This syllabus is rather long, but it contains
Important Note: This is a "blended class" involving significant amounts of online and (relatively) independent work. There are students from two different "sections" enrolled in this course: a day section (001) meeting Tuesday and Thursday and an Internet-only section (002). 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:
Other Information:
Teaching Assistants (FS 2009)
Corey Roderick
Email: carmz2@umsl.edu Phone: 314-516-6380 Office: 709 SSB Tower- Office Hours
Dustin Hayes
Email: cdh965@umsl.edu Phone: 314-516-5141 Office: 602 SSB Tower- Office Hours
Jacob Perkins
Email: jdppp7@umsl.edu Phone: 314-516-6381 Office: 604 SSB Tower- Office Hours
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.
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, twice 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.
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:
- how sociology differs from and is similar to other social sciences;
- how sociology contributes to a social scientific understanding of social reality; and
- to apply the sociological imagination, sociological principles and concepts to one's life.
B. The role of theory. Students will learn:
- the role of theory in building sociological knowledge; and
- the historical context of times and cultures in which theories were developed.
C. Empirical science. Students will learn:
- the principles of scientific methods in sociology;
- the basic methodological approaches in building sociological knowledge;
- 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:
- how social change affects social structures and individuals; and
- how culture and social structure vary across time and place.
F. Individuals and society. Students will learn:
- how the self develops sociologically.
- 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:
- the significance of global variations by race, class, gender, and age.
I. Critical thinking. Students will learn:
- opposing viewpoints and alternative hypotheses on various issues.
Expectations:
What you can expect from me:
What I expect from you:
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 or attending a Wimba session/reviewing an archive--sections 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
Syllabus quiz: due by Sunday, September 6, 2009, end of day (clearly, you can easily get this done early and not have to worry about it over the holiday weekend): 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) Introductory message due by Sunday, September 6, 2009, end of day (clearly, you can easily get this done early and not have to worry about it over the holiday weekend) (5 points). Attendance (45 points) and Online and In-Class Participation (not required, however up to 30 points possible). Group Project (125 points possible) 5 Tests (40 questions, 1 point per question, 200 points possible) Final Exam (100 questions, 1 point per question, 100 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 Sunday, September 6, 2009, end of day (clearly, you can easily get this done early and not have to worry about it over the holiday weekend).
- 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 Sunday, September 6, 2009, end of day. (25 or 0 points possible)
Introductory Message (5 points)
- All students are required to post an introductory message in the "General Class Discussion" forum.
- 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.
- 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.
- Your introductory message must be posted by Sunday, September 6, 2009, end of day (5 points) (clearly, you can easily get this done early and not have to worry about it over the holiday weekend).
- Basic help in using discussion forums can be found at http://www.umsl.edu/technology/mgwhelp/stuhelp/studiscussion.html
- 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 few weeks. Announcements will be made in class and MyGateway when scores are updated. See 72 hour rule.
1. Attendance: Expected (45 points possible).
- All students are expected to "attend" two class sessions each week. Live class sessions are held Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-10:45 AM each week in 100 Lucas.
- 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
- 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.
- Please note that you can download mp3 and mp4 files of of the Wimba archives for playback on Ipods and home computers. PLEASE NOTE: I CANNOT track these downloads or playbacks and therefore CANNOT assign attendance points for using these file formats. To receive attendance credit you MUST playback the archive in Wimba online via the class MyGateway site--clicking the blue arrow to enter the archive online.
- 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 (twice weekly 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 for 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 9:00 AM on Tuesday each week. This includes students who attend live sessions and fail to participate even minimally.
- Up to three points per academic week (class session in the summer). Two (2) points for plain and simple attendance--one point per class session [two a day in the summer], 1 point for a "sign of life" (2 a calendar week in the summer). 45 points total for the semester.
- Click the link: Wimba, for detailed instructions for using Wimba Live Classroom.
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.
- Due 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/SOL 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 Sunday, September 6, 2009, end of day (clearly, you can easily get this done early and not have to worry about it over the holiday weekend)
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 Tuesday mornings. Participation and class engagement scores will be will be updated in the MyGateway class grade book every few weeks beginning. All grade updates will be announced via MyGateway. See: 72 hour rule.
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 10 (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
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.
Final grades will be calculated based on a total of 500 points (530 points possible). Students who submit work past a due date are subject to penalties, point deductions, or not having their work accepted for grading.
72
hour rule: Grade updates will be posted in MyGateway throughout
the semester. Students are expected to review their grades on a regular
basis--especially following a grade update. Concerns about posted grades
must be addressed within 72 hours of grade posting, otherwise posted scores
will be considered accurate and final, up to the time of posting.
- 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
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.
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. And, see the Wimba Participant's Guide or click on the help ("?") icon once you have started up the Wimba program. For further assistance with Wimba, MyGateway and other online tools, see these tutorials (they "walk you through" using Wimba) .
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.
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.
- Course Information
Syllabus: Read the Syllabus carefully! 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 Assistants: 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.
You can also
use SafeAssign yourself to check drafts of your papers. The English
Department Writing Lab has created a free course site on MyGateway
where you can go to find resources to help you in writing and citing
papers properly. By enrolling in this course, you can submit drafts
of your work to SafeAssign. You will then be able to privately view
the “originality report” and make corrections to your
work before submitting it formally to your instructor. Go to http://mygateway.umsl.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_36517_1
and then click on the “Quick Enroll” link to get access
to the free course site.
NOTE: CONDUCT
FOR WHICH STUDENTS ARE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS FALLS INTO THE FOLLOWING
CATEGORIES: http://www.umsl.edu/studentlife/dsa/student_planner/policies/conductcode.htm
THIS
SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR
TO ACCOMMODATE INSTRUCTIONAL AND/OR STUDENT NEEDS.
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URL: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/010syllabus.html
Owner: Robert O. Keel rok@umsl.edu
Last Updated:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 13:46