Course Syllabus

Course Title: PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY

Course Number & Section: SOC 101, Section 1423

Semester & Year: Summer 2018

Day(s) and Times:  Online

Location:    Online

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:  BY APPOINTMENT 
                    (will respond to texts, emails and voice messages usually within 24 hours, no later than 48 hours) 

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

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

Twitter:      http://twitter.com/drpattiethomas 

Sociology Club     http://livingsociologyclub.com 

 

TEXT: Readings will be provided online and in-class

 

Course Description

An overview of the sociological principles that shape the development, structure and function of societies, cultures, human interactions, groups, self-image, and social change.

 

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, a student should:

1. Describe and discuss the "sociological imagination."
2. Differentiate and apply the major theoretical perspectives in sociology.
3. Define and utilize basic sociological concepts, including social institutions, roles, norms, sanctions, social locations, statuses, cultural diversity, and social change.
4. Analyze the role social forces play in shaping human behavior and life chances.
5. Describe and compare social science research methods, with an emphasis on identifying basic methodological approaches concerning data collection, analysis and interpretation, as well as basic ethical considerations.

 

STRUCTURE OF COURSE

• Syllabus Quiz – you must take this quiz before you can access any other assignments in the course. It will help you understand the expectations of the course as well as identify any problems you may have with the online environment. 
• All homework assignments and activities are online. You will be using three websites to complete your work: Canvas, The CSN Sociology Student Legacy Wiki, and the Living Sociology Club. These sites may lead you to other places where you will need to read, watch, listen or review as assigned.
• You will be assigned to a group on the first day.  A large part of your grade is dependent upon group work. You will graded based on how well the group performs assignments and how much you participate in group discussions. You will also be graded on group analysis assignment for each group project. No late work is accepted for group work 
• If you fail to complete a group assignment on time, a 15% penalty will apply. That means you will not get a zero, you will get less than zero. 
• Completion of all course assignments is required to pass the class. 
• You are responsible to keep up with group work and homework assignments.
  
• 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.

 

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Grading

 

 

Student’s Responsibilities:

• To secure school email address and online access to course materials.
• To keep up with course materials through reading homework assignments, logging online regularly, and participating in online group discussions. Please remember that all assignments must be completed to pass this class and no late group work is accepted.
• To respect others in the class.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.
• 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.
• 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 includes, but is not limited to, behaviors defined in the Glossary and generally classified under the categories of plagiarism; self-plagiarism; cheating; buying, selling, and possessing unauthorized materials; falsifying or altering information connected to academic evaluation; unauthorized use or possession of devices or content; substituting a person in a course for one who is not; and facilitating, permitting, or tolerating any of these behaviors."
    
  • 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 quiz or exam
    • not doing the group work but presenting results as if you had
    • copying and pasting from a website or other source and not providing quotations and attribution to that source (passing it off as your own work). Please note that ALL members of a group are responsible to ensure the group work is not plagiarized, so check in with each other.

Note that working and studying together is encouraged and all assignments are “open book.”

 

Instructor’s Responsibilities:

• To make instructions and assignment expectation clear and concise
• To provide students with assistance in online 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: https://www.csn.edu/policies-procedures 

 

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/ada 

 

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: 

https://www.csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/studentacademicintegrity.pdf 

 

 

Canvas Computer Instructions:

The Canvas Basics Guide may be found at https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10745-canvas-basics-table-of-contents 

The entire Student Guide may be found at https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10701 

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.

 

Advising and Coaching:

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: https://www.csn.edu/advising  

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.

 https://www.csn.edu/advising/facultysupport 

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. 

 

Centers for Academic Success

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality academic assistance to all students enrolled at CSN in for credit courses. Tutors are available for most challenging general education courses and some other historically challenging courses. Academic learning support includes assistance with learning strategies, reading and comprehension, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS tutors also provide assistance for placement test preparation in reading, English, and math. Please visit www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success for location and hours.

You may also contact us at one of our offices:

• Charleston Campus  702-651- 5732
• Cheyenne Campus 702-651-4232
• Henderson Campus 702-651- 3125

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.

 

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 https://sites.csn.edu/library/ or call 651-5729 for more information.

 

Satisfactory Academic Progress:

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 https://www.csn.edu/satisfactory-academic-progress.

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:

Students are 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. For more information go to https://www.csn.edu/withdrawal-classes. 

 

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 For entire code please read: 

https://nshe.nevada.edu/tasks/sites/Nshe/assets/File/BoardOfRegents/Handbook/T2CH10RulesofConductandProceduresforStudentsoftheNSHE.pdf 

 

CSN Policies that you should take the time to read: 

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

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

 

CONGRATULATIONS FOR MAKING IT TO THE END OF THE SYLLABUS. IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR, LET ME KNOW BY SENDING ME A PICTURE OF YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR OR ACTRESS EITHER TO MY EMAIL: pattie.thomas@csn.edu OR TEXT TO MY PHONE: 702-239-1414. IF YOU DO THIS BY FRIDAY ON THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SEMESTER, I WILL GIVE YOU 5 EXTRA POINTS ON THE SYLLABUS QUIZ. SHHH -- DON'T TELL ANYONE ELSE THIS IS HERE. :)

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Anything in this syllabus can be changed during the semester

and any changes will be announced via announcements.