Course Title:	Introduction to Sociology (MW 10:30 AM-11:50 AM, RM 211)
Course Prefix & Number:		SOCI1301	Section Number:	401	Semester/Year:	Fall/2021
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/Textbook: John J. Macionis. Society: The Basics. 14th edition.  Pearson.  ISBN 978-0-13-420632-5 FAQ: Do students need to buy the textbook? Per the department, students are expected to secure the textbook. Having said that, today there are several formats from which to choose (ebook, rental, etc.). Students are welcome to shop around for the cheapest version. If a student wishes to rent/buy an older version of the textbook, I wouldn't go back more than two editions since this course includes recent social statistics. I do not use publisher access codes, so that's not a requirement for this course. I provide all Power Points and supplemental materials, and I personally create all exams based on chapters we'll cover.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Stacie Stoutmeyer
Campus/Office Location:	Room 311, Corinth campus
Telephone Number:	940-498-6467 (Email is my preferred method of contact as I'll be traveling to the Corinth, Flower Mound, and Bowie campuses this semester.)
E-mail Address:	sstoutmeyer@nctc.edu (Canvas email is preferred!)

 

OFFICE HOURS

My teaching schedule for Fall 2021 is split among the Corinth, Flower Mound, and Bowie campuses. Feel free to email me in Canvas any time you have a question. I'm also happy to schedule a WebEx office session with any student.

Monday/Wednesday: 9:30-10:30AM & 12:00-1:00PM (Corinth Campus, RM 311)

Tuesday/Thursday: 9:30AM-10:30AM (Flower Mound Campus, Faculty Office)

Thursday: 5:00-6:00PM (Bowie Campus)

Sunday: 7:00-8:00PM (Online)

 

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
3 (out of 4)	Exams (100 points each)	300 points total
1	Assignment: Media, Mental Health, & Socialization (Online)	25 points
1	Assignment: Conspiracy Theories (Online)	50 points
1	Assignment: Healthy Societies (Online)	25 points
1	Assignment: Learning Outcomes Assignment: Divorce & Children (Online)	50 points

 

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

Course grades are based on three (out of four) exams (100 points each) and four assignments (150 points total). Total = 450 points.

Point Scale: A = 450-403;  B= 402-358;  C = 357-313;  D = 312-268;  F = 267-0

 

CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR - Please use CANVAS email.

Canvas email is my preferred method of contact because it clearly identifies students/sections. Click the Inbox tab in Canvas then choose this class and instructor. I check email at random times during weekdays; however, emails sent after 5PM will typically be answered the following day. I do not check email on Saturdays. On Sundays, I check email during 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. 401). 

 

EXAMS (300 points total; ~67% of overall grade):

All students are required to take three (out of four) exams. I give four exams, but students are only required to take three. This allows a bit of leeway in case a student misses or scores low on one exam. Exams 1, 2, and 3 cover their associated modules. The Final Exam/Exam 4 is a comprehensive final covering all chapters. Most students aim to do well on Exams 1, 2, and 3 and not worry about the final/fourth exam.

 

Students Who Miss an Exam:

The only students REQUIRED to take the comprehensive final (Exam 4/Final Exam) are those who MISSED a previous exam and must replace that zero. If a student misses two exams, the final can only replace one zero; the other zero will still count in the gradebook. All students who take Exams 1, 2, and 3 are exempt from the final regardless of their overall letter grade heading into finals week. For example, if a student has taken Exams 1, 2, and 3 (i.e. has not missed any previous exam) and has an overall C average heading into finals week, that student is still exempt from taking the final. The exemption is not reserved solely for As.

Students Who Did Not Miss a Previous Exam But Want to Try for a Higher Score:

Students who did not miss any previous exams (#1, 2, 3) but who'd like to try and replace a lower exam score are welcome to take the final and possibly replace their lowest test score. If the student scores lower on the final than the exam that student hoped to replace, the final exam just gets dropped (i.e. the final cannot hurt their grade).

 

Taking Online Exams:

All exams will be given online in Canvas.

Exams are TIMED. Students are given ONE ATTEMPT and 70 minutes to answer 45-55 questions.  I do not re-open exams for students who run out of time while taking exams. Doing so would be unfair to other students.

Once you begin an exam, you CANNOT save it and come back later. If you sign out of an exam, that counts as your one attempt, Canvas will score all unanswered questions as incorrect, and that will be your grade. Once you begin the exam, you must complete it in one sitting.

Exams are open for four days in Canvas, giving students plenty of time to find a 70-minute block which works around their other obligations.

Exams are listed in the "Quizzes" tab when they are ready to open. I also put a direct link to the exam on the home page when the exam is set to open. Do not wait until the hour before an exam closes to start the exam as you may run out of time.

 

Studying for Exams:

I'll emphasize what will be on the exams in my lectures. In addition, be sure to read everything provided in the modules. Pay close attention to any concept mentioned in multiple places (i.e. in lecture, the textbook, AND the Power Point) as that's a good indicator the concept has been deemed very important. I will provide a review sheet prior to each exam.

 

COMPUTER ISSUES - I REQUIRE DOCUMENTATION.

It is well known that some students fabricate stories of computer issues. As such, students who experience a legitimate computer issue need to provide the following before make ups will be considered:

1) First, immediately take a snapshot IMAGE or a VIDEO of the ERROR MESSAGE so you have something to show me and our IT department. If you do not have a smart phone, you can take a snapshot image 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. If you take a VIDEO of the issue, that video must show the exact time, date, and issue--all three--or it will not be considered.  Without VISUAL proof of an issue, I do not consider options.

2) After taking an image or video, you may then email me. Include that image or video in the email and a detailed description of what occurred. That EMAIL must be sent IMMEDIATELY upon experiencing the issue. For example, if you experience an issue at 8PM, the email needs to be in my Canvas email no later than 8:15PM.

3) Some issues may require the assistance of the NCTC eCampus HelpDesk. You may send them 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 https://ecampushelpdesk.nctc.edu/hc/en-us/requests/new. You then need to give me the TICKET NUMBER, usually at the top of the email.

 

ASSIGNMENTS (150 points; ~33% of overall grade):

Four assignments are required this semester and all will be given ONLINE. The first assignment will relate to media, mental health, and socialization. The second will relate to conspiracy theories given that's a hot topic right now in society. The third assignment will ask about elements of healthy societies. The fourth assignment assesses learning outcomes and is required by the sociology department. It will be in the form of a timed quiz consisting of three matching/multiple choice questions on sociological theory and methods plus one short answer essay question. Additional information will be discussed on the first day of the semester and a few days prior to each assignment.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY - I REQUIRE DOCUMENTATION.

Due dates are listed under the "Tentative Due Dates" section below. Students are encouraged to put those dates in a planner, a cell phone calendar, or whatever location they access regularly. 

Make-ups are only offered to students who experience a formally DOCUMENTED medical emergency or military service requirement. 

Medical Emergencies: Students who experience a medical emergency (e.g. ER visit, unexpected surgery, etc.) which interferes with an assignment should contact me within a week so we can determine how to proceed. Original documentation from the medical provider is required; however, that documentation does NOT need to disclose any private info about your actual diagnosis. For example, students often send me an image of their medical bracelet as that shows they received care at a facility on a certain date but does not disclose their diagnosis. Or, students send me an image of the top of their discharge instructions sheet which shows their name, date of service, and location, but info on diagnosis can remain concealed.

COVID-19: If you or a dependent tests positive for COVID-19 during the semester and it impacts your schoolwork, email me immediately and we'll go from there. Do NOT wait until the end of the semester as I will not backtrack weeks worth of work. Instead, email me within five days of the positive diagnosis. In your email, attach an image of the positive documentation. I cannot make special considerations without documentation as we are aware of student fabrications in this area. NCTC also requires students who are positive to notify the college. 

Funerals: Unfortunately, some students fabricate stories of a death in the family. As such, documentation is required if you miss an assignment/exam and seek a make-up for this reason. As above, students should contact me within a week so we can determine exactly how to proceed. Students typically provide an image of the pamphlet from a memorial service alongside their textbook. A general link to an online obituary does not count unless the student is identified within the obit. Death is a serious matter and to protect students who sadly do experience such an event, I do not tolerate fabrications in this area. Fabricating a family sickness/death for personal gain is a form of scholastic dishonesty.

Military Service: The military service stipulation for late work is only offered to the military personnel himself/herself/themself since that student's 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--as some of my students were for the pandemic or recent hurricanes--please notify me via email as soon as the word comes down so I can anticipate any necessary adjustments. Usually, there is not a problem making adjustments, so don't worry. Feel free to email me any questions on this matter.

 

GRADES

Grades are always posted in Canvas. If you have a question about your grade, check Canvas first and then you are welcome to contact me via email in Canvas.

 

EXTRA CREDIT - I do NOT offer additional extra credit opportunities for individual students.

Leeway is already built into this course, primarily by way of the "3 out of 4" exam policy discussed above. On some exams, I may also include a few extra credit questions, though that's determined closer to each exam and is not guaranteed. I do not grant additional opportunities for extra credit/points for individual students as that's not fair to others. Students who email me seeking more points/opportunities will simply be directed back to this section.

 

VIDEOS

I tend to upload a few summary videos for my ONLINE students, though face-to-face students are also welcome to watch. However, they do not include everything in-class students will be tested on as we dive much deeper in face-to-face lectures/discussions. I tend to post video links in YouTube in case there's an issue (such as slow buffering) with the Canvas platform. Direct link & click on "PLAYLISTS" to select your class: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwrjUf1FNzL2pnfYYarQNKQ

 

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

*Chapter numbers vary by textbook edition. As such, pay attention to the TITLE of the chapter listed below more than the numeric number.

MODULE ONE

Chapter: Sociological Perspective/Theory/Method

Chapter: Culture

Holiday: No Class Monday, September 6th for Labor Day

Chapter: Socialization (You will not be tested on Freud, Piaget, and Gilligan)

Assignment: Media, Mental Health, & Socialization (Date TBD)

Chapter: Social Interaction (Only the info on status and roles [everything], Goffman & dramaturgical analysis and presentation of self, idealization; Pp. ~101-111 in the 14th edition of textbook.)

Chapter: Groups (Only the info on primary/secondary groups, reference groups, conformity, and in-groups/out-groups; Pp. ~124-130 in the 14th edition of the textbook.)

EXAM 1 opens Thursday, Sept. 23th & closes at 11:59PM Sunday, Sept. 26th (Online)

 

MODULE TWO

Chapter: Deviance

Assignment: Conspiracy Theories (Date TBD)

Chapter: Sexuality in Society

Chapter: Race & Ethnicity

Chapter: Social Stratification

Chapter: Gender Stratification

EXAM 2 opens Thursday, Oct. 21st & closes at 11:59PM Sunday, Oct. 24th (Online)

 

MODULE THREE

Assignment: Healthy Societies (TBD)

Chapter: Family and Religion

Chapter: Education and Health/Medicine

Holiday: No Class Wednesday, November 24th for Thanksgiving Break

Chapter: Social Change (Only the info on collective behavior, crowds, riots, protests, social mvmts, and disasters; Pp. ~490-495 in the 14th edition of the textbook.)

Assignment: Divorce and Children, Learning Outcomes Assignment (Date TBD)

EXAM 3 opens Thursday, Dec. 2nd & closes Sunday, Dec. 5th (Online)

 

Final Exam/Exam 4 -- Opens Monday, Dec. 6th & closes at 5PM Wednesday, Dec. 8th. *The only students required to take the cumulative final exam are those who need to make-up a previously missed exam. See aforementioned exam policy.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Per NCTC policies, I take attendance each day. However, students do not receive a separate attendance grade in this class.  Since exam info overwhelmingly comes from our in-class lectures, attendance is key to passing this course.

ARRIVING LATE/LEAVING EARLY

Late arrivals and early exits are generally disruptive to the flow of lecture. If you need to leave early one day for an appointment, just be courteous and let me know at that start of class. In that case, it's not a problem. Arriving late a couple of times is not an issue; however, this should be a rare occurrence. After the third late arrival or early exit, the student will lost all extra credit opportunities for the remainder of the semester.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Monday, November 1st.

 

CANVAS, NOTIFICATIONS, and DUE DATES - Set Canvas notifications.

Use Canvas to download lecture materials, read class announcements, track due dates and grades, and email the instructor. Set NCTC emails and Canvas notifications to be forwarded to the email account you check most frequently. Click on your profile icon to add info/change settings, and you'll see the word "Notifications." Students also need to check class announcements regularly. Students can also click on the "Announcements" tab to review announcements.

 

BEHAVIOR

Outside of cheating, I have never had a behavioral issue in a classroom. Having said that, students are expected to remain civil in all forms of communications throughout the semester, including in the classroom and online. Specific action taken during and following a disruptive incident will depend on the nature of the incident, but it is possible to be reported for behavioral issues.

Cell Phone Policy: I do not have an issue with students briefly checking phones a couple of times in a class period. However, please make these checks very brief (e.g. less than a couple of minutes in length; not surfing the internet, gaming, etc.) as this can be disruptive to the flow of lecture and to others.

 

NCTC's COVID-19 POLICY, Fall 2021

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

Faculty will:

• Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

Students should:

• Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
• Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
• Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
• Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
• Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
• Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
• Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the fall 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

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. 

OSD Students: Please email me asap 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    

X   Social and Behavioral Sciences

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES

X   Critical Thinking

X   Communication

X   Empirical and Quantitative

X   Social Responsibility

COURSE TYPE

X   Academic NCTC Core Curriculum

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online. http://www.nctc.edu/_documents/academics/student-handbook.pdf

 

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. Also, a few students have fabricated stories about not being able to access Canvas and wanted make-up work for missed assignments. Be aware that Canvas allows instructors to track student log-in's, work, etc. Fabricating stories of any kind for personal gain is also a form of scholastic dishonesty. Any form of scholastic dishonesty will result in a zero and may be reported to administrators at NCTC.

  

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:	Sara Flusche
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus, Room 1312
Telephone Number:	940-668-3351
E-mail Address:	sflusche@nctc.edu