Jackson College
Principles of Sociology
231-81
Fall 2013
Days Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday
Meeting Times: 7:45am-9:26am
Location: Camden-Frontier
Instructor: Chris Ludeker
Contact Phone: 517-212-0416
Contact Email: chrisludeker@yahoo.com
Course Description:
Soc 231 is really your first course in the science of sociology. It is a one semester course that
should prepare you for every other higher course that you will take in sociology. Each chapter
of your book Sociology in our times: The essentials. By Diana Kendall is a separate sub
discipline with the field of sociology. As with any science, sociology has terms and specialized
“catch” phrases which you need to be conversant within the field.
Course Goals:
Student empowerment is a growing trend in academia. Studies show that student
empowerment is related to motivation, participation, and problem-solving skills. Research
similarly shows that when students are interested and motivated, they learn more. In this class,
you are going to have a unique opportunity. You are going to participate in the teaching of this
class through individual presentations, group projects, and research. You also have the
opportunity to assist this instructor in developing the course goals, point system for class
attendance, class participation, homework assignments and projects.
Performance Objectives:
The course goals and objectives incorporate specific Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs)
established by the JC Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty. These goals are in concert
with four-year colleges, universities, and reflect input from the professional communities we
serve. ADOs guarantee students achieve goals necessary for graduation credit, transferability,
and professional skills needed in many certification programs. The ADOs and course objectives
addressed in this class include the following.
A. Throughout this course and at the end of the course you should be able to examine
problems and issues related to life and the behavior sciences in general and sociology in
particular, using appropriate critical thinking techniques. To learn to initiate and sustain
a discussion of meaning of specific behavior patterns. ADO 5, developing.
B. You should be able to apply the scientific process and related techniques, as employed
by science in general and social sciences in particular. Expand vocabulary, learn to
minimize bias, looks and weighs evidence, poses questions and conclusions. ADO 7,
developing.
C. Understand individual and group differences, and show appreciation for the traditions
and values of various groups in the United States.
D. Understand how personal issues can become public issues through sociological
imagination and understanding different perspectives.
At some point near the end of the term you might get a series of assessment tests—showing
how much (or how little) you have learned in this course. The board of trustees of JC requires
this information.
Textbook: Required textbook—Sociology in our Times. The Essentials. By Diana Kendall.
Failure: This course follows the college publications regarding pass/fail.
Academic Honesty Policy:
Policy Summary:
Academic dishonesty (e.g. cheating, plagiarism, etc.) is generally an instructional and
teachable opportunity for faculty to guide students and for students to learn from their
actions and/or behavior. However, in serious cases, the Academic Honesty Policy provides
a process for reporting, tracking, and disciplining academic dishonesty.
Definitions:
Academic Honesty: Is defined as ethical behavior that includes student production of their
own work and not representing others' work as their own, by cheating or by helping others
to do so.
Plagiarism: Is defined as the failure to give credit for the use of material from outside
sources. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:
submitting other's work as your own
documentation
-plagiarism – is the reuse of significant, identical or nearly identical portions of one’s
own work without acknowledging that one is doing so or without citing this original work
Cheating: Is defined as obtaining answers/material from an outside source without
Makeup Policy: No makeup work will be allowed. The only exception to this rule is if the student
discusses their situation with this instructor and at that time it will be decided if makeup work will
be allowed.
Help: If you are struggling in this course and feel that you need extra help please see me as soon as
possible and we will make arrangements.
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are
encouraged to contact the office of Learning Support Services at 517-787-0800, extension
8270/8553 as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely
fashion.
Student Responsibilities: Attend class, complete assignments, and participate in class.
We have the unique opportunity to learn with multiple students from different schools via the I-TV.
At times this can be frustrating and difficult because it can be hard to hear others and sometimes
the other schools have a tendency to feel left out. Please be considerate and respectful of others
by allowing each individual to have their turn to speak, listen carefully, and respond to others when
appropriate.
Extras:
It is strongly suggested that you do not text, play with cell phone, playing on computer or any other
electronics during class session. Please be aware that even though I may not say anything to you if I
see this happening it will affect your grade. I have had experiences in the past where students
completed a very minimal amount of work throughout the class and at the last minute made
attempts to “catch up.” This not only creates more work for me but also for you. I will not be
sympathetic and understanding if you make the choice to do this. However, I do understand that
life can be difficult sometimes and things are thrown at us with no warning. If you make attempts
to speak with me and explain your situation so we can work something out I will do this for you.
Again, I will not do this if you do not communicate with me.
Grading Scale:
4.0
=
3.5
=
3.0
=
2.5
=
2.0
=
1.5
=
1.0
=
0.5
=
0.0
=
94-100
89-93
84-99
78-83
72-77
66-71
60-65
55-59
0-54
Calendar: Our class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 7:45am-9:26am. Class begins
September 9, 2013 through December 11, 2013. We follow Camden-Frontier and Jackson College
schedule. In the event that Camden has a fog or snow day we will not meet for class.
September 9, 2013: Introductions, Syllabus, Expectations, course goals, assignments, grading scale.
What is Sociology? Read Chapter 1-3.
September 11, 2013: Guest Speaker
September 16 & 18: Lecture, class discussions, in class assignments over chapters 1-3.
September 23: NO CLASS!
September 25: Quiz on Chapters 1-3.
September 30 –October 28: Chapters 4-6
October 30: Mid-Term Paper and Presentation
November 4-18: Quiz on Chapters 4-6. Read chapters 7 & 8
November 20: NO CLASS!
November 25: Chapter 9
November 27: NO CLASS!
December 2-December 9: Chapters 9-10
December 11: Final Exam!
The above schedule is a very rough outline of what we will be doing on these dates. Revisions will
be necessary during the course. The reason for this is due to working together the first day of class
in developing a full schedule, assignments, exams, quizzes, etc.
I am very excited and looking forward to meeting all of you and getting started on a great year!!