including page-length and APA formatting requirements. Research Component F The student provides supporting evidence for her/his argument. G The student uses at least two quality resources outside of the textbook to support her/his argument. Discussion Forum The goal of the discussion board is to have students interact with each other, to search the Internet for each given topic, and to share the related links with class. Your response should reflect your ability to conduct research and should include citations. I go into the forums almost daily and read what has been posted. If necessary, I will provide you feedback. I would like to remind you that you should use proper Netiquette (proper language, tone, and mechanics) on discussion board. For an explanation of Netiquette, see: Your discussion responses must be relevant to the assigned topic, clearly answer the questions, and be well written (i.e., proper grammar and spelling, edited).

9 Syllabus-Online Sociology 9 Your discussion postings graded as Excellent (5/5) reflect involvement in the class via visiting web sites and citing the source, researching and writing about the specific questions, asking and answering two questions to classmates, and thought-out discussion contributions. The discussion will begin with a question put forth by me. Each student must then respond to the question. For each forum post a minimum of one thought provoking statement about the topic. Each posting should be no less than six complete sentences (minimum 150 words). Also post a minimum of two thoughtful replies to anyone else s original posting or reply, per forum. These postings should be no less than three complete sentences (minimum100 words) and should contain some substantive information. You are responsible for checking that you have correctly posted your response. I suggest that after you post your response, you close the threaded discussion tool and reopen it again to verify that your response has been posted. Do not me after the due date telling me that you have posted your response but that it did not show up. Failure to correctly post your response before deadline will cost you points. You need to include one topic related link as reference to your original posting for each chapter. Postings without the link will not be graded. You cannot copy ANYTHING from the Internet (and/or classmates) and use it in your work without citing the source. This is very easy to catch, because your own classmates will report you to me and I normally use on-line document checking services to catch cheating. If you do not consider the consequences of academic dishonesty, you will fail the course, suspend from the class, and/or have a record in your disciplinary file. Offensive postings or postings that threaten the well-being of others in the discussion board environment will be removed. I will develop grades and scores based on the quantity and quality of your contributions based on the following criteria: 1. Are points made relevant to the discussion? 2. Do they go beyond a mere recitation of case facts, and are implications clearly drawn? 3. Is there evidence of analysis rather than expression of opinion? 4. Are comments linked to those of others? 5. Did the contribution further the class understanding of issues? Grading Metrics for Weekly Online Discussion Possible

10 Syllabus-Online Sociology 10 Exemplary Needs Progress Unsatisfactory Grade Part I Answering Discussion Questions (minimum 150 words) Student posts responses on time. Student responds to question completely, reference the text to support responses, and bring in research to support responses. Student includes a topic related link in her/his response. Student responds to part of the question, and lacks some demonstration of understanding of key concepts, or ability to think critically. Part II Response to Two Peers (minimum 100 words) Student posts responses on time. Student s responses are wellconceived, offering insight and original examples. Student incorporates or builds off of the ideas of others. PART VI. COURSE POLICIES Student responds to classmates posting, but does not meet the minimum number of response required. Student does not incorporate or builds off of the ideas of others. Student fails to respond to discussion questions assigned on time, and/or does not demonstrate understanding of key concepts, or ability to think critically, or does not include link(s). Student neglects to respond to classmates posting on time or does not build off of the ideas of others. Total Possible 3 points (1+1) points 5 points Standards of speech that apply in a traditional classroom also apply to the discussion board and communications. Academic Integrity and Student Accountability The faculty and administration of Pierce College are committed to the belief that honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process. The College expects students to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals. Students who violate the code of academic conduct by which the College maintains its academic integrity will be dealt with in a manner reflecting the seriousness of these violations. Students are expected to be aware of campus regulations and policies, as

11 Syllabus-Online Sociology 11 stated in the college catalog and the student code of conduct. Cases of alleged academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism or cheating, will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for investigation. Use of online programs such as moodle is strictly limited to the students who are enrolled in that particular course. Individual login information is provided to each student and all activity within an online course is monitored and recorded. To insure the highest level of integrity of student data, user login and password information must never be shared. It is your responsibility as a student to take every measure possible to safeguard your individual login information and never allow other persons (whether a student or not) to have access to this information. If you feel another person has obtained your unique login information or has accessed your account, contact the moodle support team and me immediately. By registering for the course, you understand that you are expected to work on your own and not collaborate on assignments or tests. When you enroll in the course you are stating that you, and not another person, studied the material in its entirety and completed the course work. No credit or completion will be given if the course is completed by anyone other than you or if you are assisted by an outside party. Students who are suspected of sharing work or collaborating on work will be disciplined. Plagiarism: copying or imitating the language, ideas and/or thoughts of another author and passing them off as one's original work. Fraud, deceit, trickery, sharp practice or breach of confidence by which it is sought to gain some unfair or dishonest advantage (American College Dictionary, Random House, 1964) To be specific, below are some of the situations that will be considered plagiarism: Use information from any source, online or in print, in one s own writing without acknowledging the source in the content and in the reference page of the assignment; Simply list the sources in the reference page, without parenthetical citations in the body of the essay; Take more than one printed line of words consecutively from the source without putting quotation marks around them, even though the student has put the author s name in the parentheses or in the reference page; Turn in work done for other classes, regardless how large or small the assignment may be, without

12 Syllabus-Online Sociology 12 the current instructor s approval, this is considered self plagiarism, which is a form of academic dishonesty; or, Turn in work by another student, even by accident. Attendance and Participation Because it is imperative that you regularly attend and participate in class, all students are required to log-on to our class at least three times per week to follow instructions, which include participate in discussions, complete all assignments, and take exams. Simply logging into the course does not constitute attendance and participation. Not attending and participating in class may result in you being dropped. Because this is a fully online course, all class meetings occur at the class website. The time of the day in which you participate at the class is your choice. If you wish to remain in class, you must participate in your online class by Wednesday of the 1st week of the term, or I will drop you from the class as a "No Show. For more information on deadlines, please refer to Campus Calendar. If you do not complete the postings and the assignments in a timely manner, you will not pass the course. In the online environment failing to meet deadlines represents an absence from class. Even if you register after class has begun, you are STILL expected to submit all assignments on time before assigned deadlines. Adding the course means that it could take three/four days to get your registration processed and to have access to Moodle site. Dropping the Course Please contact me if you encounter problems -- academic or personal -- which make you consider withdrawing from this course. I am here to help you succeed. If you drop the class, be aware that it is your responsibility to officially withdraw (Please refer to campus calendar for important add or drop dates and make sure you take the necessary measures with admissions). If you are falling seriously behind in this course, please withdraw; do not consider trying to take an "incomplete." After you drop the course, send me an immediately so I can exclude you from the online course. Financial Aid Statement Students may be required to return all or a portion of financial aid refund if student completed the semester with ALL non-passing grades (any combination of F's, W's and NP's), dropped classes, and administratively excluded from classes. Please contact the Financial Aid office for details.

13 Syllabus-Online Sociology 13 Grade Determination (students are graded on achievement rather than effort and need) "Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself." ---Chinese proverb Each student who earns an A will receive one; Extra effort is necessary to maintain an A. All students will be treated equally, fairly, and given the same opportunities. All grades will be calculated in the same way, regardless of extenuating circumstances or any reason not related to your actual performance in the course. However much I may sympathize with your personal circumstances, I never consider them to be a basis for grade assignments. Check your grades online periodically throughout the semester. Please do NOT me after the semester ends to ask me to reconsider your grade unless I have made an error on the final exam/project grade. Address your concern weekly. You are responsible individuals. The grading criteria appropriate for this course is based on a set of assumptions about you as an adult learner. Manage your time and resources according to each assignment. It is the student s responsibility to obtain the correct due dates and turn in assignments on time. You are responsible for keeping track of your grades. Achieve your grade. If you need to achieve a particular grade in this course in order to maintain your G.P.A., keep your scholarship, transfer to your favorite university, major in your favorite field, retain your athletic status or for any other reason, you will need to achieve that grade. Final course grades are final and extra work will not be accepted. Final course grades will not be changed for any reason except a mathematical error in calculating the grade or a data entry error. Please bring any clerical grading errors to my attention by on weekly basis and I will gladly fix them. No exceptions! Grades are not negotiable. Don t even ask just do the work and you ll get the grade you deserve. Incompletes Do NOT ask me to give you an incomplete when you don t fit the criteria. You must fit all three of the following: 1. A major unforeseen circumstance that can be legally documented 2. Passing work up until the time of the circumstance 3. Only missing a minority of the course work. Instructor Feedback

14 Syllabus-Online Sociology 14 There is an online grade book available from the course home page where you can keep track of your scores in the course. Grades reflect my feedback of the overall quality of your work, taking into account how well it fulfills the Grading Metrics for each assignment. All questions about the accuracy and completeness of the Grade score reports must be submitted within one week of posting. It takes me 3-5 business days to grade all the papers, so please don t me beforehand. me for guidance if you don't get full credit for your postings and/or you need feedback. (Note: discussion forums that you posted AFTER the Saturday midnight deadline do not earn any points, since I do not go back to read "old" postings.) Modification of the Syllabus and Schedule I reserve the right to modify the syllabus and schedule at any time. Notice of any change will be ed and/or announced. To avoid confusion, please do not print the syllabus. Only refer to the online syllabus. Reminder At this point, it is probably worthwhile to give you some warnings about this course. The first warning is that you might find some of the descriptions you will read to be offensive, if not downright shocking or disgusting. To study a society scientifically, one must temporarily put aside one s personal values. One must try to see the world from a different point of view as well as our own. This does not mean I expect you to discard your personal values. To describe and study something does not mean that one endorses it. Technology I am not responsible for your computer or Internet malfunctions. Technological issues are not considered valid grounds for late assignment submission. I strongly suggest you complete your work early in case of technical malfunctions. If you need assistance with any Pierce distance education related issues, please refer to PierceOnline Student Help at: If your question is not answered in PierceOnline Student Help, then contact Distance Education Office at: moodle@piercecollege.edu PART VII. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AT PIERCE Center for Academic Success: Pierce College offers free tutoring (face-to-face and online) and study space at The Center for

15 Syllabus-Online Sociology 15 Academic Success for all major academic areas including writing, math, and sociology. All tutors can assist with study skills and help students tackle assignments, read the course materials, and become excellent students. Counseling Center: Financial Aid: Library: Pierce Online Central: Sheriff: In Case of Emergency When on campus, call for immediate response from the Campus Sheriff. Do not call 911, as this will result in a substantial delay. Please program the Emergency Sheriff s number into your cell phone contacts. Special Services: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all qualified students enrolled in this course are entitled to "reasonable accommodations." SOC 1 students who require accommodations should consult with the instructor about their individual requirements no later than the first week of the term. Finally Thank you for enrolling in this course! With your suggestions and input I will endeavor to improve this course. PART VIII. CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS

16 Module 15 Read Chapter 15 and Take Exam #4 Exam 4 (Ch ) Ch.1: Read: The Ch.15: Sociological Political and Perspective Economic Systems Module 2 Discussion Question Module 3 Assignment One Module 4 Exam 1 (Ch. 1-4) Syllabus-Online Sociology 16 Read Chapter 2, Answer to Discussion Board Question for Ch. 2 Ch.2: Doing Sociology: Research Methods Read Chapter 3 and Submit Assignment One Ch.3: Culture Read Chapter 4 and Take Exam #1 Read: Ch.4: Socialization and Development Module 5 Discussion Question Module 6 Discussion Question Module 7 Assignment Two Module 8 Exam 2 (Ch. 5-8) Module 9 Discussion Question Module 10 Discussion Question Module 11 Discussion Question Module 12 Exam 3 (Ch. 9-12) Module 13 Discussion Question Module 14 Assignment Three Module 15 Exam 4 (Ch ) Read Chapter 5, Answer to Discussion Board Question for Ch. 5 Ch.5: Understanding social Interaction Read Chapter 6, Answer to Discussion Board Question for Ch. 6 Ch.6: Social Groups and Organizations Read Chapter 7 and Submit Assignment Two Ch.7: Deviant Behavior and Social Control Read Chapter 8 and Take Exam #2 Ch.8: Social Class in the United States Read Chapter 9, Answer to Discussion Board Question for Ch. 9 Ch.9: Global Stratification Read Chapter 10, Answer to Discussion Board Question for Ch. 10 Ch.10: Racial and Ethnic Minorities Read Chapter 11, Answer to Discussion Board Question for Ch. 11 Read: Ch.11: Gender Stratification Read Chapter 12 and Take Exam #3 Read: Ch.12: Marriage and Alternative Family Arrangements Read Chapter 13, Answer to Discussion Board Question for Ch. 13 Read: Ch.13: Religion Read Chapter 14, Submit Assignment Three Read: Ch.14: Education Read Chapter 15 and Take Exam #4 Read: Ch.15: Political and Economic Systems