SOCI 2293: Introduction to
Marriage and the Family
Course Syllabus Summer 2009
Instructor:
Dr. Robert CaineE-mail: RobertCaine@clayton.edu
Office: A/S 116
Section, Hours and Room: 03 54026 TTh 1:15 pm – 3:20 pm G227
Office Hours: 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm TTh Other times by arrangement.
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445,
disabilityservices@clayton.edu
Course Description:
The family is the basic unit of every society. The family performs functions that affect every other institution in a given social system and is in turn affected by changes in that larger system. At a personal level, each individual has a stake in understanding the family because everyone spends the duration of his or her life in some form of a family system. At a community and societal level, it is imperative for us to understand how the functioning of the family is interrelated with the functioning of the social system as a whole. The objective of this course is to expand students' knowledge and understanding of the families by critically evaluating the work sociologists have done on this topic.Required Textbooks:
Frank D. Cox, Human Intimacy: Marriage, The Family and Its Meaning, Tenth Edition, 2006.
Kevin Demmitt, Marriage and Family: An Introduction Using MicroCase,Third Edition, 2003.
(Note: Do not buy a used copy of the workbook unless you look all of the way through the book and are sure no pages are missing. Photocopied workbook pages will not be accepted.
Computer Use in This Course:
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
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. Computers will be used to complete workbook assignments in the Demmitt workbook out of class
.
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.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, and workbook assignments. 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 six assignments to turn in from the Demmitt workbook. You turn in the ones marked with an asterisk ("*") on the course schedule. These assignments will total up to 60 points of one test grade (up to ten points per unit.) Due dates will be announced.
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 five 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.
http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm
General Points:
Full Sylabus 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 |
1,2,3 |
|
June 23 |
2 |
4,6 |
|
July 14 |
3 |
9,10,11,13 |
|
July 30 |
4 (Final) |
14,15,16 |
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.
Students must abide by policies in the University Student handbook.
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:
http://a-s.clayton.edu/teachered/Standards%20and%20Outcomes.htmThe 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.