Course: Basic Sociological Theory

Professor Beth Simmert Sociology 2000: Section 006 Winter 2013

I have read the syllabus and understand that reading my textbook and coming to class are the best predictors of final grade.

If I sign and turn this paper in on the first day of class I will receive 20 extra credit points.

THIS IS NOT A CONTRACT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Learning Outcomes

This course introduces the scientific study of society and social behavior including the basic concepts, theories, and methods of sociology. Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to think critically about the study of society. You should also be able to analyze social behavior in its cultural context and be able to identify the basic social institutions and their functions. Learning how to ask questions from a sociological perspective will help you seek the links between your individual lives and larger social forces.

Course Text

The textbook for this class is available in the bookstore. It is your responsibility to get a copy of this text.

Ferris, Kerry & Stein, Jill. 2011. The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology, 3rd edition. New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company, Inc.

Course Policies

Class Attendance and Participation: You are required to come to class and participate. This means being on time, as entering the room after class has begun is disruptive to both your peers and instructor. Also, please deal with all personal needs before/after class. If you miss class you are responsible for all materials, announcements, and assignments covered in class. Some of this information will be posted on Blackboard, but you should also speak with classmates about what you missed in class and get lecture notes.

Email and Blackboard: All important class information can be found on Blackboard. It will also be used for transmitting assignments and communicating any changes and posting class materials. I will send emails using your WSU email only. You are responsible for making sure your campus email is set up. I suggest you check it at least once per day.

Cell Phone Policy: CELL PHONE USAGE IS PROHIBITED IN THE CLASSROOM. Cell phones must be turned off /set to vibrate and placed out of sight for the duration of the class. In the case of a true emergency (i.e.…problems with your child care provider/child’s school) and you must use your phone, please leave the classroom—but don’t make it a regular practice. There are university policies regarding disruptive students and those who choose to ignore this policy will be dealt with accordingly.

Laptop Policy: If you choose to use a laptop to take notes you must sit in the front row of the class. Laptops may only be used to take notes. If students end up using laptops for purposes other than taking notes, or if the laptops become distracting, you will be asked not to use them in class.

Grading Policy: If you believe that you have been graded unfairly on an assignment you must come to see me during my office hours or set up an alternative time to discuss the issue. I will not deal with grading issues before or after class time.

Syllabus: This syllabus is an outline of the course for this semester, not a contract. Readings and deadlines may change. Any changes will be posted on Blackboard website, so check Blackboard daily! If you have any questions on the assignments, due dates, or class activities, please check the Blackboard site and the syllabus to find the answers. If you are still confused then email me, ask in class, or stay after class.

Reasonable Accommodation: Because of legal issues, it is your responsibility to make the University aware of any disability that may make it difficult or impossible for you to complete this course in the manner specified in the syllabus. Information about how to register with Student Disability Services can be found at http://studentdisability.wayne.edu/register.php, or by calling 313-577-1851.

Advising and Assistance: I am always willing to talk to students about any difficulties they are having in my class or with college in general. I have office hours but I am also willing to meet with students by appointment. I do not have ESP—so if you are having a problem in my class I will not know about it unless you tell me.

Other Resources: The University also provides free resources to support student success. Appointment for tutoring and study skills counseling can be made at the Academic Success Center. If you want assistance with the writing assignments for this class, please contact the Wayne State Writing Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Undergraduate Library.

College Policies: Wayne State University has a number of policies, procedures, rules and regulations, which apply to all students. These are available online at http://doso.wayne.edu/student-conduct/index.html.

They include the rules regarding Student Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity, Non-Discrimination Policy, Workplace Violence, Sexual Assault and Harassment, Responding to Misconduct, Use of IT resources, and the WSU Community Living Guide.

Assignments:

Readings: The reading assignments are central to the course. There WILL be questions on the tests and vocabulary quizzes that we won’t talk about in class. As a general rule, undergraduates should expect to spend at least one (1) hour outside of class reading, preparing, and doing assignments for each credit hour they take. So, for this class you should expect to spend at least three (3) hours per week on your homework. We will be referring to the reading materials in class so you will be expected to bring your book each class period. All students are expected to complete all assigned readings for the week.

Participation and Attendance: You will receive 10 points for each class attended and up to 10 points for participation in class discussions and/or activities. I realize that some people are more comfortable talking in a group, but college is partly about getting outside of your comfort zone and trying new things. Please remember to be respectful of your peers opinions and thoughts. Mocking other’s beliefs or views, making denigrating remarks, or using hate speech will not be tolerated.

Assignments and late work: There will be 4 assignments that will be required. They will be on Blackboard and you will be responsible for accessing them. A paper copy of all assignments is required. If you expect to miss class on the day that an assignment is due, you may email it to me by class time and it will be considered “on time”. However, you must still turn in a hard copy. If an assignment is late (measured by the time class starts), I will automatically deduct 10 points. For each day it is late, I will take off another 10 points. I will not accept assignments that are more than 3 days late. You must include a copy of the rubric with your paper.

Quizzes: There will be weekly vocabulary quizzes that will be online and due by Midnight of the Sunday of that week.

Tests: There will be four tests in this class (they will not be comprehensive). Tests will consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions. Make-up exams will only be allowed for students who can produce documentation of a major emergency—SO MAKE ALL POSSIBLE EFFORTS TO SHOW UP FOR THE TESTS. I will determine what qualifies as an emergency. In all other cases, students will receive a zero. Please don’t make me have to be the bad guy!

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity: I consider plagiarism to be an egregious act and I am very strict about it. Depending on the severity of the deed (i.e. how much of the assignment was plagiarized), the consequences could range from a major deduction in points or a zero on the assignment, to a failing grade for the class, and/or being expelled from the college. While the most obvious type of plagiarism is just cutting and pasting another person’s words without acknowledgment, it is also using the ideas and opinions of others without citing them. If you have a question about whether you should cite a source, remember this old adage: “When in doubt---CITE”! There is no penalty for citing. There is a guide on Blackboard that will show you exactly what I expect of your citations.

Grading: ss

Determining Final Grade

Class Schedule, Readings, and Assignment

Note about the text: Skip the “Data Workshop” sections unless I have specifically assigned those pages.