Online Course Syllabus Template

Online Course Syllabus Template – Blackboard Learn / 2016

/ UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
CENTER FOR LEARNING ENHANCEMENT
ASSESSMENT AND REDESIGN
ONLINE COURSE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE
[insert course title & semester here in lieu of above template info]

COURSE INFORMATION
- Qualitative Data Collection
- Spring 2017
- Sociology 0460-3240
Professor / Instructor Contact Information
- Dr. George Yancey
- Chilton 397f
- 940-565-2179
About the Professor / Instructor
Dr. George Yancey is a professor of sociology. He has written several articles and books, many of which come from qualitative research.

Materials – Text, Readings, Supplementary Readings
Berg, Bruce L. and Howard Lune (2012). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Person Education

Course Description
This course focuses on the application of qualitative research methodology. Qualitative methodology focuses upon studying relatively few respondents with great depth. This is in contrast to quantitative research methodology which focuses on studying a large number of subjects. In this course the student will gain an appreciation of a qualitative approach to data gathering. Qualitative methods include research techniques such as interviews, focus groups, content analysis, ethnographies, case studies and historical analysis. But the focus of the course is learning how to conduct qualitative research. To this end students will be introduced to a variety of qualitative techniques and will also be responsible for collecting data using two of those techniques. This “hands on” approach will help the student better understand the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative techniques. By the end of the class the student should be able to reasonably plan a qualitative research project.

It is assumed that students taking this course have already been exposed to some sociological training. So while we will learn new terms and concepts that students are expected to memorize, the main focus of this course is to help students comprehend the nature of qualitative research and to understand situations where such techniques are most advantageous. Students will also be challenged to think through the various issues that confront qualitative researchers. The students will be encouraged to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to adapt a given qualitative methodology to a situation that requires study. These critical thinking skills will not only help them as they consider qualitative research design but it will also enable them to make more sense of their social world.. Students who apply themselves to this course may find that they receive more than a grade but will also gain insights into how scholars collect data as well as how they may qualitative understand social reality.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS / ASSISTANCE

The following information has been provided to assist you in preparation for the technological aspect of the course.

Hardware and software necessary to use Bb Learn: http://www.unt.edu/helpdesk/bblearn/
Browser requirements: http://kb.blackboard.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=84639794
Computer and Internet Literacy: http://clt.odu.edu/oso/index.php?src=pe_comp_lit
Necessary plug-ins: http://goo.gl/1lsVF
Internet Access with compatible web browser
Headset/Microphone (if required for synchronous chats)
Word Processor
[Other related hardware or software necessary for the course]

ACCESS & NAVIGATION

Access and Log in Information
This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing the University of North Texas’ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn. To get started with the course, please go to: https://learn.unt.edu

You will need your EUID and password to log in to the course. If you do not know your EUID or have forgotten your password, please go to: http://ams.unt.edu.

Student Resources

As a student, you will have access to:

· Student Orientation via Blackboard Learn. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the Orientation to better equip you in navigating the course.

· Blackboard’s On Demand Learning Center for Students and Blackboard Help for Students. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials to better equip you to navigate the course.

Being a Successful Online Student
-What Makes a Successful Online Student?
-Self Evaluation for Potential Online Students

How the Course is Organized
This course is organized in a series of modules. The student is expected to complete each module. The student should also prepare for the midterm and final which will consist of essay questions. The student is also expected to complete three research projects.

What Should Students Do First?
The first thing students should do is go to the first module and read it. As the student goes to each module the requirements for the course will continually be spelled out.
Student Support
The University of North Texas provides student technical support in the use of Blackboard and supported resources. The student help desk may be reached at:
Email:
Phone: 940.565-2324
In Person: Sage Hall, Room 130

Regular hours are maintained to provide support to students. Please refer to the website (http://www.unt.edu/helpdesk/hours.htm) for updated hours.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The student will be assigned readings from the textbook. The student will also be responsible to do three outside projects for the course.

Requirements: The grading of the course will be as follows. The student’s final grade will consist of a midterm and final each worth 30 percent of the grade, and three research projects that make up 40 percent of the grade. The tests will consist of essay questions. Generally 60% of the test comes from the lecture and about 40% of the test comes from the book. Students will not be allowed to leave the room once he/she starts the test.

COMMUNICATIONS
- Announcements will be periodically sent to the students. Students are responsible for any information given in these announcements.
- Messages should be sent if the student wants to talk directly to the instructor. Do not use the email feature as it is not set up to go to the instructor.

ASSESSMENT & GRADING

Grading
The grades for the semester are as follows

Midterm = 30% of the grade
Final Exam = 30% of the grade
Interview Project = 15% of the grade
Content Analysis Project = 15% of the grade
Participant Observer Project = 10 % of the grade

Below is the grading scale I will use to determine your final course grade.

Grading Scale
90-100% / A
80-89% / B
70-79% / C
60-69% / D
Below 60% / F

Assignment Submission Instructions
As it concerns the research projects, students are expected to attach a MS Word file to the program. Each student in the group is responsible for making sure that the group paper is properly attached. The professor does not grade anything in the assignment boxes. He only grades attached files.

Midterm and Final
Both the midterm and final consists of essay questions. The actual exam is limited to 75 minutes. But the student must take the exam between 10 AM and 2 PM on the day it is given. Those who cannot make it up to campus to take the test may take it at an established testing center off campus but arrangements must be made with the professor ahead of time.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

February 17 / Content Analysis Project paper due
March 8 / Midterm
March 24 / Interview Project paper due
April 21 / Participant Observer Project paper due
May 8 / Final Exam

RESOURCES

UNT Portal: http://my.unt.edu

UNT Blackboard Learn Student Resources: Technical Support: http://www.unt.edu/helpdesk/

UNT Library Information for Off-Campus Users:
http://www.library.unt.edu/services/facilities-and-systems/campus-access

UNT Computing and Information Technology Center:
http://citc.unt.edu/services-solutions/students

UNT Academic Resources for Students: http://www.unt.edu/academics.htm

Computer Labs: [provide information if departmental labs are available for use to students]. General access computer lab information (including locations and hours of operation) can be located at: http://www.gacl.unt.edu/

COURSE POLICIES

Late Work
All papers are late after midnight on the day it is due. Late work is penalized at ten points a day. Absolutely no work will be accepted after midnight on July 8.

Policy on Server Unavailability or Other Technical Difficulties

Server unavailability or technical difficulties are not considered to be acceptable reasons for late assignments. Students should plan on turning their assignments in early to avoid academic penalties.

Copyright Notice
Some or all of the materials on this course Web site may be protected by copyright. Federal copyright law prohibits the reproduction, distribution, public performance, or public display of copyrighted materials without the express and written permission of the copyright owner, unless fair use or another exemption under copyright law applies. [Additional sample statements can be located at: http://copyright.unt.edu/content/sample-copyright-notices] Additional copyright information may be located at: http://copyright.unt.edu/content/unt-copyright-policies.

UNT POLICIES

Student Conduct and Discipline: Student Handbook.
Please refer to the UNT Faculty Handbook or your department regarding the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

Academic Honesty Policy
Please refer to the UNT Faculty Handbook or your department regarding the Academic Policy. A sample statement may include the following:
"You are encouraged to become familiar with the University's Policy of Academic dishonesty found in the Student Handbook. The content of the Handbook applies to this course. Additionally, the following specific requirements will be expected in this class: (enter specific requirements). If you are in doubt regarding the requirements, please consult with me before you complete any requirements of the course."

ADA Policy

As per the Office of Disability Accommodation, a syllabus for a course SHALL include the following statement:

The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website athttp://www.unt.edu/oda. You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.

Add/Drop Policy
Please refer to the UNT Faculty Handbook or your department regarding the Add/Drop Policy.

Important Notice for F-1 Students taking Distance Education Courses: Federal Regulation

To read detailed Immigration and Customs Enforcement regulations for F-1 students taking online courses, please go to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website at http://www.oea.gov/index.php/links/electronic-code-of-federal-regulations. The specific portion concerning distance education courses is located at "Title 8 CFR 214.2 Paragraph (f) (6) (i) (G)” and can be found buried within this document: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title8-vol1/xml/CFR-2012-title8-vol1-sec214-2.xml

University of North Texas Compliance

To comply with immigration regulations, an F-1 visa holder within the United States may need to engage in an on-campus experiential component for this course. This component (which must be approved in advance by the instructor) can include activities such as taking an on-campus exam, participating in an on-campus lecture or lab activity, or other on-campus experience integral to the completion of this course.

If such an on-campus activity is required, it is the student’s responsibility to do the following:

(1) Submit a written request to the instructor for an on-campus experiential component within one week of the start of the course.

(2) Ensure that the activity on campus takes place and the instructor documents it in writing with a notice sent to the International Student and Scholar Services Office. ISSS has a form available that you may use for this purpose.

Because the decision may have serious immigration consequences, if an F-1 student is unsure about his or her need to participate in an on-campus experiential component for this course, s/he should contact the UNT International Student and Scholar Services Office (telephone 940-565-2195 or email ) to get clarification before the one-week deadline.

2 / CLEAR | University of North Texas