SYG2000- Introduction to Sociology- Fall 2012 Syllabus and Assignments- Valencia College
(Trier-Bieniek: CRN 14746, 11917)
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Instructor: Dr. Adrienne Trier-Bieniek (Dr. Trier is fine)
Email: atrierbieniek@valenciacollege.edu
(I prefer human interaction to email, please come see me
Office Hours: M from 10am-11:30am and 2:45-4:45pm, W
during office hours.)
from 9am-11:30am in my office (1-363), Tuesday, Thursday
8am-10am online. Other times are available by appointment.
Please note that I only discuss grades during office hours, not
via email.
Office Location: 1-363 (Building one).
Office Phone: (407) 582-2385
* Please note that these are the only acceptable ways to
contact me. Any other means will be ignored.
“The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. That is its task and its
promise… No social study that does not come back to the problems of biography, of history and of their intersections within a society has completed
its intellectual journey.” – C. Wright Mills (1959)
Course Objectives
A general objective of this course is to engage your sociological imagination by presenting various approaches used to study society.
The class will center around lecture, class discussion, readings and class projects that may require you to step outside of your comfort
zone. By the end of the course you should be able to:
1. Identify and define major areas of sociological study and their social factors;
2. Understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods, including construction of a survey and interview
script as well as be able to read, navigate and comprehend academic journal articles;
3. Articulate major sociological theories and theorists;
4. Articulate areas of social inequality and their foundations and engage in critical discussion about these areas;
5. Define and present examples of major terms such as “cultural relativism”, “ethnography”, “ethnocentrism”, “deviance” and “doing
gender.”
Objective (From the Course Catalogue): Enables student to understand social behavior and social processes and become familiar
with vocabulary and methodology of discipline of sociology. Emphasis on culture and personality, age and sex roles, family, deviant
behavior, social class and stratification, group behavior and social change.
Important Dates
Due:
9/19, 10/31, 11/21
10/17
10/24
TBA
Varied
Varied
Grade Breakdown:
Points
Topic Responses
Midterm Exam-Part 1
Midterm Exam-Part 2
Final Exam
Leading Class Discussion
In-Class Participation & Attendance
Total
75pts (3 @25pts ea.)
50pts
50pts
100pts
100pts
100pts
475 points
Percent
16%
21%
21%
21%
21%
100%
Grading Scale: A 90% and up; B 89%-80%; C 79%-70%; D 69%-60%; Anything below a 60% is an F.
Note: I reserve the right to change due dates, assignment values, or to assign supplemental work. Therefore, final point values are subject to
change. Report grading and mathematical errors immediately. If you disagree with a grade, you may submit a written complaint to me within one
week of receiving it. YOU are responsible for keeping track of your own grade.
Assigned Reading
Expect to be called on during class to answer a question about the reading. Expect to read most assignments more than once and
take notes to help you understand/ask questions about the reading.
Text and Supplemental Reading
~ “The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology”, Kerry Ferris and Jill Stein.
~ Handouts which will be placed on Blackboard for you to print and bring to class.
Readings are to be done before class and brought with you to class. We will be discussing them in each class session. You
are responsible for all the reading and should be prepared to be called on in each class session to discuss the reading.
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Attendance, Tardy, Cell Phone and Withdraw Policy
1. Please assume that class attendance is mandatory and you are responsible for everything covered in class including details about
the tests, papers, changes to reading or assignments etc., as well as class activities. If you miss an activity you miss the points. If you
miss class please be sure to get lecture notes from another class member (i.e. not from me).
2. Missing more than three classes will result in your final grade being dropped one grade per each additional absence. Missing seven
or more classes will result in your being withdrawn from the class. You are responsible for keeping track of your absences.
3. Tardiness is not only a disruption for the class but it is rude and disrespectful to myself and your classmates. You are expected to
be in class at the beginning of class and I will use the classroom clock as this gage. I will probably call you out on your lateness and
ask you to apologize to the class, sing or do something equally as embarassing before you can sit down. There will be no excuses for
tardiness as everyone in the room has gone to great lengths to be present for the start of class. Further, leaving class early, without
notifying me, will also result in five points being deducted from your final grade for each incident.
4. At the beginning of class an attendance sheet will be passed around for you to sign. It is your responsibility to sign these. Signing
the attendance sheet for others (whether they are present in class or not) is considered academic dishonesty and will be dealt with by
giving you an automatic absence for the day as well as up to 20 points off your midterm or final, at my discretion. If you arrive after the
allotted start time you will need to sign the Late Sheet located next to the class door before entering class.
5 Please turn off cell phones before class begins and refrain from texting, emailing or using electronic devices to do anything other
than take notes during class. I am not going to give you material you missed due to not paying attention. The above behavior will
factor into your final grade and can result in up to a 15% deduction of points from your final grade.
6. Per Valencia policy, a student who withdraws from class before the established deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of
“W.” A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. I can withdraw you for violation of the class attendance
policy at any time.
Additional Policies
1. Homophobic, sexist, racist or classist language that is communicated verbally or non-verbally that degrades groups or
individuals will not be tolerated in this class. You each have the right to a non-threatening classroom to learn in and I have the
right to teach in a non-threatening environment.
2. I reserve the right to change due dates and exam dates as needed throughout the semester. This includes pop quizzes as needed.
3. Please refrain from talking while myself or a classmate is talking. Side conversations will be noted and points deducted from
participation each time I need to remind you of this.
4. Please bring all reading materials to class required for that day.
5. In this class we will be discussing topics that may make you uncomfortable or go against your beliefs. There will probably be a point
where you feel offended or angry during this semester. I welcome discussions of your perspective on things we read or talk about.
However, if you do not feel comfortable challenging your beliefs you might want to consider other sections of this course.
6. Grades will not be discussed via email. If you have a question about your grade please come see me in office hours/make an
appointment to talk. YOU are responsible for keeping track of your grade. See page 4 for a chart to assist you with this.
Turning in Late Work and Emailed Work
Work is due in class on the day it is due, usually via Black Board. As a rule I do not accept late work. This means that you will need to
allow yourself ample time to complete each assignment by 11:59pm on its due date. If you and I converse prior to the date of an
assignment being due and agree that you may turn an assignment in late, it will be susceptible to a five point grade reduction for each
additional day it is late. If you turn an assignment in late without discussing it with me your grade will be dropped an entire grade. In
class assignments will not be made up as well as any pop quizzes. In general I do not accept work via email unless we have discussed
it and arranged for you to do so. If you do turn in work via email please make sure you adhere to the email guidelines below in order to
make sure I accept your paper. Failure to do so could result in a 0 for the assignment.
Email Correspondence/Etiquette
-Please only email me via the above email address or via Atlas. Do not email me through the message service in Black Board.
- Please indicate, in your email, which section you are in (i.e. MW at 11:30am).
-With email, as with any professional writing, it is important that you address your emails to me with some sort of salutation and sign
your name to messages so I know who is contacting me. The way you word your messages will have an effect on my response. I
prefer face-to-face communication, and don’t discuss grades via email, so please come to office hours if you have questions. If you
have read this far into the syllabus please send me an email, following the above etiquette and the words “I wish Vanilla Ice would
make a musical comeback” in the text to receive five extra credit points by 5pm on Aug. 31st, and then finish reading. I usually check
email between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday. I rarely check it on the weekends.
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- Most of the announcements, reading changes, extra credit etc. for this class will be done via email. As such, it is important that you
check your email at least once a day. From time to time I will send extra credit only via email.
Students With Disabilities
If you require an accommodation based on a disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.), contact Office for
Students with Disabilities located in building 5, room. 216, Phone: 407-582-2229. Please make these arrangements as early in the
semester as possible, so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged for the duration of the course. Please contact me if you
have a disability that will affect your work in class, I am happy to work with you to accommodate you within the class.
Additional College Procedures and Policies
College Withdraw Procedure: Per Valencia Policy 4-07 (Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals), a
student is permitted to withdraw from a class on or before the withdrawal deadline,(March 23rd) as published in the College calendar. A
student is not permitted to withdraw from a class after the withdrawal deadline. A student who withdraws from class before the
established deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of “W.” Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during
a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F.” For a complete policy and procedure overview:
For a complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia Policy 4-07 please go to:
http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=75&volumeID_1=4&navst=0
Valencia Student Core Competencies: Valencia faculty have defined four interrelating competencies (Think, Value, Communicate, Act)
that prepare students to succeed in the world community. These competencies are outlined in the College Catalog. In this course,
through classroom lecture and discussion, group work, and other learning activities, you will further your mastery of those core
competencies. Additional information is available in the College Catalog (http://valenciacollege.edu/competencies/).
CLAST Competencies: The College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) measures the following: reading skills, essay skill, English
language skills, and mathematics skills. To the extent possible, you will be encouraged to develop these skills as part of you work in
this course. Additional information is available in the College Catalog http://valenciacollege.edu/competencies/
Academic Dishonesty: All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia. Academic dishonesty included, but is not limited
to, plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation,
and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. Sanctions available to the professor should a violation occur are
described in the Valencia Student Handbook or online at
http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=193&volumeID_1=8&navst=0
Student Code of Classroom Conduct : Valencia is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning, but is concerned
with the development of responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at Valencia, a student assumes the responsibility for
becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct. The primary responsibility for managing the classroom
environment rests with the professor. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may
be directed by the professor to leave the class. Violation of any Valencia policies/procedures or classroom rules may lead to
disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the College. Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from the class,
disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions. Valencia’s Student Code of
Classroom Conduct) can be found in the current Student handbook.
http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=180&volumeID_1=8&navst=0
Students with Disabilities: "Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a Notification to
Instructor (NTI) form from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably
during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate
documentation of disabilities. The East Campus Office is located in Building 5, Room 216 and can be reached via phone, Ph: 407-5822229, Fax: 407-582-8908, or TTY: 407-582-1222
In-Class Assignments (100 points total)
Breakdown of Points Available
This class is mainly made up of class discussion and participation. 20 points from classroom participation will be earned from
consistent and responsible attendance as well as contribution to class discussion based on your comprehension of the readings. Good
participation is defined as active participation and being present, engaged and interested in what your peers have to say is good
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participation. Great participation is adding new ideas to a conversation, going above and beyond what is introduced in class and
adding your own information/ideas to the class.
Exams and Quizzes (at least 2 @100 points each)
You will complete a midterm exams (100 points) and a final exam (100 points). Unless discussed with me at least 24 hours prior to the
exam date, exams will not be able to be made up. Any make-up exams will be done at my discretion, as my schedule allows and will
be essay exams. Documentation of your absence during the exam will also be required. Quizzes will occur if I get the sense that
reading is not getting done. Points for quizzes will be added to your final grade and will not be made up if missed. Exams will be
returned one week after they have been administered. If you miss class the day that exams are handed back you must come to office
hours to view yours. Because both will be turned in via Black Board I will not grant extensions based on computer malfunctions.
Please plan ahead to turn in your work. Please note that if you have an A going into the final exam for the course you will not be
required to complete the exam.
Topic Responses (3 @ 25 points each)
Over the course of the semester you will compose three responses to a topic provided in class. Each topic will be revealed one week
before the response is due and will require you to connect an aspect of your reading with your own ideas. The goal of this assignment
is for you to engage yourself with the reading and to hone your writing skills. These papers will be between 2-3 pages, typed, 12-point
Times New Roman font, one inch margins and double spaced. Your name, the date and the class section should be singled spaced at
the top. Because these will be turned in via Black Board I will not grant extensions based on computer malfunctions. Please plan
ahead to turn in your work.
Leading Class Discussion (100 points)
Once during the semester you, along with a group, will lead class discussion on the assigned reading. A sign- up sheet for groups will
be passed around during the second week of class. The purpose of doing group presentations in this class is for you to have a chance
to discuss and ask your classmates questions about the articles we are reading in class. The more interesting, creative, and outside of
the box your discussion/presentation is the better your grade will be. My role will be minimal. I will interrupt on occasion. For a
checklist for the discussion, a rubric and criteria for the discussion, please see the “Leading Class Discussion” file located on Black
Board. You are required to open and complete the checklist and peer evaluation for the discussion and bring them both to class with
you on discussion day.
Grading Grades will be determined according to the following scale and criteria (600 total points possible):
A = 90-100% Outstanding and superior work, presented at the college level, using standard English with proper sentence
structure, spelling and grammar. Student exceeds all course expectations, shows a clear understanding of concepts,
demonstrates superior ability to synthesize materials from both inside and outside the classroom, participates regularly and
enthusiastically in class as well as has consistent class attendance.
B = 80-89% Very good, above average work, presented at the college level, using standard English and demonstrating proper
sentence structure, spelling and grammar with a few minor flaws. Student meets course expectations promptly, shows
adequate understanding of concepts, demonstrates ability to relate materials from both inside and outside the classroom, and
participates regularly in class. Possibly missed the maximum allotted class sessions.
C = 70-79% Average work, presented at the college level, using standard English and demonstrating proper sentence
structure, spelling and grammar with many minor flaws. Student follows directions and meets minimal expectations for
assignments, shows some understanding of concepts, demonstrates ability to process materials from both inside and outside
the classroom, and intermittently participates in class. Some attendance/tardy issues.
D = 60-69% Below average work, marred by major mechanical problems, improper use of standard English, incomplete
sentences, spelling and grammar. Student fails to meet most expectations, follow directions, and participates little in class.
Multiple missed classes and/or excessive lateness.
E = 59% & below Well below average work - unacceptable due to major mechanical problems, improper use of standard
English, incomplete sentences, spelling and grammar. Student fails to meet course expectations, shows little or no grasp of
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concepts, is unable to relate material from inside and outside the classroom, and fails to participate appropriately or
consistently in class. Probably missed more than seven class sessions.
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