Course Syllabus
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Course Title:
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Introduction to Sociology
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Course Prefix & Number:
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SOCI1301
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Section Number:
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810
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Semester/Year:
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Fall/2021
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Semester Credit Hours:
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3
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Lecture Hours:
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3
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Lab Hours:
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0
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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
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Course Prerequisite(s): None
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Required Course Materials/Textbook: John J. Macionis. Society: The Basics. 14th edition. Pearson. ISBN 978-0-13-420632-5
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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Name of Instructor:
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Stacie Stoutmeyer
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Campus/Office Location:
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Corinth, Room 339
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Telephone Number:
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(940) 498-6467. (On multiple campuses this semester so use Canvas email instead.)
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E-mail Address:
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sstoutmeyer@nctc.edu (Canvas email preferred.)
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OFFICE HOURS
My teaching schedule for Fall 2021 is split among the Corinth, Flower Mound, Denton, and Gainesville campuses. Feel free to email me in Canvas any time you have a question.
Monday/Wednesday: 9:00AM-10:30AM (Corinth Campus, Room 339)
Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00AM-10:30AM (Flower Mound Campus, Faculty Office)
Friday: 1:00-3:00PM (Online)
Sunday: 6:00-8:00PM (Online)
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)
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At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of sociology
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Identify the various methodological approaches to the collection and analysis of data in sociology.
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Describe key concepts in sociology.
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Describe the empirical findings of various subfields of sociology.
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Explain the complex links between individual experiences and broader institutional forces.
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GRADING CRITERIA
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# of Graded Course Elements
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Graded Course Elements
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Point Values
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5
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5 (out of 6) Quizzes (30 points each)
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150 points total
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1
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Assignment #1: Why Some People Love/Hate Celebrities & Your Values
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25 points
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1
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Assignment #2: Divorce & Children; Course Assessment
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50 points total
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1
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Assignment #3: Conspiracy Theories
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50 points total
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1
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Assignment #4: Children’s Book & Social Issue
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25 points
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COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)
Course grades are based on the following requirements: five (out of 6) quizzes (150 points total) and four assignments (150 points total). Total = 300 points
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 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 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 (810).
QUIZZES (150 points total; 50% of semester grade)
All students are required to take 5 (out of 6) quizzes. Quiz 1 was given by Dr. Davy. Given this is actually designed as a HYBRID course, Quizzes 2-5 will be given online via/in Canvas. Quiz 2 will cover Ch12: Family. Quiz 3 will cover Ch11: Race & Ethnicity. Quiz 4 will cover Health/Medicine. Quiz 5 will cover Social Stratification. Quiz 6 will be an optional quiz covering core concepts from the semester which students can take to try and replace a lower quiz grade.
TAKING ONLINE EXAMS
Online quizzes are TIMED. Students are given ONE ATTEMPT and 40 minutes to answer 15 questions. I do not re-open quizzes for students who run out of time as doing so would be unfair to others.
Once you begin a quiz, you CANNOT save it and come back later. If you sign out of the quiz, that counts as your one attempt, Canvas will score all unanswered questions as incorrect, and that will be your grade. In other words, once you begin a quiz, you must complete it in one sitting.
Quizzes are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Students can choose to take the quiz during their class time on Friday on the Gainesville High School campus or from their home on Saturday or Sunday. This gives students plenty of options in which to find a 40-minute block that works around their other obligations.
Quizzes are listed in the "Quizzes" tab when they are ready to open. I will also put a direct link on the course’s Canvas home page so it’s easy to see when you sign in. Due dates are listed in the syllabus, the "Assignments" tab, and the "Quizzes" tab.
STUDYING: Be sure to read each assigned chapter AND all additional materials provided, such as Power Points, outlines, summaries, and videos. Pay close attention to any concept mentioned in multiple places (i.e. the textbook, AND the Power Point, AND a video) as that's a good indicator that concept has been deemed very important (thus, the repetition). I've also provided a review sheet for each quiz in the Modules tab.
COMPUTER ISSUES
Given that fabrication of issues is sometimes a problem in this area, students who experience a legitimate computer issue need to provide three forms of documentation before make-ups will be considered:
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, 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 https://ecampushelpdesk.nctc.edu/hc/en-us/requests/new.
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.
ASSIGNMENTS (150 points total; 50% of semester grade)
Four assignments are required, and all are given/need to be submitted online in Canvas.
Assignment #1: Why Some People Love/Hate Celebrities & Your Values (25 points) – Due in Canvas before 11:59PM Wednesday, November 10th
Assignment #2: Divorce and Children; Course Assessment (50 points) – Due in Canvas before 11:59M Wednesday, November 17th
Assignment #3: Conspiracy Theories (50 points) – Due in Canvas before 11:59PM Wednesday, December 1st
Assignment #4: Children’s Book and Social Issue (25 points) – Due before 11:59PM Monday, December 6th.
MISSED ASSIGNMENTS & MAKE-UP POLICY
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. I do NOT accept late work.
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 will be required; however, that document does not need to disclose any private info about your actual diagnosis, only that you were treated.
Funerals: Unfortunately, some students fabricate stories of a death in the family. As such, I may ask for documentation 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. Death is 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.
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.
TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE
*This calendar covers Monday, November 1st through Wednesday, December 8th. The chapter number may vary by textbook edition. As such, pay attention to the TITLE of the chapter below more than the numeric number.
These chapters have been chosen because they cover major social institutions and/or the largest subfields in sociology.
Chapter 12: Family section only (not Religion section for sake of time)
Chapter 11: Race & Ethnicity
Chapter 14: Health/Medicine section only (not Education section for sake of time)
Chapter 8: Social Stratification
SUMMARY OF TENTATIVE DUE DATES
*I do not accept late work as that's unfair to others.
Quiz 2: Family Chapter – Due before 11:59PM Sunday, November 7th
Assignment #1: Why Some People Love/Hate Celebrities & Your Values– Due before 11:59PM Wednesday, November 10th
Quiz 3: Race/Ethnicity Chapter – Due before 11:59PM Sunday, November 14th
Assignment #2: Divorce and Children; Course Assessment – Due before 11:59PM Wednesday, November 17th
Quiz 4: Health/Medicine Chapter – Due before 11:59PM Sunday, 21st
Thanksgiving Holiday – No Class 11/22-11/26
Assignment #3: Conspiracy Theories – Due before 11:59PM Wednesday, December 1st
Quiz 5: Social Stratification – Due before 11:59PM Sunday, December 5th
Assignment #4: Children’s Book and Social Issue – Due Monday, December 6th.
Quiz 6: Make-Up Quiz (Optional) – Due IN CLASS Wednesday, December 8th
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.
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Monday, November 1st.
EMAILS, CANVAS, NOTIFICATIONS, and DUE DATES
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." Please keep track of all due dates and ask questions early.
BEHAVIOR
Students are expected to remain civil during class and in all forms of communications. Specific action taken during and following a disruptive incident will depend on the nature of the incident, but it is possible to be reported to the college for behavioral issues.
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 AFTER SPEAKING WITH INSTRUCTOR:
Name of Instructional Dean: Crystal Wright
Office Location: FSB Exchange, Denton campus, room 204
Telephone Number: 940-380-2504
E-mail Address: crmwright@nctc.edu