SOSC 2501: Survey of Social Sciences and Contemporary Issues

FALL 2009 Course Syllabus

Course Description

SOSC 2501: Survey of Social Sciences and Contemporary Issues

An interdisciplinary survey of the social sciences with emphasis upon methods of inquiry used to examine America’s contemporary social, economic, political and international problems. 3 Semester credit #9;hours (3-0-3).

Instructor

Dr. Omer L. Roberts
E-mail: omerroberts@clayton.edu
Office: A & S G-116
Phone: 678.466.4712
Office Hours: 2 PM TR or by appointment via e-mail.

Required Text

Harrison, B.C., & Dye, T. (2008) Power and Society (11th ed.).

Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

Classroom Computer Use

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course and all electronic devices must be off during the class.

Class Meetings/Assigned Readings

Week Dates Assignments

1. 8/17 – 8/21 Chapter 1

2. 8/24 - 8/28 Chapter 2

3. 8/31 - 9/4 Chapter 3

4. Labor Day – 9/11 No assignment

5. 9/14 – 9/18 Chapter 4

6. 9/21- 9/25 Chapter 5

7. 9/28 – 10/2 Chapter 6

8. 10/5 – 10/9 Chapter 7

9. 10/12 – 10/16 Chapter 8

10. 10/19 – 10/23 Chapter 9

11. 10/26 – 10/30 Chapter 10

12. 11/2 – 11/6 Chapter 11

13. 11/9 – 11/13 Chapter 12

14. 11/16 – 11/20 Chapter 13

15. 11/23-THANKSGIVING No assignment

16. 11/30 – 12/4 Chapter 14

 

PLEASE READ ASSIGNMENTS PRIOR TO EACH WEEK'S MEETINGS

BE PREPARED, AVOID ANY SURPRISES

Course Content (Some Key Elements to Look For)

 

Testing

Chapter tests ( 3 @ 100 points) 300 possible

Final Exam ( 1 @ 250 points) 250 possible

Make-Up Exam (only 1 allowed, given on final exam day)

 

Attendance Points (A game changer)

Students with 0 absences +20 points

Students with only 1 absence +10 points

Students with 2+ absences +0 points

Maximum Point Total Possible

300 + 250 + perfect attendance 570 points

Grade Scale (based on total points earned)

Mid-Term Progress Report

The mid-term grade posted in the DUCK for this course reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on 10/09/09

Students with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator, Student Center, Room 255, 678-466-5445. disabilityservices@clayton.edu

Course Policies:

General Policy
 Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

                    University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy
Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. 

Missed Work
Without an excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work.  If a valid excuse is provided a missed test may be made up.

All make-ups will be given during your final exam period after you complete your final exam.

Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: 

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.ht

Course Goals/Outcomes

Correlation to Program Outcomes & Education Standards

The content of this course syllabus also correlates to education Standards established by national and state education governing agencies, accrediting agencies and learned society/professional education associations indicated at this website: http://a-s.clayton.edu/teachered/Standards%20and%20Outcomes.htm