Course Syllabus Summer 2009 SHAW UNIVERSITY Department of Social Sciences Introduction to Social Sciences (3 credit hours) Prerequisite: None

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1 Course Syllabus Summer 2009 SHAW UNIVERSITY Department of Social Sciences Introduction to Social Sciences (3 credit hours) Prerequisite: None Instructor: Khodr M. Zaarour Office ISC 207 Classroom Online Office Hours: No office hours in the summer but I am available by telephone and Telephone: kzaarour@shawu.edu International Relations Program Mission The International Relations Program seeks to provide major and minor course offerings, research and technological skills to students at Shaw University to prepare them for foreign affairs, public service, and graduate/professional school. The program also seeks to enhance their development of religious, cultural, social and ethical values through experiential learning activities such as community service, study abroad and involvement in global issues. International Relations Program Goals 1. To prepare students through teaching and research for public affairs, legal and international careers to prepare students to advance into graduate and professional programs 2. To provide major and minor course offering and technological skills to students 3. To enhance their development of religious, cultural, social and ethical values through experiential learning, i.e. community service, study abroad and global issues. Course Description: Introduction to Social Science (SSC online) explains the field of human knowledge that deals with all aspects of the group life of human beings. The course is most concerned with those basic elements of culture that determine the general pattern of human behavior. Our primary goal is to gain a real understanding of human society and therefore, the class concentrates on some knowledge of all major aspects in the sub-fields of social science. Student Learning Outcomes: Student Learning Outcomes At the completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the evolution of ideas, values, beliefs, and cultures, which have shaped Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes (Assessment Tools) Exam, research paper and presentation Linkage to Program Learning Outcomes 4 1

2 much of human experience 2. Appreciate that culture is different because of differences in social structure, religion, language, education, economic, and political philosophy 3. Develop the basic academic skills, including writing, reading, critical thinking, and computer skills Exam, research paper and presentation Exam, research paper and presentation 4 4 Required Text: Hunt, Elgin F and David C. Colander. Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society. Thirteenth Edition. Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 2002 Reading Assignments: Students should come to class prepared to discuss assigned readings following guidelines provided in the syllabus or as instructed by the professor. Each student is expected to read all assigned material prior to class and fully participate in class discussions and activities. To insure that students read their texts, there will be questions on each exam from the text that may not be covered in class. Students may also be assigned readings from the professional journals, newspapers, news magazines, periodicals, or the internet during the course of the semester. Course Requirements: Students are required to purchase the textbook and to bring their textbook to each class session. 1. Tests and Final Examination: Two written examinations a mid-term exam and final exam will be given during the semester covering material from the text, lectures, and other readings. If a student fails to take an exam as scheduled, it is the student s responsibility to inform the instructor immediately. In order to qualify for a make up exam, the student must provide the instructor with documentation from Student Affairs, a medical professional, or an entity approved by Student Affairs. This is the only way a student will be allowed to take a make-up exam. There will be no exceptions. If the student cannot provide documentation, they will not be allowed to take the makeup exam and a zero will be given for the exam. 2. Research Paper: Each student will submit a 5-7 research paper about a social, cultural, social and political issue. Topics for the papers MUST be approved by the instructor. The research paper will be 5-7 full pages in length, will be typewritten and double-spaced. The papers will reflect your critical thinking and examination of assigned topics. Each student is expected to apply their writing skills to prepare his or her paper. Your grade will, in part, be determined by your treatment of the topic, your original, critical thinking, and your use of proper grammar and punctuation. (See the research assignment scoring rubric). 2

3 Research Assignment Scoring Rubric Content and Development (50%) Paper:1) is clearly written, 2) addresses all of the content requirement of the assignment, and 3) demonstrates complete mastery of the subject matter content using critical thinking skills and practical application. Paper has: 1) most sections clearly written, 2) addresses the entire content requirement of assignment, and 3) demonstrates considerable mastery of subject matter content using critical thinking skills and practical application. Paper is either: 1) unclear, 2) addresses only some or none of the content requirement of assignment, or 3)demonstrates little, if any, mastery of the subject matter content using critical thinking skills and practical application. SUBSCORE Organization (20%) The paper has:1) a clear thesis statement, 2) engaging introduction, 3) well-developed paragraph, 4) sooth transition between paragraphs, and 5) a good conclusion. The paper has two to five problem areas associated with: 1) a clear thesis statement, 2) engaging introduction, 3) well-developed paragraphs, 4) smooth transitions between paragraphs, or 5) a good conclusion. On occasion, the reader struggles with or must reread material to follow what is being said. The paper has six or more problem areas associated with: 1) a clear thesis statement, 2) engaging introduction, 3) well-developed paragraph, 4) smooth transition between paragraphs, or 5) a good conclusion. The reader frequently struggles or must reread material to follow what is being said. SUBSCORE Word choice and voice (10%) The paper contains: 1) appropriate vocabulary without colloquialism or slang, 2) active voice, 3) concise but vivid language, 4) appropriate person/pronouns, and 5) verb/subject agreement. The paper contains an average of two to five errors per page associated with:1) inappropriate vocabulary, colloquialism, or slang, 2) passive voice, 3) imprecise language, 4) improper person/pronouns, or 5) verb/subject agreement The paper contains an average of six or more errors per page associated with: 1) inappropriate vocabulary, colloquialism, or slang, 2) passive voice, 3) imprecise language, 4) improper person/pronouns, or 5) verb/subject agreement. SUBSCORE Sentence Structure and Conventions (10%) The paper contains well built and varied sentences, no spelling errors, and correct punctuation and grammar. The paper contains an average of one error per page in sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, or grammar. The paper contains an average of more than one error per page in sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, or grammar. SUBSCORE APA Formal and/or Writing Standards (10%) The paper meets APA writing standards (including in-text citations and reference) and/or assignment requirements. 3

4 The paper contains two or five errors in application of APA writing standards (including in-text citations and references) and/or assignment requirements. The paper contains six or more errors in application of APA writing standards (including in-text citations and reference) and/or assignment requirements. SUBSCORE Total Score Earned (Possible 100%) Class Attendance: SEE SHAW UNIVERSITY WEBSITE ONLINE REGISTRATION Please Note: If you register for and attend a class one (1) time and stop attending that class without officially withdrawing, you will receive a grade of F. Students are responsible for attending class on time and adhering to the University s Class Attendance Policy. Students are expected to attend all classes and not be absent without adequate cause. The attendance policy printed in the Shaw University Undergraduate Catalogue will be enforced. When a student is unable to attend class, it is the student s responsibility to call the professor in advance, whenever possible. It is the student s responsibility to obtain the notes, handouts, or other material for the missed class. The University requires that roll is taken for each class session; therefore all students must be seated in class at the beginning of the class hour when roll is called to be marked present for that class session. Tardy students names will not added to the roll for class attendance without a written excuse. Once in attendance students should not leave class without the instructor s permission. Regular and punctual attendance is mandatory since class participation is required. The Shaw University Undergraduate Catalog page 37 states attending class is required for all Shaw students. Each student is allowed as many unexcused absences per semester as the class meets per week. These absences are to cover illness, car trouble, family matters and inclement weather. EXCESSIVE ABSENCES WLL GURANTEE FAILURE OF THE COURSE. Time Class Meets Per Week Unexcused Absences Allowed Students who do not exceed the allowable number of absences will receive five points as part of the total points for the final course grade. After the allowed number of unexcused absences has been used, students will receive points as part of the final course grade according to the following table for unexcused absences greater than the allowed absences. Number Greater than Points Earned Excused Absences 1 4 4

5 or more 0 Class Participation: Students are expected to actively participate in a positive manner in the learning process. Participation includes: demonstrating critical thinking, active learning, development and use of listening and speaking skills need for career success, and the ability to join a discipline s conversation. Such participation will include asking questions, active listening, seeking out and valuing the opinions of others, and showing respect for peers, and the instructor. Participation also includes evidence that the student has read the assigned material prior to class and by contributing to class discussions, and asking questions about the readings and lectures. Students will be assigned participation points primarily based on the Student Participation Rubric. SHAW UNIVERSITY Student Participation Rubric Criteria Interaction/ participation in classroom learning activities Engagement in the electronic/ learning forum Exemplary 5 Demonstrates critical thinking skills, evidence that student read assigned material, asks focused and appropriate questions, always interacts, responds regularly to questions; freely volunteers opinions, initiates appropriate questions, does not dominate discussion Demonstrates competency in using electronic/ , including Blackboard learning forum assignment. Completes all tasks for every assignment within allotted time, provides complete written comments related to assignments or tasks, follows directions accurately of assignment or task Outstanding 4 Demonstrates beginning critical thinking skills, some evidence that student read assigned material, often interacts in class; responds often to questions, often volunteers opinions, contributions less developed and focused contributions Follows directions with minimal difficulty, most of time no difficulty accessing and using electronic learning forum Satisfactory 3 Occasionally, demonstrates critical thinking skills, occasionally interacts and responds to questions when prompted, contributions not as clearly focused, contributions lack focus, rambling, or tangential, questions sometimes digressive Misses no more than two assignments, minimal difficulty accessing and using electronic learning forums Adequate 2 Rarely demonstrates critical thinking skills, rarely participates or volunteers point- ofview, provides minimal answers when called upon, does show interest in class and discussion, some evidence that material was read Misses more than two assignments. Some difficulty accessing and using electronic learning forums Unsatisfactory 1 Does not participate or respond to questions; almost never volunteers to contribute or provide information, little or no evidence that read assigned material or completed assignments, may be disruptive to class Never logs onto Blackboard or check , assignments not completed, no demonstrated competency in using electronic learning forum 5

6 Professional attitude and demeanor No disruptive classroom behavior, no cell phones or electronic devices during class, respectful and courteous to others, recognizes and respects other students points-ofview, alert in classroom, enthusiastic for work Rarely disruptive and disrespectful on rare occasions, alert in the classroom on most occasions, enthusiastic most of the time, no cell phones or electronic devices Minimally disruptive and disrespectful, sometimes lethargic in the classroom Disruptive and disrespectful, rarely enthusiastic Not respectful and courteous, alert or enthusiastic in the classroom Punctuality 0-2 times tardy 3-4 times tardy 5-6 times tardy 7-8 times tardy 9-10 times tardy Grade Evaluation: Mid Exam 110 Final Exam 110 Research Paper 100 Quiz I 50 Quiz II 50 Summaries (optional) 40 Total points divided 460 by 4 = Grade Example: Mid-Term Exam 87 Final Exam 75 Research Paper 88 Presentation 76 Total 326 points divided by 4 is 81.5 = (B) The following grading scale will be used: A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D= 60-69; F=59 and below. Course Plagiarizing/Cheating: Plagiarism (using another s work as your own, whether you put it in your own words or keep it in the original words) and cheating are serious offenses and will be treated as such. A student who plagiarizes or cheats whether giving or receiving information will receive a grade of zero on that particular exam or paper, and may receive a grade of F for the course. If you have questions about the concept of plagiarism talk with your instructor. Course Methodology: Students interpret primary sources as a reflection of major historical developments and themes in world history. Classes include brief lectures, introduction to the sources, readings, discussions, guest speakers, videos, DVDs, website searches and written assignments. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of primary sources and artistic movements as a means for understanding developments world culture. Videos, DVDs and Websites to Accompany Textbook Chapters 6

7 THE SCHEDULE, POLICIES, AND ASSIGNMENTS IN THIS COURSE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE EVENT OF EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES. AFTER READING THE UNIVERSITY POLICY BELOW SIGN AND DATE THIS FORM TO INDICATE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE STUDENT CLASSROOM DECORUM EXPECTATIONS To enhance the learning atmosphere of the classroom, students are expected to dress and behave in a fashion conducive to learning in the classroom. More specifically, students will refrain from disruptive classroom behavior (i.e. talking to classmates, disrespectful responses to teacher instructions; swearing; wearing clothes that impede academic learning such as but not limited to, wearing body-revealing clothing and excessively baggy pants; hats/caps, and/or headdress. Students will turn off telephones prior to entering the classroom. Students who exhibit the behaviors described above, or similar behaviors will be immediately dismissed from class at the third documented offense. The student will be readmitted to class only following a decision by the department chair. The student may appeal the decision of the department chair to the Dean of the College offering the course, and, subsequently, to the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and then to the President of Shaw University. The decision of the President will be final. Failure to follow the procedures herein outlined will result in termination of the appeal, and revert to the decision of the department chair. Each behavior construed to be non contributive to learning will be recorded, properly documented, and appropriately reported to the student and to the chair of the academic department offering the course. The report will be in written form with a copy provided to both the student and the department chair. The faculty member should retain a copy for his/her own records. 7

8 DAILY SCHEDULE Class Date Course Content or Unit 5/18/09 Intro to course and expectations Readings Method Related Assignment Syllabus Resourc es Outcome Measure 5/19/09 Chapter 1 Lecture and class discussion 5/20/09 Chapter 2 Lecture & Group 5/21/09 Chapter 3 Lecture & 5/22/09 Chapter 4 Lecture & Class 5/25/09 Quiz I Review Chapter 5 Lecture & Class 5/26/09 Chapter 6 Lecture & Class 5/27/09 Quiz I is Chapter 7 Lecture, & due Class 5/28/09 Chapter 8 Lecture & Class 5/29/09 Chapter 9 Lecture & Class 6/1/09 Chapter 10 Lecture & Class 6/2/09 Chapter 11 Lecture & Class 6/3/09 Mid-term In Class review 6/4/09 Mid-term Lecture & Class exam covers chapters /5/09 Chapters 12 & 13 Lecture & Class 6/8/09 Chapters 14 Lecture & Class & 15 6/9/09 Chapters 16 Lecture & Class & 17 6/10/09 Chapter 18 Lecture & Class 6/11/09 Chapter 19 Lecture & Class 6/12/09 Chapter 20 Research paper topic is due Exam Questions 8

9 6/15/09 Chapter 21 Research papers and chapter summaries are due. Late work will NEVER be accepted. No Exceptions. Should the student not attend class on this day, it is the student s sole responsibility to hand in or e- mail the research paper by 4 pm on the due date. kzaarour@shaw u.edu 6/18/09 Quiz II Review 6/19/09 Quiz II Due 6/22/09 Paper Evaluation I 6/23/09 Paper Evaluation II 6/24/09 Final Exam Review 6/25/09 Final Exam covers chapters *Schedule could be changed with professor s discretion with adequate time given to students 9

10 Student Contract and Contact Information I am have received, read, understood and will comply with this syllabus. Signature Telephone 10

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