UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
COURSE SYLLABUS
FALL SEMEMSTER 2015
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Sociology
INSTRUCTOR: Erik Rodriguez
NUMBER: SOCI 1101 E01
CREDITS: 3
E-Mail: erikr@westga.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides a general introduction to the sociological perspective
including theoretical orientations, methodological approaches, the content of society and culture, the process
of socialization, social institutions, and social stratification. You will have the opportunity to see how
sociology can be applied in your daily lives, in examining the world around you, and in solving social
problems.
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-to-face 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.
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:
Benokraitis, Nijole. 2016. SOC 4. Cengage Publishing. ISBN-10: 1305094557 | ISBN-13: 9781305094550
It is the same book with either ISBN number. A used book is fine. You do not need an access code.
MATERIALS / TOOLS REQUIRED:
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You are required to have basic computer skills and the ability to use the internet.
You are required to use e-mail, and other online materials.
You will need reliable, high speed internet access.
Your computer must have the capacity to view online videos.
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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Recognize basic sociological concepts, perspectives, and terminology.
Identify the dominant theoretical movements in sociological theory.
Identify the methodological tools commonly used to test social theories.
Distinguish between individualistic and social accounts of human action.
Understand the reciprocal relationship between the individual and society.
Explain the nature of culture and social structure.
Recognize the diversity of American society.
Describe how inequality influences life chances.
Demonstrate an ability to think critically.
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 course materials.
3. Submit all required assignments by the posted due dates.
CLASS POLICIES
Student Conduct: Appropriate 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.
TESTING 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 quizzes, 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.
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. All assignments for a particular module must be completed by the module due date, but you can
complete many of the assignments or take the quizzes and exams earlier if you are ready. Some things
(discussions, for example) cannot be done ahead of time.
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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.
TIME LIMITS: Most exams will have time limits. Two points will be deducted for every minute you exceed
the time limit, although I don’t start deducting unless you are more than two minutes over the time limit.
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:
Exams and Assignments
Comprehensive Final Exam/
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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