NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Introduction to Sociology
Course Prefix & Number:		SOCI1301	Section Number:	402	Semester/Year:	Fall/2017
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	3	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): 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 stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required or Recommended Course Materials: John J. Macionis. Society: The Basics. 14th edition.  Pearson.  ISBN 978-0-13-420632-5

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Stacie Stoutmeyer
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Room 339 (Inside 331) Flower Mound Campus, 107
Telephone Number:	940-498-6467
E-mail Address:	sstoutmeyer@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00-9:30AM (FloMo, 107)	9:00-9:30AM (Corinth, 339)	9:00-9:30AM (FloMo, 107)	9:00-9:30AM (Corinth, 339)	10:00-11:00AM (Online)
11:30A-12:30PM (Corinth, 339)	12:30-3:00PM (Corinth, 339)	11:30A-12:30PM (Corinth, 339)	12:30-3:00PM (Corinth, 339)
And by appointment.

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology

Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.

Describe key concepts in sociology.

Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.

Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces.

 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
3	Exams (110 pts each)	330 points total
1	Power Point Research Project	100 points total
1	Syllabus Quiz	10 points
1	Survey of Social Policies	10 points

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

 

Course grades are based on three in-class exams (110 points each; I offer four, but students are only required to take three exams.), one research project (100 points), one online quiz over this syllabus (10 points), and one anonymous survey of social policies (10 points). Total = 450 points

 

Grading scale: A = 450-403,  B = 402-358,  C = 357-313,  D = 312-268,  F = 267-0

 

EXAMS (330 points):

Students are required to take THREE out of four exams. Exams 1, 2, and 3 cover their associated modules (chapters and all additional material presented). The fourth exam is a comprehensive final exam covering all chapters discussed this semester. Students are required to take three out of four exams. This provides some leeway should you miss an exam or score lower than expected on one exam. Most students aim to do well on the first three exams and not worry about the comprehensive final exam.

If you miss one of the first three exams, you are required to take the fourth exam (comprehensive final). The final can replace the zero for your missed exam. However, if you miss two exams, the final can replace one, but you will still receive a “0” for the other and will not likely pass.

 

If you take Exams 1, 2, and 3, the final is optional regardless of your overall letter grade. Some students who take every previous exam still opt to take the final in an attempt to replace a lower exam score. If you take all four exams, I’ll drop your lowest exam score, even if that lowest turns out to be the final exam. If you only take three exams, those scores will be used to determine your overall grade.

 

Exams consist of approximately 55 questions—primarily multiple-choice, with some true/false and short answer questions. Exams are given in the classroom, and students need to be ON TIME on exam days!  Bring a pencil and SCANTRON.

 

I’ll provide a review sheet prior to each exam. However, review sheets do not re-list every trend, statistic, concept, etc. on which you’ll be tested. Exams can include any information discussed during lecture.

 

NO LATE ENTRY ON EXAM DAYS:

Since late arrival is disruptive and unfair to other students, anyone who arrives 10 minutes after the start time will automatically lose 25 points off the exam. Since some students will finish the exam within 20 minutes, no student is allowed entry into the room after that time. In that case, students will earn a zero on that exam. I don't want students who've already finished that day's exam to discuss the test with students trying to enter late as that would constitute cheating.

 

*If you ride the NCTC bus, please email me the first week of class. If there is a major accident on I-35E, instructors are generally notified in advance, either by other students, other staff, or a LionAlert for major shut-downs. 

 

MISSED ASSIGNMENTS & MAKE-UP POLICY: 

Make-ups are ONLY offered to students who experience a formally documented medical emergency or documented military service requirement. I require original documentation. Make-ups are NOT offered due to missing class for celebrations, extracurricular activities, changes in work schedules, relationship problems, arrests, or undocumented medical issues. 

Funerals: Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for students to fabricate stories of a "death" in the family. As such, I require funerary documentation if you miss an assignment/exam and seek a make-up for this reason. Death is a serious matter, and I do not tolerate fabrications in this area. I consider fabricating a sickness or death for personal gain to be a form of scholastic dishonesty.

  

RESEARCH PROJECT (100 points):

Students may submit the project individually or work in groups of two students (max). Students who opt to work in pairs will receive the same grade as I have no way of proving who did what work, so pick a partner wisely if you choose that option!  

1) 10 Points: Students will develop a research question and seek to answer that question using at least four scientific/academically-relevant sources. Students are required to submit their research question before 11:59PM Sunday, September 17th in the “Submit Your Topic Here” Canvas dropbox. This allows me to see/comment on whether your question is clear and sociological in nature. No late submissions accepted.

2) 80 Points: Instead of writing a paper, students will create a Microsoft Power Point detailing their research question and findings. (Students may also use Google Slides or Prezi, but be careful--I must be able to access/view your presentation.) This portion forms the core of the assignment. Students working in pairs will submit the same Power Point, not two different projects. The completed Power Point is due in the “Submit Your Completed Project Here” Canvas dropbox BEFORE 9:30AM Tuesday, November 14th. In other words, it must be fully submitted into the dropbox BEFORE class starts on November 14^th. Students must ALSO bring a hardcopy print-out to class that day. No late work accepted. 

3) 10 Points: On Tuesday, November 14^th, each student will briefly discuss his/her project, findings, conclusions, and applications in class. Students should be prepared to answer questions from the instructor and/or other students. Students will not give a formal, oral presentation. Although this will be a more relaxed discussion of each project, this a graded aspect of the project so students need to be fully prepared and must arrive on time this day.

 

Since students should be working on their project throughout the semester, feel free to email me questions. However, I will not answer any project question sent to me within 48 hours of the project due date.

 

Students will create their own sociological research question, so it resonates with their personal interests, future career, etc. However, the research project must have, as its foundation, a strong sociological question and related findings. Do not attempt to turn in an old project from an English, Government, Nutrition, etc. class. It's easy to spot, and I consider that a form of scholastic dishonesty.

 

WARNING: Do not wait until the last minute to try and submit work in Canvas. You'll likely run out of time. If your work is not in the dropbox before it closes, you will receive a ZERO. It takes time to navigate through Canvas and upload work. If you sign in at 11:52PM, for example, when a dropbox or assignment closes at 11:59PM, you’ll likely run out of time before you're able to successfully submit your work. You’ll receive a zero. Students have been officially warned.

 

COMPUTER ISSUES: 

Many “computer issue" excuses are fabrications versus legitimate issues. If you contact me on the premise that you experienced a "computer issue" and I find info which suggest otherwise, I will consider that scholastic dishonesty. If you do experience a legitimate computer issue, I require THREE forms of documentation before I will even consider options: 

1) First, immediately take a snapshot IMAGE of the ERROR MESSAGE so you have something to show our IT department and me. You can either take an image using your smart phone or by hitting the "PrtSc" (Print Screen) key on a your PC. If you have a Mac, Google the process now so you are ready should something happen in the future. Without VISUAL proof of an issue, I do not consider options.

2) Second, immediately contact the NCTC eCampus HelpDesk by sending a request TICKET for assistance. Click on the word "Help" in the upper right hand corner of Canvas, near "LogOut," and follow the instructions. The phone number is (940) 668-3335, and the direct website to submit a request for technical assistance is http://www.nctc.edu/eLearning_Department/Support.aspx.

3) Third, you may then send me an email but you MUST include the snapshot IMAGE *and* the TICKET NUMBER (found in parenthesis in the automatic email response generated from the HelpDesk upon submission of your ticket and sent to your email address on file; make sure your email is up-to-date) once you submit. The only reason to then email me is to give me a heads up that the Help Desk is working on your issue. However, if there is no image and no ticket number to provide proof of your issue, I do not offer any special consideration.

  

GRADED WORK DUE THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SEMESTER (20 points): 

The 10-point syllabus quiz and the 10-point anonymous survey of social policies are due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, September 3rd. Both can found by clicking the "Assignments" tab or the "Quizzes" tab. A direct link is also provided on the class home page in Canvas. 

 

GRADES:

Grades are always posted in Canvas. Keep track of your grades as the semester progresses. If you have a question about your grade, check Canvas first. Once you have viewed Canvas, you are welcome to contact me via email in Canvas.

 

EXTRA CREDIT:

Leeway is already built into this course, primarily by way of the ability to use the comprehensive final exam to drop a lower exam grade. Additionally, the syllabus quiz and survey of social policies are easy points to earn. I may also offer an extra credit assignment during the semester, but it will depend on whether late entries/early exits are a problem and whether the class participates in discussions. I do not answer emails at the end of the semester asking for more points to raise a grade. It's inappropriate to ask such of an instructor and unfair to fellow students.

 

TEXTBOOK:

Society: The Basics, 14th ed. by John J. Macionis, ISBN 978-0-13-420632-5

I create and supply all Power Points, supplemental materials, etc. Lectures start with textbook concepts as core components, and I expand out from there.

 

Since students have different learning styles, levels of social knowledge, strengths/weaknesses, etc., I cannot determine if all individuals in traditional classes do/do not need the textbook. (Online students definitely need the textbook.) I do not use any homework assignments from the textbook. However, as an adult, you bear responsibility for your choices. Exams are based on in-class lectures, so attendance is the key to passing this course.

 

All Intro to Socio courses are assigned the same textbook. As such, the NCTC bookstore tends to stock only one version. I do not require students to have access codes/keys, complete any assignments in the textbook or shell, etc. as I've already created the resources, exams, etc. If you wish to buy/rent the book in the NCTC bookstore, that’s fine. If you chose to locate a cheaper version, that’s fine. If a student wishes to purchase/rent an older edition, it’s important to note that some statistics may be out of date, yet students will be tested on the most recent stats. In traditional classes, I will always lecture using the most recent stats.

 

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

 

MODULE ONE

Syllabus Quiz & Survey of Social Policies due before 11:59PM Sunday, Sept. 3^rd in Canvas

Chapter 1: Sociology Perspective/Theory/Method

Chapter 2: Culture

Chapter 3: Socialization

Chapter 4: Social Interaction

Chapter 5: Groups and Organizations

Research question due before 11:59PM Sunday, Sept. 17^th in Canvas

EXAM 1  Thursday, September 21^st  (Be on time with a pencil and scantron.)

 

MODULE TWO

Chapter 6: Sexuality in Society

Chapter 10: Gender Stratification

Chapter 11: Race & Ethnicity

Chapter 7: Deviance

Chapter 8: Social Stratification

EXAM 2  Thursday, October 26^th (Be on time with a pencil and scantron.)

  

Power Point Research Project due before 9:30AM Tuesday, November 14^th in Canvas

And…bring a hard copy to class and be prepared to discuss on November 14^th.

Students must be ON TIME for class. Late entry will not be allowed this day.

 

MODULE THREE

Chapter 13: Family & Religion

Chapter 14: Education, Health, and Medicine

EXAM 3  Tuesday, December 5th (Be on time with a pencil and scantron.)

 

Thursday, December 7th is a review day for those taking the comprehensive final exam

Final Exam (comprehensive), Thursday, December 14^th

 

**See aforementioned exam policy regarding the final exam.

NCTC Final Exam Schedule: http://www.nctc.edu/current-students/final-exam-schedule.html

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL).

Additional Instructor-specific Absence Policy:

DAILY ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is the key to passing this course. I take attendance every class as required by NCTC. Students do not receive a separate grade for attendance in this class; however, read the detailed specifics below as students can lose points/privileges.

  

LATE ENTRY/LEAVING EARLY ON REGULAR LECTURE DAYS:

Late entry and leaving early is very disruptive to the flow of lecture. I tend to start class on time each day. If late arrivals or early exits become a noticeable issue for any student or the class, that entire class/section will no longer receive review sheets for future exams, and the class will lose any extra credit opportunities. If you have to leave early one day for another obligation, be courteous and let me know in advance at the start of class.  However, this should not be a frequent occurrence.

 

LATE ENTRY ON EXAM DAYS:

As discussed above, anyone who arrives 10 minutes after the start time will automatically lose 25 points off the exam. Since some students will finish the exam within 20 minutes, no student is allowed entry into the room after that time. In that case, students will earn a zero on the exam. I don't want students who've already finished that day's exam to discuss the test with students trying to enter late as that would constitute cheating.

 

 

LATE ENTRY ON THE PROJECT DUE DATE:

Late entry is not allowed on November 14^th, the day the research project is due. Students will also lose 10 points for the project discussion that day. Per the instructions, students are required to submit their completed project in the Canvas “Turn in Your Completed Project Here” dropbox BEFORE class starts on that day. Once class begins, we’ll start discussing the projects. A sign on the door will say, “No Late Entry. Class and discussion of projects has already begun. Late entry is disruptive to those presenting, so late entry is not allowed today.”

 

MISSING/SKIPPING LECTURES:

If you are not present for a lecture, it’s your responsibility to get with other students to see what you missed. I do not re-lecture (or type lecture summaries via email) for students who miss class for unexcused reasons.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Thursday, September 28, 2017.

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (e.g. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321.  Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_______     

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

o         Government/Political Science

X         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

o         American History

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

X         Critical Thinking

X         Communication

X         Empirical and Quantitative

o         Teamwork

o         Personal Responsibility

X         Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o        Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online. http://www.nctc.edu/catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook/nctc-student-handbook.html

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)].” 

 

Instructor-specific Academic Dishonesty Policy: Canvas allows instructors to track student movements. If you email me on the premise you attempted work but experienced a “computer issue” and I find no evidence to support your claim, I will consider that scholastic dishonesty.

Students can be reported to NCTC admin and dropped from this course, with no refund, for scholastic dishonesty.

 

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION________________________________________________

 

TECHNICAL ISSUES w/ COMPUTERS:

Students who experience technical issues at any point and for any reason need to contact the NCTC eCampus Help Desk. I cannot fix your computer issues. To contact the Help Desk, click on "Help" in the upper right hand corner near the word "Logout." Follow the directions from there. Typically, you will need to send a request ticket to the Help Desk. The phone number is (940) 668-3335, and the website to submit a request/ticket for technical assistance is http://www.nctc.edu/eLearning_Department/Support.aspx. Also, read the "Computer Issues" section above in this syllabus.

 

EMAIL, CANVAS, NOTIFICATIONS, and DUE DATES: 

Use Canvas to download lecture materials, read class announcements, track due dates and grades, and email me. Some assignments are also placed in Canvas (the syllabus quiz, survey of social policies, submission of research topic, and submission of completed project).

You might want to set NCTC emails and Canvas notifications to be forwarded to the email account you check most regularly.

Since most due dates are listed on the syllabus and/or are listed alongside the assignments/exams title in Canvas, I do not send reminders for every item of graded work. Students need to keep track of all due dates and ask questions early.

 

In a traditional, face-to-face setting, I still recommend students sign into Canvas at least twice a week just to stay on top of everything and remind yourself of what’s coming up. This does not mean you will have work in Canvas or announcements everyday. Link to Canvas is found at the very top of the main NCTC home page (www.nctc.edu). Direct link to sign-in page: https://nctc.instructure.com/login/canvas

  

POWER POINT NOTES:

Print chapter Power Points provided in Canvas and bring to each class. They present foundational info but not every additional concept, statistic, etc. on which you’ll be tested. To save ink/paper, print Power Points in black/white or grayscale handout format with 3 (or more) slides per page. Open file…Go to Print…Click Enable Printing…Look at Settings …Change from “Full Page Slides” to your choice of 3, 4, or 6 slide.

 

CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR:

Canvas email is my preferred method of contact. Click on your "Inbox" tab in Canvas, choose this class and instructor. You're welcome to use my NCTC email at sstoutmeyer@nctc.edu, but I prefer Canvas. I am not online 24/7. I check email twice a day at random times during the weekday, but I do not check email after 5PM on weekdays or on weekends. Please allow 24 hours for return emails during the week. Emails sent during the weekend will be answered the following Monday. Please identify yourself/class, and do not use text-speak.

 

I do not reply to the following emails:

1. emails asking for more extra credit to raise your grade.
2. emails asking me to take late work after unexcused absences.
3. emails asking me to fill you in on “anything important” or what you missed due to non-attendance.
4. emails asking me questions about an assignment less than 48hrs before that assignment is due; pay attention and ask earlier.
5. emails which in any way ask me to be unfair to my other students by offering you special favors/consideration.
6. emails asking me for special consideration due to "computer issues" without the required image/ticket/etc. as listed above.
7. emails asking me to be tech support for Canvas or your computer (call the NCTC HelpDesk).
8. emails which ask a question already addressed in this syllabus.

 

A NOTE ABOUT WORK SCHEDULES:

The majority of students work while going to college, as did I and most of your instructors. Juggling school, employment, and care-giving is a reality for many students. At times, this is very tough, and I certainly empathize. However, I do not answer emails asking for special favors/consideration due to work schedules.

 

BEHAVIOR:

I pose questions to the class often and encourage discussions. I enjoy an engaging classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions. I have never had a behavioral issue; however, so we’re on the same page, I expect students to be respectful—to me when I'm lecturing and to other students if they're contributing or trying to listen. Specific action taken during and following a disruptive incident will depend on the nature of the incident, but it is possible to be removed from this course for scholastic dishonesty or behavioral issues.

 

EXPECTATIONS: I expect students to do the following:

...show up to class on-time and not disrupt others.

...read all that's provided.

...ask questions the minute you're confused about a policy.

...keep track of all due dates on your own.

...refer back to the syllabus often to stay on task.

...read all class announcements and emails.

...take responsibility for completing all work on-time.

...acknowledge the shared reality that most students work and have various challenges while going to school.

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER:

Sign up to receive text messages on campus closings due to inclement weather or a campus emergency via the LionAlert system. If the campus closes due to inclement weather, you do not need to email me that you will not be in class. If the closure interferes with a planned exam or assignment, the date will be moved, and I will notify all students of the adjusted date via Canvas email/announcement. Info on LionAlert: https://my.nctc.edu/ICS/Safety/About_LionAlert.jnz.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Department Chair:	Crystal R.M. Wright
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus, Room 24
Telephone Number:	940-668-7731, ext. 4320
E-mail Address:	cwright@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Dr. Larry Gilbert
Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Room 305
Telephone Number:	940-498-6216
E-mail Address:	lgilbert@nctc.edu