INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SYLLABUS
On-line Course
Instructor
Rosalind Fisher
Gloria Bibby, TA
Building 13
Office
Office
Hours
On-line only
Office
850 473-7064
E-mail
rfisher@uwf.edu
850 474-2797
Dept.
Phone
Text:
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Society, The Basics.11th Edition, John Macionis.
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On-line assignments and other readings are also required.
Also required:
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Internet Access
E-mail Account
Description:
This course introduces you to the sociological perspective and provides
an overview of sociology's major theoretical perspectives and
approaches. Through the texts, video clips and on-line discussions we will
explore socialization and how socially constructed concepts help shape
the reality of our lives. We will focus on social processes and the social
systems that maintain social hierarchies and institutions as well as, how
society affects our choices and life chances. This course exposes students
to diverse norms, values, legal and economic systems, and histories - all of
which are essential to understanding our world.
Some video clips or course materials may contain adult themes or
profanity.
Learning on-line may be a very different environment for some of you. You
will generally set your own schedules except for assignment deadlines,
and participate in class discussions at your convenience. You may require
some additional time online during the first couple of weeks while you
adjust to the online format. You may feel overwhelmed at first, but it will
get better. You should be prepared to spend approximately 6 - 7 hours
per week online completing lessons, quizzes, and participating in class
discussions.
Objectives:
The primary learning objectives of this course are not merely
memorization of specific facts (such as statistical data — which will
change with time). Rather, the focus is on how sociologists interpret the
facts; which means, the stress is on theory and on the process of inquiry.
After successful course completion the student should be able to:
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Demonstrate a basic understanding of the sociological
imagination.
Use the sociological perspective or imagination to interpret the
real world.
Understand and critically discuss the three major theoretical
perspectives, functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolicinteraction theory.
Apply sociological concepts to observable events and social
issues.
Define social diversity in a global context.
Appreciate the major ethical and value issues confronting the
sociological researcher.
Requirements:
Students will be evaluated in a variety of ways: through exams, on-line
webquests, and participation in discussion forums, which will reflect work
on topics covered in the text.
There will be approximately 375 points possible to earn in this class.
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There will be eight quizzes, each worth about 30 points.
Quizzes are open book, multiple choice and true/false. Each student gets
2 attempts to take the quiz, with the highest score being the final grade.
Students must open the Respondus Lockdown Browser prior to taking the
quiz.
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Participation points totaling 100 for four on-line discussions,
Discussions are interactive, requiring the discussion and interpretation of
the textbook, assigned websites and readings.
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One essay worth 35 points.
Each student will write an essay, during the term, each of which will be
about three typed (word-processed) pages (double-spaced). This
involves an application of the "sociological imagination," an exploration of
the meaning of macro and micro connections in your own life. Each
assignment is explained under ‘Content’ on the eLearning course page.
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No make-up discussions because discussions are interactive. There can
be no exceptions to this arrangement. An exam may be made up if it is
missed due to a documented illness or emergency.
Grading: if your overall average is:
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A – A- = 90% and above
B+ – B- = 80-89%
C+ – C- = 70-79%
D+ - D- = 60-69%
F = 59% and below
Resources:
I can not help with technical problems. If you run into any computer or
software glitches or problems you can get assistance seven days a week
at UWF’s computer helpdesk@uwf.edu (850) 474-2075. Under ‘Links’ on the
eLearning page I also provide you with study and writing help links and
sociology theory sites.
Special Technology Utilized by Students:
This course is totally online. All instructional content and interaction takes
place over the WWW. In addition to basic word processing skills and
sending/receiving email with attachments, students will be expected to
search the internet and upload/download files. In addition, students will
need the Dropdown Browser available for download from computer
services in order to see incorrect quiz answers. You must install the
Respondus Lockdown Browser and use it before you take the quiz in order
to see the quiz results. You may also need one or more of the following
plug-ins:
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Adobe Acrobat Reader:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
PowerPoint Viewer:
http://microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D1649C22B51F-4910-93FC-4CF2832D3342&displaylang=en
Windows Media Player:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/
QuickTime Player: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
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Real Player:
http://forms.real.com/netzip/getrde601.html?h=207.188.7.150&f=win
dows/RealOnePlayerV2GOLD.exe&p=RealOne+Player&oem=dl&ta
gtype=ie&type=dl
Macromedia Flash Player:
http://macromedia.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1
_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash
Special Needs:
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with
documented disabilities. If you need an accommodation to participate in
this class, contact the Director of Special Student Services at 474-2387, as
soon as possible. She will assist you in documenting your disability and
requesting needed services.
Expectations:
I have expectations regarding student behavior and performance. Be
sure you understand these!
1. Read the syllabus and course schedule and be aware of the
contents and your responsibilities.
2. Meeting the deadlines is critical to your grade. Your written
assignments must be uploaded to a drop box on the eLearning
course webpage by 11:45 PM on the deadline date. Failing to
meet the deadline will result in a failing grade for the assignment.
3. This class will use the on-line eLearning site for handouts, lecture
notes, assignments, etc. Basic computer savvy and access is
required.
4. If you are having problems in the class please email me to seek
help. My goal is to provide you with an understanding of the
material.
5. I expect you to act with honesty and integrity. The University of
West Florida considers plagiarism a serious violation of the Student
Code of Conduct. Cheating and/or plagiarism will merit an
automatic failing grade for this course. Plagiarism applies to any
material written by someone else. This material can be published
in books, magazines, journals and newspapers. It may also
include lyrics, scientific charts, graphs, and materials published on
Web sites via the Internet. When you use information from these
sources you must properly cite the sources utilized. I may upload
papers into the Turnitin software to verify originality.
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6. Remarks of a personal and/or derogatory nature are not
acceptable. No disparaging remarks will be tolerated with regard
to race or ethnic background, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
age, disability, socioeconomic background, etc.
My Commitment to You:
1. Challenge you in order to help you understand the material.
2. Provide a variety of learning opportunities to insure that each
person has ample opportunity to understand the material.
3. Be available to assist you via email, page or discussion forum.
4. To treat you with the dignity and respect that you deserve.
5. Encourage you to discover new levels of awareness.
Instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus and calendar for the
class.
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