SURVEY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES - SOSC 2501

CLASSROOM COURSE

COURSE REQUIREMENT: Access to communication between the instructor and students
will require use of CSU email: The instructor will only respond to CSU email messages from students.
Go to: http://thehub.clayton.edu and click "Service" for information on configuring your laptop computer
to comply with CSU IT requirements. You MUST have your laptop computer configured to access
CSU email. You will need to take your laptop computer to The HUB, located on the ground level of the University
Center. You should have your computer configured and set up for CSU email BEFORE classes begin, or as soon
as possible there after. The HUB is located in the University Center, or contact the HUB at 678-466-4357.    

This syllabus will be updated each semester the course is offered.

 

Prof. J. S. Trachtenberg
Clayton State University
Three Semester Credit Hours
Fall Semester 2007

Link to All Course Due Dates.

Course Description: 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.

Format: Class will meet each regularly scheduled calendar day unless announced otherwise. Scheduled regular class sessions will begin with a discussion of events in the news followed by a student Power Point classroom presentation of a portion of the textbook chapter assigned for that day. Rather than a major midterm and final examination, each chapter presentation will be followed the next class day by a chapter examination covering the material emphasized in that assigned reading and covered in the student classroom Power Point presentations of that chapter. (For a detailed explanation of examinations, please see the Examinations section of this syllabus.). I will assume that all students have read each assigned textbook chapter by the date that material is presented and discussed in class.

Attendance: Attendance will be taken each class session. All students are expected to attend all class sessions. Because we will cover a chapter a week and will have a chapter examination the next time the class meets, it is essential that you miss class only if it is ABSOLUTELY unavoidable. Generally speaking, you may NOT make up a missed  examination except under extraordinary circumstances. Call me in advance of an examination date if possible, or contact me by email (or before class) when you return to discuss the matter.

CSU 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 Expectations:

1. Have access to a CSU configured notebook that can be brought to class as needed;
2. Attend class daily and participate in discussions;
3. Student classroom Power Point presentation of an assigned textbook chapter section;
4. Take all fourteen chapter examinations;
5. Earn a total number of points equal to a passing course grade.

Please feel free to come by my office any time you have any questions concerning this class. I would prefer to talk with you before you get behind in the course. You will find my office hours listed in this syllabus and on my office door. If you believe that a course related matter requires further discussion, contact Dr. Gene Hatfield, Head, Department of Social Sciences, A&S-210, 678-466-4805.

Keep Informed: Current events will often be discussed at the beginning of class. You should pick up The New York Times from the rack in the A&S Bldg. hallway and bring it to class. Read a major daily newspaper or weekly news magazine such as the Atlanta Journal Constitution, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal or The Washington Post, NEWSWEEK, TIME or U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. Watch a daily national network news program on ABC, BBC, CBS, FOX, MSNBC, NBC, PBS or CNN, and/or listen to NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO (6:00 - 9:00 a.m., and 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.) on WABE FM 90.1.

Course Computer Usage: You MUST have access to a CSU configured notebook computer for this course. Students will develop and display classroom Power Point presentations, read the online course syllabus, access and use Internet website resources and send and receive CSU email.

Required Computer Skills:

Weather: Tune to WSB for school closings information.

Classroom Conduct: students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that evidences respect for students, the instructor and the learning environment.

Students must abide by policies in the CSU Catalog & Student Handbook.

Click on this link  to read the Clayton State University
 Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities Statement.

The instructor and students will treat each other with the proper respect at all times.

Children are NOT permitted in any CSU classroom under any circumstances, nor may they be left unattended anywhere on the campus.

IF YOU MUST LEAVE CLASS EARLY, TELL ME BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION.

IF YOU COME INTO CLASS LATE, TAKE THE FIRST AVAILABLE SEAT AS YOU ENTER THE ROOM.

TALKING AMONG STUDENTS WHICH DISTURBS THE INSTRUCTOR OR OTHER STUDENTS IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR.

CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED, AND WILL BE DEALT WITH IN KEEPING WITH THE CSU STUDENT HANDBOOK.

 CSU Conduct Code and Judicial Procedures.
 

COURSE OUTLINE: (Link to Brief Chapter Outlines)

PART ONE - The Nature and Study of Power

I. Power, Society and the Social Sciences - Chapter 1;

II. Social Sciences and the Scientific Method, Chapter 2;

III. Power & Ideology - Chapter 3;

PART TWO - Power and the Social Sciences

IV. Power & Culture - Chapter 4;

V. Power & Social Class - Chapter 5;

VI. Power & Personality - Chapter 6;

VII. Power & the Economic Order - Chapter 7;

VIII. Power & Government - Chapter 8;

IX. Power & History - Chapter 9;

PART THREE - The Uses of Power

X. Power, Race & Gender - Chapter 10;

XI. Power & Powerlessness - Chapter 11;

XII. Power, Violence & Crime - Chapter 12;

XIII. Power & the Community - Chapter 13;

XIV. Power Among Nations - Chapter 14;

Classroom Textbook Chapter Power Point Presentations: (50 possible points) Each student will be required to develop and present one assigned classroom Power Point textbook chapter presentation. Chapter assignments will be made on the second day of class, with students either volunteering or being assigned to present part of a chapter on the date in the syllabus that the chapter is due for discussion. Details will be provided in class.

Chapter Examinations: (350 possible course points) There will be a separate examination over each of the fourteen assigned textbook chapters. Each examination is worth 25 possible points. Each examination will be comprised of a series of multiple choice, true or false and, or short answer style questions covering the assigned textbook chapter in question. You will have the class period in which to complete that day's examination. If you arrive late for class, you will have the time remaining in which to complete the examination. The Chapter 14 examination (worth 25 possible points) will serve as the course final examination and be given at the date and time scheduled for the class final examination. You are expected to take all 14 examinations.

Missed Examinations: Each student may miss one of the fourteen chapter examinations and have the highest of the remaining thirteen scores recorded in its place. If a student takes all fourteen examinations, the lowest score will be replaced by the highest of the remaining thirteen examination scores. Any additional missed examinations will result in a score of zero points being recorded. A missed examination may not be made up; no bonus points may be earned in this course.

NOTE: STUDENTS MAY REVIEW A SCORED EXAMINATION THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN IN MY OFFICE; DO NOT REMOVE AN EXAMINATION OR A SCANTRON ANSWER SHEET FROM THE CLASSROOM; YOU MAY NOT GET CREDIT FOR YOUR EXAMINATION.

(Link to Examination Study Suggestions)

If time does not permit the review of textbook materials towards the end of the course, students will be held responsible for studying all assigned materials, and should expect that the information question will be covered on the relevant examination.

Required Textbook Materials: (Available in the University Store.)

The one required course textbook is a custom edition containing both the textbook and accompanying textbook study guide.

For Your Information: (Library or CSU Office of Student Affairs)

"Clayton State University Student Handbook".

 Grading: Course grades will be determined on the basis of a straight 400 point scale, with a distribution of possible points earned as listed below for each grade level. To determine your grade at any point in the course simply subtract all points you have lost from 400; For example, if you have lost more than 40 points you will be in the B grade range, and if you have lost more than 80 points, you will be in the C grade range, etc. Percentages are not used to calculate grades in the class. I will curve examination scores up to an average of 70% correct, if the average score on an examination is below 70%, or 19 out of  possible 25 points per examination. I will give back a point for any question missed by 75% or more of the class. At the end of the semester if you are within 3 points of a higher letter grade I will assign you that higher grade for the course. 

Semester Grade Scale - 400 possible points

A = 400 - 361  (40 point range)

B = 360 - 321  (40 point range)

C = 320 - 281  (40 point range)

D = 280 - 241  (40 point range)

F = 240 or less

Midterm Grades: A course midterm grade will be posted on the DUCK by midterm each semester. The midterm grade will only reflect work completed to the middle of the semester, approximately 30% of information included in scored assignments and examinations. If you have questions, please contact the instructor. 

Withdrawals and Incompletes: Students may wish to review college policy regarding course withdrawals and incompletes in the CSU Catalog. Do not hesitate to speak with me, or your advisor, if you need information relating to course withdrawals/deadlines or incompletes.

The Fall Semester 2007 deadline to withdraw from a course without possible academic accountability is Friday, October 12th.

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

Regents Testing: The University System of Georgia requires that each student receiving a degree must have successfully demonstrated competence in reading comprehension and writing by passing two courses:  Regents Writing Skills RGTE 0199 and Regents’ Reading Skills RGTE 0198.  Students satisfy these course requirements through examination.  The University System of Georgia Regents Tests are administered each semester by the CSU Testing Center. Testing dates and registration procedures are listed each semester in the Class Schedule on the DUCK. Please contact your academic advisory or the Testing Center for more information.  

Any time you have any questions concerning this class. please feel free to share your questions or concerns by email with  the instructor, or email him to make an appointment for an office visit  If you feel that a course related matter requires further discussion, contact Dr. Randy Rosenburg, Chair, Department of Social Sciences, A&S Bldg., G-110, 678-466-4808.

This syllabus is subject to revision where necessary to achieve course goals; please feel free to make course-related suggestions to the instructor.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

Dr. Joseph S. Trachtenberg

Professor of Political Science

Course Web Site: http://www.a-s.clayton.edu/trachtenberg/Default/html

OFFICE TELEPHONE (voice mail): (678) 466-4810

E-MAIL ADDRESS: joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu
(Use the instructor's personal email address if privacy is desired to discuss exam scores, etc.)

I prefer email to voice mail, as you may provide me with a more detailed message;
I check my email regularly Monday through Friday.
Generally, during the week (M-F) I will respond to your CSU email messages within less than 24 hours.

SOSC 2501-04; CRN: 85777 

Classroom Location: A & S Bldg., Room G-229

Fall Semester 2007 course email list serve:

sosc2501-04fall07@lists.clayton.edu

(Course list serves will be activated on the first day of each semester.)

List serve messages go to all students who have set up a campus mailbox; please use the list serve for any general course matters
 such as examination study questions so we may share this information with all class member..

For campus closing information due to weather or an electrical outage - tune to WSB AM 750.

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OFFICE HOURS

Office: Arts &Sciences Bldg., Room 105-E

Fall Semester 2007

MW: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; TR 10:15 a.m. to Noon;
Online course meeting dates: Sat: 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and following class; 
By prior appointment at other mutually convenient times.

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COURSE ASSIGNMENT & EXAMINATION DUE DATES
 (If there are reading assignment or examination date changes, I will inform you by email and in class.)

As a student in this course, you are expected to be fully prepared for class every day.

Due dates for all reading assignments, chapter presentations and examinations:

Fall Semester 2007: (TR 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., A & S Bldg., Room: G-229)

Monday,  August 20th to Wednesday, August 22nd: Course Drop/Add Period;

Tuesday, August 21st: first day of class - review syllabus and discuss course expectations;

Thursday, August 23rd: Make textbook chapter classroom Power Point presentation assignments (Two assignments per students.);

Tuesday, August 28th: Chapter One presentations- Power, Society and the Social Sciences:

pp. 3-8: C. Cain

pp. 9-16: M. Lockhart

Thursday, August 30th: Chapter One examination;

Tuesday, September 4th: Faculty Planning Day - no class today, CSU is closed;

Thursday, September 6th: Chapter Two presentations - Social Sciences and the Scientific Method:

pp. 18-32: E. Rew

pp. 32-39: M. Blakley

Tuesday, September 11th: class will not meet today, study for the Chapter Two examination;

Thursday, September 13th: Chapter Two examination;

Tuesday, September 18th: Chapter Three presentations - Society & Ideology:

pp. 41-52: J. Martin

pp. 52-62: B. Draggs

Thursday, September 20th: Chapter Three examination;

Tuesday, September 25th: Chapter Four presentations - Power & Culture:

pp. 65-74: T. Foy

pp. 75-84: T. Jude

pp. 84-94: T. Murrell
Thursday, September 27th: Chapter Four Examination;

Tuesday, October 2nd: Chapter Five presentations - Power & Social Class:

pp. 97-109: E. Jasmin

pp. 109-115: K. Larry

pp. 115-123: M. Eloy

Thursday, October 4th: Chapter Five examination;

Tuesday, October 9th: Chapter Six presentations - Power & Personality:

pp. 125-132: S. Marcellus

pp. 132-139: L. Humphries

pp. 139-147: M. Pirita

pp. 147-158: C. Rayner

Thursday, October 11th: Chapter Six examination;

Tuesday, October 16th: Chapter Seven presentations -Power & the Economic Order:

pp. 161-174: A. Sherman

pp. 174-183: L. Rizzo

pp. 184-195: M. Holmes

Thursday, October 18th: Chapter Seven examination;

Tuesday, October 23rd: Chapter Eight presentations- Power & Government:

pp. 198-209: W. Johnson

pp. 209-222: B. Matthews

pp. 222-232: B. McFarland

pp. 232-241: J. Crane

Thursday, October 25th: Chapter Eight examination;

Tuesday, October 30th: Chapter Nine presentations - Power & History:

pp. 244-256: T. Johnson

pp. 256-265: M. Davila

Thursday, November 1st: Chapter Nine examination;

Tuesday, November 6th: Chapter Ten presentations - Power, Race & Gender:

pp. 270-282: M. Jones

pp. 283-291: B. Williams

pp. 291-306: N. Gass

Thursday, November 8th: Chapter Ten examination;

Tuesday, November 13th: Chapter Eleven presentations - Poverty & Powerlessness:

pp. 309-319: M. Farlin

pp. 319-328: K. Meyers

Thursday, November 15th: Chapter Eleven examination;

Tuesday, November 20th: Chapter Twelve presentations - Power, Violence & Crime:

pp. 330-340: L. Addison

pp. 340-350: S. Starke

pp. 350-362: J. Craig

Wednesday, November 21st - Sunday, November 25th: Thanksgiving Holiday Break - no classes - CSU is closed;

Tuesday, November 27th: Chapter Twelve examination;

Thursday, November 29th: Chapter Thirteen presentations - Power & the Global Community:

pp. 365-375: A. Johnson

pp. 375-381: A. Aguilar

pp. 381-388: L. Rizzo
 
Tuesday, December 4th: Chapter Thirteen examination;

Thursday, December 6th: Chapter Fourteen presentations - Power Among Nations:

pp. 390-396: R. Hunter

pp. 396-403: K. Elder

pp. 404-412: A. Whitlock

Final Examination on Chapter Fourteen: Thursday, December 13th, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.