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 

Blackboard Collaborate is a webinar platform for use in online virtual teaching. In order to use Bb Collaborate you will need: a built-in or external microphone, a built-in or external webcam, and a secure internet connection

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology.
2. Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.
3. Describe the key concepts in sociology.
4. Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.
5. Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces

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 a 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. 
 

This is a fully online course which will take place over Fall 2024 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.

Messages: This link is located at the top of the page of the Blackboard course. It works similar to email. Click on recipients and find my name (instructor) Kristi Clark and then send me a message. Be sure and state what course and section of the course you are in. For example, Soci 1301 72B. The message will come to my email, and I will respond to your message within 24 hours unless it is on the weekend. 

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 Materials such as textbook chapter readings, chapter PowerPoints, and content videos. 2) Assignments such as Critical Thinking Writing Assignments, Journal Writing Assignments, Module discussions, Exam Review, a Matching Activity, 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 Materials Begin work on the Assignments. Completing the assignments in the order they are listed will prepare you for success on the Major Exams. 

No late work is accepted. If you know you have extracurricular activities or a doctor's appointment or you are out sick, check the course Calendar for your assignments. ALL assignments and exams for the semester are on the Calendar. Therefore, you have access to the assignments ahead of time if needed.

I look forward to working with you this semester!

Your instructor,

Kristi Clark