Introduction to Sociology – SYG 2000
Instructor
Office
Office
Hours
Rosalind Fisher
Anthropology, Building 13,
Room 111
Mon & Wed 10:30 – 4:30
Tuesday by appointment only
Phone
850 473-7064
E-mail
rfisher@uwf.edu
Text:
1. Giddens, Dunier, et al. (2013). Essentials of Sociology 4th Edition. New York:
Norton Publishers, ISBN: 9780393918830.
2. Supplemental readings are assigned.
3. Students may be required to rent and watch a video that is relevant to the
course.
Required Materials:

Reliable Internet Access

UWF E-mail Account
Description:
This course introduces you to the sociological perspective and provides an overview of
sociology's major theoretical perspectives and approaches. Through the texts, video clips
and on-line discussions we will explore how socialization and socially constructed
concepts help shape the reality of our lives. We will focus on social processes and the
social systems that maintain social hierarchies and institutions as well as, how society
affects our choices and life chances. Some video clips or course materials contain adult
themes, but they are relevant sources of information to expose you to diverse norms,
values, and histories.
This course is a General Studies course. The General Studies curriculum at the University of
West Florida is a cohesive program of study that promotes student’s development as
broadly educated scholars with the knowledge needed to succeed in university studies.
The General Studies learning outcomes for this course are Analysis/Evaluation,
Information Literacy and Writing.
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Goals:
After successful course completion, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the sociological imagination.

Interpret real world issues using the sociological perspective or imagination.

Identify the three major theoretical perspectives, functionalism, conflict
theory, and symbolic-interaction theory.

Apply sociological concepts to observable events and social issues.

Define social diversity in a global context.

Appreciate the major ethical and value issues confronting the sociological
researcher.
Requirements:
Students are evaluated through exams, on-line exercises, and participation in discussion
forums, which will reflect work on topics covered in the textbook and other course
materials.
There will be 840 points possible to earn in this class.

There will be eight quizzes, each worth approximately 80 points.

Participation points totaling 100 for one essay and two on-line discussions,

Two assignments 100 points total.
There are no make-up discussions. There will be no exceptions to this arrangement.
However, quizzes can be made-up if you have a documented medical emergency.
Evaluation:
Grading: if your overall average is:

A – A- = 90% and above

B+ – B- = 80-89%

C+ – C- = 70-79%

D+ - D- = 60-69%

F = 59% and below
Resources:
I cannot help with technical problems. If you run into any computer or software glitches
or problems, you can assistance at UWFs computer helpdesk@uwf.edu (850) 474-2075
and they will be happy to assist you. Under links on the eLearning page, I provide you
with study and writing help links and sociology theory sites.
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Special Technology Utilized by Students:
This course is totally online. All instructional content and interaction takes place over the
internet. In addition to baseline word processing skills and sending/receiving email with
attachments, students will search the internet and upload/download files. Students will
need the Dropdown Browser available for download from computer services in order to
see incorrect quiz answers. You must install the Respondus Lockdown Browser and use it
before you take the quiz.
Weather Emergency Information:
In the case of severe weather or other emergency, the campus might close and classes
cancelled. Official closures and delays appear on the UWF website and broadcast on
WUWF-FM. Hurricane preparation procedures, the status of classes and the closing of the
university.
Emergency plans for the University of West Florida related to weather or other
emergencies are available on the following UWF web pages:
o
Information about hurricane preparedness plans is available on the UWF web site:
http://uwfemergency.org/hurricaneprep.cfm
o
Information about other emergency procedures is available on the UWF web site:
http://uwfemergency.org/
Assistance for Students with Disabilities
The University of West Florida supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If
there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full
participation, such as time-limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of noncaptioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged. Prior
to receiving accommodations, you must register with the Student Disability Resource
Center (SDRC) at http://uwf.edu/sdrc/internal/. Appropriate academic
accommodations will be determined based on the documented needs of the individual.
For information regarding the registration process, e-mail sdrc@uwf.edu or call
850.474.2387.
Expectations:
I have expectations regarding student behavior and performance. Be sure you
understand these!
1. Read the syllabus and be aware of the contents and your responsibilities.
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2. Meeting the deadlines is critical to your grade. Upload your written assignments
to a drop box on the eLearning course webpage by 11:58 PM on the Friday
deadline date. Failure to do so by the deadline will result in a failing grade for
the assignment.
3. This class will use the on-line eLearning site for handouts, lecture notes,
assignments, etc. Basic computer savvy and access is required. Use the ITS Help
Desk for any technical or software problems (850) 474-2075.
4. My goal is to provide you with an understanding of the material. If you are
having problems in the class please email me, before finals week to seek help.
5. I expect you to act with honesty and integrity. The University of West Florida
considers plagiarism a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Cheating and/or plagiarism will merit an automatic failing grade for this course.
Plagiarism applies to any material written by someone else such as material be
published in books, magazines, journals, and newspapers. It may also include
lyrics, scientific charts, graphs, and materials published on Web sites via the
Internet. When you use information from these sources, you must properly cite
the sources utilized. I may upload papers into the Turnitin software to verify
originality.
6. Remarks of a personal and/or derogatory nature are not acceptable.
Disparaging remarks regarding race or ethnic background, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic background, etc will not be
tolerated.
My Commitment to You:
1.
Challenge you in order to help you understand the material.
2.
Provide a variety of learning opportunities to insure that each person has
multiple opportunities to understand the material.
3.
Be available to assist you via office hours, email and the Muddy Issues Forum.
4.
Treat you with the dignity and respect that you deserve.
If you are interested in a career in Anthropology or Sociology, contact the Anthropology
Department at 850 474-2797. If you are undecided about your career field, you should
contact Career Services at 474-2254 or your academic advisor.
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