Introduction to Sociology Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

SOCI-1301-002 Introduction to Sociology

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Introductory study of sociology with special emphasis on social groups, institutions, interaction and change.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Henslin, J.  (2010).  Sociology Core concepts:  A Down-to-Earth Approach (5th Ed).  Pearson.

This instructor makes up her own study guides for the exams. So the text is the only thing you need to buy for this course.

Supplies

You must have access to a working computer, and/or be available to work on campus during our computer lab and library hours.  It is your responsibility to have your computer working during the duration of this course, or to be on campus to use t

Student Performance

HYBRID SOCIOLOGY THROUGH FILMS AND DISCUSSION

This course is an excellent and informative learning experience for all behavioral science learners, along with law, business, medicine, social work, substance abuse counseling, child care, history and political science, as well as education majors.  General sociology gives an overview of the impact of our own and others societies on human development, along with how we as individuals influence our society. By the end of this course, learners should be able to:

STUDENT PERFORMANCE GOALS:

1)  Learners will gain a working knowledge as to how individuals impact society, social situations, culture, institutions, and groups and how society impacts and shapes individuals in the process of socialization.

2)  Learners will gain an understanding of how scientific methodology is applied to studying sociology.

3)  Learners will analyze the major concepts and theories in the field of sociology.

4)  Once learners develop these conceptual tools, they develop the ability to apply research findings and theories to real world social situations, such as dealing with race and ethnicity, culture, groups, conformity, gender issues, and family life.

5) Specific areas of study in sociology will be considered, such as crime and deviance, gender, race and ethnicity and prejudice, groups, and family life.

6)  Students will be assigned various social topics to research and/or discuss in class, including, but not limited to, the death penalty, health reform, gay marriage, and financial and political reform, as current and relevant social issues impacting their lives.

7)  By the end of this course, students will have a greater appreciation for diversity within societies, cultures and social institutions, and are able to think critically about issues in sociology that impact them. As well, students will be able to use this knowledge to better their own social relationships and society in practical ways.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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\ Students are expected to engage in appropriate "netiquette" within the courseroom. Inappropriate behaviors, such as swearing, discussion of inappropriate issues NOT related to the courseroom material, or any type of intolerance or rudeness to other learners will not be tolerated and may result in failing the class, or dismissal from Amarillo College. Treat others as you like to be treated and everything should be fine! If you have a concern that something you want to write would offend others in the courseroom, run it by me first. Simply contact me via the courseroom email. As well, if you are aware of any student being mistreated or harrassed in this course (including yourself), please bring it to my immediate attention.  We have zero tolerance for any student being mistreated here at Amarillo College. This will be a SAFE place for the expression of ideas and exchanges! Thanks! Dr. Harding

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Grading Criteria

THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 400 POINTS FOR THIS COURSE.  You will have 3 major exams (Exam 1 is over chapters 1, 2 and 3, Exam 2 over chapters 4, 5 and 6, and Exam 3 over chapters 7, 8 and 9.  We probably will not have time for chapter 10 since we miss 1 day of class due to the 4th of July).  Your exams are worth 100 points each (300 pts and we do not drop an exam in this course!), and there will be 40 points (I take roll 8 times, 5 points each day) for attendance.  As well, you will have 6 DISCUSSIONS worth 10 points each over the five FILMS and ONE over "INTRODUCE YOURSELF",  for a total of 60 points.  These ldiscussion are over three films you will watch (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Secrets of the Wild Child, and A Class Divided) and one other film we will watch in class (The PEOPLE BOMB). WE may discuss the films in class as they relate to the lecture, AND you will have a couple of questions over each film on the EXAM.  Consider your discussions a COLLEGE LEVEL WRITING ASSIGNMENT! Note that you will be graded on your writing (excellent grammar and writing mechanics, as well as spelling are important), along with making a response to at least ONE OTHER STUDENT in the class. ABSOLUTELY NO TEXTING LANGUAGE MAY BE USED IN THE WRITING ASSIGNMENTS FOR THIS CLASS.  TEXTING LANGUAGE WILL GET YOU A 0! This is a college course, not a text message to your friend! 

The grading criteria for the course will be based on standard percentages of work done with 89.45 to 100% being an A, 79.45 to 89.44% being a B, 69.45-79.44% being a C, 49.45 to 69.44% being a D and below 49.50 being an F.

You can find your grades online in your AC ONLINE CLASSROOM for this course, click on the link on our COURSE HOMEPAGE that says ABOUT THIS COURSE: CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR GRADES.  If you don't know how ANGEL works, it's your responsiblity to be sure and take the ANGEL online tutorial, so you understand how the classroom works.You will find a box that says "ABOUT THIS SECTION", and there is a link" CLICK here to SEE YOUR GRADES".  Please let me know immediately is this is not working properly!  

I work hard to get your grades posted in a timely manner so you can view them and keep updated on your percentage, as I know your grades are important to you.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE YOUR GRADES OR YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH YOUR GRADE!  I'M HUMAN AND OUR ONLINE ANGEL SYSTEM IS FALLIBLE, SO THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM! LET ME KNOW SO WE CAN FIX IT TOGETHER!

Attendance

This class only meets a total of 11 times and. all students are expected to make every effort in attending every class. Each student will be expected to complete all assignments online, to do their reading, watcht he films, engage in online discussions. Classtime is only meant as time to answer questions, discuss the high points of each of these chapters, and to assist students in their efforts to understand and master the material.  Attendance will be taken each time.

90% of success is SHOWING UP!  ~ Woody Allen

While it may be tempting to skip classes and wait until the last minute to do your ONLINE WORK for this short summer class, know that the #1 factor linked with good grades IS class attendance and consistent participation.  This summer we only have 11 classes and NO TIME TO WASTE!!! DO NOT MISS CLASS UNLESS YOU HAVE CLEARED IT WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFOREHAND, OR HAVE AGREED WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR THAT YOU ARE TAKING THIS COURSE COMPLETELY ONLINE (SEE ME BEFORE YOU CONSIDER THIS OPTION).  As well, you will have homework and films to watch throughout the week, and exams to take and reading to do on the weekends! You need to be in class each day to get them!  MISSING ANY OF THESE 11 CLASSES IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGED! IF YOU WANT TO ONLY DO THIS CLASS AS AN ONLINE COURSE, YOU CAN, BUT YOU MUST DISCUSS THIS WITH ME AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS!

Calendar

Additional Information

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• \ AMARILLO COLLEGE LIBRARY:  http://www.actx.edu/library/\
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  • \ For help with your computer, or to use computers go to the second floor of the library.
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• \ For information on how to do a research paper and search for references go to:\
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  • \ http://www.actx.edu/library/index.php?module=article&id=8#Research
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• \ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PLAGIARISM AND HOW TO AVOID IT: GO TO:
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  \ For help with your papers: go to Writers' Corner

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    \ Mission and Services:The Writers’ Corner staff firmly believe that good writing is an essential skill for being successful in college. Our main goal, therefore, is to help students become more confident and effective writers.Whether drafting research papers, preparing marketing proposals, or working on writing projects for any class at Amarillo College, students will benefit from one-on-one tutoring sessions with knowledgeable and encouraging tutors.  Our tutors review assignment requirements, provide constructive feedback, and guide students through all phases of the writing process.The Writers’ Corner is open to all students, regardless of academic discipline and skill level.

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• \ We Offer:*One-on-one tutoring sessions with trained tutors,  small workshops throughout the semester covering various aspects of academic writing,  in-class presenations on the role of the Writers' Corner, a waiting area for walk-ins and early arrivals, coffee and donuts for students with appointments, EMAIL US AT: writerscorner@actx.edu
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• \ OR stop by: LOCATION:  Ordway Hall, Room 102
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• \ Hours of Operation:\
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  • \ Fall & Spring Semesters:Monday - Thursday  8:00 am to 4:00 pm and ClosedFriday, Saturday, and Sunday
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  • \ Summer Sessions:  Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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