SOCI 1101: Introduction to Sociology
Course Syllabus Summer 2009
Instructor:
Dr. Robert CaineE-mail: RobertCaine@clayton.edu
Office: A/S 116
Office Hours: 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Other times by arrangement.
Section, Hours and Room: 05 54027 TTh 10:15 am - 12:20 pm G229
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445,
disabilityservices@clayton.edu
INTRODUCTION:
This course focuses on elements of our social world that we often take for granted. Although action we take as individuals often seems unpredictable and freely chosen, there are amazing social regularities that emerge due to the influence of our culture and social system. These social forces affect everything from our taste in food and clothing to our choice of spouse and occupation. By developing a critical awareness of our social world, we will come to a fuller understanding of ourselves and our society.COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To acquaint students with sociological perspectives with special attention given to how history and biography converge in everyday life.
2. To acquaint students with the vocabulary, scope, methods, and theoretical perspectives of the sociological discipline.
3. To encourage students to think about and apply the course materials and perspectives to new situations they will encounter in their everyday life.
Required Textbook:
Essentials Of Sociology: A Down To Earth Approach, Henslin/Demmitt, 2007
OR
Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Sixth Edition, 2006 by James M. Henslin.
Computer Use in This Course:
Students are required to have reliable access to a computer that can utilize WebCt Vista. Please make certain that your computer is configured properly to do so, by completing the tutorial located here:
http://ctl.clayton.edu/cid/tutorials/Vista/student/vistahelp.htm
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:
·
Able to use the WindowsTM operating system·
Able to use Microsoft WordTM word processing·
Able to send and receive e-mail using OutlookTM or Outlook ExpressTM·
Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email·
Able to use a Web browser.In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:
Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.
Coursework:
It is very important to stay on schedule in this course. Students who stay on schedule in this course tend to do very well. Those who fall behind tend to struggle throughout.
The course will consist of four units with an exam covering each unit. The exams will cover textbook assignment, class lecture and discussions. Understanding of some concepts should build as the term progresses and these concepts are visited in multiple units. Exams will be multiple-choice questions. Each exam will be 50 multiple choice questions for a maximum score of 100 points.
There will be one brief paper (two pages or more) based on your class experience. Due dates and details will be given in class. The paper will count for 60 points of one test grade (see item 6).
18 points will be awarded for attendance. Any absences after the second one will result in 3 points being deducted from this total.
22 points will be awarded based on constructive class participation.
Coursework items 3, 4, and 5 above will total 100 points. This gives you the equivalent of a fifth test grade (test 5).
At the end of the term, your lowest of the five grades will be dropped and your course average is the average of your four highest scores from the semester. A is 90 and above. B is 80 to 89. C is 70 to 79. D is 60 to 69. F is 59 and below.
After I award points for class participation, your grade will be your average. An average of 89 is a high B but still a B.
Dates for the test and assignments are on the course schedule. Any changes to the course schedule will be announced in class, through email, and on WebCT.
Grading:
|
A |
90 - 100% |
|
B |
80 - 89% |
|
C |
70 - 79% |
|
D |
60 - 69% |
|
F |
below 60% |
Academic Dishonesty
Disruption of the Learning Environment
Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be 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.htm
Full Syllabus and Course Schedule is available on WebCT.
Important dates to remember:
a. May 27—Last day to drop/add, fee payment deadline.
b. June 26—Midterm, last day to withdraw without penalty.
c. July 30—Final Exam. Test are scheduled for:
|
Date |
Test |
Chapters |
|
June 9 |
1 |
1,2 |
|
June 23 |
2 |
3,4,5 |
|
July 9 |
3 |
6,7,8 |
|
July 30 |
4 (Final) |
9,10,12 |
Students are responsible for checking email and WebCT on a regular basis for any announcements regarding class developments.
I do not give extra credit assignments. As in a job environment, you should put your effort into the assigned work of the class as we go along. Students who grasp this idea from the start usually do better than students who wait for the last week of the term to "get serious" about their grade.
All examinations are closed book.
No student-produced "memory sheets" or note cards are allowed.
Attendance Policy: Attendance does count in the class. Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Tests will cover material covered in class but not in your assigned readings. Attendance is taken daily and students who exceed five absences may be dropped from the course.
With a valid reason, makeup exams may be arranged up until the exams are returned to the class. Test papers are always returned at the next class meetings so this is a very narrow window. After the papers are returned, missed tests become the dropped test grade.
Please respect the rights of your fellow students. Do not talk during the class unless called upon. It is rude and inconsiderate to disturb your fellow students’ right to listen.
Cell phones, pagers and computers should be in silent mode during class time. During exam periods, they should be off. If you have an emergency situation please check with me in advance to work out a solution.
I will make every effort to work with you in maximizing this class. Please feel free to consult with me about any questions you have about the course or any special help you might need.
Children are NOT permitted in any CSU classrooms under any circumstances, nor may they be left unattended anywhere on the campus.
The content of this course syllabus correlates to education standards established by national and state education governing agencies, accrediting agencies and learned society/professional education associations. Please refer to the course correlation matrices located at the following web site:
The Center for Academic Success (CAS) provides tutoring for this course. Appointments can be made through TutorTrac at http://tutoring.clayton.edu or by contacting the CAS at (678) 466-4070, lower level of the library.