Robert O.  Keel, Instructor

• E-mail: rok@umsl.edu (I'll try to reply to contacts within 24 hours--except on weekends)
• Office: 608 SSB Tower
• Phone: 516-6052
• Mr. Keel's Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/
• Curriculum Vitae
• Office Hours: Mondays 3:30-5:00 PM, Tuesdays 9:30-10:45 AM, Wednesdays 3:30-5:00 PM, and Thursdays 9:30-10:45 AM. If these specific times don’t meet your needs, call or email to see if we can arrange an appointment. Try "Pronto," too.

This syllabus is rather long, but it contains

• A step-by-step account of completing all course requirements
• An explanation of course grading, information on accessing a wide variety of online resources that can help you excel in this class
• A guide to the class MyGateway site
• An excerpt from the student handbook on appropriate academic behavior.

Important Note:  There are students from a variety of "sections" enrolled in this course: a day section (001) meeting Tuesday and Thursday, and evening section (E01) meeting face-to-face on Wednesday evening, an Internet-only section (002), and a Video Instruction Program (VIP) section (V01).  The REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS are exactly the same.  I know this syllabus is rather long, but please take the time to review it thoroughly. It contains most everything you need to know about the course. Take the time to review it carefully.

Textbooks:

1. Required: Sociology, 11th edition, Richard Schaefer, McGraw-Hill, 2008.  ISBN-13 9780073404141
2. Optional (recommended but not required): Primis: Readings in Sociology, Robert Keel, Primis Division, McGraw-Hill, 2005. ISBN: 0-390-54904-5
3. There will a variety of "Virtual Handouts" (WWW sites, online essays, and cyber-reports to read and explore) assigned as additional readings throughout the semester.  Accessing some of these handouts will require that you log on to "Roksworld" web site (username: student, password: umsl). 

Other Information:

• MyGateway Class Pages: http://mygateway.umsl.edu.  Here you will find a link to the class MyGateway site, all class information, communication tools, assignments, and grades.  See below for information on logging onto and using the MyGateway site, as well as an outline of the contents in the class MyGateway site.
• Assignments, Readings and Class Schedule (all sections): in the Assignments area of the class MyGateway site, or: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/010assign.html
• Class Lectures and Discussion:
  • All students are expected to "attend" two class sessions each week; Tuesday (or Wednesday evening) and Thursday.
  • All sessions will be broadcast and archived using Wimba.
  • Students from any section that miss a live class session are expected to playback the Wimba archive(s) from that day.
    • Day Section 001 meets:
      • Tuesdays (8-9:15 AM in 200 Lucas), Wimba broadcast and archiving available.
      • Thursdays (8-9:15 AM in 200 Lucas), Wimba broadcast and archiving available.
    • Section 002 (internet-only) and VIP:
      • Students are expected to attend class using Wimba (live sessions OR if your schedule doesn't allow you to attend the live classes, you must review the archived recording(s) of the class sessions within 7 days for attendance credit).
      • See Wimba, below, for information on using Wimba to "attend" class, and for information on playing back archived class sessions. Archives of Wimba class sessions should be reviewed prior to the start of the following class session. See, "Attendance" for information more information.
    • Evening Section E01 meets:
      • Wednesdays from 6:55-8:10 PM in 003 CCB
      • Students in the evening section are also be expected to review the Wimba archive from Thursday's day class (or attend that session live) each week.
        • See Wimba, below, for information on using Wimba to "attend" class, and for information on playing back archived class sessions. Archives of Wimba class sessions should be reviewed prior to the start of the following class session. See, "Attendance" for information more information.
• Class Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/intro.html
• Roksworld (username: student, password: umsl)
  • Roksworld has some course related documents: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/roksworld/general/010/010controlhand.html.  Most of these are linked from various parts of the online lecture notes in MyGateway.
• Sociology Department Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~sociolog/

Teaching Assistants:

Carlie Fieseler

• Email: cmf556@umsl.edu
• Phone: 314-516-6392
• Office: 611 SSB Tower
• Office Hours

Randy Lynn

• Email: rlm76@umsl.edu
• Phone: 314-516-5141
• Office: 602 SSB Tower
• Office Hours

Corey Roderick

• Email: carmz2@umsl.edu
• Phone: 314-516-6390
• Office: 603 SSB Tower
• Office Hours

Course Description:

This is a web-based class using the MyGateway system. The class MyGateway site is used by day section students (sections 001), students in the evening section (E01), students in the video instruction program (VIP, section V01), and students in the Internet-only section (002). All students are responsible for accessing and using the variety of online resources available.  The day section will meet, face-to-face, twice a week to discuss assigned material. Students in the internet-only and VIP sections are expected to attend class via Wimba--either "live" or by viewing the recorded and archived class sessions on Wimba. Students are responsible for reading and studying assigned material prior to the weekly class meetings.

This course is an introduction to the study of human society.  The course stresses the learned nature of human behavior as a shared product of the ongoing interaction of individuals and groups within the changing institutional structure we call Society.  The elements of culture, social conceptions of deviant behavior, social class and inequality, as well as the factors that contribute to an understanding of social change, are explored throughout the course.

Course Objectives and Learning Goals:

The basic objective of this course is to provide the introductory student with a general survey of the discipline of sociology, and to place modern social thought in a historical perspective.  Lectures, reading assignments, discussions, small group interactions and critical thinking activities will be used to familiarize students with the theories, methods and concepts of sociological analysis.

Learning Goals

A. The discipline of sociology. Students will learn:

1. how sociology differs from and is similar to other social sciences;
2. how sociology contributes to a social scientific understanding of social reality; and
3. to apply the sociological imagination, sociological principles and concepts to one's life.

B. The role of theory. Students will learn:

1. the role of theory in building sociological knowledge; and
2. the historical context of times and cultures in which theories were developed.

C. Empirical science. Students will learn:   

1. the principles of scientific methods in sociology;
2. the basic methodological approaches in building sociological knowledge;
3. the ethics in conducting research;

D. Learn the relevance of culture, social change, socialization, stratification, social structure, and institutions, and differentiations by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and class.

E. Culture and social institutions. Students will learn:  

1. how social change affects social structures and individuals; and
2. how culture and social structure vary across time and place.  

F. Individuals and society. Students will learn:  

1. how the self develops sociologically.
2. how social interactions and the self influence society and social structure.

G. Understand the difference between macro and micro levels and the connections between the two levels.

H. Diversity of American society. Students will learn:

1. the significance of global variations by race, class, gender, and age.

I. Critical thinking. Students will learn:

1. opposing viewpoints and alternative hypotheses on various issues.

Expectations:

What you can expect from me:

1. I will meet with you on a regular, timely, and consistent basis.
2. I will keep appointments you have made with me, and return your phone calls and email messages.
3. I will adhere to the course syllabus and schedule of assignments.
4. Each class period will be devoted to extending your knowledge of sociology--I won't waste your time.
5. Your written work and tests will be graded and returned in a timely fashion.
6. I will display a competency in both written and oral communication in English (yes, I will use words that may be unfamiliar to you--that is part of the learning process).
7. I will conduct myself in a mature and civil manner (although we can certainly have a little fun, too).

What I expect from you:

1. Regular attendance and participation during in-class and online activities and discussions.
2. Regular use of the class MyGateway site and regular checking of your campus email.
3. Completion of assigned reading and written work (follow the schedule for the reading assignments even if class discussion lags behind).
4. Adherence to mandated deadlines for your work.
5. Competence in written and oral communication in English.
6. A desire or at least a willingness to perform within the parameters of this course.
7. A degree of maturity, civility, and propriety in classroom behavior.
8. When you contact the instructor or TAs via email or phone you must make sure your name and the class you are taking are included in your message.

Class Conduct:

Any successful learning experience requires the mutual respect of both the student and the instructor. No one should be subjected to behavior that is in any way disruptive or rude. Disruptive or rude behavior includes, but is not limited to the following: receiving beeper or cell phone calls during class, leaving early or coming to class habitually late, eating in class, talking out of turn, doing assignments for other classes, reading the newspaper, sleeping, and engaging in other activities that distract from the classroom learning experience.

This is an intensive course. Students are expected to attend class regularly, come to class on time, and stay until the class is dismissed. Attendance (and use of Wimba) will be monitored. Late arrivals and early departures demonstrate a lack of concern for the instructor and your classmates. This is your class. You are paying for it. It is your responsibility to arrange your schedule to allow you to attend the class. Excessive disruptions, from whatever source or for whatever reason, will not be tolerated.

Course Structure and Requirements:

Taking a Web-based Class:

This is a web-based class, and students are required to take responsibility for their learning by utilizing the variety of resources available.  Class discussions will be used to assess your understanding of course material. It is essential that you prepare yourself adequately for these discussions by reading AND studying the relevant material prior to class sessions or online discussion. Much of what would be the lecture in a traditional class takes place asynchronously through hypertext lecture notes and other content resources, but most significantly through the online discussion forums. Full participation at all levels, and a commitment to learning is necessary to do well in this course.

The "Assignments, Readings, and Course Schedule" document in the "Assignments" area of MyGateway lists relevant readings, lecture notes to review, class discussion topics, as well as due dates for quizzes, tests, and other assignments for the entire semester. Use it as a outline of the course.

Read the assigned text material as early as you can. Review the associated online lecture notes (prior to coming to class--sections 001 and E01, or attending a Wimba session/reviewing an archive--sections 002 and V01). These notes work best when viewed online. They are web documents with links you can explore for additional information, and to seek further clarification, on selected topics. Develop critical analyses and questions for discussion both in class and via the online discussion forums. There are a variety of resources in the class MyGateway site's "Course Documents" and "External Links" folders to assist you with your self-study.

All students are expected to "attend" class on a regular basis. Class presentations and discussions are not designed to simply cover "what is on the test," rather they are designed to augment the material you are engaging and to help you learn to understand, evaluate, and apply core concepts and theories. Your attendance--online and/or face-to-face, and participation in class activities and discussions, is part of developing your ability to synthesize course material and develop a sociological understanding of life in modern society.  Students in the internet-only and VIP sections are expected to attend class via Wimba--either "live" or by viewing the archived class sessions on Wimba. If you can't make the "live" class (or live Wimba sessions), you can still access the archives.  Attendance, in all formats, will be monitored. 

Requirements

1. Syllabus quiz: due by Monday, September 1, 2008 end of day: Unless otherwise posted, assignments are due by the end of the day listed: 11:59 PM (23:59). Students who submit work past a due date are subject to penalties, point deductions, or not having their work accepted for grading.) (25 points possible)
2. Introductory message due by Monday, September 1, 2008 end of day (5 points)
3. Attendance (45 points) and Online and In-Class Participation (not required, however up to 30 points possible)
4. Group Project (125 points possible)
5. 5 Tests (40 questions, 1 point per question, 200 points possible)
6. Final Exam (100 questions, 1 point per question, 100 points)

Syllabus Quiz (25 points)

• The syllabus quiz is required.
• Read the full course syllabus (this document).
• Access the syllabus quiz by the link in the Assignments area (fifth item in this area) of the MyGateway course site.
• The syllabus quiz must be completed, with a score of 25, by Monday, September 1, 2008 (end of day)
• If the quiz is not completed with a score of 25, NO points will be awarded.
• You can take the syllabus quiz multiple times prior to Monday, September 1, 2008 end of day.

Introductory Message (5 points)

1. All students are required to post an introductory message in the "General Class Discussion" forum.
2. Your introductory message should include a brief account of your background, why you are taking this course, and what you expect to get out of the course experience.
3. To post your introductory message: from the class MyGateway site, select, Discussion Board, and then click on the "General Class Discussion" forum to open it. Select the "About Me" thread. Use the reply button to reply to the message with your introduction. 
4. Your introductory message must be posted by Monday, September 1, 2008 (end of day) (5 points).
5. Basic help in using discussion forums can be found at http://www.umsl.edu/technology/mgwhelp/stuhelp/studiscussion.html
6. Students are also encouraged to develop their course "homepages" (access the editing link, "Homepage" from the Tools area). Please let the class know about changes and updates to your homepage.

Class Engagement: Class engagement is expected of every student. Class engagement scores will be updated in the MyGateway class grade book every two weeks beginning the week of Monday, September 1, 2008.

1. Attendance: Expected (45 points possible).

1. All students are expected to "attend" two class sessions each week. Live class sessions are held Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00-9:15 AM each week in 200 Lucas. The evening section meets face-to-face once a week: Wednesdays from 6:55-8:10 PM and students are expected to review the Thursday day class Wimba archive prior to the next Wednesday evening class.
2. All students are expected to "attend" all class sessions. Students may attend class in a variety of ways: live--face-to-face (this is the preferred and encouraged option), live via Wimba, or by reviewing the Wimba archives (typically 2 archives per class session in the summer).You will be held responsible for the content of all class sessions
3. If you can't attend a live class session, the Wimba archives of that session should be reviewed prior to the next class session, or within seven days to receive basic attendance credit 1 point per class session. Click the link: Wimba, for detailed instructions for using Wimba Live Classroom.
4. I consider attendance to involve more than simple "presence," so some "sign of life" (basic response or question) is expected from every student each week (biweekly during the summer). If you "attend" by viewing the archives, then you will need to document your presence by posting some simple comment concerning the class session in the class discussion board (Sign of Life forum--there's a thread fro each week)--such as, what you found most interesting and/or what is still confusing to you. The weekly "SOL" threads in the "Sign of Life" discussion forum open and close at class time on Tuesday each week. This includes students who attend live sessions and fail to participate even minimally.
5. Up to three points per week (2 points for plain and simple attendance--one point per class session, 1 point for a "sign of life"): 45 points total.

2. Group Project (125 points possible):

• There is a 3 part group project to be completed over the course of the semester. Ideally students will work together on the project, however failing cooperation, it is certainly possible for a student to complete the project on their own. Every student is responsible for the completion of the project and the group wiki.
• See the Group Project folder in the class MyGateway site's "Groups Area" (or Assignments area) for details.
• Groups will use group discussion forums and wikis to document and report their group activity.
• Dues dates are posted on the "Assignments, Readings, and Course Schedule," and can be found on the various assignments posted in the "Group Areas" section of the MyGateway site.
• See academic integrity statement and SafeAssign information.
• Group Project (3 parts): 125 points total.

3. Online and In-Class Participation. Class participation, over and above the basic level of participation expected as part of your attendance score, is an optional component of the class. Students can earn up to 30 points (up to 1-2 points per week during the regular semester, 2-3 points per calendar week during the summer) for contributions to:

• in-class discussions (in-person or via the live Wimba interface).
• the class discussion forum, "Sociological Imagination" (checked daily by TAs and/or instructor).
• annotated contributions to the class "Scholar" social bookmarking site (accessed via the Scholar "tab" in MyGateway or via the "Tools" area of our MyGateway site).

Simple messages indicating agreement (or just your presence) will earn 1 point, messages displaying an understanding of basic concepts, theories, and ideas will earn 2 points, and messages extending and applying core concepts and perspectives can earn up to 3 points (exceptional work). In-class participation will be included in your participation scores.

For all students: A mandatory first forum (introduction) message is due by Monday, September 1, 2008 (end of day) .

Students should display their understanding of basic sociological concepts, theories, and analysis in main class discussion forum, and/or during in-class discussions and presentations.  Messages and commentary in the for-credit forums should be questions, comments, extensions of in-class discussion, "mini-reports" on individual research, and/or replies relevant to the theme of the ongoing online discussion.

• You can find further guidance on our expectations for online participation in the "General Class Discussion" forum in the class MyGateway site.
• Since a mark of an educated individual is the ability to communicate effectively and precisely, style, grammar, and spelling count. Poorly organized postings and those that have multiple grammatical and spelling errors will not be acceptable.
• Appropriate resources and references should be included in your forum and blog postings--even if you are only using the text book. See academic integrity statement and SafeAssign information.
• "Weeks" begin and end at 9:00 AM Monday mornings. Participation and class engagement scores will be will be updated in the MyGateway class grade book every three weeks beginning the September 1, 2008.

NOTE:  Multiple messages posted on a single day to a single forum may not necessarily count towards the semester total unless they each contribute substantially to the forum topics.  Multiple messages in the final weeks and/or days of the semester by students who have not been active in the class do not reflect "class engagement," and will NOT necessarily be counted toward your point total.  All students will receive periodic feedback (public and private) from the instructor (or TAs) to keep them aware of their progress with this requirement.  It is critical that students check their campus email to receive private communication from the instructor.  See the orientation message in the general discussion forum for more information.

The instructor and TAs will post questions of substantive concern for class discussion, but students are encouraged to initiate their own discussion topics.  Students are expected investigate relevant resources (see Chapter Exercises above), and participate in the ongoing, online, class discussion; and attend weekly in-class discussions on a regular basis.

For-credit forums will close on Thursday, December 4, 2008 (end of day)

Tests (200 points possible for 5 tests and 100 points for the Final Exam; total 300 points possible)

There will be five (5) tests (40 questions, 1 point each, 40 points per exam) given during the semester and a comprehensive Final Exam.  The tests are designed to evaluate your comprehension of the basic material presented in the course: assigned readings, online lecture notes, and other online resources.  All these resources will be supplemented by in-class and online discussions.  Class engagement and participation (face-to-face, online, and written work) will be another part of your evaluation-they are not designed to cover "what is on the test," rather they are designed to evaluate your ability to synthesize course material and develop a sociological understanding of life in modern society

• Tests can be found in the Assignments area of the class MyGateway site in a folder called, Online Tests.
  • Please be sure to use the "StudyMate Chapter Review/Mastery Quizzes" in the "Assignments" area to help you prepare for the test, as well as the practice quizzes and other learning resources found in the chapter folders in the Course Documents area.
  • The "Course Documents" area also contains study guides, test study tips, and other utilities to help you prepare for the quizzes and exams
• The tests are of mixed, objective format, consisting of multiple choice and true/false questions.
• Each test will be available for a one week period. Specific availability dates for the tests are detailed on the "Assignments, Readings, and Course Schedule" found in the Assignments area.
  • Tests may be taken from any Internet location, so in effect, the tests are "open book."
  • The tests are "timed" and it is advisable to only use the Firefox web browser (MS Internet Explorer often has difficulty with the test timer).
  • Each test can be taken twice. Your high score from the two attempts will serve as you final score on that test
  • Following completion of a test, you will receive feedback--the questions, your answers, and whether your answers were right or wrong. It makes sense to use the feedback from a first attempt at a test as a study resource prior to taking the second attempt
  • You can also review your work on a test (after completion) by clicking on the grade in the grade reporting area of MyGateway (Student Tools: View Grades).
  • You will have 45 minutes to complete each test.  If you go over time on a test attempt, you may be subject to a penalty or not having the attempt count.
  • You will need to complete each test by the due date indicated on the "Assignments, Readings and Class Schedule" page.
  • An attempt is an attempt. You may request up to three resets for technological "glitches" over the course of the semester. Submitted exams will not be available for reset.
  • Any concerns regarding your tests must be addressed before the end of the semester.
    
• Final Exam  (100 points)
  • The Final Exam will be available for approximately 10 days and must be completed by the end of the day (11:59 PM) on Thursday, December 11, 2008.
  • The Final Exam will cover both the assigned readings associated with chapters 17-20 and 22-23, as well as the key concepts, theories, and methods which served as a focus of attention throughout the semester.
  • The Final Exam may be taken from any Internet location, so in effect, it is "open book."
  • The Final Exam is "timed" and it is advisable to only use the Firefox web browser (MS Internet Explorer often has difficulty with the test timer).
  • The Final Exam can be taken two times. Your high score will serve as you final score on the Final Exam
  • Following completion of an attempt of the Final Exam, you will receive feedback--the questions, your answers, and whether your answers were right or wrong. It makes sense to use the feedback from a first attempt at a test as a study resource prior to taking an additional attempt.
  • You will have 90 minutes to complete the Final Exam.  If you go over time on a Final Exam attempt, you may be subject to a penalty or not having the attempt count.
  • An attempt is an attempt. You may request one reset of a failed Final Exam attempt (for technological "glitches"). A submitted exam will not be available for reset.
  
  
• Make-up tests will be available for students who can document exceptional circumstances that prohibited them for completing at least one attempt of a test during its regular availability period. You must contact the instructor within 24 hours following the close of a test to arrange for a make-up. There will only be one attempt available for a make-up test.
• Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in a Zero (0) being recorded for the test/final exam in question.

Note: TAs are available for review and discussion sessions (they may be online). The sessions will offered based on student interest and initiative (you need to contact the professor and course TAs to arrange review sessions). The sessions will be a general review of the material to be covered on the test.

1. Class Engagement (attendance, group project, and participation): 170 points (however, 200 points possible)
2. 5 Test Scores: 200 points possible
3. Final Exam: 100 points possible
4. Syllabus Quiz: 25 points
5. Introductory message: 5 points

465 and above A 464-450: A-

449-435: B+ 434-415: B 414-400: B-

399-385: C+ 384-365: C 364-350: C-

349-335: D+ 334-315: D 314-300: D-

299 and below: F

93% and above A 90-92% A-

87-89%: B+ 83-86%: B 80-82%: B-

77-79%: C+ 73-76%: C 70-72%: C-

67-69%: D+ 63-66%: D 60-62%: D-

59% and below: F

Academic Dishonesty and other misconduct will not be tolerated. See the partial listing of conduct for which students are subject to sanction at the end of this syllabus. Or, view the entire document by visiting: http://www.umsl.edu/studentlife/dsa/student_planner/policies/conductcode.htm