UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH
COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING SEMEMSTER 2016
COURSE: SOCI 3733: Sociology Psychology: A Sociological Perspective
INSTRUCTOR: Erik Rodriguez
CREDITS: 3
E-Mail: erikr@westga.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Social psychology is an area within sociology that examines the relationship
between the individual and society. Emphasis is placed on the study of social behavior and experiences
stemming from the individual’s participation in social groups, interactions with others, and the effects of
cultural and social structures on the individual. Topics in social psychology include identity, attitudes, group
processes, socialization, interpersonal relations, social interaction, social influence, and collective behavior.
PRE-REQUISITES: SOCI 1101 or SOC 105
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: This is an online course using CourseDen. All of your study will take
place online through a variety of electronic media. Online classes require more self-discipline than face-toface classes. You will work at your own pace at the time of your choosing, but you will be required to actively
participate in the class and meet deadlines. You can work ahead on some of the assignments, but there may be
a few that you will need to do at the assigned times.
COMMUNICATION:
The preferred method of communication with me is through E-mail. I do not have an office on campus or a
campus phone number. We can arrange to speak by phone or Skype, but initial contact should be through
email. I check email frequently, including evenings and weekends. For course related communications,
please use the CourseDen email system. Include a brief description of the purpose of the email in the subject
line.
It is expected that you follow appropriate professional communication etiquette when communicating with me
or your fellow students. Since this is a class that is to prepare you for the world of work, I would like for you
to con
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:
Duff, Kimberly. (2012). Think Social Psychology. Pearson. ISBN-13: 978-0205013548/ISBN-10:
0205013546
LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Define social psychology and give examples of the discipline's central concerns.
Develop a social science perspective.
Describe the major research methods used in social psychology
Apply the principles and theories of social psychology to everyday social situations.
Identify similarities and differences between social psychology and the other disciplines that study
human nature.
6. Examine how cultural diversity and social factors influence the individual, society, and social
institutions.
7. Explore the interchange among individuals, social systems, and institutions.
MATERIALS/TOOLS REQUIRED:
You are required to have reliable internet access and basic computer skills. You will need to use the internet
and email regularly.
Please understand that computer problems are not acceptable excuses for late assignments. You must have a
reliable computer to take online classes. Should you have trouble with your computer or internet provider,
please use one of the on campus labs to complete your work.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Attend class through the semester. For an online course, this means that you must be actively
participating in the class activities for the course. I will be able to monitor your participation through
CourseDen. If you do not access the site and submit your assignments as scheduled, you will be
considered absent. If you have special circumstances, you should contact me immediately. I am
willing to work with you if you contact me ahead of time.
2. Read and review all required material.
3. Submit all required assignments by the posted due dates.
CLASS POLICIES
Student Conduct: Appropriate classroom behavior is expected from all students. The use of offensive
language is prohibited. Appropriate behavior in the online environment includes: asking questions, answering
instructor’s questions, participating in discussions, being polite, using appropriate language and good
netiquette skills. Inappropriate behavior in the online environment is: using offensive language, using
inappropriate symbols, shouting in all caps, using texting language, using threatening language, harassing
others, making insensitive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, social status, ethnicity, race or
religion. Professional, courteous communication is expected
Academic Honesty: Please read the department policy at: http://www.westga.edu/soccrim/index_4657.php
and the university policy on plagiarism and academic dishonesty in your student handbook. Violations of this
policy will be met with. Plagiarism is the use of others words and or ideas without giving them proper credit,
which includes passing another person’s paper off as your own and failing to cite a source. Plagiarism
software can detect copied papers and copied text. This is a senior level class. You are responsible for
knowing how to properly cite sources with APA or ASA formatting.
TESTSING AND ASSIGNMENTS:
The course is divided into Modules. Click on the link to Module 1 in CourseDen and you will see a list of
chapters included in that Module. Click on the link to the chapter to see the specific chapter assignments.
Within a module, there is flexibility for you to study at your own pace. However, there is a specific due date
for each module (which includes tests, assignments, and extra credit if applicable). This is a hard and
fast due date, not a suggested due date, by which the module as a whole must be completed.
There will numerous activities on CourseDen to enhance your learning. During the first week or two, you'll
want to look at these different resource materials and decide what works best for you. Of course, you'll need
the book and you will want to view my customized PowerPoints. There are a variety of other resources for you
to use as well.
Essentially, you will focus on learning the material in the text and other assigned readings or video content,
choosing among the various resources that are available to assist you.
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TESTING POLICIES:
Quizzes and other testing materials will be posted on CourseDen. No notes or other materials are to be used
for the online tests unless specifically noted on CourseDen. Quizzes and exams may include matching,
multiple choice, true-false, and short essay items.
LATE POLICY:
There will be a one-day (24 hour) grace period for each quiz, test, or assignment. This is to allow for
technical difficulties. Do NOT consider it an extra day to study, because if you experience technical
difficulties during the grace period, it may be too late to correct them. I am not available 24/7, so you cannot
expect to attempt the test after 8pm on the due date and assume I will be available to help if needed. If you
wait until the day of the grace period, and have technical difficulties that cannot be corrected (for any reason)
by 11:59pm, late penalties will apply. Unless you have contacted me ahead of time, and have a valid reason,
late submissions are not accepted.
GRADING SYSTEM:
Details regarding assignments and grades are provided on CourseDen and should be considered an addendum
to this syllabus. Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
A = 89.5 - 100
B = 7935 - 89
C = 69.5 – 79
D = 59.5 – 69
F = 59 and below
COURSE WEIGHTS:
Tests, and Assignments
Final Exam/Project
80%
20%
100%
DISABILITY SERVICES: If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the Americans with
Disabilities Act and require assistance or support services, please seek assistance through the Center for
Disability Services. A CDS Counselor will coordinate those services:
http://www.westga.edu/studentDev/index_8884.php
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