Course Instructor Term Meetings

SOCIOLOGY 1301.OI1, Introduction to Sociology Malinda Hicks Fall 2011 UTD eLearning at https://elearning.utdallas.edu

Instructors Contact Information Office Location GR 2.512 Email Address Office Hours Class Time Drop Dates malinda.hicks@utdallas.edu Online office hours to be announced In-person meetings available by appointment Online (no face-to-face classes) Friday, Sep. 9 (with a W) Thursday, Nov. 1 (with a WP/WF)

It can be said that the first wisdom of sociology is thisthings are not what they seemSocial reality turns out to have many layers of meaning. The discovery of each new layer changes the perception of the whole.
-Peter Berger, Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective (1963).

Course Information Course Description The goal of this course is to equip students to be critical thinkers and more involved members of society by helping them understand the complexities of their social worlds through the study of sociology. Sociology empirically studies the impact of social structure on the individual members of society; therefore, all other academic disciplines can be enhanced through an understanding of sociology. This course will introduce students to the basic questions, concepts, methods, vocabulary, and theories of sociology. In an introductory course we will be able to take only a small peek at this broadly-based subject, but through the time spent studying sociology students will be able to better understand themselves and the societies in which they live. Learning Outcomes By the end of the semester, students who successfully complete the course will be able to: Recognize, define, and use basic sociological vocabulary and concepts; Discuss at a basic level the methods which sociologists use to gather data and to prove or disprove theories; Discuss and illustrate the major theoretical paradigms in sociology (structuralfunctionalism, conflict, symbolic interactionism, rational choice, and feminist) and how each one views society; Understand and explain theories of social behavior in specific areas, including collective behavior; family dynamics; ethnic, class, and gender inequality; deviance; and so on; Explain ways in which groups, social processes, and social institutions affect individual behavior; Explain how societies change and how they resist change. None

Prerequisites

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

Note to Students:

You are in charge of your own learning in this course! Since this is an on-line course, I will not be teaching you sociology in the traditional sense where I transmit knowledge to you and then you absorb and regurgitate it back to me. However, I will be available to guide you through the course, answer questions, and facilitate your interaction with the material. **Please do not hesitate to ask if you have questions or need help!!** Two books are required for the course: a general introduction to sociology and a collection of essays that critically examine conventional wisdom adages and beliefs. Other materials may be assigned that will be available through McDermott Library. Ballantine, Jeanne H. and Keith A. Roberts. 2011. Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology. 3rd edition. Sage. (Readings from this book are marked as B&R.) Please note: The 3rd edition (2011) is the only acceptable edition. It is available in the following formats (your choice): Interactive eBook (ISBN 978-1-4129-9650-1) Print (ISBN 978-1-4129-8004-3) eBook/Print bundle (ISBN 978-1-4129-9946-5) Ruane, Janet M. and Karen A. Cerulo. 2012. Second Thoughts: Sociology Challenges Conventional Wisdom. 5th edition. Sage. (Print onlyISBN 978-1-4129-8809-4) (Readings from this book are marked as 2T.)

Required Texts & Materials

Course Structure

Because this course is completely online, students seem to experience the greatest success (and least frustration) when the course is as structured as possible. Thus: The students work week will begin Monday morning and end Sunday night. All weekly quizzes, discussions, etc. will go live at 5:00 am on Monday morning. They will close (lock) at 11:55 pm on Sunday night. The exception to this date structure is the final exam (see below). Each topic has been grouped together as a module, one per week. Within each module will be readings, discussions, videos, and/or other activities designed to help you achieve your learning objectives: o Textbook readings to introduce you to the vocabulary of sociology as well as the fundamental principles and theories that make up the discipline; o Essay readings in Second Thoughts to help nurture your sociological imagination by connecting your existing knowledge to new concepts; o Weekly module quizzes to ensure reading accountability; o Links to selected videos and websites to provide enrichment into the topic; o Discussion board assignments for you to express your new knowledge as well as to participate in the online community of ideas; o A collaborative group project to provide a creative means to assess how well youve learned and integrated the material; o A comprehensive final exam to evaluate overall understanding of the material. In addition, within each module are links to the textbook publishers website (http://www.pineforge.com/ballantine3e/main.htm), which contains a variety of optional student resources to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 2

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

material. These resources include audio and video broadcasts, Internet learning exercises, and articles from research journals designed to help you expand and apply your new knowledge. Practice quizzes and vocabulary flash cards are also available that may be helpful in preparing for exams. You are not required to partake of these resources, but students who do so get more out of the course (as well as make better grades on exams!!)

Evaluation & Grading Summary Evaluation Component Syllabus quiz & Let Me Introduce Myself blog Weekly module quizzes (14 total, will drop 2 lowest grades) Discussion board/participation (4 total, will drop lowest grade) Final Exam Group Project Total *Please note: The syllabus quiz and the introductory blog entry do not count towards final grade; however, they are required to pass the course! Possible Points 0* 300 300 300 300 1200 Percentage of Final Grade 0* 25 25 25 25 100%

Grading Scale
A: Outstanding participation in all course activities; all assigned work completed on time; very high quality in all work; evidence of significant and sustained development in learning objectives. B: Above average participation in all course activities; all assigned work completed on time; consistently high quality in course work; evidence of marked and above average development in learning objectives. C: Good but average participation in all course activities; all assigned work completed; generally good quality overall in course work; evidence of some development in learning objectives. D: Uneven participation in course activities; some gaps in assigned work completed; inconsistent quality in course work; evidence of development in learning objectives is partial or unclear. F: Minimal participation in course activities; serious gaps in assigned work completed; very low quality in course work; little or no evidence of development in learning objectives.

Percentage of Total Points

93% or higher = A 90-92% = A87-89% = B+ 83-86% = B 80-82% = B77-79% = C+ 73-76% = C 70-72% = C67-69% = D+ 63-66% = D 60-62% = D59% = F

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 3

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

Assessments Quizzes & Exams Completion of a short syllabus quiz is required to ensure that students have read the syllabus and understood the course requirements. There is no time limit on the syllabus quiz and it may be taken as many times as needed to score at least 80%. While the syllabus quiz is not graded, it is required to pass the course. Additionally, an introductory blog entry (Let Me Introduce Myself) is also ungraded but required. Module Quizzes: Fourteen (14) short quizzes will be given, one per week, over the weeks assigned readings. The total of all module quizzes will comprise 25% of your final grade with the 2 lowest grades dropped. Each quiz: o Contains 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions o May be taken twice; the highest grade will be counted o Has a 30-minute time limit o Will be available for seven full days each week Opens: Monday morning, 5:00 am Closes: Sunday night, 11:55 pm Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam worth 25% of your final grade will be given at the end of the semester. This exam will: o Cover material from all 16 chapters o Consist of multiple choice, true/false, and/or short essay questions o May be taken once only o Have a 90-minute (1 hour & 30 minutes) time limit o Be available for 3 full days on the scheduled weekend (see syllabus schedule and/or eLearning Calendar for exam dates) Opens: Friday morning, 5:00 am Closes: Sunday night, 11:55 pm Two important things to know about taking quizzes/exams on eLearning: o First, eLearning is timing your quiz or exam FROM THE MOMENT you open it. Please do not open the quiz until you are ready to take it because the clock cannot be reset. o Second, as noted above all quizzes/exams are set to close at 11:55 pm, even if you are in the middle of the exam. If the deadline (11:55pm) occurs and you are still taking it, the system will automatically lock and you will be unable to finish the questions. I cannot reset the clock for you to finish the quiz! This means that you must begin the weekly quiz at least 30 minutes before it closes (e.g., no later than 11:25 pm) and the comprehensive exam at least 90 minutes before it closes (e.g., no later than 10:25 pm). Do yourself a favorDO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO BEGIN THE QUIZ/EXAM! Please note: Books, notes, and other materials may be used to take the quizzes and exams. These assessments are considered open-book. However, it has been my experience that people who rely on the written materials do not score higher than those treating the quizzes/exams as closed book. Why? Because people using the open book option frequently run out of time before completing the quiz. My advice? To be most successful with these assessments, I would study for them as if they were closed book, but keep my books handy for reference. I cannot stress strongly enough that if you run out of time while taking the exam, NO EXTRA TIME WILL BE GIVEN!

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 4

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

Discussion Boards

The Discussion Board is an opportunity to interact with your classmates about the concepts youre learning as well as to ensure participation in the course. There will be four (4) discussion board assignments throughout the semester, one approximately every two weeks. Discussion questions may be about the readings, a video or data exercise, or some combination. The total of all Discussion Boards will comprise 25% of your final grade, with the lowest grade dropped. Grading is based on the quality of your answer to the question, as well as your response to classmates posts. For each original Discussion Board post: o Answer the question thoughtfully and completelyrelate new content to what you have already learned in the course to date. o Critically analyze the contentyour posting should not be just a summary of the readings. o You may relate content to your own personal experiences as long as you stay on topic and stick to the class material. o Be grammatically correct and proofread for spelling errors (it counts in the real world, so it counts here too)and please, NO text-speak! o If you use outside sources such as websites or readings to gather information, please be sure to list the source at the end of your discussion board response. Failure to do so can be construed as plagiarism. For each response post, respond to at least one classmates posts. These responses should: o Incorporate from the other post. o Be logically reasoned and supportedprovide details and specific information about your argument. Do not use only terms such as I agree or I disagree. Tell me why you think so! o Be grammatically correct and proofread for spelling errors. o Deadlines for Discussion Board assignments (see syllabus schedule and/or eLearning Calendar for assignment dates): Discussion Board opens: Original post deadline: Classmate response post deadline: Monday morning, 5:00 am Thursday night, 11:55 pm Sunday night, 11:55 pm

Please note: Many students miss a lot of points on the discussion board questions because either they write one or two sentences to answer the question or else they make sweeping, general statements with no explanation or detail whatsoever. These questions are meant for essay-type answers, so please be detailed and thorough in your responses. I am not grading your post by its length alone, but I am evaluating the content of your response and any supporting information that you have given. Group Project Because most people learn best when they teach others, an end-of-semester group collaborative project, worth 25% of your final grade, will provide an opportunity to apply creatively the material youve learned. The goal of the group project is to create a teaching presentation that will convey your groups comprehension of how sociology can be used to understand complex social realities. There will be no formal paper submitted; instead, each group will create a 15- to 20-minute teaching module that may include video, photographs, drawings or cartoons, music, text, or whatever else the group deems useful. This is where your creativity comes in! Beginning in week 3, sign-up sheets for the groups and detailed instructions will be available. Each group will consist of five (5) students. A scenario or topic will be

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 5

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

presented to each group that can be addressed from the five sociological perspectives described in the textbook: structural-functionalism, conflict, symbolic interactionism, rational choice, and feminist (hence the rationale for 5-person groups.) Intermediate goals will be given (see calendar for deadlines) to ensure that your groups project is completed on time and with a minimum of confusion. The completed presentation will be submitted through the Assignment Dropbox in eLearning. The deadline for the group project is Sunday night, 12/4/11, 11:55 pm. **Please notein order to keep group members accountable, your individual grade for this assignment will include a peer evaluation of your efforts in terms of the quantity and quality of your contribution to the project. Grading for the group project will be as follows: Accuracy of content Quality and/or creativity of presentation Peer evaluations 40% 40% 20%

Technical Information Virtual Classroom Because this course is web-based (fully contained on the Internet), we will not be meeting in person for classes. All quizzes, exams, assignments, and discussionsin other words, all Requirements of your attendancewill take place online through UTDs eLearning System. Be aware that it is not possible to hide in the back of the room in an online coursethe eLearning system monitors how much time you spend in class and where you spend it. Remember: if you dont participate in the activities and discussions you will not pass this class. This means that the successful student must meet three important criteria: Computer Literacy Because instruction for this course will take place completely on-line, you MUST have a basic understanding of both computer and Internet technology. If youre not sure about taking an online course, take this self-assessment quiz: http://som.utdallas.edu/somResources/eLearning/eLearningProspective/selfAssessment.php. If you do not consider yourself to be computer literate or are not confident in your computer skills, then please consider taking the face-to-face section of SOC-1301. Internet Access All coursework, reading assignments, and lesson activities will be provided electronically on the Internet and accessible through any web-based computer system. Activities may include streaming and watching relevant videos as well as completing exams and assignments. These activities are not possible on anything other than a high-speed connectionvideos will not download or play properly on slow or dial-up connections. Therefore, you must have a continuous and reliable internet connection (for example, cable modem, DSL, satellite, T1, etc.) to complete these activities. Information on computer and browser requirements can be found at http://www.utdallas.edu/oee/distance/webct/index.html#techreqs. In addition, UTD has several on-campus computer labs that are available for your use (see http://www.utdallas.edu/ir/labs/ for locations and hours). Remembercomputers and Internet connections can be flaky, so please plan ahead! Quizzes and exams are timed, and once you start your quiz or exam, you cannot reset the clockthe exam must be completed within that time period. If you are booted off by your connection or your system crashes, you may not be able to start over. If you do run into

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 6

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

trouble, however, send me an email IMMEDIATELY to document the problem. You should also send an email to the UTD Computing Help Desk (assist@utdallas.edu) and copy me on the email. If your problem is related specifically to eLearning, call the help desk anytime at 1-866-588-3192 and ask for an email copy of your ticket, which you can then forward to me for verification. If you do not follow these steps, any computer or internet problems will NOT be considered allowable excuses for failure to complete exams or assignments! eLearning System This class uses UTDs eLearning System to manage the on-line content. You should access your eLearning account before the first day of class to ensure that you have no problems with web browser incompatibility, etc. Refer to the UTD eLearning main website (http://www.utdallas.edu/elearning) for current technical requirements. Users should also disable any pop-up blockers for the eLearning site. The methods for configuring these settings vary between browsers. In addition, links to eLearning student tutorials will be provided on the course home page, and additional resources may be obtained by calling 1-866-588-3192 or you can go to http://www.utdallas.edu/elearning/eLearningHelpdesk.html. Please do NOT ask me for technical supportyou will need to access these support resources to resolve any user problems you have with eLearning. Additional Technical Requirements E-Mail Account: The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a students U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. To access UTD email, go to: http://galaxy.utdallas.edu and log in with your UTD NetID and Password (the same as your eLearning login). ** IMPORTANT: If you are not in the habit of checking your UTD email, then now is the time to develop that habit! However, the Department of Information Resources at UTD provides a method for students to forward their UTD email to and from other accounts. Students may go to the following URL to establish email forwarding: http://netid.utdallas.edu. For assistance with your UT Dallas email account, call 972-883-2911 or go to http://www.utdallas.edu/ir/helpdesk/. Required Software: You must have access to Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), version 2007 or higher. Teachers and UTD students are eligible for significant discounts on software (see http://www.utdtechstore.com). You also must have Adobes Acrobat Reader (see http://get.adobe.com/reader/) and Apples QuickTime Player (see http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download)both of which are free downloads. Optional Tools: It is strongly recommended that you have installed and regularly update an online virus scan utility on your system. Also, it is your responsibility to save and back up your work! Consider using an online storage system (e.g., www.dropbox.com) or other auto-backup system. A flatbed scanner, digital camera, and printer may also be helpful, but are not necessary to successfully complete this course.

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 7

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

Course Policies & Procedures Grades for all assignments and tests will be available in the grade book at the course Grades web site. Check to be sure your results are properly recorded. Extra Credit Late Work and Make-up Exams No extra credit assignments will be offered. Ample time has been allowed for assignments and quizzes, and late work will not be accepted, nor will make-up exams be given except under extenuating circumstances (see below). If you fail to take an exam or turn in an assignment without an acceptable excuse (see below), you will receive a 0 for that component. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR QUIZZES. As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the semesters end (see Extenuating Circumstances below) and only if 70% of the coursework has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F. The instructor acknowledges that extenuating circumstances may occur, making it impossible for a student to complete a scheduled exam or assignment on time. Extenuating circumstances may include military orders, a death in the family, the students hospitalization, or other extreme situations. Please notebeing sick is not an extenuating circumstance, nor are doctors appointments or out-of-town travel. Only if you have a documented, extenuating circumstance will an exception be considered. If you believe you qualify for this exception, you should immediately contact the instructor before the exam or assignment deadline. Requests must be presented in person and accompanied by legitimate documentation (e.g., on military, hospital, or funeral home letterhead). Assignments must be completed within 2 days of the original deadline. **The instructor reserves the right to allow or disallow the request.** Academic Integrity The faculty expects a high level of responsibility and academic honesty from students. Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work. A detailed explanation of academic integrity is available at http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies, with extensive guidelines for avoiding plagiarism in your assignments. For online classes, letting another person complete your work for you or representing them as you is considered cheating. Only students registered for the class may participate in class work or assignments. DO YOUR OWN WORK! General Policies and Procedures The University of Texas at Dallas has developed a number of policies and procedures designed to provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment. Go to http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies for the following:
Field Trip Policies Student Conduct & Discipline Withdrawal from Class Student Grievance Procedures Disability Services Religious Holidays

Incomplete Grade Policy

Extenuating Circumstances

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 8

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

Assignments & Academic Calendar Module/ Topic Dates

Readings Syllabus Welcome letter

Activities Complete Let Me Introduce Myself blog entry on eLearning Watch eLearning tutorials (optional) Take syllabus quiz Explore Data Investigator: American FactFinder Take Module 1 Quiz o Quiz closes 9/4, 11:55p Watch Mike Rowe Celebrates Dirty Jobs (TED Talks) Take Module 2 Quiz o Quiz closes 9/11, 11:55p Watch Language as a Window into Human Nature (RSAnimate) Discussion Board 1 o Original Post due 9/15, 11:55p o Response Post due 9/18, 11:55p Take Module 3 Quiz o Quiz closes 9/18, 11:55p Watch Nicholas Christakis & Social Networks (TED Talks) Take Module 4 Quiz o Quiz closes 9/25, 11:55p Watch videos on grocery stores Group Project Intermediate Assignment 1: Proposal o Due 10/2, 11:55p Take Module 5 Quiz o Quiz closes 10/2, 11:55p Watch Austerity Explore Data Investigator: Living Wage Calculator Discussion Board 2 o Original Post due 10/6, 11:55p o Response Post due 10/9, 11:55p Take Module 6 Quiz o Quiz closes 10/9, 11:55p Watch Skin Tone & Racial Discrimination Among Black Men Take Module 7 Quiz o Quiz closes 10/16, 11:55p

0
Aug 24-28

Course Introduction & Welcome

1
Aug 29-Sep 4

Introducing Sociology & Research Methods

B&R, Chs. 1 & 2 2T: Introduction & Essay 1 (pp1-18) B&R, Ch. 3 2T: Essay 2

Society and Culture

2
Sep 5-11 Socialization

B&R, Ch. 4 2T: Essay 7

3
Sep 12-18

4
Sep 19-25

Interaction, Groups, & Organizations

B&R, Ch. 5 2T: Essay 4

Deviance and Social Control

B&R, Ch. 6 2T: Essay 13

5
Sep 26-Oct 2

Stratification & Inequality

B&R, Ch. 7 2T: Essay 9

6
Oct 3-9

7
Oct 10-16

Race and Ethnic Group Stratification

B&R, Ch. 8 2T: Essay 12

soc 1301 syllabus_rev d

Page 9

SOC-1301.OI1

Introduction to Sociology (Online)

Fall 2011

Module/ Dates

Topic Gender Stratification

Readings B&R, Ch. 9 2T: Essay 11

Activities Watch Gender Inequality in Mad Men Take Module 8 Quiz o Quiz closes 10/23, 11:55p Watch Changing Education Paradigms (RSAnimate) Discussion Board 3 o Original Post due 10/27, 11:55p o Response Post due 10/30, 11:55p Take Module 9 Quiz o Quiz closes 10/30, 11:55p Explore Data Investigator: Child Poverty Fact Sheets Group Project Intermediate Assignment 2: Outline o Due 11/6, 11:55p Take Module 10 Quiz o Quiz closes 11/6, 11:55p Watch Smile or Die (RSAnimate) Take Module 11 Quiz o Quiz closes 11/13, 11:55p Watch Your Health Depends on Where You Live (TED Talks) Explore Data Investigator: MEPS Discussion Board 4 o Original Post due 11/17, 11:55p o Response Post due 11/20, 11:55p Take Module 12 Quiz o Quiz closes 11/20, 11:55p Watch Hans Roslings 200 Countries Explore Data Investigator: UN Statistics Take Module 13 Quiz o Quiz closes 11/27, 11:55p Watch Fair TradeThe Story Group Project o Submission deadline 12/4, 11:55p Take Module 14 Quiz o Quiz closes 12/4, 11:55p Final Exam o Exam opens 12/9, 5:00a o Exam closes 12/11, 11:55p Course Evaluations

8
Oct 17-23 Social Institutions: Education & Religion

9
Oct 24-30

B&R, Chs. 11 & 12 2T: Essay 22

Social Institutions: The Family

B&R, Ch. 10 2T: Essay 17

10
Oct 31-Nov 6

11
Nov 7-13

Social Institutions: Politics & Economics Social Institutions: Medicine & Health

B&R, Ch. 13 2T: Essay 15 B&R, Ch. 14 2T: Essay 6

12
Nov 14-20

13
Nov 21-27

Population & Urbanization

B&R, Ch. 15 2T: Essay 20

Social Change

14
Nov 28-Dec 4 Course Wrap-Up; Final Exam

B&R, Ch. 16 2T: Essay 21

X
Dec 5-11

**Content, assignments, and deadlines are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.**
soc 1301 syllabus_rev d Page 10