Minority Studies Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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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Course

SOCI-2319-002 Minority Studies

Prerequisites

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

Course Description

This course studies minority-majority group relations, addressing their historical, cultural, social, economic and institutional development in the United States. Both sociological and social psychological levels of analysis will be employed to discuss issues including experiences of minority groups within the context of their cultural heritage and tradition, as well as that of the dominant culture. Core concepts to be examined include (but are not limited to) social inequality, dominance/subordination, prejudice and discrimination. Particular minority groups discussed may include those based on poverty, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or religion.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

ISBN 13:  9781256744375

 

Supplies

\ A reliable computer with internet and printer access is necessary.  Pens, paper, pencils.

Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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\ 1. Explain how the concept of social inequality pertains to minority group status defined in terms of identities that may include: social class, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion.

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\ 2. Differentiate between important concepts and theories of prejudice and discrimination including the effects of prejudice and discrimination on the everyday lives of minority group members in the context of social institutions.

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\ 3. Analyze the history of culture, experiences of inequality, and current life opportunities of various minority groups in the United States with contrasting reference to other countries.

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\ 4. Analyze minority group interactions in the United States focusing on immigration and migration patterns, assimilation processes, and adjustments to American life.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

\ 1.  Come to Class prepared.

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\ 2.  Listen when others are speaking.

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\ 3.  Avoid side conversations.  They are distracting to me and to others who sit close by.

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\ 4.  Arrive on time for class and stay for the whole class

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\ 5.  Take care of personal needs before class.  Movement about the room is disrupting.  If this poses a problem for you please talk to me.

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\ 6.  Do not bring food or drinks into the classroom. 

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\ 7.  Cell phones should be turned off before class begins.  If you feel that you have a reason for an exception, please speak to me.

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\ 8.  If I find you sleeping, "resting", I will tap you on your arm and y ou are leaving for the rest of the class.

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\ 9.  Cheating or Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an 'F' for the course, not a 'W'.

Grading Criteria

GRADING CRITERIA/GRADE SCALE:  

 I drop one quiz,  This does not include the extra credit assignment.

640 – 576  = A; 575 - 512 = B; 511 - 448 = C; 447 - 384 = D; 383 down = F

Throughout the class – you can calculate on your own where you stand. Take the points you could have up to that point and divide it by the points you DO have, - move the decimal over 2 and walla!

1. ALL QUIZZES ARE ONLINE and DUE BY 7:00 P.M.

2.  Class Participation/Discussion:  Each student will be assigned a chapter that they will prepare a discussion question from. This question will need to be mailed to their group so there are no duplicates and then to me prior to class. You will be required to start and lead the discussion until I step in. This is worth 30 points. If you end up not being in class that night for whatever reason, you are still required to have the discussion question to your group, then to me. You can write a 1 page, double spaced, 12 font, times new roman, paper on the question (why is this a good question? how would you have answered it) for 15 points.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Write a 1 page paper over what you learned from the money book, double spaced, 12 font.  10 pts.

2.  "Just the Basics Please! Book 2:  Marriage and Sex", Deb Avara 2012.  Write a 1 1/2 page, double spaced, 12 font, standard margin, paper regarding what you learned from this book. This paper is worth 20 points.  This book can be downloaded from www.lulu.com to computer or as an ebook, or bought as a hard copy.

 

 

 

 

Attendance

\ Class attendance is very important and I hope that you will make the choice to be in class on a regular basis. There is no doubt that students who attend class do better than those who do not.   Students will receive 5 pts per class attendance for a possible 45 pts. If you are late/tardy, you will receive 2 1/2  pts.

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\ It is your responsibility to see me on break or after classe to let me know you have arrived.  If I take role after the break or at he end of class and you are not there, you will be marked absent for the entire class period.  if you have an emergency, you need to let me know.

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\ Makeup Policy:  None – All quizzes are done ONLINE and ON TIME.  I DO NOT turn quzzes back on.  Do not wait until the last minute; something will go wrong (Murphy's Law!!).  Excuses will not be accepted, sickness, weather, computer problems, work - it is your choice to take or to not take the quizzes.

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Calendar

Additional Information

****The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus if circumstances warrant****

All communication with me should be done in class and through the Class email link.  My responses to you will be found in your AC gmail account. It is recommended that you check your AC gmail on a regular basis. All College emails are sent to you AC Gmail Account. If you do not know how to access it - call the AC help desk - 371-5000.