Teaching Professor Robert O. Keel

• E-mail: rok@umsl.edu (I'll try to reply to contacts within 24 hours--except on weekends)
• Office: 712 SSB Tower
• Phone: 516-6052
• Prof. Keel 's Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr
• Curriculum Vitae
• Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 AM-12:15 PM and 3:00-3:45 PM; Wednesday 1:00-2:00 PM. Please call or e-mail in advance to insure my availability. If these specific times do not work for you, contact me and we can try to arrange an appointment at another time. Try "BB-IM," too.

This syllabus contains:

• Textbook information, Important Information, TA information, Course Description and Course Objectives
• Expectations, Class Conduct, and Student Responsibilities (a must read!)
• Course Tools and Campus Computing Resources (another "must read")
• A step-by-step account of completing all course requirements
• Grading (including the "72 Hour Rule"), Delayed Grades, and Withdrawal Policies
• An excerpt from the student handbook on appropriate academic behavior.
• Still have questions after reading the syllabus? See Prof. Keel's FAQs, Advice, and Help.

Textbooks:

Required: Connect Plus (eBook) Sociology, 13th edition, Richard Schaefer, McGraw-Hill, 2012. ISBN-13 9780077427887 (there are other options at the book store--you can purchase a spiral-bound, paper copy of the text (ISBN: 0077670507) with Connect+, or a used copy--but, no matter what, you will need the McGraw-Hill "Connect" package. To register your eBook and McGraw-Hill Connect access code (you can purchase the eBook/Connect access code directly from McGraw-Hill, or through the bookstore). Go to the "Course Modules" area of our class MyGateway site, open Module 1, and click on the link for the LearnSmart tutorial for chapter 1. This will prompt you to register your access codes and/or give you the opportunity to purchase them online. You can also purchase access to "Connect Plus" (includes eBook) or "Connect" stand-alone (but you will still need a copy of the eBook or text) via this site.

1. Optional (recommended but not required): Primis: Readings in Sociology, Robert Keel, Primis Division, McGraw-Hill, 2005. ISBN: 0-390-54904-5 (most of these readings will be available online).
2. 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). The "section web address" for this class (SS13) at McGraw-Hill Connect is: http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/r_keel_ss13. 

Important Information:

• Please do not print this document or other course materials unless absolutely necessary. All documents available online are meant to be used online and are accessible from any internet location--save paper, save a tree.
• There are students from two "sections" enrolled in this course: a day section (001) meeting on Tuesdays 12:30-3:00 PM, and an Internet-only section (002). The REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS are exactly the same. 
• 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 this for information on logging onto and using the MyGateway site, as well as an outline of the contents in the class MyGateway site.
• Minimum Technology Requirements (especially, but not just for online students) and a variety of useful technology tutorials.
• Course Tools and Campus Computing Resources
  • 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.
  • All sessions will be broadcast, recorded, and archived using Collaborate.
  • Students from any section that miss a live class session are expected to playback the Collaborate archive(s) from that day.
    • Day Section 001 meets:
      • Tuesday 12:30-3:00 PM in 449 SSB.
    • Internet-only section (002): Students are expected to attend class using Collaborate (live sessions OR if your schedule doesn't allow you to attend the live classes, you can review the archived Collaborate recordings and receive attendance credit by posting comments in the relevant discussion forum found in each module.
      • See Collaborate for information on using Collaborate to "attend" class, and for information on playing back archived class sessions. Archives of Collaborate class sessions should be reviewed prior to the start of the following class session. See, "Attendance" for more information.
• Class Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/intro.html
• Roksworld (username: student, password: umsl)
• Sociology Department Homepage: http://www.umsl.edu/~sociolog/

Teaching Assistants:

Doc Luecke

• Email: jly68@umsl.edu
• Phone: 314-516-5141
• Office: 702 SSB Tower
• Office Hours

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to sociological theory. It provides an overview of both classical and contemporary sociological theory. Special emphasis is given to the historical context and the philosophical background out of which sociological theory emerges as well as the individuals responsible for identifying and developing the core concepts and perspectives which serve as the basis for sociological theorizing.

The main objective of this course is help students understand the relevance of sociological theory to their everyday lives--to place personal experiences into the broader perspective of sociological understanding, and to understand the human being as a truly social being.

Course Objectives, Learning Goals, and Expectations:

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.

Students are expected to consider each of these objectives, goals, and expectations when contributing to class discussions and in completing their written work. The understanding and application of the assigned readings and class discussion is a necessary part in earning a top grade in this course.

Expectations, Class Conduct, and Student Responsibilities (a must read!)

Course Requirements: The course consists of seven (7) Modules, each covering 2-4 chapters. The Modules contain the following assignments:

1. Syllabus quiz: due by Tuesday, June 25 by 12:00 Noon. (10 points possible)
2. SOL/Attendance (5 points per module, 35 points total).
• Optional Online and In-Class Participation (not required, however up to 15 points possible)
3. LearnSmart tutorials (one per chapter, 20 chapters, 100 points total)
4. Critical Thinking Projects: (75 points possible)
5. 7 Tests: (one test per module, 1 point per question, the number of questions various, ranging from 35-40, 280 points total)

(Students who submit work past a due date are subject to penalties, point deductions, or not having their work accepted for grading.)

• The syllabus quiz is required.
• Read the full course syllabus (this document including links to supporting documents).
• Access the syllabus quiz by the link in Module 1 (Course Modules area) of the MyGateway course site.
• The syllabus quiz must be completed, with a perfect score of 10, by Tuesday, June 25 by 12:00 Noon.
• If the quiz is not completed with a perfect score of 10, NO points will be awarded. If you complete the syllabus quiz with a score of 10, you will be awarded 10 points.
• You can take the syllabus quiz multiple times prior to Tuesday, June 25 by 12:00 Noon.

2. Sign of Life and Attendance: They are all really just expected (35 points for the semester).

1. Students may attend class in a variety of ways: live--face-to-face (this is the preferred and encouraged option), live via Collaborate, or by reviewing the Collaborate archives. All students are expected to "attend" two class sessions each week. Live class sessions are held on Tuesday each week from 12:30-3:00 PM.
2. You will be held responsible for the content of all class sessions.
• If you can't attend a live class session, the Collaborate archives of that session should be reviewed prior to the next class session (or within 7 days) And you will need to post a comment in the current module's discussion forum to document your viewing of each archive (archive viewing documentation posts must follow the guidelines for SOL and include a detailed description of the class session).
  • For someone unable to attend any of our live class sessions, that means 2 posts a week for attendance (two archives per class session) and 1 post per module for SOL. Click the link: Collaborate, for detailed instructions for using Collaborate.
• In any case, I consider attendance to involve more than simple "presence," so "signs of life" (SOLs) are expected from every student during each module. Students are not only expected to "attend" class, you are expected to ask and answer relevant questions as well as participate in class activities and discussion.
• If you attend but do not participate in a live class, you will be responsible for making one contribution to the discussion forum available in the current course module.
  • Students who can only view the archived class recordings will have to contribute to the online forums to earn their SOL points--one (1) 75 word contribution per module in addition to your archive viewing documentation posts.
• So, here's how it works: if you attend and participate in the the live class sessions each week (face-to-face or live via Collaborate), you will receive 5 points per module. If you do not attend the live sessions, you will be expected to document your engagement via the discussion board in each module. You'll find attendance and SOL forums in each module's discussion board.
  • The instructor will provide prompts, questions, and/or assignments for the archive viewers during each class session.
  • SOL postings must focus on the assigned readings, class discussions, and lecture notes for the module. Your posts can also be what you found most interesting (and why) and/or what might still be confusing to you (don't simply state you don't understand something--demonstrate what you have done to figure out an answer to your question so we can help steer you in an appropriate direction) based on the class session.
  • You are expected to provide evidence of your engagement in the class and understanding of the ongoing in-class discussion and presentations--a minimum of 75 words.
  • To post in the SOL forum: from the class MyGateway site, select, Course Modules, open the relevant module, and then select the Module SOL Forum. You can create your own thread or reply to another student's comment.
• Be sure to use the "Submit" button to post your reply. If you use the "Save" button, your work will not be available to anyone other than yourself, and will not be counted. You can detect a saved message by noting the designation "(draft)" after the subject. You can "modify" a saved (draft) message and submit it.
• Basic help with using discussion forums can be found at: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/mgwhelp/stuhelp/studiscussion.html.
• Attendance and SOL participation scores will be updated in the MyGateway class grade book every few weeks. Announcements will be made in class and MyGateway when scores are updated. See 72 hour rule.
• Seven Modules, three-six sessions per module, live attendance and participation during each session or 4 archive viewing documentation posts and one SOL posting in the discussion forum per module, 5 points per module, 35 points total.
  • Optional: Online and In-Class Participation. Class participation, over and above the basic level of participation expected as part of your attendance/SOL score, is an optional component of the class. Students can earn up to 15 points (up to 1-2 points per module) for additional contributions to the current module's "SOL" forum).
• Simple messages indicating agreement (or just your presence) will earn less than 1 point, messages displaying an understanding of basic concepts, theories, and ideas can earn 1-2 points, and messages extending and applying core concepts and perspectives can earn up to 3 points (exceptional work).

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. 

• 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 communication postings--even if you are only using the text book. See academic integrity statement and Turnitin information.

For-credit forums will close at the end of each module, and the Module 7 forum closes on Thursday, August 8, 2013 (end of day).

3. LearnSmart Tutorials (one per chapter, 20 chapters, 5 points each, 100 points total)

• The LearnSmart tutorials are part of the required McGraw-Hill Connect system. You will find a LearnSmart tutorial for each chapter in the various modules. Links for the LearnSmart tutorials are found in each module. Always use these links to access and complete the LearnSmart tutorials. Here is a brief description of LearnSmart from the McGraw-Hill FAQ page: "LearnSmart is a study product. As such, it is different from most other products you have used before. The goal of LearnSmart is to help you learn the topics presented in each assignment. To do this, LearnSmart will ask you a series of questions that will adapt to your strengths and weaknesses to guide you through the material you need to learn. By answering questions correctly, you work towards completing your assignment. However, you are not penalized for getting a question wrong. You will be given the opportunity to answer a question on the same topic later in your study session. If you are willing to put in the time, you can always achieve 100% completion on your assignments." You can find other information, and help on using LearnSmart on the McGraw-Hill FAQ page. Here is a short video on using LearnSmart.
• Simply click on the LearnSmart link for each chapter in every module and you will be taken to the tutorial. This does require that you purchase the McGraw-Hill Connect system and register your product. Connect is part of the Connect Plus eBook assigned for the class. You will be able to access your eBook during the LearnSmart tutorials.
• Each course module lists the due dates for completing the assigned reading and LearnSmart tutorials.

4. Critical Thinking Projects (75 points possible):

• There are 4 critical thinking projects to be completed over the course of the semester. Every student is responsible for the completion of the projects.
• See the Critical Thinking Projects web page for details. The projects are described in detail in the appropriate course module:
  • Personal Wiki Page, Module 1, 15 points.
  • Investigating Taken-for-Granted Norms, Module 2, 25 points.
  • Living at the Poverty Line, Module 4, 25 points.
  • Applying the Perspectives: Government (Homework), Module 6, 10 points (link to McGraw-Hill Connect).
• Due dates are posted in the corresponding Modules and can be found on the "Assignments, Readings, and Course Schedule" page.
• Be sure to complete the "Email Feedback Consent." You can find the email feedback consent "test" in the "Project" section of MyGateway. Until you give consent, you will have to visit Prof. Keel or a TA to receive full feedback on the group project.
• See academic integrity statement and Turnitin information.
• 4 Critical Thinking Projects, 75 points total.

5.Tests (280 points possible for 7 tests)
There will be seven (7) tests (35-45 questions each), 1 point per question) given during the semester-one for each module.  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.

• 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 "Chapter Learning Objectives and Study Aids" folders in each Course Module 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 Resources" 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 5-7 day period. The specific availability dates for the tests are detailed on the "Assignments, Readings, and Course Schedule" found in the Assignments area and in each course Module
  • 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 use the Firefox web browser.
  • Each test can be taken twice. Your high score from the two attempts will serve as your 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 45-60 minutes to complete each test--based on the number of questions.  If you go over time on a test attempt, you will be subject to a penalty of 2 points per minute (or fraction thereof) over time 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.
  • BE PATIENT: when you click the "Begin" button to access an exam, ONLY CLICK ONCE, a double click will count as two attempts (and an attempt is an attempt).
  • 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.

  Note: TAs are available for