San Bernardino Valley College: SOC 150 Syllabus
A syllabus is considered an agreement between an instructor and all students registered in a class.
Exemptions to the syllabus and supporting documents are not made for students who request allowances
because this may constitute bias and discrimination against students who were not allowed the same
exception(s). It is therefore important that students understand and comply with the syllabus and
supporting documents found in the Start Here folder in Blackboard.
Sociology 150
Fall:
Classroom:
Section:
Sociology of Aging and the Life Course (3 units)
8/19/14-12/19/14
Blackboard and Online Only – no on-campus meetings
Section #70
Faculty:
Email:
Romana Pires, MA, MS
rpires@valleycollege.edu – expect response Mon-Fri.
Website:
Phone:
www.socologypires.weebly.com
Please contact via e-mail (909) 384-8602 – do not leave messages
Office Hours:
Office:
Mondays and Wednesday 11am-12:30pm and by appointment
NH 324
Division Office:
Tech Support:
NH 345 909 384-8603
877 241-1756 available 24/7 for all computer and student related issues
Catalog Description
This course is an analysis of the interaction between the human life course and social structures with an
emphasis on aging as a social process including adjustment to aging among individuals, families,
generational cohorts and society. Historical, cultural, socioeconomic, political, other social contexts and
public policy issues such as healthcare, housing and retirement in the United States will also be
examined.
Required Material and Readings
You will not pass this course without the required textbook.
Novak, Mark. Issues in Aging. 3rd Edition. Pearson, 2012. ISBN: 0-205-863-68-X
Only the 3rd edition of this textbook may be used for this class as instructor does not own the 2nd
edition and will not be able to grade your assignments since written work requires students to cite
from the 3rd edition.
Additional readings and multimedia links will be posted in Blackboard.
Options for Purchasing Textbook
 Valley College Bookstore (909) 384-4435 http://bookstore.valleycollege.edu
 Used textbooks such as www.dealoz.com or www.half.com and rental at www.chegg.com
Technology and Computer Requirements – 24/7 Tech Support available at 877 241-1756
 You must have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection via a modem. Wireless
devices such as laptops, tablets, and if applicable; smart phones must be connected directly
to a modem when taking exams in this class. Wireless internet access may not be compatible
with Blackboard (Bb) exams due to intermittent micro lapses in wireless connections.

Prior to taking exams in Blackboard (Bb), students are responsible for making sure that
their internet browsers are compatible with Bb. Public or library computers might not have
appropriate software or internet browser. See the log-in page of Blackboard or contact tech
support at 877 241-1756.

Familiarity with use of computers, internet, Blackboard, and college email.
 Access to Microsoft Office (or software that reads Microsoft Office documents and other
multimedia software (video and audio). Your computer may already have this software but you
can also download it for free in our Blackboard online classroom (Start Here folder).
 Anytime you experience technical issues, you must contact tech support (Help Desk) at 877 2411756 and ask for help in diagnosing and fixing your computer issues. Tech support is open 24/7
but techs are not allowed to re-open submitted assignments or exams due to privacy laws. If you
have been “kicked” out or “logged” out of Bb this usually means that you are either using a
wireless device or you have internet browser issues (not using correct internet browser,
cache is full, etc.). Students may have other issues and so asking tech support for help is crucial.
 Please note that deadlines are not extended due to emergency technical issues or
Blackboard being offline, so give yourself plenty of time to complete and submit
assignments/exams in Blackboard. Please do not leave submissions to last due date.
SBVC Online Student Handbook
You are required to be familiar with the information in the SBVC Online Student Handbook. Copy and
paste this link into your internet browser or go to the Start Here folder in our Blackboard classroom to
access. http://www.valleycollege.edu/online-classes/handbook-students-online
Accommodations for a Student with a Disability
If you require a disability-related accommodation please let me know as soon as possible so that I can
assist you in a timely manner. You should also contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS)
directly to make your request. You will be required to provide DSPS with professional verification of
your disabling condition(s). DSPS is located in ADSS 105. The phone numbers are: Voice: 909-3844443; TTY: 888-2357.
Withdrawals College Deadlines
It is your responsibility to withdraw by appropriate deadline if no longer active in this course. Students
that do not post an Introduction by Tuesday 7/8 3pm may be dropped from class. A student may
also be dropped if: the student fails to participate regularly and it is unlikely the student will be
successful in the course. No penalty drop date is Saturday 9/5 and to drop with a W deadline is Friday
10/31.
Cheating and Plagiarism Policy
Cheating constitutes academic dishonesty and in general will be handled as part of the course grading
process. Penalty may range from no credit for the assignment up to and including exclusion and/or an
"F" grade for the course. Academic dishonesty is cheating; obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for
work by the use of dishonest, deceptive, fraudulent, or unauthorized means. It is also academic
dishonesty if student helps someone do any of the above. Student work is maintained in Bb for a
minimum of three years and this is why assignments via email will not be accepted.
All students are required to work independently in this online class. Completing readings,
multimedia, exams, and assignments together or helping each other is academic dishonesty.
Students who work together are risking being assigned a failing grade and reported to the
appropriate college administrators for violating academic dishonesty. Students who violate college
or classroom academic integrity policies will not be able to participate in the optional/make-up
assignments toward the end of the semester.
Student Participation Policies
 Students are responsible for the information posted in this syllabus, Announcement and Start
Here areas of Blackboard in addition to the curriculum posted in Bb throughout the semester.

Students need to check their SBVC emails every week for information related to this class.

Assignments are not accepted by e-mail and must be submitted through Bb. No exceptions.

When contacting the professor, write your course and section number in the email subject header
(for example: SOC 100 Section 72).

It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with all exam and assignment due dates. All due
dates are posted in the Course Calendar found in the Start Here folder.

Late assignments are not accepted even if there are computer/Bb issues. Don’t leave work
until the last due day! Expect the unexpected. Student must contact tech support at 877 2411756 when experiencing computer issues. Tech support is not allowed to reopen submissions.

Students are expected to be respectful and maintain confidentiality. Instructor abides by campus
policies and disciplinary recommendations.

Participation is extremely important to one's success in this course. It is very difficult to catch up
once student falls behind in assignments since deadlines are not extended for any reason.

Students need to devote nine hours a week to this class per Federal Education policies. See the
SBVC Online Student Handbook or the Carnegie Unit Policy in this syllabus. Since this is a
condensed five week class, each week is equal to three weeks during a regular semester.

Written work is graded using the Discussion and Web Reaction handouts found in the Start Here
folder of Blackboard. Students will also have access to Grading Rubrics and instructor feedback.

Student grades are calculated per the Grading Policy in this syllabus. Sometimes, Bb has had
glitches in calculating total points in the student version of Bb and students should always
manually calculate their individual and total points (see Required Assignments below).
Grading Policy: There are approximately 300 possible points in this course.
A = 300 to 270 points
B = 269 to 240 points
C = 239 to 210 points
D = 209 to 180 points
F = 179 and below
A is exemplified by students who perform at an exceptional level. Online participation, assignments, and
exams are completed above and beyond what is required.
B is exemplified by students who demonstrate a high level of understanding of the subject with some
minor flaws. A good effort is put into online participation, assignments, and exams.
C is exemplified by students who demonstrate an average understanding of class material. Online
participation, assignments, and exams are at the standard level of what is required.
D is exemplified by students who have a below average understanding and completion of assignments,
exams, and online participation.
F is failure to understand the course material. Completion of assignments, exams, and online
participation by the student is below the level of the expected course objectives.
Academic Freedom District Policy
“Academic freedom requires that all academic employees establish and preserve an open learning
environment at the college. No special limitations shall be placed upon students in their study,
investigation, presentation, and interpretation of facts and ideas concerning human society, the physical
and biological world, and other branches of learning, subject to accepted standards of academic
responsibility. Students shall have the opportunity to study controversial issues and divergent views and
to arrive at their own conclusions. Academic employees have an obligation to protect the student’s right
to freedom of inquiry even when the student’s conclusions differ from those of the academic employees.
While student may represent without penalty any opinion in or out of class, they may be required to
demonstrate knowledge of views contrary to their own in order to fulfill course requirements” (SBCCD
Board Policy 4030).
Carnegie Unit – Federal Education Department
“Carnegie unit has traditionally been calculated as two hours of work outside the classroom for every
hour of time spent in the classroom. So if a three unit class meets for approximately three hours on
campus, then the Carnegie unit would demand that students spend six hours outside of class working on
the learning outcomes of the class. That makes a total of nine hours of total time devoted to the class
each week. This formula is consistent with state regulations and federal law”
(http://www.valleycollege.edu/online-classes/handbook-students-online/credit-hour).
Required Assignments and Total Points
Please be familiar with the deadlines for all assignments and exams found in the Course Calendar
and located in the Start Here folder of Blackboard. Deadlines are not extended for any reason even
if Bb has technical difficulties or is offline. Give yourself plenty of time to submit assignments and
exams. Always expect the unexpected. Technology is not perfect and you might need tech support.
Introduction (0 points) and Syllabus Contract (0 points)
Students are required to post an Introduction in Bb and submit the Syllabus Contract by Wednesday
8/27/14 3pm or possibly be dropped from the course. This is how professor takes attendance which is
required by state laws. The law also requires faculty to drop “no show” students. Both of these link are
found in the Start Here folder of Blackboard.
Reading Material
Approximately three-four chapters will be assigned for each of the five required modules. Lectures,
websites, videos, audios, and/or articles will expand on textbook material. See the Course Calendar for
reading due dates for the entire semester to stay ahead of your studies.
Five Discussions (15 points each) and Five Web Reactions (15 points each) (150 points total)
Students are required to follow the Academic Writing handout, Discussion Instruction handout, and Web
Reaction handout found in the Start Here folder of Blackboard. See the Course Calendar for all
assignment due dates.
Five Exams (30 points each) (150 points total)
Each exam will consist of 30 multiple choice questions. See the Course Calendar for all exam due dates.
Don’t procrastinate – take exams early to avoid any unforeseen personal or technical issues.
Optional Exam/Optional Discussion/Optional Web Reaction (8/7/14)
Students will be able to make up or substitute lowest grade for one exam, one discussion and one web
reaction by completing optional assignments on 8/7/14.
Extra Credit (15 points)
Each of the five Exams and Web Reaction assignments will include extra credit questions.
Things to Remember
 Keep handy the Course Calendar for all due dates and required textbook reading.
 Thoroughly read the Announcements in Blackboard and check your SBVC email once a week.
 Keep handy all of the supporting course documents found in the Start Here folder in Bb.
 Call Tech Support at 877 241-1756 when experiencing computer or Bb issues.
 Late work is not accepted. Do not email assignments to instructor.
 Student will not pass this class without the required textbook.
 Student must have access to a computer with a modem and reliable internet connection to be
successful in this class.
Course Competencies, Outcomes, and Objectives
All sociology courses offered at SBVC are transfer level courses and approved for transfer by the CSU
and UC university systems. In order for this course to be accepted for transfer by CSU and UC, an
articulation agreement exists and all faculty teaching this course must abide by the agreement. Students
who receive a grade of C or better must demonstrate their understanding of the course objectives set
forth in the Course Outline of Record (see below) through written assignments requiring critical
thinking. Students can view the entire Course Outline of Record at:
http://www.curricunet.com/SBVC/reports/course_outline_html.cfm?courses_id=2242
College-Wide Core Competencies
Major emphasis in this course will be placed on student’s ability to read and retain information, write
clearly as well as find and interpret information. Some emphasis will also include the following: use
sociological vocabulary, evaluate authority and bias of information, utilize technology to organize and
present information, evaluate information by using scientific reasoning and learned knowledge to new
situations, demonstrate respect for diversity of ideas, exhibit personal, professional and academic
honesty, recognize own biases and values, demonstrate knowledge of and respect for one’s own culture,
and work effectively in group settings.
Student Learning Outcomes
Sociology is both a scientific and humanistic discipline. Sociologists examine the systems of social
action including single social acts, social relationships, organizations, institutions, communities, and
societies. Through analyses of society, its groups, institutions, and processes, sociologists attempt to
understand and predict human behavior. The study of sociology prepares students for further study of
careers in social work, probation, corrections, human services, law enforcement, research, public policy,
law, and education. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution and major in sociology should
consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.
1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of major societal trends and forces which influence and
shape the aging process in U.S. society evaluated by a written or objective assessment.
2. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the variations in the aging process and
experience related to social status and culture evaluated by a written or objective assessment.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. Identify the dynamic relationship between the individual life course from a historical and cultural
perspective and explain how these are influenced by socioeconomic, political and other social
structures and contexts
2. Analyze the aging process, adjustment and public policy utilizing the major sociological
perspectives, social theories on aging and contemporary research studies
3. Recognize that culture influences the social construction of the life cycle and subsequently
differences in generational life chances
4. Critically evaluate how social structures influence adjustment and wellbeing of individuals,
families and generational cohorts in the United States
5. Draw inferences between societal organization and age, class, gender and racial/ethnic variations
6. Understand the key dimensions of the life course utilizing the sociological imagination.
San Bernardino Valley College Student Services
Student Success Center (Sociology Tutors) (PS 121) 909 384-8566
Business Office (AD/SS 206) and Financial Aid (AD/SS 106) 909 384-4403
Career Center (Campus Center 215) 909 384-8674
Counseling Center (AD/SS 103) 909 384-4404
Disabled Student Program and Services (AD/SS 105) Services tailored for individual needs. Voice 909
384-4443 or TTY 909 888-2357
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for
Education (CARE) (AD/SS 202) 909 384-3312
Health Center 909 384-4495
Library 909 384-4448
Scholarships and Awards Office (Campus Center 205) 909 384-8673
STAR Program (AD/SS 202) 909 384-8606
Student Assistance Center (Campus Center Lower Level) 909 384-8233
Transfer Center (AD/SS 203) 909 384-4410
Writing Center (LA 201) 909 384-8244
Course Calendar for SOC 150
Schedule time to take into account emergencies such as computer and Bb problems into your schedule
because deadlines are not extended per the syllabus policies. Introduction and Syllabus Contract are
due in Bb by Wednesday 8/27/14 by 3pm or you may be dropped from course. Required assignments and
exams are separated into five modules.
Tuesday 8/19/14-Wednesday 8/27/14 – Course Orientation
 Purchase Textbook
 Familiarize yourself with all information in the Start Here folder of Blackboard and print and
read the Syllabus and supporting documents
 Required Introduction and Required Syllabus Contract - Due by Wednesday 8/27/14 3pm
(Located in the Start Here folder of Blackboard)
Thursday 8/28-Wednesday 9/17 – Module #1 is due by Wednesday 9/17 3pm
 Read Chapters 1, 2, and 3
 Complete Discussion #1
 Complete Web Reaction #1
 Complete Exam #1
Thursday 9/18-Wednesday 10/8 – Module #2 is due by Wednesday 10/8 3pm
 Read Chapters 4, 5, and 6
 Complete Discussion #2
 Complete Web Reaction #2
 Complete Exam #2
Thursday 10/9-Wednesday 10/29 – Module #3 is due by Wednesday 10/29 3pm
 Read Chapters 7, 8, and 9
 Complete Discussion #3
 Complete Web Reaction #3
 Complete Exam #3
Thursday 10/30-Wednesday 11/19 – Module #4 is due by Wednesday 11/19 3pm
 Read Chapters 10, 11, and 12
 Complete Discussion #4
 Complete Web Reaction #4
 Complete Exam #4
Thursday 11/20-Wednesday 12/10 – Module #5 is due by Wednesday 12/10 3pm
 Read Chapters 13, 14, and 15
 Complete Discussion #5
 Complete Web Reaction #5
 Complete Exam #5
Thursday 12/11-Wednesday 12/17 - Optional Assignments due Wednesday 12/17 3pm
 Complete Optional Discussion (substituted for lowest points in Discussion category)
 Complete Optional Web Reaction (substituted for lowest points in Web Reaction category)
 Complete Optional Exam (substituted for lowest points in Exam category)
Final Grades will be posted in Blackboard on Thursday 12/18 by 8am. Blackboard will go offline and
grades will be posted in Web Advisor Friday 12/19 8am.