NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Sociology
Course Prefix & Number:		SOCI1301	Section Number:		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: Macionis. Society: The Basics. 14th edition.  Pearson.   ISBN 978-0-13-420632-5

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Maria M. Coco
Campus/Office Location:	Flower Mound
Telephone Number:	940-899-8400 (Email is preferred method of contact.)
E-mail Address:	mcoco@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
	2:00 – 3:00		2:00 – 3:00	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 (100 points each)	300
1	Power Point Research Project	120
1	Research Project Instruction Quiz
6	Chapter Quizzes (15 points each)	90
1	Syllabus Quiz	10

 

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

 

Course grades are based on three in-class exams (100 points each; I offer four, but students are only required to take three exams.), one research project (120 points; submit via Canvas), six chapter quizzes (15 points each; submit via Canvas), and one syllabus quiz (10 points; submit via Canvas). Total = 530 points

Grading Scale (points): A = 520-466 , B = 465-414 , C = 413-362 , D = 361-310, F = 309-0  

 

EXAMS (300 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 50 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. 

 

 

LATE ENTRY ON EXAM DAYS:

Since late arrival is disruptive and unfair to others, students will lose a letter grade on the exam for every 10 minutes they're late on exam days. Students who arrive 10 minutes late will lose a letter grade, and the highest test grade they can earn that day is a 90%. Students who are 20 minutes late will lose 20 points and can score no higher than an 80%. So on. As with all exams, points will also be deducted for any missed question. 

*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.  

 

QUIZZES (90 points total):

Students are required to take SIX quizzes over chapters, worth 15 points each. They are designed to help students gauge their comprehension and readiness prior to the larger exams. Quizzes cover multiple chapters, and they consist of 15 multiple-choice/matching questions. Students are allowed two attempts and 20 minutes per quiz. All quizzes have set due dates and must be taken/submitted via Canvas.    

 

RESEARCH PROJECT (120 points total):

Click on the "Modules" tab from the Home Page. Once in, the top module is a specific "Research Project" module with detailed instructions, examples, etc. Students are required to read the "Instructions" page AND the "FAQ" page. Students should also view all student examples and the grading rubric. 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, February 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) 10 Points: Students must complete a "Quiz on Project Instructions." This is due before 11:59PM Friday, April 13th, which is two days before the full project is due. This quiz serves as a last reminder of a few key requirements before you submit the completed project.

3) 100 Points: Finally, 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 both 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 11:59PM Sunday, April 30th.

Since students should be working on their project throughout the semester, feel free to email me any questions. However, I do not answer project questions sent to me within 48 hours of the project due date as students have had all semester to ask versus procrastinating.

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. They're 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.

If you fail to submit the research project, no--the final exam cannot take the place of your missed project. The final exam and the research project are not interchangable. They require different degrees of work and gauge different skill sets.  

 

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 (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.  

 

GRADED WORK DUE THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SEMESTER (10 points): 

The 10-point syllabus quiz is due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, January 27th. A direct link is 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.  

 

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 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 due in Canvas before 11:59PM Friday, January 27th.

Chapter 1: Sociology Perspective/Theory/Method

Chapter 2: Culture

Chapter 3: Socialization

Chapter 4: Social Interaction

Chapter 5: Groups (and Leadership)

Research question due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, February 17th

Quizzes #1 and #2 due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, February 17th

EXAM 1 in-class Thursday, February 21st (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

Quizzes #3 and #4 due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, March 25th

EXAM 2 in-class Thursday, March 29th 

 

Quiz over Project Instructions due in Canvas before 11:59PM Friday, April 13th  

Completed Power Point Research Project due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, April 15th 

 

MODULE THREE

Chapter 13: Family & Religion

Chapter 14: Education, Health, and Medicine

Quizzes #5 and #6 due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, April 29th

EXAM 3 in-class Tuesday, May 1st 

 

Thursday, May 3rd is a review day for those taking the comprehensive final exam.

Final Exam, Thursday, May 16th at 12:30PM (Same time, room). 

**See aforementioned exam policy regarding the final exam. 

 

 

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:

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 student will lose all extra credit opportunities (any extra credit I might offer on exams). An "issue" is defined as 3 late entries or early exits. 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. If you cannot make it to class regularly and remain for the duration, you should consider taking online courses instead of disrupting traditional classes. 

LATE ENTRY ON EXAM DAYS:

As stated in the exam policy section above, students will lose a letter grade for every 10 minutes they're late. Students who arrive 10 minutes late will lose a letter grade, and the highest test grade they can earn is a 90%. Students who are 20 minutes late will lose 20 points and can score no higher than an 80%. So on. As with all exams, points will also be deducted for any missed question.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is _______________.

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 (i.e. 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

            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.

 

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)]”. 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	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:	1500 North Corinth St, Corinth, TX 76208-5408
Telephone Number:	940-498-6464
E-mail Address:	bking@nctc.edu