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Introduction to Sociology
Sociology 101
Distance Learning
(Print this out)
Dr. Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
Phone: (206) 934-7011
Office hours are by appointment
Office: Rm. IB2327A
E-mail = Please send email for this class through ANGEL (Class website)
Instructor’s campus email: robert.atkins@seattlecolleges.edu
(subject = your student + the class and time you are in)
Class website: http://northseattle.angellearning.com
Login material (Write your items in the space below)
User name: _______________________
Your entire student id number
Password: ______________________
Your entire student id number
**Course summary:
The suggested daily activities to prepare for the exams involve (1) reading that
chapter in the text, (2) going online and listening to the class presentation for that chapter
while you follow along with the PowerPoint slides & Chapter Diagrams, and finally (3)
developing answers to the study guides.
You may go through the material and take the exams at your own pace. All the
exams and related materials are available throughout the quarter. You may take them
whenever you feel you are ready. When you have completed all the exams, you have
completed the course. All exams become closed on the last day of the quarter as
indicated on the Course Calendar in this syllabus. I suggest completing all exams prior to
the last day of the quarter in case your internet or computer crashes. The exams will not
be extended. If you have not completed an exam by the last day, you will receive a zero
for that exam. Remember, you have all quarter to complete the exams. The Course
Calendar in the back of this syllabus gives you a suggested schedule for the quarter.
Grading: Your class grade is based on the four non-cumulative midterms (50 points
each), one comprehensive exam (100 points).
My Grades:
Exam #1 _____, Exam #2 _____, Exam #3 _____, Exam #4 _____,
Comprehensive exam= _____ Total = _______ (Finding this total on the Grading Scale
in this syllabus will give you your final grade).
Financial Aid:
If you need confirmation of attendance for financial aid, do this:
Email me at robert.atkins@seattlecolleges.edu (not the Angel website) and list: (1) Your name, (2) - Student ID number, (3) - course name and number (E.g. SOC&101DL),
(4) - the item number (e.g. 9800) – use the correct number for your section. Finally, state
that you are attending the course, and ask me to forward the email to Financial Aid.
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Table of Contents:
**Summary
Contact information
Course summary
Grading
Financial aid
**Materials
Websites
Text
Hardware
Software
Online materials
**Outcomes
**Instructor’s Information
Background
Teaching philosophy
**Exams
How to do well on the exams
Taking the exams
Trial exam
**Grading
Exam Grading
How to see your exam grades
Course grading summary
Grading scale
Grading scale same for everyone
**Instructor created support materials
Class presentations
Chapter diagrams
Study guides
Asking questions of your instructor
**Class policies
**How to:
Email your instructor
Check your internet browser if you are having problems
See your final course grade:
Do a class evaluation:
Withdraw from the course:
**Discussion questions for voluntary posting
How to post
How to reply
**How to study
**Course calendar
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**Materials for the course:
Websites:
How to log into your course materials: Go to:
http://northseattle.angellearning.com
Click “Log On”
Put in your User name and Password. (Your entire student ID number for both)
Click on the name of the course E.g. SOC 101& - Introduction to Sociology
For eLearning support, go to:
http://virtualcollege.org/
Required Text:
Sociology by Macionis, 13th. Ed. ISBN# = 0-205-74465-6
This is a three hole punch edition. You may purchase the paperback or hard back
if you want.
To purchase the text from the NSCC Bookstore, go to:
NSCC Home Page https://northseattle.edu/
> Services > Bookstore > Textbooks > Step one “Find your course” > Add course
> Step two “Review your courses” > View textbook list >
Using older editions: You may use any edition you wish. However, I recommend the
current edition.
Hardware and software:
Computer: PC or Mac
Internet connection:
Preferably DSL or cable, not a dial-up (however, dial-up can work, it is just slow).
Software:
Internet browser: Firefox (PC or Mac) or Internet explorer (PC) is
recommended. Do not use Google “Chrome”.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Power Point Viewer
You need the ability to use the above software. Your instructor is not “Tech. Support”.
Online materials: Available on class website
1. Chapter Diagrams
2. Class Presentations
3. Power Points
4. Study Guides
5. Discussion Questions
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**Outcomes:
This course will help you develop attitudes that encourage you to:
*Demonstrate a willingness to learn from many cultures, persons, methods, and
viewpoints.
This course will give you the knowledge to:
* Understand the nature of the individual, of human values and of the relationship
between the self and the community.
Note: Often people have had traumatic experiences or have strong feelings on certain
topics. If you feel any of the topics in the text or class will be emotionally damaging to
you, or difficult to learn about or discuss, or would create a “hostile environment” for you
- do not take this course. If you have a disability of any type, you should contact the
Educational Assistance Center.
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**Instructor’s Information:
Background
Your instructor has an AA degree from Fullerton J.C., B.A. and Masters degrees
from California State University at Fullerton, and a doctorate (Ph.D. degree) from the
University of Washington. He is a full time tenured instructor at North Seattle
Community College, and has taught at NSCC for over 40 years. Prior to teaching at
NSCC, he taught at Jamestown College (a four year college) and at St. Phillips
Community College.
Your instructor has taught this Sociology course over 200 times, as a fully on
campus course, a hybrid course, or a fully online distance learning course.
He has also had experience in the following areas: a public mental health clinic in
Seattle, the Educational Psychology Clinic at the University of Washington, The Adult
Development Program within the Dept of Psychiatry, in the School of Medicine at the
University of Washington, and the Sexual Dysfunction Clinic – Dept. of Psychiatry –
School of Medicine – University of Washington.
He has also visited and talked to inmates in the following institutions: Monroe
Penitentiary, Shelton Penitentiary, Purdy Women’s Correctional Center, Echo Glen
reformatory and Mc.Neil Island Penitentiary.
Other travel experiences include trips to: Europe, Japan, China, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska,
the Caribbean, Egypt, Greece, and India.
Teaching Philosophy
In general, the objective of my instruction is to help you understand the terms and
concepts presented in the course.
Explanations are often given in the form of stories, examples, and case studies to
elaborate on the concepts presented. These ideas are often presented visually in power
point slides (sometimes accompanied by photographs). For auditory learners, the class
presentations are recorded. Finally, for those who do best reading, the text supplements
the class information.
The objective of the class presentations, is to not only dispense information you
need for the exams and the Study Guides, but also to give you the feeling of being in a
class along with the spontaneous stories and examples to aid you understanding of the
material. Recordings also give you a feeling of the instructor’s personality so he is seen
as a real person rather than a written lecture. I like to feel it gives you the “heart and
mind” of a class that you would get no other way. This also gives you the ability to pause
and rewind the presentation, which you can not do in class.
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**Exams:
General description:
There are four exams (50 points each) and one comprehensive exam (100 points).
The four mid-term exams are not cumulative and cover only the chapters for that exam.
The exams are all multiple choice, and will test your knowledge of concepts, terms, and
findings. You will also be asked to apply some of the fundamental concepts to new
situations.
You may go through the material and take the exams at your own pace. All the
exams and related materials are available throughout the quarter. You may take them
whenever you feel you are ready. When you have completed all the exams, you have
completed the course. All exams are closed on the last day of the quarter as indicated on
the Course Calendar in this syllabus. I suggest completing all exams prior to the last day
of the quarter in case your internet or computer crashes. This gives you some time to
solve any problems. The exams will not be extended. If you have not completed an
exam by the last day, you will receive a zero for that exam. Remember, you have all
quarter to complete the exams.
Other exam concerns:
1. Remember, you can only take each exam once, so be sure you are prepared for it.
There are no make up exams, retake exams, or extra credit.
2. Once you start an exam you must complete the 50 questions in 50 minutes. You
cannot pause an exam to look up the answer and come back to it later.
3. The exam labeled, “Practice Exam (Not graded)” is the only practice exam. All others
are real exams.
4. To reduce cheating, you can only see one question at a time. You cannot go back to
previous questions, and you must come into my office to see any questions you missed.
5. You may use any notes, study guides, text, or other materials provided in the class
during the exams. You may not use any other source of help.
My hope is that having the exams and study materials available throughout the quarter
will let you progress at your individual pace and make it more convenient for family and
work schedules, thereby making the class more enjoyable for you.
How to do well on the exams:
The exams come from the text and many additional items to help you understand
the material. Use the Course Calendar at the end of this syllabus to keep yourself on
track so you will have covered the material and understand it before you take the exam.
To understand each topic, read the text, listen to the class presentation, take notes, review
the Chapter Diagrams, and complete the study guides.
The “How to Study” sheet in this syllabus will discusses how best to read the text
material prior to listening to the class.
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Taking the exams:
When taking the exams on line you may use the study guides, your text, or
dictionary. You may not have anyone else helping you in any way. When taking the
exams, you must answer one question before going on. You may not go back. Also, If
you skip a question you may not go back to answer it. It is best to have an answer for
each question.
NOTE *** Turn off the pop-up blocker in your web browser
To turn off the pop-up blocker. With Firefox, go to tools > Options >Content,
and uncheck the "Block pop up window". With Explorer, go to Tools > Pop-up blocker >
Turn off pop-up blocker.
1. Log in and go to your course home page.
2. Click on “Exams” > then Exam number > then “Begin Now” > then “Continue” (Note
the time remaining in your upper right corner)
3. Answer the first question >then click “Next” (Answer all questions) >
4. Finally, when all questions are answered, click “Submit” then “OK”.
Note: Your time remaining is shown in the upper right hand corner. At the end of that
time, the exam will automatically stop and will not be reset. Therefore, please watch
your time remaining.
********************************************************************
YOU MUST CLICK “SUBMIT” FOR ALL EXAMS BEFORE 11:00 pm PACIFIC
TIME ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CLASS AS INDICATED IN THE COURSE
CALENDAR. AT 11:00 pm THE EXAMS TURNS OFF AND YOU WILL NOT
RECEIVE CREDIT FOR TAKING ANY REMAINING EXAMS. I SUGGEST YOU
END ALL YOUR EXAMS PRIOR TO THE LAST DAY OF THE QUARTER JUST
TO BE SURE, IN CASE THE CLOCKS ARE DIFFERENT, OR YOU HAVE ANY
PROBLEMS.
The Course Calendar gives you a suggested schedule.
*********************************************************************
Trial Exam:
There is currently a trial (ungraded) exam under the “Exams” tab to familiarize
you with the test taking system. You may take this exam unlimited times. The real
exams can only be taken once. You are not expected to know the answers to these
questions, and it is not graded. This is just a trial run to be sure you know how to take an
exam.
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**Grading:
Exam Grading:
The score you receive will be the grade indicated by the computer. I feel this is
the fairest for the largest number of students. While I am glad to discuss the exam with
you, it will not change your score. Any changes in question wording, etc. will be
considered for next quarter, but will not be used to change scores this quarter.
How to see your exam grades:
Your exam grade will be available when the time for taking the exam is
completed. Your grade will show up in the box on the right side of the page when you go
to that exam. Due to the digital ability to copy all the questions and archive them, or
email them to friends and relatives, you will not be able to see individual questions. If
you wish to come to my office, you may see, but not copy, individual questions at that
time.
Course grading summary:
Your final grade will be based on the total questions you answered correctly on all
four exams and the comprehensive exam.
TOTAL
POINTS
300-270
269-240
239-210
209-180
179-0
%
90
80
70
60
GRADE
"A"
"B"
"C"
"D"
"E"
4.0-3.5
3.4-2.5
2.4-1.5
1.4-0.
0.0
(See the "Grading Scale" page for a more detailed grade distribution)
Exam #1 = 50 pts.
Exam #2 = 50 pts.
Exam #3 = 50 pts.
Exam #4 = 50 pts.
Comprehensive exam = 100 pts.
Total = 300 points
(See the “Grading Scale” page for a more detailed grade distribution)
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Grading Scale
Total
Points
300 (100%)
299
298 4.0
297
296_____
295
294
293 3.9
292
291_____
290
289
288 3.8
287
286
285_____
284
283
282 3.7
281
280_____
279
278
277 3.6
276
275_____
274
273
272 3.5
271
270____(90%)
A
269
268 3.4
267_____
266
265 3.3
264_____
263
262 3.2
261_____
260
259 3.1
258_____
257
256 3.0
255_____
254
253 2.9
252_____
251
250 2.8
249_____
248
247 2.7
246_____
245
244 2.6
243_____
242
241 2.5
240____(80%)
B
239
238 2.4
237_____
236
235 2.3
234_____
233
232 2.2
231_____
230
229 2.1
228_____
227
226 2.0
225_____
224
223 1.9
222_____
221
220 1.8
219_____
218
217 1.7
216_____
215
214 1.6
213_____
212
211 1.5
210____(70%)
C
209
208 1.4
207_____
206
205 1.3
204
203_____
202
201 1.2
200
199_____
198
197 1.1
196
195_____
194
193 1.0
192
191_____
190
189 0.9
188
187_____
186
185 0.8
184
183_____
182
181 0.7
180____(60%)
179 0.0
D
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The grading scale is the same for everyone:
After all grades are in, students come to my office wanting me to make a new, easier,
grading scale just for them that does not apply to the rest of you.
These requests sound like this: “I only need one more point to get the next higher grade
… please.” “I am failing the class, so don’t give me the grade I earned, give me an NC
(or an Incomplete) instead.” “If you give me the grade I earned, I can not get into the
university.” “I need a 2.0, or I will be deported.” “I will lose my financial aid.” “I
forgot to take the test when it was scheduled with everyone else, so can I take it now
(several days later)?” “I tried (or I learned a lot) so you should give me a higher grade.”
“I had personal problems during the quarter, so you should increase my grade (or any
deadlines should not apply to me).” “I did not remember it was due then, so can I turn it
in now?” I can not grade based on any of these factors. You need to do the best you
possibly can from the first day of class, and feel confident the grade you receive at the
end was the best you are capable of.
If you need help with anything, please see me. I want you to do very well in class and
have established many items to help you do so. These include:
(1) “How To Study” sheet in this syllabus
(2) Online recordings
(3) Online power point slides
(4) The text
(5) Class discussion questions
(6) Study Guides which come from the tests
(7) Chapter Diagrams
(8) My office hours if you need additional help understanding the material.
With all this support, please remember, the grading scale is the same for everyone.
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**Instructor created support materials:
Class Presentations:
To view the presentation, click on the file. After the introductory slide appears, click on
the right pointing triangle in the center. This will start the presentation. Be certain the
volume is on (mute turned off) and the volume is turned up to a comfortable level. You
may then simply sit back and listen to the presentation as if you were attending the class
which created these presentations. However, you have the advantage of being able to
pause or rewind and review the presentation using the controls at the bottom of the
screen.
These recordings have been made “live” in class.
When listening to the recordings and watching the slides, it is good to have the Study
Guide, Chapter Diagram, and text in front of you to use as guides to what will be on the
exam. If you wish to print out the slides, they are available in a file entitled “Power Point
Slides”.
These recordings, and the related Power Point slides, have been included for the
following reasons:
1. It gives you a feeling of being in class, complete with stories, examples, and
comments.
2. You get to know your instructor on a more personal level
3. You get to hear explanations of topics that may be difficult to comprehend
otherwise.
Chapter Diagrams:
Chapter diagrams are “Concept Maps” of the key concepts being discussed in
lecture, test, and exams. The theory behind these maps is that you can remember a
diagram (or photograph or drawing) better than written text or an outline. This is
particularly true of visual learners.
How to use them:
The best way to use these is to print them out on a color printer and have them in
front of you (along with the study guides) when you listen to the lectures. When listening
to the lectures, or reading the text, you can take notes and transfer the key ideas to the
concept diagrams for later study.
When writing the notes into your diagram, ask yourself if you understand them;
then explain it to yourself (or someone else). It will work even better if you can say this
aloud to yourself so you can hear it.
How to study with them:
1. Add any notes you want to the diagram
2. Develop a mental image of the diagram
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3. Try to reproduce that image on a blank piece of paper without looking at the
original diagram.
4. Compare your diagram to the original.
A. The missing items are the ones you need to concentrate on
B. Repeat this process.
Finally, these are just study aids. You do not need to use them if you do not want, and
there is nothing to complete or hand in.
Study Guides:
Go to: Course Resources >Chapter Title > Study Guides. This file gives you a study
guide for each chapter. These are designed directly from the exams. While you read the
text, listen to the class presentations, and view the Power Point slides, keep these sheets
with you, and work toward being able to answer each of the questions. These will then
help you during the exams.
Asking questions of your instructor:
Before emailing or calling me with a question, you need to read that section of
text, or syllabus. The first thing I will ask is, “What did the text or Syllabus say (on what
page) and what is it you do not understand. Quoting the section of the text or syllabus
you do not understand will help me provide you with a more helpful answer.
If you cannot give me a reference page in the text or syllabus that generated your
question, I will ask you to find and read the related pages. Most questions can be
resolved by doing this. If not, feel free to contact me with your question.
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**CLASS POLICIES
Extra credit: Extra-credit work is not available.
Incompletes: No “Incomplete” (I) grades will be given.
No Credit “NC” grades and Withdrawals: You must request an "NC" grade or
withdraw by the “last day to withdraw” indicated on the course calendar. If you
have not, you will receive a decimal grade for this course.
Cheating: Any cheating on exams will result in a score of zero (“0”) for that exam (which
can not be retaken). Copying an exam, sending an exam to another student, or keeping
an exam is considered cheating. Facilitating the cheating of another student is also
considered cheating, and both parties will receive a zero.
Exams: You may use the text or any other materials you wish when taking an exam.
However, the exams have a time limit, and looking up information takes time.
Guidelines for Student Conduct: Students are expected to comply with student conduct
policy and procedures. Information on student responsibilities and rights is available at
the following website: www.seattlecolleges.com/services
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you need course adaptations or accommodation
because of a disability; you must contact Disability Services at phone 527-3697, or TTY:
526-0079 or on the web at http://access.northseattle.edu/services/ds.htm
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**How to:
How to email your instructor:
1. Go to the class home page and “Course Mail”.
2. Click on “Quick Message”
3. Click “To”, place a check mark next to “All Course Faculty”, click “To”, then “OK”
4. Type in your subject, type your email, and click “Send”.
How to check your internet browser if you are having problems
1. Go to the class website and log in.
3. Often, simply turning off “pop-up blockers” on your web browser will solve problems.
4. Another way to check your browser is to try all the class activities, such as the Power
Points, the recordings, and the class materials. If these all work, you are ok. If you still
have questions, call one of the distance learning resources on the first page of this
syllabus.
How to see your final course grade:
You may check your grades via the internet at: NSCC home page > Services >
Online Services > Grades/Records > Grades/Unofficial Transcript. Put in your Student
ID and Student PIN, then click on “Get My Transcript”.
How to do a class evaluation:
You will receive an email from the Seattle Community College District near the
end of the quarter. You may anonymously complete and return this evaluation to the
District. There are two forms; one is multiple choice, and the other is an essay
opportunity. I will only see the anonymous results after the grades have been handed in.
To be sure your email is current, you may go to: NSCC Home page > Services > Online
Services > Update Your Address, Email, or Phone.
How to withdraw from the course: You may withdraw from a course via the internet at:
NSCC home page > Online Services > Register/Add/Drop Classes, and follow the
directions.
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**Discussion questions for voluntary postings:
Throughout the quarter, you may talk with other students by sending comments,
and obtaining replies. This is the distance learning equivalent of talking in class.
There are suggested questions to spark discussion by going to: Course Resources >
Chapter title > Discussion Questions. An introduction to the discussion questions is
covered in the file entitled, “Instructor Introduction – Discussion Questions”.
As in class, there is no additional credit for comments and discussions; however,
it makes the class more interesting.
How to post your comments for a discussion:
1. From the class homepage, click on “Discussion Forums > Class Discussion”.
2. Click on “New Post”
3. Put in the title and type your posting
4. Click “Save”
How to reply to a post:
Click on “reply” at the bottom of the posting, and type your reply message.
Past classes have suggested I post some questions to spark a discussion. Therefore, I will
post some critical thinking questions to discuss and consider. You are welcome to
discuss some, all, or none of my questions. My preference is that you come up with your
own questions to discuss based on your own interests related to particular topics being
discussed in the class. As in the classroom, there is no specific credit given for
discussions.
Here are some items I would like to mention regarding my input.
1. The postings are primarily for student interaction on topics of concern to you.
Therefore, I consider my input as secondary back-up topics to consider either if it is
something you have not thought about before that is interesting to you, or if you cannot
think of a topic to discuss.
2. My questions will not be “academic” questions with a correct answer to look up.
Instead, they will be more critical thinking questions.
3. My experience has been that when I answer or comment on my own questions, it tends
to be seen as the “correct” answer, and reduces further discussion. Therefore, I will not
necessarily answer or comment of what I put up for discussion. These are designed to
create student discussion and interaction. However, I do read every posting.
General rules for discussions:
1. You are free to discuss any topic you wish related to the class as long as it is
respectful to all members of the class, and makes a positive contribution to the class.
2. You are free to include as much (or as little) personal information as you wish.
3. Any postings discussed outside of class should never be attached to an individual
person’s name.
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4. In general, it is best to post questions or comments related to the current topics being
presented that week.
Remember, just as you are not required to talk in class (and do not receive credit for
simply talking) the same applies here. However, discussions among students often make
the class more interesting.
Have fun!!
Ask questions, or join in other discussion threads.
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HOW TO STUDY
1. Read the chapter ahead of the lecture
A. Read the chapter summary “Making the Grade” at the back of the chapter.
This will give you an overview of what to look for.
B. Read the Study Guides.
This will give you an idea of what topics in the chapter we will be covering.
C. Scan the chapter and highlight the key exam concepts and terms.
These will be in bold print and italics
D. Underline definitions of terms in the text
E. Read the chapter
I. Ask yourself questions about each major heading
Turn headings into questions
II. Read just for the answer to the question
F. Review the Chapter Diagrams to get an overview of what will be covered.
2. Come to “class” each day.
A. Look at the Course Calendar to see what topics are being discussed that week.
B. Listen to the class presentation.
C. Take good notes
D. Complete the study guide.
You do not need to hand them in.
E. Add information to the Chapter Diagrams
F. Compare the notes to the book to see what topics were discussed
in both class and text.
3. After class
A. Review notes quickly
B. Focus on the terms that are also in the “Making the Grade” in the back of the
chapter.
Remember:
Anything in class or the book may be on the exam. However, this approach will help you
focus your study time on the material that is most apt to be on the exam.
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Course Calendar
SOCIOLOGY 101
This calendar is based on a campus class meeting three days a week, and is a general
guideline. You may schedule your time any way you wish. The exams are available
throughout the quarter. You may take them (once) when you feel you are prepared.
Please note we do not cover all chapters in the text.
DATE
September 26
28
30
October 3
5
7
10
12
14
17
19
21
24
26
28
31
November 2
4
7
9
11
14
16
18
21
23
25
28
30
December 2
5
7
9
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TOPIC
Introduction and Syllabus
Soc. Perspectives (Ch. 1)
Soc. Perspectives (Ch. 1)
Soc. Investigation (Ch. 2)
Soc. Investigation (Ch. 2)
Culture (Ch. 3)
Culture (Ch. 3)
Society (Ch. 4)
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, and Diagrams
EXAM #1
Socialization (Ch. 5 )
Socialization (Ch. 5 )
Social Interaction (Ch. 6 )
Groups (Ch. 7)
Sexuality (Ch. 8)
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, and Diagrams
EXAM #2
Deviance (Ch.9)
Social Class (Ch. 11)
Gender Strat. (Ch. 13)
Veteran’s Day holiday
Race & Ethnicity (Ch. 14 )
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, and Diagrams
EXAM #3
Family (Ch. 18 )
Education (Ch.20)
Thanksgiving day holiday
Health (Ch.21
Population (Ch. 22 )
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, and Diagrams
EXAM #4
Review for comprehensive exam
Comprehensive Exam
End of class – Exam turns off at 11:00 pm. No exceptions
Above dates may vary.
November 18th is the last day to withdraw