Sociology Text Required -Free Online

Introduction to Sociology 3e, Open Stax,

Rice University. Published date June 3, 2021.

Download at:  https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-sociology-3e.                                                    

Hardcover: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-98-5; Paperback: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-97-8

Published June 3, 2021

Required Equipment:

Students must have a reliable computer and reliable internet connection. Mobile devices (cell phones and tablets devices) do not adequately support or run course content.

Computer Skills and Digital Information: All students are required to use a computer for this course. The required Browser is Google Chrome for Blackboard navigation.  Do not attempt to use Explorer or Safari for as they will not allow access to all Blackboard course content.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your computer is set up properly to navigate through all aspects of the class. 

All students should be able to use a word processor and its options such as spelling and grammar check and computer tutorials.

Blackboard Collaborate 

GRADING CRITERIA

EVALUATION AND GRADING:

1. Grading Criteria

Grading Scale for Final Class Letter Grade:

Determination of Grade

1. The final class letter grade will be based on total points accumulated (not percentages) from exams, chapter writing assignments, journal writing assignments, critical thinking writing assignments, current event writing assignments, and assessment test.
2. Cheating/Plagiarism (intentional or unintentional) or assisting others to cheat will result in an “F” for the course. SafeAssign checks for plagiarism/text similarity from the student's writing assignments and compares it to other sources such as other student's papers, global database, internet, scholarly journals/publications, and institutional database.   An Originality Report percentage is generated which represents the probability of the student's text being copied from other sources.  If the Originality percentage is above 10% there will be point deductions on that writing assignment.   If the Originality Report percentage is 50% or above, the student will receive a zero for that assignment. 
3. Exams and assignments will be discussed individually with students upon request.
4. Each student’s work must be original and their own work.
5. The instructor will be available for consultation during office hours or by appointment.
6. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will result in permanent expulsion from the class and the issuance of a grade of “F” for the class.

Assignments are graded within a 48-hour period. Grades will be posted for the Assignments, Journals, Quizzes, Exams, etc through the MY GRADES link. Once the assignment due date has passed, you will no longer see it on the Calendar. Students are encouraged to check their grades daily.  Instructor feedback on assignments is in the Blackboard Assignment Tools section.

The due dates for assignments will not be changed or extensions given.  All assignment must be submitted in Bb through the ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION and attach files. For the face-to-face course, class quizzes and the major exams are to be completed and submitted in class.  The attachment must be in Microsoft Word or RTF or PDF.  Do not send attachments using MS Works or Google Docs. Additionally, do not use the Text Submission box in Blackboard to submit any of the assignments!  If I can’t open it, then I can’t grade your assignment.

PLAGIARISM/CHEATING

Plagiarism (Intentional or Unintentional), collusion, or cheating (in any form) will result in an “F” in the course.  Each student’s work must be original and his or her own work.   Cheating will be defined as using unauthorized materials during an exam (notes, books, cell phones, etc.), using, or being in possession of a pirated exam, copying from or “conferencing” with another student during a test, and plagiarizing journals, papers, or other written assignments. 

Any work which requires research requires appropriate documentation.   Sources must be documented completely and accurately.  Failure to accurately and completely cite your research sources will be considered as plagiarism; therefore, resulting in an “F” in the course. 

If a student is directly observed to be cheating or if there is ample evidence of cheating, then the student guilty of cheating will result in an “F” for the course.

When a grade of “F” is issued for the above reasons, then the numeric grade will be recorded as a “0” (Zero) for the semester.

ONLINE CLASS WORK:

Online classes require a greater degree of independence and responsibility than traditional classes.  You must learn to pace yourself and find time in your schedule to work on the class.  Online classes typically take as much time as traditional classes overall but allow more flexibility with the time.  You still have to put in the time.  If you allow yourself to neglect your studies, you will fall quickly behind and end up performing below your expectations.  You should also have a reliable computer or access to a computer.  Computer problems or lack of internet are not a valid reason for not completing work by the due date. If you are dual credit high school student, you must plan around your extra curriculum and work schedule.  

CORRESPONDENCE WITHIN THE CLASS:

Communication regarding the online class (emails, turning in assignment, etc.) should be done using the Mail/Messages Link within Blackboard.  I will typically respond to e-mails within 24 hours within Blackboard.  I expect the same response time from students.   Do not expect response on weekends. I am typically unavailable from Friday beginning at 8pm until Monday morning at 6am.  There may be times I check my emails and text on the weekend.  However, you should not wait until the last minute before something is due before trying to contact me.  The due dates for assignments will not be changed and extensions will not be given.  All assignment must be submitted in Blackboard through the ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION BOX or attached files.   The attachment must be in Microsoft Word or RTF.  Do not send attachments using MS Works.  If I can’t open it, then I can’t grade your assignment.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The college experience frequently questions, researches, evaluates and assesses controversial issues.  The classroom may serve as a forum for the presentation of a variety of ideas, none of which are intended injuriously. 

COURSE CONTENT FOR SOCIOLOGY 1301

This is a fully online course which will take place over Fall 2023 full 16-week semester. Introductory Sociology is the scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other.  Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social interaction, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. Three lecture-interaction hours will be conducted each week.

Blackboard Menu Links You Will Navigate Throughout the Semester Include: 

Your Instructor - This link is located on the left hand side of the Blackboard Course. With this link, you are able to email your instructor. Office hours include Virtual hours per student request.

Roster - This link is also located on the left hand side of the Blackboard Course. You can use this link to also to email your instructor or other students in the class.

Announcements - Course updates and reminders of upcoming due dates for assignments and exams will be announced here. Check the course announcements regularly. Also, all announcements will be sent through your MYLAMAR student email.

Syllabus - The sociology syllabus link can be found under the WELCOME START HERE LINK. 

Course Content

1. FIRST WEEK MANDATORY ASSIGNMENTS: 1) Syllabus/Orientation Test. 2) Two Discussion Posts. These mandatory assignments must be completed and submitted the first week of the semester. See Calendar for Due Date.
2. MODULE I, II, III, and IV.  Content in Modules include:  1) Instructional Material and Activity Folder with textbook chapter reading, powerpoint, and videos. 2) Assignment Folders with Chapter Assignments, Critical Thinking Writing Assignments, Journal Writing Assignments, Exam Review, and the Exam for that Module.
3. SOCIOLOGICAL STORY: This assignment is valued at a possible 100 points.
4. SOCIAL ACTION ASSIGNMENT: This assignment is valued at a possible 100 points
5. EXTRA CREDIT JOURNALS

Calendar – This link is located at the top of the Blackboard Course page. This link should be the MOST USED link in the course. ALL due dates for assignments and exam can be found on the Calendar. HINT: Be sure your set your view of the Calendar in the MONTH view and not the WEEKLY view. You can click on the assignment or exam on the Calendar, and it will take you to that assignment or exam. HINT: All assignments and exams are available at the beginning of the semester, If you would like to work ahead or have time to complete future assignments, they are available to you. HINT: If you know you have an extra-curricular activity during the week and you know it will be a busy week, please take advantage of the opportunity to complete that assignment ahead of time. 

Gradebook - Routinely check this folder to keep track of graded assignments and exams. A zero (0) will automatically be placed in the gradebook if an assignment is incomplete after the due date.

Required Sociology Ebook - Introduction to Sociology 3e, Open Stax, Rice University. Published date June 3, 2021. Download at: https://openstax.org/details/books/introduction-sociology-3e.   

Hardcover: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-98-5; Paperback: ISBN-13: 978-1-711493-97-8

Important “To Do” Items the First Week of Semester

1. First, read and review your syllabus and orientation information (Orientation Notes). 
2. Next, complete and submit the Mandatory Syllabus / Orientation Test.  
3. Next, complete the two Mandatory Discussion Posts. Discussion Post 1, Introduction Paragraph. Discussion Post 2, Avoiding Plagiarism.  These two posts are due the first week of class (See Calendar for Due Dates)

Modules (One, Two, Three, Four) All Modules include chapter materials such as a link to the textbook, chapter power points, and chapter videos. Chapter Assignments and Exams are also located in each Module.

1. Start with MODULE I Overview. Review the Instructional Material and Activity folder.  Begin work on the Assignments for Module chapters which are located in the Assignment Folder. Complete and submit the assignments in the order they are listed. Completing the assignments in the order they are listed will prepare you for success on the Major Exams. 

I look forward to working with you this semester!