Course Title:	Introduction to Sociology
Course Prefix & Number:		SOCI1301	Section Number:	402	Semester/Year:	Spring/2019
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 Course Materials: John J. Macionis. Society: The Basics. 14th edition.  Pearson.  ISBN 978-0-13-420632-5 Students are welcome to research bookstores and find the cheapest version of the textbook. If a student wishes to buy/rent an older version, I wouldn't go back more than one edition as you'll be tested on the most recent social statistics. I provide all Power Points, outlines, quizzes, and exams. Students don't need to purchase extra keys/codes from the publisher to access this course. Just find a cheap, recent version of the textbook. NCTC libraries should also have a copy on reserve. Email me the first week of the semester if you have any questions about the text.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Stacie Stoutmeyer
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Room 339
Telephone Number:	940-498-6467 (Canvas email is my preferred method of contact as I am not always in the physical office.)
E-mail Address:	sstoutmeyer@nctc.edu (Canvas email preferred.)

 

OFFICE HOURS:

Tuesday/Thursday: 9:30AM-11:00AM; 2:00-2:30PM Corinth campus 339

Wednesday: 10:00AM-12:00PM, Corinth campus 339

Friday: 11:00AM-1:00PM Online

Sunday: 4:00PM-6:00PM Online

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	Point Values
2 (out of 3)	In-class Exams (30 pts each)	60 points total
9	Online Chapter Quizzes  (10-15 pts each)	110 points total
1	Research Project (Power Point)	100 points
	In-Class Assignments Offered as Extra Credit (Number and points TBA, not determined in advance)	0 points

 

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

Course grades are based on two (out of three) in-class exams, nine online quizzes in Canvas over chapters, and one Power Point research project. Total = 270 points. In-class assignments may also be given for extra credit.

 

EXAMS (30 points each, 60 points total):

I will give three in-class exams this semester, but students are only required to take two. Exams 1 and 2 cover their associated modules. The third exam is a cumulative final. Most students aim to do well on Exams 1 and 2 and not worry about the final (third exam).

The only students required to take the comprehensive final (Exam 3) are those who missed a previous exam and must replace that zero. All students who take Exams 1 and 2 are exempt from the final regardless of their overall letter grade heading into finals week. For example, if a student has taken Exams 1 and 2 (i.e. has not missed any previous exams) and has an overall C average heading into finals week, he/she too is exempt from taking the final. The exemption is not reserved solely for "A" students. However, students who are very close to possibly moving up a letter grade may opt to attempt the final if they would like to try and replace a lower exam score. 

Exams are short answer/essay format. I'll provide multiple questions and students will pick three to answer. Each question will be worth 10 points, for a total of 30 points possible on each exam. Students need to purchase an examination blue book from the bookstore. They are welcome to use that same blue book for multiple exams.   

 

LATE ENTRY ON EXAM DAYS:

Exams are given in-class at the start of class. Students must be on time with an examination blue book and a pencil/pen. Students entering 5-15 minutes late will automatically lose a letter grade on the exam (-10 points). Students entering 16-20 minutes late will lose 20 points. No late entry is allowed after 20 minutes as some students will have already completed the exam, and students not present by then will earn a zero on the exam.

 

ONLINE QUIZZES (110 points total):

Students are required to take nine online quizzes over chapters. They are designed to track whether students have been reading the chapter materials and to gauge their comprehension and readiness prior to exams. Quiz questions are primarily multiple-choice. Most quizzes are 10 questions, though a few may have have more. Students are allowed two attempts and 20 minutes for each quiz. Students who've read the material, studied, and are well prepared tend to finish in under 10 minutes so ample time is provided.

  

RESEARCH PROJECT (100 points):

The research project is worth 100 points, a substantial part of your semester grade. Instead of writing a traditional paper, students will create a Power Point (or Prezi or Google Slides) showing their work.

Students may work alone on the project or in groups of two people (maximum). Students who work in pairs will turn in the same project, and they'll receive the exact same grade as I have no way of proving who did what work. Students who opt to work together must both email me at least one month prior to the due date. Additional instructions are posted in the module.

I've provided a list of topics from which students must choose. It is important to follow all instructions. Click on the Modules tab. At the top, you will see a "Research Project" module. There, you will find the "Topics List" from which to choose, the detailed "Instructions for the Project," a "FAQ" page with additional info, the grading rubric so you can see what you'll be graded on, and two student examples. I've provided lot of info in that Research Project Module so students know exactly what's required and can get started early.   

The completed Power Point is due in the “Submit Your Completed Project Here” Canvas dropbox before 11:59PM Sunday, March 24th. This allows me to grade all projects prior to the last date in which students can withdraw with a "W." Feel free to email me any questions. However, I do not answer questions within 24hrs of the due date. Ask questions early.

Do not wait until the last minute to try and submit work in Canvas. It takes time to navigate through Canvas and upload work. If you email me your project within one hour after the deadline, the highest grade you could earn is a 70C, not including any additional points lost. Anything that comes in after that is clearly late work and, thus, a zero.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY: 

I have a strict make-up policy. Make-ups are only offered to students who experience a formally documented medical emergency or military service requirement. Make-ups are not offered due to missing class for celebrations, extracurricular activities, changes in work schedules, relationship problems, arrests, or undocumented medical issues. 

Medical Emergencies: Students who experience a medical emergency (e.g. ER visit, unexpected surgery, delivery, etc.) which interferes with an assignment must contact me within five days of that documented emergency so we can determine how to proceed. Students need to attach an image of the hospital documentation along with their initial email. I do not need to know the specifics of any diagnosis, so an image of the hospital bracelet showing the student's/patient's name and date of admission will usually suffice. A portion of the discharge instructions sheet hospitals must provide patients--the section showing the name of the patient and date(s) of service--will also usually suffice. Having worked in a hospital myself for nearly a decade, if anything appears sketchy, I may request additional information or documentation.

Funerals: Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for students to fabricate stories of a death in the family. As such, I require original funerary documentation if you miss an assignment/exam and seek a make-up for this reason. As above, students must contact me within five days of the death so we can determine exactly how to proceed. Death as a serious matter and to protect students who sadly do experience such an event, I do not tolerate fabrications in this area. I consider fabricating a family sickness/death for personal gain to be a form of scholastic dishonesty. As such, the student will receive an automatic zero for the work in question.

Military Service: The military service stipulation is only offered to the military personnel himself/herself since their access to a computer may be temporarily disrupted. It does not extend to significant others who, albeit a stressful time, still have home/school access to computers. Students who need to meet a military service requirement during the semester should contact me in advance of leaving for service so we can determine how to proceed with schoolwork. If a student is unexpectedly called into service to assist with a crisis/disaster (e.g. as occurred during Hurricane Harvey a few years ago), please notify me via email as soon as the word comes down so I can anticipate any necessary adjustments. Feel free to email me any questions on this matter.

 

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.

 

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

*We do not cover all chapters, and I do not follow the textbook's ordering of chapters because I want to allow plenty of time for the more advanced topics. In a day and age when students can Google basic definitions and stats, I'm devoting more time to areas in which students tend to be less familiar. Students are, of course, welcome to read non-required chapters if they have an interest in that particular topic.

MODULE ONE

Chapter 1: Sociology Perspective/Theory/Method

Chapter 2: Culture

Chapter 3: Socialization

Chapter 16: Social Change, Modern, Postmodern Societies

Chapter 7: Deviance

Quizzes due dates listed in Canvas

EXAM 1 Thursday, March 7th

 

Spring Break March 11-15th

 

Research Project due in Canvas dropbox before Sunday, March 24th

 

MODULE TWO

Chapter 13: Part 1, Family section

Chapter 6: Sexuality in Society (selected pages)

Chapter 13: Part 2, Religion section

Chapter 14: Education & Health/Medicine

Chapter 8: Social Stratification

Chapter 10: Gender Stratification (selected pages)

Chapter 11: Race & Ethnicity

Quizzes due dates listed in Canvas

EXAM 2 Tuesday, May 7th

 

On Thursday, May 9th, I'll offer a review for anyone taking the comprehensive final exam.

Final Exam Day--Thursday, May 16th (same time, room). See aforementioned exam policy.

I do not expect schedule changes. However, should one occur, students will be notified via a class announcement and email in Canvas.

  

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Statement Prepared By the College:

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).

The Instructor-Specific Policy:

DAILY ATTENDANCE:

Students do not receive a separate attendance grade in this class and do not need to email me every time they miss a lecture. However, attendance is key to passing this course, and I take attendance as required by NCTC.

LATE ENTRY/LEAVING EARLY ON REGULAR LECTURE DAYS:

If you have to leave early one day for another obligation, simply be courteous and let me know in advance at the start of class. However, this should not be a frequent occurrence. Late entry and leaving early is disruptive to the flow of lecture. If late arrivals/early exits become a noticeable issue, students will, at a minimum, lose all extra credit opportunities. An "issue" is defined as 4 late entries or early exits in total.

LATE ENTRY ON EXAM DAYS:

As stated in the exam policy above, students must be on time with a blue book and pencil/pen. Students entering 5-15 minutes late will automatically lose a letter grade on the exam. Students entering 16-20 minutes late will lose two letter grades. No late entry is allowed after 20 minutes as some students will have already completed the exam. Students not present by then will earn a zero on the exam. 

CONTACT A FELLOW STUDENT IF YOU MISS/SKIP LECTURE:

If you are not present for a lecture, contact a fellow student to see what you missed. It's not logistically possible for me to re-lecture or type email summaries every time one of my students skips/misses a class. I have provided a "Questions About Concepts? Students Helping Students" discussion board which all students may access. Click on the Discussions tab in Canvas.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 4th.

 

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION________________________________________________

EXTRA CREDIT:

Leeway is already built into this course, primarily by way of the ability to use the final exam to replace a lower exam score, the two attempts offered per chapter quiz, and any extra credit writing assignments offered during class. I do not answer emails at the end of the semester asking for more points to raise a grade.

 

TECHNICAL ISSUES w/ COMPUTERS:

Students who experience technical issues at any point and for any reason need to first contact the NCTC eCampus Help Desk. The instructor cannot fix your personal 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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

It is well known among professors that 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 and you will earn a zero. 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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

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.

 

EMAILS, CANVAS, NOTIFICATIONS, and DUE DATES: 

Use Canvas to download lecture materials, take chapter quizzes, submit the research project, read class announcements, track due dates and grades, and email me.

I encourage students to have NCTC emails and Canvas notifications automatically forwarded to the email account they check most regularly. Click on the Canvas "Account" icon, then scroll through both the "Settings" and "Notifications" options.

I do not send reminders for every item of graded work. Students need to keep track of all due dates and ask questions early. I recommend signing into Canvas at least three times a week to stay on top of everything. That does not mean you'll have work in Canvas or announcements everyday.

 

CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR:

Canvas email is my preferred method of contact because it clearly identifies students/sections. Click on your Inbox tab in Canvas, choose this class and instructor. I check email twice a day at random times during weekdays, but I do not tend to check email after 5PM on weekdays or on Saturdays. On Sundays, I check email during online office hours. Please allow 24 hours for return emails during the week. If you email me outside of Canvas, please identify yourself using your full name and class section (e.g. 340, 400, etc.). 

 

A NOTE ABOUT WORK SCHEDULES/FAMILIES:

The majority of students work while going to college. Many students also juggle caregiver duties. This, of course, can be quite tough at times. However, to be fair to all students, I do not offer special favors/consideration due to work schedules or family issues.

 

DUAL CREDIT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:

The vast majority of dual credit students are mature and come ready to work. However, dual credit students should be mindful of a few key areas of concern. First, in order to earn three hours of college credit, dual credit students are expected to complete the same work as other college students. I do not provide extra quizlets, more extra credit opportunities, etc. Second, if you have any questions about this course or related materials at any point in the semester, email me immediately! This is true for any college course. Email the instructor directly with any questions or concerns as soon as they arise. Do not wait as it can be easy to fall behind in a college course.  Third, please read the above policy regarding make-up work carefully. Students must email me within five days of any emergency which interferes with schoolwork so we can determine how to proceed.

 

 

BEHAVIOR POLICY:

I have never had a behavioral issue in class; however, so we are on the same page, I expect students to be respectful to all and refrain from classroom disruptions. Students may briefly and occasionally check cell phones during class. However, frequent texting (defined by eyes fixated on the phone for multiple minutes and/or multiple times a class) or usage that distracts fellow students counts as a disruption. In such cases, the student will lose all extra credit opportunities for the semester and may be asked to leave the classroom for the day. Specific action taken during and following other disruptive incidents will depend on the nature of the incident, but it is possible to be removed from a course for behavioral issues.

 

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.

OSD Students: Please email me in Canvas me the first week of the semester, so I can make sure all accommodations are met. You do not have to disclose your disability/diagnosis; that's confidential. Instructors only need to know your allowed accommodations. 

 

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

X       Social and Behavioral Sciences

 

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

X   Academic NCTC Core Curriculum 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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

 

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: Plagiarism, cheating, and/or collusion of any type will result in a zero for that assignment, exam, or project. Be aware that Canvas allows instructors to track student log-in's, work, etc. Fabricating stories of any kind for personal gain is a form of scholastic dishonesty, will result in a zero, and may be reported to the college.

 

LIONALERT SYSTEM:

Sign up to receive text messages on campus closings due to inclement weather or other campus-related emergencies via the LionAlert system. Info on LionAlert: https://my.nctc.edu/ICS/Need_Help/LionAlert.jnz (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

 

TRANSCRIPTS:

At the end of the semester, transferring students occasionally ask teachers when grades will be updated on their official transcript. Instructors enter final grades into the MyNCTC system but do not have access to college transcripts. Students should go to https://www.nctc.edu/current-students/transcript-request.htmlLinks to an external site. for more info.

 

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. Bruce King
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus

Telephone Number:	940-668-4267
E-mail Address:	bking@nctc.edu