SOCIOLOGY 100      Fall, 2007    TRITON    COLLEGE
Beginning date: August 27          Ending date: December 20

(Note: this page will be  handed out in class and  will appear online. )

Office: RC 215D
Allen Salzman
Off. hours: TBA
Phone: 456-0300
Ext. 3449
email: salzmana@triton.edu
This is a WebCt
computer-enhanced  "face-to-face" (f-2-f) course.

It makes use of  a  text book and extensive use of  a  computer. As for the latter, you will need the following: 
1. Pentium based computer running Win95 or higher with internet connection. Prefer Netscape   or IE4.  There are computers in many locations on campus which meet these criteria. 
2. Once you have registered, it may take a few days for I.T. Services to put you on the system. I plan to take everyone over to the A.T. Building to get us all started off on the same foot once that happens. You can certainly try to log in on your own using the information below. But if you cannot get on right away, use the time to do your first assignment. 
3. First assignment:  Read Chapters 1 and 2 in the textbook listed below, and complete any interdisciplinary assignment mentioned in class. 
4. After a day or so, if you don't want to wait for the class lesson, you may try to sign on as follows: 

  • Start your browser. Make sure Java is enabled. Close all other programs. 
  • WebCt is a little slow. Perform each "click" only after your previous command has been executed. Don't "stack-up" a long series of commands. 
  • Use the navigation inside the WebCt program whenever possible. For example, do not use your browser's "Back" button. 
  • If you are going to "Maximize" or "Minimize" a window, do it when you first open the window, not later. 
  • In the case of Netscape, here is how you open WebCt and login: click File--Open Page. When the window is displayed type the following in the window: http://online.triton.edu:8900
  • A page will appear for logging in. Click where it says "Log on to My WebCt"
  • A security page will appear. On the TOP LINE, type your firstnamelastname, all in  lower case with no capitals, dashes, and no spaces. Example: if your name is John Smith, type johnsmith. On the BOTTOM LINE type the first letter of your first name followed by the first three letters of your last name, followed by the last four digits of your social security number. So, for example if your name is John Smith, SSN 123-45-6789, you would type “jsmi6789”, all in  lower case with no capitals, no dashes, and no spaces. Hit enter or OK.
  • A listing will appear of the courses you are registered for. Click on "Sociology 100." 
  • Begin to familiarize yourself with the online course by clicking on the various icons. 
  • This is enough to get you started. You will see in many places that you can email me for any help you might need.

PART I: COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To introduce students to some very basic sociological concepts, theories, and  perspectives.

2. To introduce students to methodological approaches and a few elementary research applications (if possible), in sociology, as well as to acquaint the student with the place of sociology within the  social sciences.

3. To explore sociology through other disciplines, such as Introduction to Philosophy and Principles of Effective Speaking. 

4. To examine the structure of society with the aim of providing better understanding of its complexities and problems.
 

PART II: METHODS OF PRESENTATION
 

1. Lecture 2. Class discussion/exercises 3.Field-trips, if possible 4.Interdisciplinary assignments & exercises, if applicable 5.CD-ROM software & other multimedia materials. 6. WebCt enhancement: Computer asssignments and/or online instruction-- [NOTE: all students will be expected to do some online work. You need to get your email account set up through the Office of Student Services. The good news is that you already paid for it when you registered through your Student Activities Fee ! ]
 

PART III: MULTIMEDIA AND COMPUTER INFORMATION

1. Prentice Hall Website (for supplementary and practice materials): http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/curry3/(or whatever is the most current edition)

2. Dr. Salzman's email address: salzmana@triton.cc.il.us

3.  Additional information available on the Undergraduate Center  Website: http://academics.triton.edu/uc/uc.html

4.  VERY IMPORTANT! Here once again is the WebCt sign on address: http://online.triton.edu:8900
 

PART IV: REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
 

The following are to be purchased and brought to class at all times, unless I tell you differently.

1. Sociology for the Twenty-first Century, Fourth Edition (or whatever is the most recent) by Curry.

2. A paperback-size dictionary

3. Several No. 2 pencils for tests and unannounced quizzes. NOTE: Make sure that your pencils have good erasers. The SCANTRON grading machine is considered infallible by me, and there will be no appeal of your scores on quizzes/exams. So be sure that what you mark on the sheet is what you intended to mark, and that it is clean and clear. If you are not sure if the SCANTRON machine will disregard the erasures, raise your hand and ask for a new sheet. There are no makeups of any exams or quizzes. Quizzes occur at the beginning of class. All exams will be taken outside of class on  days which may or may not correspond to your class days.

4. Several pens for taking notes. Highlighters or underliners for studying the text.

5. A large, self-addressed-stamped mailer to return your fifth exam (just in case we take it in class for some reason), and other materials (bring it only on the day the last exam is taken and only if you want your materials returned to you).

6. A large ring binder with plenty of paper separated into separate sections for your notes. It will also need pockets to contain items handed back and other handouts.

7. Withdrawal date: I will sign legitimate withdrawal forms up to the withdrawal date published in the official course schedule in the Dean's office. After that no form will be signed.

8.  Students with disabilities:  please make any special needs you have known to me so that I can notify the College to try to accommodate you. Rev.3/05

PART V: GRADING

1. What is it based on? Your grade will be based on satisfactory performance (a grade of 60% or better is passing) on 4 out of 5 multiple-choice, fill-in and/or essay tests to be taken online. There will be weekly homework assignments, and pop quizzes. The quizzes will occur in class. My subjective judgementwill also be a factor (see "Subjective Judgement" below.) Note: The SCANTRON machine will be considered infallible.


2. Are there makeups? There are absolutely no makeups of exams or quizzes for any reason. All tests will be based exclusively on the text and what is covered in class. Class time will be spent clarifying in detail various issues which might fascinate or confuse you, answering the questions of prepared students and raising issues of related interest.
 

3. What is on the tests?   How do I prepare? When are exams taken?  Can I take the exam from home?

    Much of our class discussion will reappear on the tests. Therefore, you need to take thorough notes while in class. But you are responsible for everything in each chapter, whether we have discussed it in class or not. This is what is known in the academic world as a reading class. The bottom line is:

   When in doubt, KNOW THE TEXT. Even more than your class notes, website and CDROM, a careful and comprehensive outline of the text is your best preparation. Prepare to spend at least 2.5 hours outside of class for every one hour in class in order to pass the course.

    Your exam will be offered to you during a 24-hour period.  You may take it at any point during that 24 hours. I highly recommend you don't wait until 1/2 hour before the test shuts down to start taking the test. Important NOTE!!   The exam  may NOT be scheduled on one of  your regular class day(s). For example, sometimes I give an exam on a Saturday.

You may take the test from outside the AT Building if you wish. HOWEVER, I strongly urge you to take tests in the AT Building. If anything happens to crash your computer, you can get a note from the tech person and show it to me, and I may consider your problem after discussing it with the tech person. OR I may not. It is my discretion and my call.  But if you take the exam from outside the AT Building, I will not be able to consider technical breakdowns.
 

4. HOW WILL I BE GRADED?

a)There will be 5 multiple choice and/or fill in and/or essay tests (taken online on a designated day and time outside of class) of approximately 25 questions each. The value of each question is 1 per cent of your course grade.I will drop the lowest score of the 5.  Important NOTE!!   The exam day  may NOT be on one of  your class day(s). For example, sometimes I give an exam on a Saturday.

b) 10 per cent additional credit may be earned from what I call "Subjective Judgement." In high school, you may have called this "participation" or something else. (see below).

c) Therefore, it is possible to achieve 110 per cent credit in this course. By the way, I sincerely hope each of you earns all 110 % !!
 

5. GRADING SCALE

60%--69% = D

70%--79% = C

80%--89% = B

90%--100% = A
 

PART VI: OFFICIAL WEEKLY SYLLABUS of REQUIRED READINGS

 One chapter per week is the official assignment. The "official assignment"  is to cover Chapters 1,2,3,4, (a portion only of 4), 11, 8 (recommend 6 as background to 8), 13 and 9.  However, this is subject to change and almost certainly will change.   Naturally, however, because of the interdisciplinary planning for this program, we will possibly  speed up, slow down, substitute or alter the schedule as necessary  and as the situation warrants, so you will need to double check the course calendar on this website several times per week to stay on top of things. (Revised 3/05)
 

Special note to students in the UNDERGRADUATECENTER: Assignments, exams and exercises may include an interdisciplinary focus if you are enrolled in sociology and another course or courses  in combination with it (e.g., SPE 101 and PHL 101). All students: your testing and some course content will be derived from the WebCt online enhancements to your course.
 

PART VII: SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT

SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT CREDIT (WORTH 10%)


A. 5 per cent of this category is the average of all of your quizzes, both online and in class.

B.     The other 5 per cent is my personal impression of you as a student in this class. Teachers need to know that the individuals who will be performing in their classes are oriented to success.For example, I ask myself, does he measure up to my idea of what a college student and a mature person should be based on my experience? I consider such factors as :

·Showing up on time, and not leaving early

·Coming to class prepared for work, with a textbook, notebook, pen, etc.

·Proper classroom behavior—no disruption

·Cell phones, beepers, Gameboys and anything that makes a noise please have shut off before class begins, not when the thing goes off. I regret that I cannot allow tape recordings to be made of the class.

·I expect, as a matter of ordinary courtesy, that my student “clients” will be attired in a manner that sends a message of businesslike professionalism. I don’t mean you need to wear a suit and tie. Just normal good taste and good manners. For example, I request that gentlemen remove their hats during the class period as a sign of self-respect and respect for your fellow students and me. Of course if you have a religious or health reason for wearing a hat, please inform me about this.

For reasons of insurance liability, I regret that persons who are not registered students, including your children, are not allowed to be in class.
 

PART VIII:  "PARTICIPATION" COMPONENT OF YOUR GRADE POLICY. You would be wise to take the time to understand it thoroughly.
 

5 per cent of your entire course grade will be deducted for every "attendance quiz" which you miss. Quizzes will occur at the beginning of most, but not every, class meeting. If materials are distributed for quizzes (e.g., SCANTRON sheets or written quizzes), they will only be distributed once, then put away. Verbal questions will be asked only once. No makeups. If you walk in after materials are distributed, you may not take the quiz. If you walk in while verbal questions are being asked, do not bother to get out a sheet of paper, because you also are not eligible to take the quiz. If you do not have your pencil, which is a course requirement, please do not disturb the class by trying to borrow one. You will be told to give the pencil back. This violation of testing procedures may cause your test to be invalidated, not graded and not credited.
 

What is the rule during any testing procedure? The rule is this: TOTAL SILENCE. THIS MEANS NO COMMUNICATION, GESTURES, LOOKING AROUND, USE OF CELLULAR TEXTING DEVICES, OR PASSING OF OBJECTS IS PERMITTED DURING ANY KIND OF TEST OR QUIZ. And to repeat once more, there are no makeups of any kind for any reason.

Rev. 8/05