March 2009: 0902A
March 25, 2009 – June 2, 2009
Course Number: SS144
Course Title: Sociology
Credit Hours: 5
Prerequisites: Any of CM102-CM107
Instructor Name and Credentials: Dr. Ronald K. Bolender (you may call me Ron). I
have an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, a M.A. from the University of Cincinnati,
and a B.A. from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Instructor Contact Information: You may contact me via email or AOL Instant
Messenger (AIM) during office hours. If my office hours do not work with your schedule,
please contact me to set up an appointment. If you are not an AIM member, you can
download this free service at:
http://aim.aol.com/aimnew/Aim/register.adp?promo=106723&pageset=Aim&client=no
Kaplan Email Address:
RBolender@kaplan.edu
AIM Instant Messenger Name: drron558589
Course/Seminar Day and Time: Wednesday 8:00 pm (first seminar is on Wednesday
March 25, 2009)
Office Hours: Wednesday 9:15 pm to 11:15 pm (EST)
Start/End Dates: March 25, 2009 – June 2, 2009 [Note: Final Projects are due at the end
of Unit 9, May 26, 2009]
Holiday Dates: This term contains one holiday, Memorial Day.
 The Memorial Day is observed May 23rd – May 25th
o No seminars will be held these days.
Course Materials:
Software: Microsoft Word is required for all Kaplan Courses
Text or Alternative Materials:
Sociology in Our Times, Kendall, 6th edition, ISBN: 0495006858
Course Description:
In order to become effective members of society, students need to be able to recognize the
social rules and patterns that will affect them, their communities, and their futures. To help
students become more effective, this course explores culture and socialization, groups and
social institutions, social inequality, and social change as well as examining the structure
and dynamics of human society.
Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Identify the forms, components, and dynamics of social change
2. Describe the influence of social identity on the everyday life of the individual
3. Compare the major types of sociological research
4. Use major sociological theories to analyze social institutions and organizations
Course Outline:
Unit 1: Introduction, Sociological Perspectives and Research Methods
Unit 2: Culture and Socialization
Unit 3: Social Structure and Deviance
Unit 4: Social Stratification and Race and Ethnicity
Unit 5: Gender and Aging
Unit 6: Economy and Government
Unit 7: Family and Religion
Unit 8: Education and Health
Unit 9: Social Change
Unit 10: Applying Social Theory
Learning Activities:
Unit 1:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Read about Final Project under Course Home
Unit 2:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Knowledge Check
Unit 3:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Project
Knowledge Check
Unit 4:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Knowledge Check
Unit 5:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Project
Knowledge Check
Unit 6:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Knowledge Check
Unit 7:
Reading
Web Resource
Discussion
Seminar
Project
Knowledge Check
Unit 8:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Knowledge Check
Unit 9:
Reading
Discussion
Seminar
Final Project
Knowledge Check
Unit 10:
Reading
Discussion
Grading Criteria/Course Evaluation:
Discussion Units 1-9: 25 pts each (225 pts total)
Seminar Units 1-9: 5 pts each (45 pts total)
Project Unit 3: 160 pts
Project Unit 5: 185 pts
Project Unit 7: 185 pts
Final Project: 200 pts
Total: 1000 points
Kaplan University Grading Scale:
Grades
A
AB+
B
B-
Points
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
Definitions
Superior
Superior
Above Average
Above Average
Above Average
C+
C
CD+
D
F
AU
CC
EC
I
P
R
S
TC
U
W
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0
Average
Average
Average
Below Average
Below Average
Failure
Audit
Credit by Examination
Experiential Credit
Incomplete
Pass
Repeat
Satisfactory
Transfer Credit
Unsatisfactory
Withdrawal
Kaplan University Grading Scale Converted to Course Points:
A
930 - 1000 points
A900 - 929 points
B+
870 - 899 points
B
830 - 869 points
B800 - 829 points
C+
770 - 799 points
C
730 - 769 points
C700 - 729 points
D+
670 - 699 points
D
600 - 669 points
F
0 - 599 points
Instructor’s Grading Criteria/Timetable:
All course projects submitted on time will be graded within five days of their due date (the
Sunday of the following unit). Late projects will be graded within five days of their submission
date. Discussion and seminar grades will be updated each week no later than Sunday of the week
following the Unit’s completion.
Course Policies:
Extenuating Circumstances: If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent
you from completing projects, quizzes or participating in the class, please contact the
instructor to make alternative arrangements. The possibility of alternative
arrangements is at the discretion of the instructor. Active communication is the key
to overcoming any hurdles you may encounter during the term. If you are unable to
contact your instructor, you should contact your academic advisor.
Tutoring: Tutoring and many other resources are available in the Kaplan University
Writing Center which you can access on the right-hand side under Academic Support
on your KU Campus page. You can find everything from using commas to
conducting research. You can learn APA citation, review grammar, see sample
essays, and this is just scratching the surface! In addition, you can also chat with a
live tutor during live tutoring hours (listed in the Writing Center) that can help you
locate material within the Writing Center, understand a particular assignment, and
explore the Kaplan library. Finally, you can submit a paper and receive comments
specific to that paper within 48-72 hours.
Incompletes:
Incompletes provide students with limited additional time to complete coursework
after the term’s end. To be considered for an incomplete, you should have
completed approximately 75% of the coursework. Please see the Kaplan University
catalog for further information. Whether or not to grant an incomplete is your
instructor’s decision. The deadline for requesting an incomplete for the March
A term is Tuesday May 26, 2009. Incomplete coursework is due June 12, 2009.
Projects:
Project Rubrics:
Unit Project 3:
Grading Criteria
% - Points
Course Content
Clearly identifies a topic and provides explanation
of why topic was chosen.
0-50
Identifies how topic is changing and the direction
it is moving towards.
0-40
Clearly identifies at least two types of research
methods and explains how method would be
used.
0-40
Writing
0-15
Structure: Includes introduction with clear thesis
statement, complete paragraphs, and brief
summary.
Mechanics: Uses correct grammar, spelling,
punctuation, and APA style, including a title page,
reference page, and in-text citations from 3 (or
more) academic sources. Free of typographical
errors, 1-2 pages in length (not including the
cover page or reference page).
0-15
Total
An explanation of the points earned, as well as
where the assignment could be strengthened will
be included with your grade.
Unit 5 Project
Grading Criteria
160
% - Points
Course Content
Analyzes issue from all three sociological
perspectives (Conflict, Functionalist, Symbolic
Interactionist).
0-55
Clearly identifies the perspective that best
explains the social change and explains selection.
0-55
Includes at least one resource that substantiates
selection.
0-45
Writing
Structure: Includes introduction with clear thesis
statement, complete paragraphs, and brief
summary.
0-15
Mechanics: Uses correct grammar, spelling,
punctuation, and APA style, including title page,
reference page, and in-text citations as required
and where appropriate. Free of typographical
errors, 1-2 pages in length (not including the
cover page or reference page).
0-15
Total
An explanation of the points earned, as well as
where the assignment could be strengthened will
be included with your grade.
185
Unit 7 Project
Grading Criteria
% - Points
Course Content
Identifies social norms and values that could be
changed, which social institutions will be most
affected, social stratification or inequality caused
0-55
Clearly explains how culture will be affected and
who will be affected most and how
0-55
Clearly identifies social movements or collective
behaviors contributing to this change
0-45
Writing
Structure: Includes introduction with clear thesis
statement, complete paragraphs, and brief
summary.
Mechanics: Uses correct grammar, spelling,
punctuation, and APA style, including title page,
reference page, and in-text citations as required
and where appropriate. Free of typographical
errors, 1 ½ -2 ½ pages in length (not including
the cover page or reference page).
0-15
Total
An explanation of the points earned, as well as
where the assignment could be strengthened will
be included with your grade.
185
0-15
Final Project
Your Final Project will be due at the end of Unit 9.
Final Project Rubric
Grading Criteria
% - Points
Course Content
Clearly identifies what is changing and explains
how much, how fast and in what direction.
0-30
Clearly identifies social engines driving this
change
0-30
Clearly identifies data that demonstrates change
occurs and is continuing
0-30
Clearly explains why this topic will
experience more social change than other
areas/topics in the next ten years
0-35
Clearly identifies and explains which Perspective
of social change (functionalist, conflict or
symbolic interaction) best explains this change
0-35
Writing
Structure: Includes introduction with clear thesis
statement, complete paragraphs, and brief
summary.
0-20
Mechanics: Uses correct grammar, spelling,
punctuation, and APA style, including title page,
reference page, and in-text citations as required
and where appropriate. Free of typographical
errors, 5-6 pages in length (not including the
cover page or reference page).
0-20
Total
200
An explanation of the points earned, as well as
where the assignment could be strengthened will
be included with your grade.
Late Projects:
Projects are due Tuesday 11:59 pm ET of their assigned Unit.
Late Penalty Policy for Projects:
Late projects (with extenuating circumstances) It is your responsibility to
inform me (ahead of time, whenever possible) of extenuating circumstances that
might prevent you from completing projects by the assigned deadline. In those
situations, we will work together to come up with a mutually acceptable alternative.
Prior notification does not automatically result in a waiver of the late penalties.
Late projects (without extenuating circumstances) are accepted with a penalty
of one letter grade per week (not to exceed a 3 letter grade penalty. For example,
you submit an “A” paper 3 weeks late, you would earn a grade of a “D” ).
Late Policy for FINAL PROJECTS:
Final Projects are due the Tuesday of Unit 9… Late final projects with/without
extenuating circumstances will be accepted until the SAT of Unit 10. Those without
extenuating circumstances will receive a one letter grade deduction.
Seminar Participation: You can earn credit for seminar by participating in 1 of the 2
options listed on the seminar page for a Unit.
Seminar Option 1:
Seminars will be held using the KHE Seminar tool. Use the following instructions to
enter seminar:
To access your Seminar, log in to your home page and click on the course for which
you are attending Seminar. This will open two windows. The narrow window is called
the remote control. In the remote control, please click on the blue underlined text
that says "Enter KHE Seminar." After a brief pause, you will be in the Seminar. Your
name should appear on the left side of the screen.
For additional instructions, review Seminar Instructions found under Course Home in
the classroom.
Rubric for Seminar - Option 1
Grading Criteria
% - Points
0-2
Frequent and thoughtful interaction on concepts
being discussed by students and instructor.
Posts are on topic and contribute to the quality of
the seminar.
0-2
Student arrives on time and stays the entire
seminar.
TOTAL
An explanation of the points earned, as well as
where the assignment could be strengthened will
be included with your grade.
0-1
5
Seminar Option 2: Respond to the seminar discussion questions listed.
Rubric for Seminar - Option 2
Grading Criteria
% - Points
Response is on topic answering each question
fully making informed reference to the unit
material.
0-4
Response is clear and meets posted length
requirements.
0-1
TOTAL
An explanation of the points earned, as well as
where the assignment could be strengthened will
be included with your grade.
5
Late Penalty Policy for Seminar Option 2 Postings: Seminar option 2 posts are due
Tuesday 11:59 pm ET of their assigned unit. After the unit deadline of Tuesday, 11:59 p.m.
ET, seminar option 2 posts submitted late will be subject to a late penalty of 0.5 points per
week late with a maximum late penalty of 2 points.
All late Seminar Option 2 work should be posted/submitted to the appropriate unit. In
addition, please notify me via email when you submit late work to any unit.
Discussion Question Participation:
Discussion Questions provide a forum for students to ask questions and answer important
questions about the course material. The discussion questions also allow students to
receive feedback from the instructor and other students in the class. A discussion question
grade will be posted to the grade sheet for each Unit.
Rubric for Weekly Discussion Threads
Grading Criteria
Makes one primary post for each discussion
thread (there may be more than one thread)
answering each of the questions fully with
substance meeting length requirements (150
words for each primary post).
Makes two or more thoughtful responses to other
students on each thread contributing to the
quality of the discussion and meets length
requirements (50 words for each peer response).
Primary responses make at least 1 reference to
the unit material, text, or other academic source.
Responses are clearly written.
TOTAL
An explanation of the points earned, as well
as where the assignment could be
strengthened will be included with your
grade.
% - Points
0 - 15
0-5
0-2
0–3
25
Late Discussion Policy:
Discussion Boards are due Tuesday 11:59 pm ET of their assigned unit. After the unit
deadline of Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET late Discussion Board responses will be penalized a
deduction of one letter grade per unit with a maximum late penalty of 3 letter grades.
All late Discussion Board work should be posted to the appropriate unit on the Discussion
Board. In addition, please notify me via email when you submit late work to any
unit.
Attendance/Tardiness Policy
The University emphasizes the need for all students to attend classes on a regular and
consistent basis to develop the skills and aptitudes necessary to compete in the highly
competitive labor market. Online students register attendance for any course activity by
logging into the course site. Kaplan University online courses have both synchronous and
asynchronous requirements. Synchronous (or real-time) learning experiences called
seminars happen at the same time for all students in a section. Asynchronous learning
experiences happen throughout the course and do not require student participation at a
scheduled time.
The specific requirements for attendance are the following:
1. Any first-term student or any student seeking reentry who does not register
attendance within the first 7 days of the term will be withdrawn from their classes
and their enrollment will be cancelled.
2. Students who have not participated in class by failing to log in for 21 consecutive
calendar days (excluding scheduled breaks) will be administratively withdrawn from
their program. Students who fail to log into any class within the first 21 days of the
term will be dropped from the class or classes. Students in any graduate business
program may not exceed 14 consecutive calendar days of nonattendance.
Nonattendance may affect financial aid eligibility.
3. Students withdrawn due to nonattendance must apply for readmission by following
the reinstatement procedures and will be permitted to return no sooner than the
beginning of the next grading period.
4. Students may appeal to their school’s Dean if they feel an error has been made in
their attendance calculation.
5. Courses are presented in weekly units. The weekly attendance period begins
Wednesday at 12:00 am ET and ends on Tuesday at 11:59 pm ET.
Plagiarism Policy
The following changes to Kaplan University's Plagiarism Policy are effective September 13,
2007:
Kaplan University considers academic honesty to be one of its highest values. Students are
expected to be the sole authors of their work. Use of another person’s work or ideas must
be accompanied by specific citations and references. Though not a comprehensive or
exhaustive list, the following are some examples of dishonesty or unethical and
unprofessional behavior:
• Plagiarism: Using another person’s words, ideas, or results without giving proper
credit to that person; giving the impression that it is the student’s own work.
• Any form of cheating on examinations.
• Altering academic or clinical records.
• Falsifying information for any assignments.
• Submitting an assignment(s) that was partially or wholly completed by another
student.
• Copying work or written text from a student, the Internet, or any document
without giving due credit to the source of the information.
• Submitting an assignment(s) for more than one class without enhancing and
refining the assignment, and without first receiving professor permission. In cases
where previous assignments are allowed to be submitted for another class, it is the
responsibility of the student to enhance the assignment with additional research and
to also submit the original assignment for comparison purposes.
• Assisting another student with reasonable knowledge that the other student
intends to commit any act of academic dishonesty. This offense would include, but
not be limited to, providing an assignment to another student to submit as his or her
own work or allowing another student to copy answers to any test, examination, or
assignment.
In essence, plagiarism is the theft of someone else’s ideas and work. Whether a student
copies verbatim or simply rephrases the ideas of another without properly acknowledging
the source, it is still plagiarism. In the preparation of work submitted to meet course
requirements, whether a draft or a final version of a paper or project, students must take
great care to distinguish their own ideas and language from information derived from other
sources.
Sources include published primary and secondary materials, electronic media, and
information and opinions gathered directly from other people.
A discussion thread, computer program, marketing plan, PowerPoint presentation, and other
similar work produced to satisfy a course requirement are, like a paper, expected to be the
original work of the student submitting them. Copying documentation from another student
or from any other source without proper citation is a form of academic dishonesty, as is
producing work substantially from the work of another. Students must assume that
collaboration in the completion of written assignments is prohibited unless explicitly
permitted by the professor. Students must acknowledge any collaboration and its extent in
all submitted coursework. Students are subject to disciplinary action if they submit as their
own work a paper purchased from a term paper company or downloaded from the Internet.
Kaplan University subscribes to a third-party plagiarism detection service, and reserves the
right to check all student work to verify that it meets the guidelines of this policy.
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and may result in the following sanctions:
1st offense: Failure of the assignment in which the action occurred.
2nd offense: Failure of the class in which the action occurred.
3rd offense: Expulsion or permanent dismissal from the University.
Procedures for processing plagiarism offenses are as follows:
ONLINE STUDENTS
Charges of academic dishonesty brought against a student shall be made in writing by the
professor to the Provost’s Office. The Provost’s Office maintains a database of plagiarism
offenses and a file of all plagiarism charges. When an offense has been committed, the
Provost’s Office sends the student a copy of the plagiarism policy and a letter of the action
taken, and informs the Academic Department Chair, the Academic Advisor, and the course
professor of any plagiarism charges.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY APPEALS
Undergraduate
Academic Dishonesty Appeal Procedures
Step 1: Within ten days of receiving notification of action for academic dishonesty, a
student who wishes to appeal must first contact the faculty member of the class in
which the incident occurred. The student should explain their reasoning for
reconsideration. If the faculty member and the student agree to a resolution, the
faculty member notifies the Provost's Office.
Step 2: If the problem has not been resolved and the student wishes to pursue the
appeal, the student must complete and send the Academic Appeal Form to the
Provost's Office. The appeal will be forwarded to the Plagiarism Review Evaluator, an
impartial expert on plagiarism. The Evaluator will consult academic department
chairs and/or subject matter experts as needed. The Evaluator will review the
documentation and share his/her opinion with the student.
Step 3: If the student wishes to pursue the appeal, he/she must notify the Provost's
Office within ten days of the Evaluator's decision. Notice of the appeal will be sent to
the faculty member and the appropriate Dean, and the appeal will be forwarded to
the Academic Appeals Committee, which will review the case and make a decision.
Step 4: If the student disagrees with the Academic Appeals Committee's decision,
he/she must send a written letter of appeal to the Provost's office within ten days of
the Committee's decision. The Provost will review the material presented and make a
final ruling.