Course Syllabus

 

Course Title:  ETHNIC GROUPS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETIES

Course Number & Section:  ANTH/SOC 205, Section 3001

Semester & Year: FALL 2016

Day(s) and Times:  TUESDAYS, 6P-7:20P (HYBRID)

Location:    WCH K248

Instructor:  Pattie Thomas, Ph.D.

Email Address:   pattie.thomas@csn.edu

Direct Phone:   702-239-1414 (text messages)

Office Phone:   702-651-4863

Office Location   NORTH LAS VEGAS (CHEYENNE), Main Building, S116-A

Office Hours:  TUESDAYS, WCH K246, 3:30P-5:30P
                       THURSDAYS. NLV S116A or C2662 (S.H.I.N.E. LAB) 2:30-5:30

Blog Website: http://doingsociology.blogspot.com

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/drpattiethomas

Twitter:      http://twitter.com/drpattiethomas

Expert Blogger:  http://www.psychologytoday.com/experts/pattie-thomas-phd

Sociology Club     http://livingsociology.club 

 

TEXT:            NO TEXTBOOK--All homework and course materials will be provided online.

 

Course Description:

A survey of racial and ethnic intergroup relations in the United States and other societies. Emphasis is on cultural, social, and institutional factors that lead to group conflict and/or cultural pluralism.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, a student should:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the historical antecedents of racial/ethnic intergroup relations.
2. Describe the development of a subordinate group status relationship and the consequences of that status.
3. Explain how the ideologies of assimilation and cultural pluralism influence the experiences of racially and culturally diverse populations.
4. Identify the social issues and problems that perpetuate intergroup conflict.
5. Critically analyze social science solutions to intergroup conflict.
6. Discuss cultural symbols that cause conflict among the groups considered.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of anthropology's solutions and unique ways of bridging racial/ethnic divide through the age-old emphasis on "cross-cultural understanding."
8. Develop the ability to think critically, write, and work in groups.

 

Course ELEMENTS

• Hybrid - This course is taught as a hybrid. That means we meet one day a week and then the remainder of the coursework is to be completed online. This means you will have more than the usual amount of work to do at home. It also means that you should be logging in at least twice a week. 
• Modules – Assignments will be found under the modules. In addition to the Introduction and Extra Credit, two types of modules will be available: Group Work and Individual Work. There are three Individual Work modules. Each will parallel class discussions and each has an exam covering the content of the module. No mid-term or final will be given. 
• Syllabus Quiz – you should take this quiz as soon as possible because it will help you understand the expectations of the course as well as identify any problems you may have with the online environment.
• Exams – Three (3) exams will post on Canvas as each module is covered. You will have until the end of the semester to take the exams, but it is better to do it sooner than later. Each exam can be taken three times and the highest submission counts.
• Identity Paper – After the first Individual Work module is completed, you will write a paper about your own life and family history, demonstrating an understanding of the basic concepts we learn in the first module of the course. You will have a chance to rewrite and resubmit for a better grade.
• Films – We will view short films and feature length films throughout the semester in class and online. Films shown during a particular module will be part of the exam for that module. 
• CSN Sociology Legacy Wiki – in addition to your textbook readings you will have access to an extensive, student driven-wiki that provides resources for glossary words and other researched topics: http://sociologylegacy.pbworks.com
• Group Work – You will be assigned to a group and will work with this group throughout the semester. Assignments include joint work (everyone gets the same grade) and individual performance (based on class attendance and participation online); and analysis of the group experience (individual grade for short analysis reviewing the group experience). Failure to participate in your group can lead to a lower grade and even a penalty (-15%) that would put your grade lower than zero. 
• Extra Credit – You will have numerous opportunities to improve your grade that will be announced on the Extra Credit module in Canvas. These include Living Sociology Club activities and events as well as service learning opportunities and events you can attend.
• Attendance is mandatory. You must Login to Canvas at least 2 times each week. Absences will affect your participation grades on group work and can result in additional penalties. Excused absences may require documentation.

Completion of all course assignments is required to pass the class.

 

Grading

 

Assignments There are four kinds of assignments in the course: Getting Started 50 points Group Work 400 points Exams (Individual Work Modules) 450 points Identity Paper 100 points SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WITH DEADLINES		PLEASE NOTE: This is a green course. Every attempt will be made to use as little paper as possible.   This means outside class activities, quizzes and course content will be electronic in nature.   It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with the instructor any problems with computer and/or Internet access before assignments are due. Alternative arrangements can be made, if necessary, but are highly discouraged.
A	= 960-1000
A-	= 900-959
B+	= 860-899
B	= 800-859
C+	= 760-799
C	= 700-759
D	= 600-699
F	= less than 600 points
I	Incompletes are to be a rare option and must be arranged before the end of the semester. We adhere to CSN policy regarding Incompletes
Extra Credit will be available.
YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL ASSIGNMENTS TO PASS THIS CLASS, -15% PENALTY FOR MISSING GROUP WORK

 

 

Student’s Responsibilities:

• To secure school email address and online access to course materials and to inform the instructor as soon as possible of any need to make alternative arrangements.
• To keep up with course materials through reading homework assignments, logging online for course announcements and course slides, and attending classes regularly. Please remember that all assignments must be completed to pass this class.
• To respect others in the class. We will be conducting discussions on issues that can become emotional for some. Name-calling, verbal or physical threats, jeering or other forms of disrespect will have zero tolerance. Passionate discussion about a topic is allowed as long as it stays on the topic and does not become personal attacks on an individual or group of individuals. Yelling or speaking loudly is not necessarily considered abusive.
• You will be expected to familiarize yourself with and adhere to CSN’s Student Conduct Code. To help maintain a mutually respectful atmosphere in the classroom. Cell phones, texting, surfing the net on the lab computers or mobile devices, chatting or talking with friends, talking out of turn or interrupting others who are speaking can result in your being asked to leave the classroom. You may be suspended from attending class for up to a week. You may also be asked to confer with the schools Conduct Code officer. Other consequences may be applied as the school sees fit.
• To identify issues and problems as directly as possible in a timely manner. If you have any issues that affects your course grade including problems with text, class work, projects, papers, other students or personal challenges, it is your responsibility to make the instructor aware of this early enough that it can be addressed. Coming to the instructor at the end of the semester will make addressing these issues difficult, if not impossible. If you are having difficulties meeting the assignments of this class, there is help available from the Office of Student Retention, 651-3103, or see Instructor for a full list of student resources.
• Trigger Warnings and Safe Places:  Please note that the history and concepts discussed in this class can be upsetting and difficult to confront. Students are invited to embrace any feelings of uneasiness or discomfort as an opportunity to experience new ideas and expand your minds and hearts, identifying any biases, stereotypes, prejudices and misconceptions you may consciously or unconsciously hold. However, for some people, this may go beyond discomfort. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of the need for distance and safety and to make the instructor aware of such needs. The instructor cannot guarantee safety but will work with any student who needs support, including referrals to resources that may help. It is not the policy of this instructor to offer specific warnings on content as much content is online and the instructor does not want to bias students as they encounter topics. 
• To adhere to CSN’s Academic Integrity Policy:
  • “Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, falsifying research data or results, or assisting others to do the same on the part of students, being incompatible with the purposes of an academic community, is prohibited and shall constitute cause for discipline and may lead to the procedures and disciplinary sanctions established in section 6.3 of the NSHE Code. “
  • Please note that for the purposes of this class, the following specific activities will be considered falling under the academic dishonesty prohibitions: having someone else take your exams or write your papers, not doing the group work but presenting results as if you had, plagiarizing papers. Note that working and studying together is encouraged and all exams are “open book.”
  • Children are not permitted on campus. (Read policy here) and only registered students may be allowed in classroom (exceptions can be made for “visits” cleared by Instructor and reported to security as appropriate—Read policy here).

 

Instructor’s Responsibilities:

• To make instructions and assignment expectation clear and concise
• To provide students with assistance in online access and training
• To keep accurate and timely records of student performance and to provide that feedback to the student and only the student. Grades can only be discussed in person or provided in writing either in class, in the Canvas system, or by the college. Please do not email me about your grade. Grades can only be discussed with student. No family members. Please do not email me asking if something has been submitted on Canvas.
• To provide accurate information that help students achieve the objectives of the class
• To maintain a mutually respectful atmosphere in the classroom even if it requires the removal of a student from the classroom to achieve this
• To be available to answer questions and resolve issues involved with the class that directly affect the success of the course and its students
• To treat each individual student with respect
• ·         To follow the regulations and policies of the college and the department and enforce those regulations and policies as required – if you want to fully understand all policies and procedures for CSN, visit: http://csn.edu/policies.
  

 

Important Stuff:

 

Safety Procedures:

Approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom and are to be followed. Students are to familiarize themselves with the nearest exit to use during fire alarm exercises. Do NOT use the elevators during these drills. Students will take ALL personal belongings with them when exiting the building. No student will be allowed back into the facility until the all clear is given.

 

American with Disability Act (ADA) Statement:

If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center located in the Student Service Center on each campus before the instructor can make accommodations.

• North Las Vegas (Cheyenne)- 651-4045
• Henderson- 651-3795
• West Charleston- 651-5644.

CSN Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) statement and current CSN Disability Resource Center contact information http://www.csn.edu/pages/2566.asp 

 

Academic Integrity Policy:

The college guidelines concerning academic dishonesty and academic misconduct are regarded as serious offenses which can result in substantial penalties. If, during the course of a semester, objective evidence of academic dishonesty or misconduct comes to the instructor's attention, the students involved will receive a zero for the assignment, quiz, or test in question. Further, the incident could result in the student receiving a failing grade for the course and possibly even expulsion from the college.

Please refer to the CSN Academic Integrity Policy at: http://www.csn.edu/pages/1722.asp 

 

Canvas Computer Instructions:

The Canvas Student Quick Start Guide may be found at http://guides.instructure.com/m/8470.

The entire Student Guide may be found at http://guides.instructure.com/m/4212.

Telephone Support for Distance Education students having problems logging into a course, using course web site tools, or other technical problems can be found by contacting the Distance Education Help Desk at 702-651-4357 Local or 800-630-7563 Toll-free 24 Hours/Day - 7 Days/Week.

 

Counseling:

Helps students select courses, complete degree audits, obtain transfer information, and provide personalized assistance in developing educational and vocational plans appropriate to personal interests and abilities.

Contact information: http://www.csn.edu/pages/732.asp  Appointments: https://csn.mywconline.net/

 

Faculty E-Alert (the Electronic Early Warning System):

Used by faculty members as a confidential means to submit the names of students having academic problems in a class, in order that they be offered timely assistance.

Faculty places the referral through CSN’s restricted Web Grading system. http://www.csn.edu/pages/1917.asp

If you are contacted by a counselor or success coach, please respond as this is an opportunity for you to find social support to help you finish your courses and succeed at CSN. 

 

Advising & Coaching Services:

Advisor/Success Coaches help students assess academic strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. The department also manages the CSN Faculty E-Alert System assisting instructional staff by working with students on strategies and interventions that lead to successful course completion.

Contact Information:

• Charleston Campus- Bldg. D – Student Services Area - 651-7367
• North Las Vegas (Cheyenne) Campus- 1100 Student Services Area- 651-2626
• Henderson Campus - Bldg. B – Room 120- 651-3103

For more information check out: http://www.csn.edu/success/

TRIO Student Support Services:

One stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible and disabled students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, college-transfer assistance, and development of college success strategies.

Contact information: North Las Vegas (Cheyenne) Campus – Bldg. E Room 109 – 702-651-4441.

 

Tutorial Services:

All CSN students are provided with free tutoring services. Additionally, the Criminal Justice Student Association hosts study groups for criminal justice students.

Contact information:

• North Las Vegas (Cheyenne) Campus – Bldg. S Room 247 – 702-651-4232
• Charleston Campus – Bldg. D Room 203 – 702-651-5732
• Henderson Campus – Bldg. B Room 201 – 702-651-3125 

For more information check out: http://www.csn.edu/pages/1902.asp

 

College Library Services:

College Library Services offers ongoing research workshops throughout the semester. Bring your topic or assignment to one of the workshops on the basics of locating and citing quality information and receive in-depth assistance with a librarian. Check out the schedule at http://sites.csn.edu/library/ or call 651-5729 for more information.

 

New Student Refund Policy Effective Fall 2013 Semester

CSN has a new student refund policy for course withdrawal:

• 100% withdrawal first week of instruction
• 50% withdrawal before the end of the 2^nd week of instruction; and
• No refund after the start of the third week or for application or admissions.
• More information is available at www.csn.edu/success, including information about short-term class refunds.

 

New Student Academic Warning/Probation/Suspension Policy Effective this Fall 2014

If students’ cumulative GPA falls to 2.0 or lower after attempting at least 12 credits, they will receive an academic warning, so that they have time to seek help. Continued performance at 2.0 or lower in future semester course work can lead to academic probation or academic suspension.

Students on academic suspension will not be able to enroll in classes for a semester. More information is available at www.csn.edu/success.

 

No More Late Registration Effective Spring 2014

Starting in spring 2014, CSN students will no longer be able to register after the semester begins. CSN students will be able to register until 11:59 p.m. the day before the semester begins.

More info at www.csn.edu/success

 

Financial Aid Liability, Withdraws (“W”) and Attendance:

If you enroll and are award financial and then drop out, you are liable for the financial aid for that semester and could be required to return it. Thus, accurate attendance is important. Also, you need to think carefully about withdrawing and/or taking a “W” for a course. This will affect your ability to get financial aid in the future. This is true of all federal financial aid.

 

CAPS

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a variety of free and confidential services aimed at promoting the growth and development of currently-enrolled CSN students. CAPS can help students to better cope with many of life’s challenges.  Services are available to students taking at least 6 credits during Spring/Fall semesters or 3 credits during Summer terms. For more information, consultation, or to schedule an appointment with CAPS, please call us.

North Las Vegas (Cheyenne) Campus: 651-4099

West Charleston Campus: 651-5518

Henderson Campus: 651-3099

 

Course Withdrawal:

As of Spring 2014, students will be responsible for withdrawing from a course. Instructors will no longer be able to assign a grade of “W”. To avoid an “F” student should withdraw from a course before it is 60% complete (as measured by time, not assignments). If student has extenuating circumstances after that date and desires to withdraw from the course, the student must make an appeal to the registrar. Before withdrawing from a course, students are strongly encouraged to discuss their decisions with an academic counselor, academic adviser or success coach AND Student Financial Services since these decisions may affect a student’s financial aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Any such students receiving financial aid may find their awards reduced.

 

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities:

Reference to students’ rights and responsibilities pertaining to CSN policies and services are found in the College Catalog and on the CSN website. Student Code of Conduct

 

CSN Policies that you should take the time to read: 

• Academic Integrity
• Academic Probation and Suspension
• Disruptive and Abusive Student
• Incomplete Grade
• Minor Children on Campus
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Student Conduct Code
• Tuition Refund

Most (if not all) CSN policies and procedures are available online.

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Anything in this syllabus can be changed during the semester

and any changes will be announced via announcements.