Sociology 010 (VIP)- Introduction to Sociology: FS 2002

VIP Instructor: Brent Coleman

VIP Coordinator: Robert O.  Keel

You must contact Brent Coleman or Mr. Keel by August 28, 2002. You need to discuss the course format, electronic mail requirements, and other features of the course before you begin your study.

Important Contacts:

Broadcast schedule questions--VIP Office: 516- 5370

Test scheduling--Online Testing Center: 516-7474 or umslon@msx.umsl.edu

Textbooks:

  1. Sociology, 8th edition, Richard Schaefer, McGraw-Hill, 2003. 
  2. Primis: Readings in Sociology, Robert Keel, Primis Division, McGraw-Hill, 2000.
  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).  See page 12 of this syllabus.  These handouts are accessible via the class home page and the class MyGateway web site.

Course Description:

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:

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.  Specifically, students will be expected to:

  1. Formulate a conception of social theory as not only an abstract interpretation of social processes, but as a practical tool for decision and policy-making.
  2. Develop a sense of the sociological perspective and apply it to reach an understanding of their own lives in a post-industrial/post-modern society.
  3. Assess social scientific research in terms of theory, methods and ethics.
  4. Develop an analysis of current social problems using the sociological perspective.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms and historical course of social change and its impact on their lives, values, and beliefs.

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 participation in online class 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.

Course Requirements:

You must contact Brent Coleman or Mr. Keel by August 28, 2002. You need to discuss the course format, electronic mail requirements, and other features of the course before you begin your study.

This class uses the Internet as both an educational and classroom resource. Lecture notes for all of my class presentations are available for your viewing and printing through Netscape or some other web browser. The syllabus, assignments, additional course readings and other materials can be accessed through Mr. Keel's Home Page, the class MyGateway web site, or directly via the class home page. See below for instructions on using campus Internet resources.

Consult the schedule of video broadcasts (pages 22-23 in the course packet) and the Course Readings, WWW Lecture Notes, and Video Coordination guide (on page 21) to see which videos need to be viewed while studying which chapters.  This page also details the online lecture notes (MyGateway: Course Documents) and Primis readings you should review and study for each chapter. 

MyGateway and E-Mail:

Students are required to use the campus MyGateway system and student e-mail for this class.  The MyGateway system contains all course information, quizzes, lecture notes, and a variety of other study aids.  The MyGateway system also contains the online discussion forums that are part of the required participation score included in your semester grade.  Campus email (via the studentmail server) is used for a variety of communication purposes—I send out email to the entire class, and to individual students.  You must check your campus email on a regular basis.  See pages 13-16 below for information on accessing MyGateway and your campus email.

Tests:

Testing will be handled through the Online Testing Center located in room 200 South Campus Computer Building.  Call 516-7474 or email: umslon@msx.umsl.edu to schedule test times.  All tests will be taken online via the class MyGateway site at the Online Testing Center.  You will need to complete each test by the due date indicated on the Class Reading schedule (which follows this syllabus).  If you cannot make a scheduled test time, you will be allowed one opportunity to reschedule your test. The Online Testing Center's hours of operation for Fall Semester 2002 will be published as soon as they are available.

There will be four (4) tests given during the semester. The tests will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions. Tests will cover all assigned reading material, lecture notes and videos. Test 4 will primarily cover material from the last section of reading, lectures, and videos, but will also contain questions reviewing major themes from the entire semester.  See the section on grading (below to determine the weight of the tests toward your final grade.  The test are located in the VIP Tests folder found in the Assignments area of the class MyGateway site.  Test are password protected and can only be access at the Online Testing Center.

Students are responsible for completing all assigned readings, and viewing relevant videos, before taking the required tests.  Please see the Class Schedule for testing deadlines.  Test 4 (Final Exam) must be completed by Wednesday, December 18, 2002 in order to be graded and recorded prior to the close of the semester.  You are encouraged to call me (or come by my office) to receive feedback on your tests. The Video Instruction Program Office does not maintain grade files.

Reviewing your work on tests: When you have completed each test, you are provided feedback showing how you did on each question.  Please take the time to review your work on each test.  Tests may be review before the end of the semester by contacting your instructor or Mr. Keel.  Test copies are not kept after the end of a semester, so it is imperative that you review your work, and bring up any questions concerning your tests, prior to the semester’s close.

Quizzes:

There will be 7 short online quizzes posted periodically throughout the semester.  The quizzes can be found in a folder named Quizzes in the Assignments area of the class MyGateway site.  Students will be required to complete these quizzes online.  These quizzes are "open book," but they will be timed.  The schedule for these quizzes is available on the assignment page, and their availability will be posted in the announcement area of the class MyGateway site.  It is the student’s responsibility to complete them by the time indicated.  Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped from your overall grade calculation.  PLEASE NOTE: If you go over time, the quiz can still be submitted.  Your grade will not be automatically recorded in the online grade book.  I will process the grade manually when I review grade book entries.  If you are not able to submit a quiz successfully, please contact me via email, and I will reset it so that you may try again

Do not hesitate to contact me (either face-to-face or electronically) about concerns or problems, especially on the following:  

Essays:

Under grading options 3-4, students may submit up to two critical thinking projects.  Reports on these projects must be typewritten, double-spaced and approximately 6- 8 pages in length. Students may access these assignments at any time through the class web site at http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/intro.html or through MyGateway (Assignments Area).  These assignments are also included in your course packet (see pages 24-27), online via the Assignments area of the class MyGateway site, and directly via the WWW: Critical Thinking Projects.

These assignments are designed to acquaint students with basic sociological concepts, research methods and theoretical analysis.  They are also designed to stimulate thinking on taken- for- granted aspects of social reality and social problems.

Project one focuses on the concept of social order, and involves exploring the significance of unwritten rules.  Project 1 is due: Wednesday, October 2, 2002 at 12:00 noon.   Late papers will not be accepted.

The second project is involves investigating the social reality of poverty in an affluent society.  Project 2 is due: Monday, December 2, 2002 at 12:00 noon.  Late papers will not be accepted.

Review the General Paper Guidelines (http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/papguid.html) prior to completing this assignment!!!  Be sure to review the sample CT Projects and the CT grading sheets, available in the class MyGateway site Assignments area.

Always make (save) a copy of your papers before you turn them in!  DO NOT use folders or plastic binders if you submit a hard copy.  Your projects can be submitted via the class MyGateway "Digital Drop Box" available in the "Student Tools" area (I would prefer this method).  Please insure you save your document in MS Word format (.doc), and use the “Send” button to deliver your paper to your instructor.

Academic Dishonesty, and other misconduct will not be tolerated. See the partial listing of conduct for which students are subject to sanction, below. Or, view the entire document by visiting: http://www.umsl.edu/services/advising/student_guide/policies/conductcode.htm

You are expected to be able to convey your ideas in a cogent and coherent manner.  An assessment of your papers’ and or forum postings’ organization, grammar and spelling will be included in its evaluation.  There is a writing lab available to help you with your papers. The Writing Lab is located in room 409 SSB.  Call ahead to schedule an appointment: 516- 5950.

Participation:

Online participation will be a significant part of your grade.  The instructor will post questions of substantive concern for class discussion, but students are encouraged to initiate their own discussion topics.   Students are expected investigate relevant Internet resources, and participate in the ongoing, online, class discussion; and attend class on a regular basis.

To receive full credit for class participation students must post a minimum number of messages (see grading options below) via the MyGateway Discussion Board Forums over the course of the semester.  HOWEVER, simply posting the minimum number of messages required for a particular grading option does not guarantee that you will receive 100% for participation.  The first message must be posted within the week of the semester (for summer session), or the second week of the semester (for fall and winter semesters).  Messages in the for-credit forums must be questions, comments, or replies relevant to the theme of the forum.  Students should display their understanding of basic sociological concepts, theories, and analysis in their messages. Messages will be evaluated for conceptual soundness, relevance to class issues, and theoretical cogency. 

NOTE:  To receive full credit, messages must be posted consistently and regularly throughout the semester.  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 (in an attempt to meet a quota) do not reflect consistent or regular postings, and will NOT necessarily be counted toward the fulfillment of this requirement.  All students will receive periodic feedback (public and private) from the instructor (or TA) 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.

Grading:

Decide which grading option (see below) you wish to follow early in the semester, and notify the instructor via email by September 13, 2002.  This will insure that you meet the deadlines for written projects and contribute consistently to the class discussion forums.   Students may switch options, with approval, but are responsible for meeting all deadlines and requirements for the new option selected. 

Extra Credit: The idea of "extra" credit is an oxymoron.  There is only credit! Besides the possibility of 1-2 points being awarded for consistent attendance and superior participation, THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT in my classes.  If you are having difficulties with the course work, get help as early in the semester as possible.  Adding more work will NOT help you, and if you cannot do the regular work adequately, any additional work will not be to your benefit.  More IS NOT (necessarily) better.  Rather than worrying about doing more work—FOCUS on the regularly assigned work and do it to the BEST of your abilities.

Delayed Grade Policy: If a student fails to take the final exam, and/or fails to submit the required critical thinking project for the course, a Delayed Grade can be negotiated.  Students MUST contact the instructor by 5:00pm on the day of the final exam period to request a delayed grade.  If students DO NOT initiate the request for a delayed grade, a score of ZERO (0) will be assigned for any uncompleted work.

Delayed grades MUST be made up by the end of the following semester (Summer and Interim Semesters excluded).  Failure to make-up a delayed grade by the end of the following semester will result in an F being recorded for the course grade.  Delayed grades WILL NOT be extended past one semester unless exceptional circumstances (as decided by the instructor) are evident.

Percentage distribution for the course requirements in determining the final grade is as follows:

Option 1: No Critical Thinking Essays:

  • Tests (1-3): 50%
  • Final Exam: 20%
  • Online Quizzes: 15%
  • Online Participation: 15% (25 forum message minimum—does not guarantee an “A”)

Option 3: Critical Thinking Essay 2 (only):

  • Tests (1-3): 40%
  • Final Exam: 15%
  • Online Quizzes: 15%
  • Essay (2): 20%
  • Online Participation: 10% (10 forum message minimum—does not guarantee an “A”)

Option 2: Critical Thinking Essay 1 (only):

  • Tests (1-3): 40%
  • Final Exam: 20%
  • Online Quizzes: 15% Essay (1): 10%
  • Online Participation: 15% (15 forum message minimum—does not guarantee an “A”)

Option 4: Critical Thinking Essays 1 and 2:

  • Tests (1-3): 40%
  • Final Exam: 15%
  • Online Quizzes: 15%
  • Essay (1+2): 25%
  • Online Participation: 5% (7 forum message minimum—does not guarantee an “A”)

NOTE: All course grades will be posted in the online Grade book in the class MyGateway site.  Students can access their individual grades via the “Check Grade” link located in the “Tools” area of the class MyGateway site.  The grades in MyGateway are for individual tests, quizzes, and assignments only.  Final grade calculations are made using the weighted schema chosen by the individual student.  Assessment averages and average points per assessment found in the grades area of MyGateway DO NOT reflect final grades.  Final grades are calculated at the end of the semester, and will be posted in MyGateway.  Final grades will be based on the University of Missouri-St. Louis incremental grading system:

A: 93-100; A-: 90-92; B+: 87-89; B: 83-86; B-: 80-82; C+: 77-79; C: 73-76; C-: 70-72; D+: 67-69; D: 63-66; D-: 60-62; F: 59 and Below

Roksworld:

Roksworld is one of my Internet sites that provides students with an "Online Interactive Sociology Tutor" (This tutor enables students to explore concepts, theories, and applications that are key elements of the course) and access to a variety of "class room only handouts" (news articles and other essays).

To access "Roksworld" students must use the following logon information:

The Online Tutor is located at: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/roksworld/Tutor and the course related documents can be accessed at: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/roksworld/general/010/010controlhand.html

Accessing Campus Online Resources:

Your Gateway ID and Password:

Your Gateway ID and password provide you with access to all online services at UM-St. Louis including the campus MyGateway online course system, campus email, and many other services.

To find your Gateway ID and password:

  1. Visit http://gatewayid.umsl.edu and click "Search for ID", or from the MyGateway login page (http://mygateway.umsl.edu) click on the "Gateway ID Search" button.
  2. Type in your student number and your Social Security Number and click on "Search"
  3. The next page will show your Gateway login ID.  It also informs you that your default password is a string of eight characters comprised of yyddssss where yy are the last two digits of the year you were born, dd is the day (01-31) of the month on which you were born, and ssss is the last block of four digits from your federal ID number (SSN)

Using MyGateway:

The MyGateway (http://mygateway.umsl.edu) online course management system was introduced here at UM-St. Louis at the beginning of fall semester 2000.  MyGateway provides all students and faculty with access to course materials, and a variety of programs that enable classroom communication and interaction using virtually any computer with a current web browser (such as Netscape or IE 4.0 or higher), and an Internet connection. 

To login to MyGateway:

  1. Go to the web page http://mygateway.umsl.edu.
  2. Click on the "Login" button.
  3. Type in your login ID (Gateway ID) and password.

After logging on to the MyGateway system you will be brought to your "MyGateway" page.  From this page you can access most of the features of the MyGateway system, and all of your classes at UM-St.  Louis, as well as a variety of other campus based resources. 

  1. Your "MyGateway" page also contains tabs that allow you to access information on various campus organizations (Organizations tab), and access other online campus services (Services tab).  Additionally, you can add various content elements to you’re MyGateway page by clicking on the "Content" button found near the upper right-hand side of the page.
  2. Under the heading "My Courses," on the "MyGateway" page, click on a class name, and you will access the class MyGateway site.  The first page displayed is typically "Announcements."  Here you will see all class related announcements, including the availability of online progress evaluations, and other class related news.  The buttons on the left-hand side of the screen give you access to a variety of tools and documents that your instructor has created for your class.  The areas available, and some of the items you may find, include:

Campus Email:

Beginning Winter Semester 2002, UM–St. Louis is providing ALL students with a new student e-mail system.  All student e-mail address will be yourgatewayid@studentmail.umsl.edu.  Replace “yourgatewayid” with your personal Gateway ID.  Your Gateway ID can be found at http://gatewayid.umsl.edu (see instructions above).  UM–St. Louis is implementing the new student e-mail system in order to maintain effective communication with students.  All students will be responsible for checking this e-mail account for university correspondences. 

Checking Studentmail.umsl.edu:

  1. Open any web browser from any computer connected to the Internet. (The Web E-mail link in the Tools of the main MyGateway page will take you directly to the web-based interface for your student email account).
  2. In the address/location field type: http://studentmail.umsl.edu
  3. Enter your Gateway ID in the Gateway ID field
  4. Enter your Password in the Password field.
  5. Select your language of choice.
  6. Click Login.  This will take you to your Inbox.
  7. To read a message, simply click on the senders name under the “From” field.
  8. At this point you can “delete”, “reply”, “forward” or “save” the message or return to you Inbox simply by clicking the links above the message you have opened. 
  9. To compose a new e-mail message, to send to others, click “compose” in the red bar on the left hand side of the page.
  10. You will also find buttons that allow you to create folders to sort and save messages, and a “move/copy” function that allows you to put messages in whatever folders you choose.
  11. To logout, click “Logout” in the red bar on the left hand side of the page.

Please note:

  1. Students are responsible for checking their Studentmail e-mail account for important university correspondences.  All e-mail sent through MyGateway will be sent to Studentmail accounts. 
  2. Forwarding of Studentmail e-mail accounts will only be allowed through a special request application available in the student computer labs.
  3. Studentmail e-mail accounts are 10 megabytes in size.  Once your mailbox is full you will no longer be able to send or receive e-mail messages.  You will receive notification when you are approaching your mailbox capacity.
  4. Admiral UNIX accounts are not affected by the conversion to the studentmail server. Admiral e-mail accounts will still exist, however are no longer supported by the Technology Support Center.  Existing student mail files will remain on Admiral (See below)
  5. Also note that ALL students will only be using gatewayid accounts/passwords on the studentmail server.  Email sent to an address in the format:  s999999@studentmail.umsl.edu will be delivered to their gatewayid account (i.e. legacy accounts will be aliased to the corresponding gatewayid account).

Campus Computing Labs (http://www.umsl.edu/technology/instructionalcomputing/Labs/labs.htm)

Hours of Operation

Check with the lab personnel for up to date information on hours, and scheduled closings.

 http://www.umsl.edu/technology/instructionalcomputing/Labs/labs.htm

NOTE: CONDUCT FOR WHICH STUDENTS ARE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS FALLS INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

1.  Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or sabotage.  The Board of Curators recognizes that academic honesty is essential for the intellectual life of the University.  Faculty members have a special obligation to expect high standards of academic honesty in all student work.  Students have a special obligation to adhere to such standards.  In all cases of academic dishonesty, the instructor shall make an academic judgment about the student's grade on that work and in that course.  The instructor shall report the alleged academic dishonesty to the Primary Administrative Officer.

a.  The term cheating includes but is not limited to: (i) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (ii) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (iii) acquisition or possession without permission of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff;(iv) knowingly providing any unauthorized assistance to other student on quizzes, tests, or examinations.

b.  The term plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: (i) use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without fully and properly crediting the author with footnotes, citations or bibliographical reference; (ii) unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials; (iii) unacknowledged use of original work/material that has been produced through collaboration with others without release in writing from collaborators.

c.  The term sabotage includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized interference with, modification of, or destruction of the work or intellectual property of another member of the University community.

2.  Forgery, alteration, or misuse of University documents, records or identification, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University.

3.  Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, conduct proceedings, or other University activities, including its public service functions on or off campus.

4.       Physical abuse or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. 

ANY STUDENT WHO HAS A DISABILITY WHICH WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO COMPLETE COURSE ASSIGNMENTS OR TESTS AS OUTLINED IN THIS SYLLABUS: PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ME IMMEDIATELY SO THAT I CAN EITHER ARRANGE FOR APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE OR DESIGN AN ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE TO EVALUATE YOUR WORK. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE OFFICE OF DISABILITY ACCESS SERVICES IS LOCATED IN 301 WOODS HALL, 516-5211.

THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR TO ACCOMMODATE INSTRUCTIONAL AND/OR STUDENT NEEDS.

URL: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/010vsyllabus.html
Owner: Robert O. Keel: rok@umsl.edu
Last Updated: Sunday, August 18, 2002 10:09 AM