Robert Keel, Instructor

• E-mail: rok@umsl.edu
• Office: 608 SSB Tower
• Phone: 516-6052
• Mr. Keel's Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/
• Curriculum Vitae
• Office Hours: Tuesdays 3-4:00 PM, Wednesdays 1-2:00 PM, and Thursdays 11:15 AM-12:15 PM. 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, 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:

• Required Reading:
  • Drugs and Drug Policy: The Control of Consciousness Alteration, Clayton J. Mosher and Scott Adkins, age Publicans, Thousand Oaks, 2007. ISBN: 0-7619-3007-8.
  • 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). 
• Recommended but not required:
• Drugs in American Society, 7th edition, Erich Goode, McGraw-Hill, 2007.
• The American Drug Scene: An Anthology, 5th edition, edited by James A. Inciardi and Karen McElrath, Roxbury Publishing Co., 2007.
• Goode, Erich, Beyond Politics and Reason: The Drug Legalization Debate, Contemporary Social Issues Series, St. Martin's Press, New York, 1997.
• Inciardi, James, editor, The Drug Legalization Debate, 2^nd edition, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, 1999.
• Inciardi, James, The War on Drugs IV, 4th edition, Pearson Publications, New York, 2008.
• Musto, David F., The American Disease: Origins of Narcotic Control, 3^rd edition, Oxford University Press, New York, 1999.
• Lenson, David, On Drugs, University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, 1995.

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 directly at: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/4380/4380_assignments.html
• Class Lectures and Discussion:
  • All students are expected to "attend" one class session each week; Wednesdays from 3:30-6:00 PM in 449 SSB (a really cool learning center with laptops, multiple projection systems, and moveable desks, chairs, and couches. It should be fun to use this classroom! For those that can't attend live or face-to-face:
    • All sessions will be broadcast and archived using Wimba.
    • Students from any section that miss a live class session are expected to play back the Wimba archive(s) from that day.
    • 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.
• Class Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/4380/4380index.html
• Roksworld (username: student, password: umsl)
  • Roksworld has some course related documents: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/roksworld/general/180/180hand.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:

Randy Lynn

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

Carlie Fieseler

• Email: cmf556@umsl.edu
• Phone: 314-516-6392
• Office: 611 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) 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, once a week to discuss assigned material. Students in the internet-only section 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. Since this class meets only once a week, ALL students are responsible for extensive out-of-class reading, research, and collaboration.

Sociology 4380: Drug Policy for the 21st Century (SS 2008) is a study of the social reality of drug use and drug users within contemporary society. The course focuses on a historical analysis of the social construction of drugs, drug use, drug users, drug abuse, and addiction. We will investigate the complex relationships between individual and group behavior, and social structure, in order to evaluate social policy formulations for contemporary society. Special attention will be given to the complex legal history surrounding drug use, the link between drugs and crime, the impact of the medicalization of human behavior, the role of drugs as pharmacological agents, and varying perspectives, national and international, on "doing something about drugs." Most specifically, we will be investigating the perspective of “harm reduction” as an alternative to traditional prohibitionist strategies here in the USA.

Course Objectives and Learning Goals:

The basic objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive survey of the development of sociological theories and analyses of drug use, focusing on images of drug use and the drug user as social constructs rather than as an intrinsically pathological behavior or identity. An additional objective of this course is to survey the current information and research on selected categories of drugs and the socially constructed reality that surrounds their use in contemporary society in order to understand a) the socio-cultural based definitions of drugs and b) the individual, group, and social structural dimensions of drug using behavior. This will include an analysis of the implications of these definitions and relationships for social policy and social control (legislation, prevention and treatment). These issues will be analyzed within the shifting legal and medical definitions that permeate the discussion of drug use in modern society.

Lectures, reading assignments, group discussion, and outside projects will be used to assess and critique theories and analyses of drug use and users, legal and medical definitions, and treatment modalities in order to develop a sociological perspective on drug use in society.

Specifically, students will be expected to:

1. Articulate the variety of social, individual, and bio-chemical factors that impact definitions of drugs, as well as how these factors influence a drug's effect.
2. Understand the process of the social construction of drug use as a social problem.
3. Develop a familiarity with the various biological, psychological, and sociological theories that seek to explain drug using behavior; including an analysis of their basic assumptions, limitations, and implications for social policy.
4. Be familiar with trends, patterns, and types of drug use in society.
5. Display knowledge of the various drugs, both legal and illegal, used in American society, as well as the social reality that surrounds their use.
6. Develop an analysis of the relationship between drugs, crime and socio-cultural definitions of drug using behavior.
7. Develop an analysis of the various social responses to drug use, displaying an understanding of the emergence of these responses being linked to particular cultural and social structural shifts.

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 ethics in conducting research;
3. to convey research findings in writing; and
4. to evaluate media information; become critical consumer of information.

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; and

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

H. Research in sociology. The students learn:

1. to summarize basic questions and issues in a specialty area, such as deviant behavior, social psychology or social stratification;
2. basic theoretical orientation in a specialty area; and
3. to become familiar with current research in a specialty area.

I. Diversity of American society. Students will learn:

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

J. 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 a TA 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--section 001 or attending a Wimba session/reviewing an archive, sections 001AND 002). 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 section 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 Tuesday, June 17, 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, June 17, 2008 end of day (5 points)
3. Attendance and Online and In-Class Participation (100 points possible)
4. Group Project (50 points possible)
5. 2 Tests (75 questions, 1 point per question, 150 points possible)
6. Final Project (150 points)

• The syllabus quiz is required.
• Read the full course syllabus (this document).
• Access the syllabus quiz by the link in the Assignments area (third item in this area) of the MyGateway course site.
• The syllabus quiz must be completed, with a score of 25, by Tuesday, June 17, 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, June 16, 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 Tuesday, June 17, 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 June 24, 2008.

1. Attendance and Participaption (100 points possible). For all students: A mandatory first forum (introduction) message is due by Tuesday, June 17, 2008 (end of day) .

1. All students are expected to "attend" the weekly class session. Live class sessions are held Wednesdays from 3:30-6:00 PM in 449SSB.
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 of 4 points per class session (both archives). Click the link: Wimba, for detailed instructions for using Wimba Live Classroom.
4. Online and In-Class Participation. Class participation, expected component of the class. Students can earn 8-10 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, "Drug Policy" (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).
5. Simple messages indicating agreement (or just your presence) will earn 1 point, messages displaying an understanding of basic concepts, theories, and ideas will earn 2-3 points, and messages extending and applying core concepts and perspectives can earn up to 4-5 points (exceptional work). In-class participation will be included in your participation scores.
6. Students are expected to make a minimum of 2-3 contributions per week. 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.
• "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 week of June 24, 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 Wednesday, July 30, 2008 (end of day)

• 4 points for plain and simple attendance (one session per week) and 8-10 points for participation): 100 points total.

2. Group Project (70 points possible):

• Small groups will be assigned one of 5 chapters in the required text (Chapters 7-12). Each group will develop an "annotated" outline of the assigned chapter. 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.
• Group Project: 70 points total.

Tests (2 tests, 75 points per test, 150 points possible)

• 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 90 minutes to complete each test. 
  • 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.
    
• 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.

Please be sure to use the "Practice Quizzes" found in the "Assignments" area to help you prepare for the test. The "Course Documents" area contains study guides, test study tips, and other utilities to help you prepare for the tests and final exam.

Final Project: (150 points)

The final project can be an individual, team, or group project. A short in-class presentation during one of the last two class sessions is a required part of this project. Students must arrange. Ideally, students will work on themes and policy initiatives realted to their group project work, but extend and enhace the research they do in a specific area.

Final grades will be calculated based on a total of 500 points. Students who submit work past a due date are subject to penalties, point deductions, or not having their work accepted for grading. Items included in calculating the point total:

1. Syllabus Quiz: 25 points
2. Introductory message: 5 points
3. Attendance and Participation: 100 Points
4. Group Project: 70 points
5. 2 Tests: 150 points
6. Final Project and Presentation: 150 points

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 “My Grades” link located in the “Tools” area of the class MyGateway site.  The grades in MyGateway are for individual tests, quizzes, and assignments only.  The “total points earned” found in the grades area of MyGateway will reflect your final grade.  Final grades will be based on the following scale:

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

Percentages displayed for "current estimated grade" in the MyGateway grade book represent letter grades as follows:

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

Extra Credit: The idea of "extra" credit is an oxymoron.  There is only credit! THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT in my classes. Students can earn additional points for exceptional levels of participation in the class discussions and online forums; however, 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 is unable to complete the FInal Exam (due to exceptional circumstances), a Delayed Grade can be negotiated.  Students MUST contact the instructor by 5:00 pm on the last day of the Final Exam to document their reason for being unable to complete the test, and 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.

Course Tools

Wimba:

Wimba Live Classroom is an online, synchronous learning tool we will be using this semester. Wimba allows students to "attend" a live class via the Internet, and it also allows me to archive class sessions so that students can access and review the recordings. A brief explanation for using Wimba is included in the course syllabus and at http://www.horizonwimba.com/technicalsupport. You can contact Horizon Wimba Technical Support by phone (toll-free): 866.350.4978 or email: technicalsupport@horizonwimba.com. You'll find a link to Wimba on the navigation menu of our course MyGateway site. To attend a live course session, you will need a computer with Internet access, as well as speakers and a microphone (a headset works best). Be sure to run the "Set Up Wizard" to insure your computer is properly configured for the Wimba Live Classroom interface. To review archived class sessions, you'll just need speakers. Any student is invited to participate via the live class sessions (face-to-face or via WImba), and all students are expected to review recorded archives if they cannot attend a live class session.

• The day sessions will be broadcast live via Wimba.
• Login a bit early and insure your speakers and microphone are working properly.
  • Click on the "Wimba" link on the course navigation menu (left-hand column on main MyGateway class page)
  • Click on the "Live Classroom" link.
  • Click on the "Enter Room" button (you'll also see links for the "Setup Wizard" ).
• Be sure to run the "Set Up Wizard" the first time you logon to insure your computer is properly configured for the Wimba Live Classroom interface.

To review archived class session, you'll just need speakers:

• Click on the "Wimba" link on the course navigation menu (left-hand column on main MyGateway class page)
• Click on the "Live Classroom" link.
• You'll find a list of archive class sessions under the heading: "Here is the list of the recorded archives for this room:"
• Click on the title of the archive, or the icon under "Enter" to access the archived recording.

Please note:

• Playbacks of archived sessions must be played back prior to the following class session or at least within seven days, if you don't want to be considered absent.
• Wimba tracks the length of your playback. Partial playbacks will receive partial credit.
• Be sure to close down playbacks at the end of a session. If your playbacks indicate excessively long (over 2 hours) connection times, I will contact you to discuss how you are using this important utility.
• Class attendance scores will be updated on a regular basis. If you note a discrepancy between your Wimba activity and your attendance score, you can contact Mr. Keel or the class TAs to discuss the problem.

Any student is invited to participate via the live interface (all class sessions will use Wimba). All students are encouraged to use the recorded sessions in their studies for the course.  Students who fail to attend a live class session (for whatever reason) must use the archive feature of Wimba to receive credit for attendance. If you have problems accessing or using Wimba, you can contact Horizon Wimba Technical Support by phone (toll-free): 866.350.4978 or email: technicalsupport@horizonwimba.com and/or access online technical support documentation at: http://www.horizonwimba.com/technicalsupport/

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 below for information on accessing MyGateway and your campus email.

ROKSWorld

Roksworld is one of my Internet sites that provides students with access to a variety of "class room only handouts" (news articles and other essays). Please note: page references in the feedback for tutor questions may not correspond with current textbooks. If you can't figure out why you got a particular question wrong on the tutor,ontact the instructor or TAs.

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

• username: student
• password: umsl 

Accessing Online Resources:

• Students have access to online resources from a variety of computing labs (see location information below) as well as special Kiosks, and the Cyber-Café in the Millennium Student Center
• If you have a computer and modem, you can connect to the Internet from home via UM-St. Louis.  Instruction for student dialup can be found at: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/tsc/dialup/index.html. 
• If you live in one of the campus dorms, or The Meadows, you can use an Ethernet card in your personal computer to hook-up directly to the campus network.
• Contact the Technology Support Center for Dial-up assistance (516-6034) and visit http://gatewayid.umsl.edu/ for information on the user name and password you will need to access UMSL Internet services from home.

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.  For new students, you will have to choose a password the first time you access your account.

If you have previously accessed your MyGateway account and have changed your password, use the new password that you specified for this account.

If you have used dial in access from home and have changed your password, you must use the new password that you specified.

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.

4. 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. 

• Class Announcements, Calendar events, and Task lists are available here, as well as a list of the courses you are taking, and campus organizations you have joined.
• The "Student" tab provides you with access to most all online services and resources here at UM-St. Louis. The "E-mail" tab allows you to access your campus email.
• You will also find links on your MyGateway main page that allow you to check your official grades at the end of each semester.

5. Additionally, you can add various content elements to your my Gateway page by clicking on the "Content" button found near the upper right-hand side of the page.

6. In the "My Courses" area on the "MyGateway" page, click on our 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 (Old announcements may be viewed by clicking the “View All” tab at the top of the page).  The links 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 will find include:

• Course Information
  • Syllabus: To access the syllabus click on the format you would prefer to read (html or MS Word).  Read the Syllabus carefully!
  • Syllabus Quiz
  • Reading Assignments and Class Schedule: Includes the class reading schedule and allows you to know what is going to be discussed on what day.  Pay particular attention to this schedule!
  • Teaching Assistant: Includes name, phone number, email, office location, and office hours of all teaching assistants.
  • Grading Policies: Includes information about grading options, make-up exams, delayed grades, extra credit, student participation, and student conduct.
  • Class Home Page: Includes links to class material, roksworld, information resources, and sociology links.
• Faculty Information: Contact information for your course instructor and teaching assistants. 
• Course Documents:
  • Reading Assignments and Class Schedule: Includes the class reading schedule and allows you to know what is going to be discussed on what day.  Pay particular attention to this schedule!
  • Lecture Notes: The lecture notes are organized to follow our class discussion and your readings.    Review them prior to our in-class discussions
  • Virtual Handouts: This section includes a variety of articles and information about different topics that have been discussed in class.  Use them to supplement what you are reading in the lecture notes, and class texts, as well as to inform your comments on the discussion board.
  • PowerPoint Presentations for "Drugs in American Society," by Erich Goode prepared by James Roberts, University of Scranton.
  • Study Guides: Each study guide covers the material associated with one of the four tests.  They provide a good review when studying for a test.
  • Study Tips: These include other helpful ideas when studying for the tests. They are most beneficial when used with the study guides.
  • roksworld: This is a link to one of Mr. Keel’s web sites. This web page includes a Java Tutor, which is helpful when studying for tests and quizzes. It gives sample questions for you to answer. To access you must logon with the username: student, and the password: umsl.
• Assignments:
  • Reading Assignments and Class Schedule: Includes the class reading schedule and allows you to know what is going to be discussed on what day.  Pay particular attention to this schedule!
  • Practice Quizzes (tutorial programs to help you prepare for the required quizzes and tests
  • Group Activities
  • Quizzes: Seven quizzes are required for this class. To access the quiz you click on “Take Quiz”. Keep in mind you may not log onto a quiz and then exit. If you do so you will be locked out and it will have to be reset by either Mr. Keel or the TA.
  • Online Tests:
  • Critical Thinking Essay Assignment: Includes the guidelines and an explanation of the critical thinking assignment required for Grading Option 2. (See also, Critical Thinking Grade Sheet)
  • Critical Thinking Grade Sheet: VERY IMPORTANT!!! If you are doing a critical thinking assignment, make sure you read the grade sheet. The grade sheet shows you what must be included in your essay and how many points are assigned to each. All items on the grade    sheet   must be included in your essay for a good score.
  • Columbia Guide to Online Style:  Shows ways to cite papers correctly and to organize bibliographies correctly.
  • Sample Essays (Critical Thinking Project): Includes two essays done by previous students. Reading these will allow you to get an idea of how your critical thinking assignment should be organized.
• Discussion Board:  This button allows you to access all forums and postings on the discussion board. 
  • To access a forum simply click on the title of the forum (General Discussion, etc.) To read a post click on the name of the post, not the name of the person.
  • Old Messages: You may access old messages by entering the archives.
  • Creating A New Thread: To add a new thread or topic to a forum click “Add New Thread” at the top left. Type your message and “click submit.”
  • Adding to a Thread: You may reply to existing messages by clicking “Reply”, typing your message, and then by clicking “submit”.
• Group Areas
  • A folder with a list of group activities
  • Folders for each group with:
    • A link to your groups pages: group discussion forum, email , file exchange, and collaboration programs
    • Your group wiki
    • Your group blog
• Wimba: Access to the Wimba Live Classroom and Archives
• Communication:
  • Class email sending utility.
  • Access to student web pages (via the Class Roster)
  • The class discussion board for online discussion (there may also be a button that takes you directly to the Discussion Board)
  • Group Pages (it's better to use the "Group Areas" link to access these pages, as well as your group's wiki and blog))
  • The virtual classroom program for synchronous online discussions and presentations—we'll be using Wimba instead of this program.
• Books:
  • Lists the names of the main text, required reading, and recommended readings for the course.
  • OneLook Dictionary: Allows you to look up words using the OneLook search engine. Very helpful when you are unsure of how to spell a work when posting on the discussion board.
• External Links: A variety of class related www sites.
• Tools:
  • "My Grades" gives your access to your current class grades (quiz and “raw” test scores are automatically entered).
  • The class calendar
  • A class-based personal web page editing utility—you can create a personal web page that the rest of the class can access through the class roster in the Communications area.
  • A student manual that will tell you more about the MyGateway system
  • An "Electronic Blackboard" where you can create and store class related notes.
  • Other resources and tools.

Campus Email:

See the "Student Technology Guide" for information on accessing your campus email account, and for other information concerning the technology resources available to students at UM-St. Louis.

Campus Computing Labs

• Lab Locations: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/instructionalcomputing/locations.html
• Lab Hours: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/instructionalcomputing/labhours.html

Written work submitted in this class will be subject to plagiarism checking using Turnitin.

Unless otherwise noted, all pages within the web site http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/ ©2015 by Robert O. Keel.
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