Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

SOC 101 Syllabus 3 Late Assignments No late assignments will be accepted. If you have other significant commitments (for example, a midterm scheduled the same day) that will not allow you turn in your best work, let me know ahead of time to set an alternate deadline for the assignment. If an unexpected emergency arises, such as a major illness or family emergency, let me know as soon as possible and we will reschedule. Grading Guidelines A is an exceptional grade reserved for work of exceptional quality. This assignment has all the qualities of B work, and in addition are well written, edited closely, display analytical skills and/or originality. The last two criteria are extremely important. B denotes work that is above average in quality. It demonstrates that the student knows and understands the material covered in class and being analyzed, and that student is capable of synthesizing it into a competent assignment. It is accurate, detailed, and well organized, with an introduction, an argument, and a conclusion. Usually, either writing problems or a lack of analysis is what prevents a B from being an A. C is given for work that is average. Student shows familiarity with the material, answers the central questions posed, and is mostly accurate, but lacks the sophistication of either the B or A student. The C assignment might make general points but fail to support them with specific evidence or details, or it might have problems with organization or writing style. Student’s work is merely a collection of facts, with no coherent theme or thesis. D is given for work that is inadequate. Student omits important points, provides more than a few inaccuracies, and poorly organizes work. Student does not answer the central questions posed in the assignment. It suggests one of three things: 1) the student missed several classes, 2) the student misunderstood the course material, and/or 3) the student has difficulties expressing ideas in writing and/or during discussions. If you have been trying hard and receive a D grade for an assignment, please discuss work with the professor. Tentative Course Outline  See Class Schedule on Blackboard for all required materials, lectures, & assignments. Introduction to the Course Week 1: Course Overview & Doing Sociology  Wednesday, January 8: Course Overview  Required Texts : Syllabus & Class Schedule  ICE : Making the Rules  Friday, January 10: Doing Sociology  Required Texts : C. Wright Mills. “The Promise,” in Sociological Imagination , 1-5.  ICE : Plotting Your Course Section 1: Thinking and Doing Sociology Week 2: Defining the Real World  Monday, January 14: What is The Real World?  Analytical Essay : Initial Prospectus Due  Textbook : Ferris & Stein, “Sociology and the Real World,” 1-25  Wednesday, January 16: Sociologists in the Real World  Textbook : Ferris & Stein, “Sociology and the Real World,” 25-38.  Friday, January 18: Defining the Real World  Required Texts : Articles assigned to groups  ICE : Issue Paper – Assessing articles Week 3: Researching the Real World  Monday, January 21: No Class Meeting – Martin Luther King Day  Wednesday, January 23: Research Methods  Textbook : Ferris & Stein, “Studying Social Life: Sociological Research Methods,” 39-66.