Course Syllabus

Principles of Sociology – SOCY 1010 – 16 WEEKS   First Day Handout

Link to Course Outline of Assignments

Course Overview.PNG  

General Course Information

Facilitator(s):                              Kathleen M. Gerus

E-mail Address:                         E-mail within your CANVAS course and                                                                  check your Inbox regularly.  

Technical Support:                    877-362-2662 or onlinesupport@macomb.edu

First Day of Class:                     Jan 10, 2021

Last Day of Class:                     May 9, 2021

 

Course Text

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!

Introduction to Sociology, 2nd Edition from OpenStax (Links to an external site.), ISBN 1-947172-11-5

You have several options to obtain this book:

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Course Description

Principles of Sociology explore the study of the origin, development, organization, and function of human societies. The changing social world and its implications are presented and analyzed, with emphasis on society, globalization, and social change. This course provides the study of human relationships in society, through the application of sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives.   Sociology examines culture, socialization, social structure, social institutions, group behavior, social stratification, and inequality.

 This is a four (4) credit course.  You will be required to complete this course online using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).   Each week you will be required to complete assigned readings from the textbook and actively participate in Discussion Forums.  There will also be short essay assignments, two exams, and  extra credit opportunities along the way.  If you are new to Canvas, please go to the home page and review the Student Introduction to Canvas tutorial before opening Week One Module.

 CANVAS Support is available Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Special hours such as Holiday and Semester Breaks will be posted on the Home Page. You can reach the Canvas staff by phone at 877-362-2662 or by email onlinesupport@macomb.edu   Any computer and/or internet issues can be addressed through Technical Support. All requests will be responded to within 24 hours.

 Course Outcomes

As a result of successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the four sociological paradigms of how society operates.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the use of the scientific method to gain knowledge about human
  • Describe models of group behaviour.
  • Describe sociological concepts such as culture, social structure, and socialization.
  • Demonstrate an overall knowledge of how agents of socialization direct behavior.

Instructional Methods Used to Attain Objectives

  • PowerPoint slides that summarize the main ideas for each chapter in the textbook
  • Assigned readings for each class session
  • Online resources
  • Online Discussion Forums and LIVE ONLINE PHONE CALLS WITH THE WHOLE CLASS
  • Essays
  • One Group Activity
  • Chapter Quizzes
  • Two Exams

 

Attendance

Your online attendance and active participation is critical to the successful completion of this sixteen (16) week course. It is strongly recommended that you log onto this course a minimum of 4-6 times per week in order to keep up with the readings, writing assignments, online resources, and Discussion Forum posts.

My goal is to use ONLINE GROUP ZOOM CALLS to discuss certain issues. Since this is a virtual class, they will not be mandatory but they can only help you in your understanding of the material. I plan on doing this once every few weeks depending on the topics covered. This will give everyone a chance to ask questions and discuss the many subjects that we will be covering in this class. I will provide mini-lectures during these calls to assist in your learning experience.

Time management is an acquired skill. I strongly encourage you to record ALL of the weekly activities in your own personal calendar.  In addition, you should download the weekly PowerPoint slides, as well as copy/paste and save your weekly posts in a Word Document.  Weekly activities and their due dates are listed on the MODULE page and within each assignment.  You can also view the weekly activities and the due dates by clicking on CALENDAR.   

Contribution in Discussion Forums

Sociology is the study of group behavior and social interaction. Because of the nature of this course, we will explore a variety of sensitive topics. You are required to actively participate in each of the assigned Discussion Forums.  As your instructor, I will guide the nature and tone of these discussions, while closely monitoring your active participation in the weekly Discussion Forums. Please remember that, “it is not what you say, but HOW you say it.” 

 

Each week, you can access the Discussion Forum within the MODULE or click on DISCUSSIONS.  Your initial post is due every Wednesday; two responses to your colleagues’ posts are due every Saturday. You will be required to respond to your colleagues’ post in a respectful, thoughtful, non-offensive manner. Your comment/responses(s) must include the source/fact that supports your position. I will notify any student who displays disrespectful behavior and any continued offense will affect your standing in the course. Please refer to the guidelines on appropriate online netiquette.   

Group Activity

Sociologists examine social interaction between and within groups. During the last weeks of class, there is one group assignment within the weekly Discussion Forum.  Your initial post and replies to your Small Group Members’ posts will reflect your active participation and social interaction with your assigned group.  Objective and subjective viewpoints are welcome. Please remember that your contribution(s) and participation amongst your colleagues should be in a professional, respectful manner to ensure a productive learning experience.    

Academic Honesty

The nature of higher education requires that you adhere to accepted standards of academic conduct. Violations of academic integrity/honesty will be addressed based on the provisions in the Macomb’s Student Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities www.macomb.edu/resources/.../Student-Rights-Responsibilities.pdf including but not limited to Article VII: Integrity of Academic Work.  All students are expected to access and understand these provisions.  The violations of academic integrity listed and defined include cheating and plagiarism. Examples of both include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Having any other person complete any portion of your assignments or exams
  • Using or copying any other work formerly submitted by another student and/or individual
  • Using information from any published document or online source without appropriate citations
  • Having any other person log onto your course and participate in any of the Discussion Forums

Students who violate the codes for academic honesty will receive a failing grade on the assignment or exam in question. Students will also be reported to the academic dean for further disciplinary action.        

 

Confidentiality and Proprietary Information

Due to the nature of an online course, you are expected to utilize your best judgment when discussing personal and/or private matters in the Discussion Forums. Please remember that every word spoken is in writing and discretion of another individual’s reputation or credibility should be a priority. Please respect the privacy of your colleagues. Confidentiality of another person’s academic information and/or personal matters should be upheld at all times.  

 

ADA  Students with documentation of any health and/or academic challenges and may need accommodations, you are encouraged to contact the Learning Resource Center prior to the start of this course.  Accommodations will be made once you have provided the Instructor with the necessary documentation. 

 

FERPA  In a accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we restrict internal access to student information to persons with legitimate need-to-know.  We do not release private student information to any third party without prior written consent of the student.

Duration

Successful completion of this sixteen (16) week course requires organization and time management skills.  Quiz Chapter reviews, reading assignments, exams, writing assignments, and scheduled Discussion Forums will be made available in weekly Modules throughout the sixteen week course.   

Again, it is strongly recommended that you log onto this course a minimum of 4-6 times per week in order to keep up with the assigned course work.  Successful completion of the course work may take up to 12 hours per week. To succeed in this online course, please schedule your time accordingly throughout each week.  

Grading Policies & Scale

Point values, grades, comments for each Discussion Forum and Writing Assignments, both Exams, and course evaluations will be completed at the end of each week. Your final grade will be based on the total points earned at the end of the semester. I will be available to review your grades or progress at any time during the semester.  Please be advised of the college’s last day to officially drop a class for the semester. If you do not drop the course by the college’s official deadline date, I have the right to submit your final grade based on your completion of any Writing Assignments, Exams, and Discussion Forum participation.

Grade

Score

    A

90-100%

    B

80-89%

    C

70-79%

    D

60-69%

    E

0-59%

 

To check your grade,

  1. Log into your SOCY 1010 online course
  2. Click on GRADES

 

Assignments/Points Breakdown

Weekly Modules containing course assignments will be available at 12:00 a.m. every Saturday and will close on Sunday at 11:59 at the end of each instructional week.  Again, you should download the weekly PowerPoint slides, as well as copy/paste and save your weekly posts in a Word Document.  Weekly activities and their due dates are located in the MODULE and within each assignment.  You can also view the weekly activities and the due dates by clicking on CALENDAR.    

 Weekly Quizzes are meant to assist you with the key concepts for each chapter, therefore I use them as STUDY GUIDES. You will have unlimited time to complete them, giving you time to look up any answers you do not already know.

The types of questions on each quiz will also be reflected in the Mid-Term and Final Exams. There will be a timed Mid-Term Exam scheduled during Week Eight and a timed Final Exam during Week Sixteen. Lastly, there is Extra Credit available a couple times throughout the semester.

Discussion Forums

Active learning begins with your engagement and participation in a weekly Discussion Forum. There are fourteen (14) individual DF’s and One (1) Group DF, worth Ten Points each, or 150 points total.  You can access the weekly DF’s by clicking on the Week One Discussion Forum.  At the start of each week, I will post a series of questions in the DF that will require you to productively and positively apply your knowledge of the assigned chapter reading, the PowerPoint slides, and personal experience. During the last weeks you will be assigned to watch and review one of four selected films with a designated group of colleagues.   Thought provoking discussions, rich details, and specific examples used in your Initial Posts and both of your Responses to your colleagues’ posts increase your chances are of receiving full participation-10 total points-credit.  

Again, it is strongly recommended that you set a timer or mark your calendar for each week’s DF Initial Posts (each Wednesday) and 2 Responses (each Saturday).  The DF’s close at the noted times above.  The weekly Modules open on Saturday and close on the following Sunday. You cannot go back to submit a post if you forgot to do so during the week. THERE IS A 3 POINT DEDUCTION FOR EVERY INITIAL RESPONSE THAT IS NOT POSTED ON TIME.  

 Your initial post response should be 175+ words and both of the responses to your classmates should be 60+ words each. Remember, it is not the quantity so much as the QUALITY of your posts that matter most.  Please use appropriate terminology and vocabulary throughout your response, while bolding the numbers only (please) for each question that is stated in the Discussion Forum questions. The following rubric will be used to grade your initial post, two responses, and your writing and knowledge skills. 

Criterion

Outstanding

Proficient

More Effort Needed

Initial Post

Substantive course content and personal experiences clearly interwoven. On time.

3 points

Limited course content and/or personal experiences. Not clearly interwoven. On time.

1-2 points

Course content and/or personal experiences not included.  Not on time.

0 points

Replies

Demonstrate thoughtful analysis of 2 posts.  Used strategies to promote deeper dialogue with others.

 6 points

Demonstrate thoughtful analysis of 2 posts. Did not employ strategies to promote deeper dialogue with others.

1-5 points

Only one or no attempt to interact and/or enrich the discussion. 

 

0 points

Writing

No writing errors. 

1 points

Several writing errors. 

0 points

Difficult to understand. 

0 points

 Essay Assignments

In order to understand the dynamics of social science research, you will have the opportunity to explore society from a sociologist perspective. Each essay assignment is unique and will involve a variety of hands on learning and social engagement. During this semester you will be completing some several two (2) page essay assignments worth 15 points each. 

Instructions for each essay, the due date, and the rubric used for grading will be located in the weekly Module or in Assignments. Each essay will be a minimum of One Full page (max of 2 pages) each, typed in a Word Document, 12 font size, double spaced, name ONLY in right hand upper corner.  You will have until the end of the instructional week to complete and submit your typed assignment.  You are required to demonstrate your ability to incorporate a variety of sociological concepts, thoughts, and ideas.

If you are a Mac user, you MUST CONVERT YOUR ESSAY into a WORD document before submission. Please contact the Angel staff if you need assistance with any conversion or submission of essay assignments.

 

Exams  

There will be two Multiple Choice exams during the course semester. The Mid-Term exam is scheduled during the Eighth week and the Final Exam is scheduled during the Sixteenth week of class. Each exam is comprised of 50-70 multiple choice questions. The Mid-Term exam will cover the first half of the Chapters, the Final Exam will cover the remaining Chapters.  

Exams can be accessed in the Module or in Quizzes.  Once you click on the exam, you will have exactly 3 hours to complete all questions. Questions will be shown one at a time.  If you do not complete the exam within the noted time frame, your exam will close and you will receive 0 points. Be prepared with your textbook and/or notes and time yourself accordingly.  Exam scores can be accessed within one day following the completion of the exam. 

There will be no early access to the exams and there are NO EXCEPTIONS for scheduling another exam date. Unless there is in-patient hospital documentation for yourself or a death, please do not inquire about making up an exam. You are expected to take each exam on your own and without assistance from anyone.        

      

Course Evaluations

During this semester, you will be able to evaluate this course by completing brief Course Evaluations.  Course Evaluations will be located in the weekly Module or in Assignments. In order for me to properly assess your active learning and success in this course, it is important for you to provide constructive feedback on each component of the SOCY 1010 online course.  Please be candid in your responses as to what you’ve enjoyed participating in, what you would like to see altered, and what recommendations you would like to contribute to this course.  The Course Evaluations are anonymous so you can feel free to be honest.   

Course Points

Activity

Points

Percent Of Total

Participation/Contribution   

Getting Acquainted Video

5

 

14 Discussion Forums (10 pts. each)

140

 

1 Group Discussion (10 points)

10

 

Subtotal

155

28%

Assignments

8 Essay Assignments (15 pts. each)

8 Song Reaction Papers (5 pts)

Website/Podcast Paper

120

40

10

 

Material Culture - Extra Credit

(10)

 

Racism-Extra Credit

(15)

 

Subtotal

170

31%

Evaluations (Mid and Final Course)

22

 

10 Chapter Quizzes

100

 

Exams: Mid-Term

50

 

              Final

50

 

Subtotal

222

41%

TOTALS

547

100%

 

Guidelines for a Successful Online Learning Experience

Successful online learning requires your commitment, time, and active participation. You will be expected to complete the reading and essay assignments, contribute to discussion forums in a productive and respectful manner, and perform satisfactorily on the exams. A rich and rewarding learning experience occurs when everyone is engaged and actively contributes to each other’s learning.

Please contact the Canvas team for ALL technical inquiries and/or challenges throughout the semester.  I cannot assist with the technology questions, but only the course content.  The Canvas team is very friendly and helpful seven days a week and it is YOUR responsibility to follow through immediately if experiencing any technology difficulties.

 

What You Can Expect of Me I am committed to your academic success. Although I will limit my engagement in the Discussion Forums to allow you and your colleagues to discuss important topics, I will monitor your participation in the forum throughout the course semester.  Each week, I will post a Course Announcement to introduce the activities for each week. If you need further assistance or have any inquiries, please let me know via Course Mail at gerusk@macomb.edu  I will respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.