Sociology 1010: Introduction to Sociology Syllabus Spring 2018

rok

Teaching Professor Robert O. Keel

Important Notes (Please follow the links provided to access detailed information on the various course elements and resources):

Teaching Assistant

Books:

  1. Required, but DO NOT BUY:
    1. The cost of your eBook (Connect Plus (eBook); Schaefer, Richard. 2014. Sociology, 13th edition.) and the McGraw-Hill Connect access code will be automatically added to your tuition and fees for this class by the end of January. If you drop the class prior to January 30, your account will be credited accordingly--DO NOT OPT OUT if you wish to stay in the class--you will need to have access to the digital text and LearnSmarts in order to successfully complete the course.  See the "AutoAccess FAQ" document for further information. Do not buy a textbook or digital access to Connect yourself.
    2. To access the eBook and the Connect LearnSmart tutorials:
      1. Go to our class site in Canvas.
      2. Click on "Modules" located in the left-hand navigation menu in our Canvas course site.
      3. Click on "Module 1 Chapters and LearnSmarts"
      4. Look for the link: "Chapter 1. Understanding Sociology" LearnSmart assignment--click it to access Mcgraw-Hill Connect.
      5. Click "Continue," then click "Register." Enter your email address to verify or create a Connect account. If there is no account registered for the email address, you will be prompted to create an account.
      6. After an account is verified or created, a screen will appear noting that there is no fee or access code required. You will now have full access to the ebook and the Connect LearnSmart tutorials.
      7. Alternatively, you can access the Connect LearnSmart tutorials via the "McGraw-Hill Education" link in the "Tools" area of our MyGateway site. click on "Go to MyConnect Section."
      8. Connect Tech Support can be reached at: 800-331-5094.
      9. Optional: a loose-leaf paper copy of the text is available for purchase at the UMSL bookstore (ISBN: KEEL SOCIOLOGY 1 2018 9781307212488) for an additional $23.95. You will still be charged for the "autoAccess" digital textbook and "Connect" website if you decide to purchase the paper copy. You will also be expected to complete the online tutorials (LearnSmart activities) via "Connect."
  2. There are a variety of "Virtual Handouts" (WWW sites, online essays, and cyber-reports to read and explore) assigned as additional readings throughout the semester. Here's a link to the required supplemental readings. See also: Assignments, Readings and Course Schedule.
    1. Accessing some of these handouts will require that you log on to "roksworld" web site (username: student, password: umsl). 

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, Expectations and Class Conduct:

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.

Assignments, Readings and Course Schedule

Course Requirements (click any requirement for details):

  1. Syllabus quiz: due by Friday, January 26 at 5:00 PM. (10 points possible)
  2. Attendance/SOL (points vary per module (see details), 40 points total). For everyone: Your Introductory message due by Monday, January 22, 11:00 AM.
    1. The live class is held in Clark 213 from 11:00 AM-12:15 PM, January 17-May 2, 2018.
    2. Please note: students whose schedules do not allow them to attend the live class sessions (face-to-face or via Zoom) simply need to follow the instructions for viewing the archived class recordings.
    3. All students are expected to post an Introductory Message in the "Module 1 introduction and SOL" thread by Monday, January 22, 11:00 AM.
    4. Optional Online and In-Class Participation (not required, however up to 15 points possible).
  3. LearnSmart Tutorials (10 points per chapter, 20 chapters, 200 points total)
  4. Critical Thinking Project: (100 points possible)
  5. 7 Tests: (35-40 questions, 1 point per question, 275 points possible)
  6. Students who submit work past a due date are subject to penalties, point deductions, or not having their work accepted for grading.

Grading Policies (see especially: 72 hour rule, the academic integrity statement and Turnitin information, withdrawal, and extra-credit guidelines).

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 144 MSC; PHONE: 516-6554.

IF ANY STUDENT HAS A RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE OR HOLIDAY THAT MIGHT AFFECT CLASS ATTENDANCE OR ASSIGNMENTS, PLEASE LET PROF. KEEL KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT WE CAN DECIDE ON AN ALTERNATIVE, AS WELL AS APPROPRIATE TIME EXTENSION.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS RECOGNIZES, RESPECTS, AND WELCOMES SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY. IF ANY STUDENT HAS A NAME OR PRONOUN PREFERENCE THAT DIFFERS FROM THE OFFICIAL RECORD, PLEASE LET PROF. KEEL KNOW SO THAT THE CLASS RECORD MIGHT REFLECT THAT PREFERENCE.

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/010/010syllabus.html
Owner: Robert O. Keel: rok@umsl.edu
Last Updated: Thursday, January 25, 2018 8:45 AM

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