SYG2000 – FALL 2017

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PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY

University of Florida

Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law

SYG 2000, Section 004E

3 Credit Hours

Fall 2017

Monday, Friday (12:50pm – 1:40pm) & Wednesday (Online)

Room: TUR 2333

Robert Baez, M.A.

Office: Turlington 3357

E-mail: rbaez@ufl.edu

Office Hours: Monday from 2pm-3pm and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to provide you with the fundamentals of sociological understanding,

including the basics of theory, research methods, and common sociological subjects of analysis.

The goal of this course is to encourage students to develop and use their sociological

imaginations to better understand the social world. The sociological imagination is a tool that lets

us explore how social structures and institutions shape our everyday lives and the lives of others.

The course begins with an overview of the discipline of sociology as well as sociological

methods and sociological theory. It then challenges students to use the tools learned to engage

with many sociological concepts like race, class, and gender.

REQUIRED TEXT

1. Conley, Dalton. (2017). You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction To Thinking Like A

Sociologist. W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.

ISBN: 978-0-393-60238-8 (pbk.)

GENERAL EDUCATION SUBJECT AREA OBJECTIVES

Social and behavioral science courses, like Principles of Sociology, provide instruction in the

history, key themes, principles, terminology, and underlying theory or methodologies used in the

social and behavioral sciences. Students will learn to identify, describe and explain social

institutions, structures or processes. This course emphasizes the effective application of accepted

problem-solving techniques. Students will apply formal and informal qualitative or quantitative

analysis to examine the processes and means by which individuals make personal and group

decisions, as well as the evaluation of opinions, outcomes or human behavior. Students are

expected to assess and analyze ethical perspectives in individual and societal decisions.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES FOR SYG 2000 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY

1) Introduce students to the basic concepts, theories, and methods that sociologists use. Course

materials and activities provide students opportunities to see how social scientist use varied

methods to collect information about specific social issues. Moreover, students will critically

assess how that information can be used to frame understanding about why social patterns exist

and what might be the possible consequences of those patterns.

2) Provide students with a brief overview of sociology as a discipline within the social sciences

that exposes students to strategies to identify, study, and address social issues and research

questions. Course activities will provide students with opportunities to apply critical thinking

skills to evaluate debates about contemporary social issues and the evidence needed to address

the issues.

3) Help students to develop the ability to understand how various social processes and structures

affect one another.

4) Encourage students to develop a better understanding of how their own lives and significant

relationships are shaped by larger social forces.

5) Provide students with insights about how individuals' interactions with others can affect the larger

society.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The general education student learning outcomes (SLOs) describe the knowledge, skills and

attitudes that students are expected to acquire while completing a general education course at the

University of Florida. The SLOs fall into three categories: content, communication, and critical

thinking:

Content is knowledge of the concepts, principles, terminology and methodologies used

within the discipline. Students demonstrate competence in the terminology, concepts,

methodologies and theories used within the discipline.

Communication is the development and expression of ideas in written and oral forms.

Students communicate knowledge, ideas, and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or

oral forms appropriate to the discipline.

Critical thinking is characterized by the comprehensive analysis of issues, ideas, and

evidence before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion. Students analyze

information carefully and logically from multiple perspectives, using discipline specific

methods, and develop reasoned solutions to problems.

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PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF MASTERY OF SLOs & COURSE REQUIREMENTS

AND GRADING

I will calculate your grade using a 1,000-point scale.

1. Attendance

(100 pts., 10%)

Attendance will be taken during every class period. Because we only

meet twice a week, students are allowed to miss up to one class without

penalty. After missing one class, students will begin having 10 points

deducted from their overall attendance score per additional absence.

Excused absences are those AUTHORIZED BY THE UNIVERSITY.

Illnesses without a doctor's excuse are NOT legitimate. Likewise,

missing class because of circumstances like job responsibilities, dead car

batteries, late buses, malfunctioning alarm clocks, and hangovers are

NOT legitimate.

2. Quizzes

(100 pts., 10%)

Each quiz will be taken online via Canvas, and will consist of 10

multiple-choice questions. Students have until 11:59pm to complete the

quiz on the day it is due. This will assess how well students have

mastered the terminology, concepts, methodologies, and theories used in

Sociology.

3. Discussion

(300 pts., 30%)

Discussion Posts = 150 pts.

Discussion Response = 150 pts.

This assignment consists of weekly discussion via Canvas. The topic of

each discussion will vary depending on what is being discussed that

week in class. Students must submit 3-5 paragraphs for each original

discussion post (150 points total). The original post is due by 11:59pm

on the day it is due. Students are then required to respond to a

classmate’s original post for that week. The discussion response (150

points total) should be about 3-5 paragraphs long, and will also be due at

11:59pm on the day it is due. I will assess your posts on the following

criteria: degree and quality of analytic effort, organizational structure and

writing style, and creativity of thought and presentation.

RUBRICS:

Discussion Post—

15 points: Excellent communication addressing all elements of the prompt with

in-depth interpretations/reflections and analysis of

the course material.

12 points: Good communication addressing all elements of the prompt

with basic interpretations/reflections and analysis of

the course material.

10 points: Good communication addressing most of the prompt

with basic interpretations/reflections and analysis of the course material.

5 points: Basic knowledge of material without evidence of

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interpretation or analysis.

3 points: Poor representation of course material knowledge and lacks

meaningful communication of ideas.

0 points: Does not contribute

Discussion Response—

15 points: Contributes in a very significant way, responding thoughtfully

and respectfully to other students’ postings, and providing a differing

perspective or further example to illustrate the point.

10 points: Provides a constructive contribution, responding respectfully

to other students’ postings but lacks depth.

5 points: Limited interaction with classmates that does not add to the

discussion.

0 points: Does not interact with classmates or interaction is disrespectful.

4. Exam 1

(150 pts., 15%)

The exam will be 35 multiple-choice questions and cover Chapters 1, 2,

3, 4, 5, 6, and lectures. It will require students to analyze and have a

working knowledge of the theories, concepts, and major findings

discussed in the lectures and readings.

5. Exam 2

(150 pts., 15%)

The exam will be 35 multiple-choice questions and cover Chapters 7, 8,

9, 10, 11, and lectures. It will require students to analyze and have a

working knowledge of the theories, concepts, and major findings

discussed in the lectures and readings.

6. Exam 3 (Final)

(200 pts., 20%)

The exam will be 50 multiple-choice questions and cover Chapters 12,

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and lectures. It will require students to analyze

and have a working knowledge of the theories, concepts, and major

findings discussed in the lectures and readings.

IMPORTANT DATES

Exam 1 September 25th (12:50pm – 1:40pm)

Exam 2 October 27th (12:50pm – 1:40pm)

Exam 3 December 13th (12:30pm – 2:30pm)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Disability-Related Accommodations: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/

If you would like to request disability-related accommodations, please contact the Disability

Resource Center as soon as possible and obtain the needed registration and documentation to

provide to your instructors in order to request accommodation. The Disability Resource Center is

located in 001 Building 0020 (Reid Hall); their phone number is 392-8565.

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Counseling and Wellness Center

The University of Florida is committed to student health and well-being. University Counseling

Services and Mental Health Services are available to all students. Should the need arise, please

do not hesitate to contact them at: 352-392-1575

http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/Default.aspx

University Police The University of Florida is committed to student safety. Should the need arise please do not

hesitate to contact the University Police Department: 392-1111 or 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Course Evaluations: https://evaluations.ufl.edu

Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course based on 10

criteria. These evaluations are conducted online at https://evaluations.ufl.edu. Evaluations are

typically open during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given

specific times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available to

students at https://evaluations.ufl.edu.

FINAL GRADE DISTRIBUTION

The University of Florida's grading scale includes minus grades. The distribution I've listed

below shows the range of grades, the grade point value in terms of how a student's grade will be

calculated into his or her GPA, the percentage range I will be using to assign final grades, and

the point value range that I'll use to determine final grades. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU

EARN A GRADE OF "C-" OR BELOW IT WILL NOT BE COUNTED TOWARD YOUR

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OR YOUR SOCIOLOGY MAJOR

REQUIREMENTS. In other words, you will need at least 730 total points in this class in order

for it to count toward your Gen Ed or sociology major requirements.

Grade Grade

Points Percent Points

A 4.0 93-100 930-1000

A- 3.67 90-92 900-929

B+ 3.33 87-89 870-899

B 3.0 83-86 830-869

B- 2.67 80-82 800-829

C+ 2.33 77-79 770-799

C 2.0 73-76 730-769

C- 1.67 70-72 700-729

D+ 1.33 67-69 670-699

D 1.0 63-66 630-669

D- .67 60-62 600-629

E 0 Below 60 599 and below

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INCOMPLETE GRADES

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a specific policy and proceed regarding incomplete

grades. Please see the following documents:

http://www.clas.ufl.edu/forms/incomplete-grade-policy-clas.pdf

http://www.clas.ufl.edu/forms/incomplete-grade-contract.pdf

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HONOR CODE

Found at http://www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/honorcode.php

Preamble: In adopting this Honor Code, the students of the University of Florida recognize that

academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the University Community. Students

who enroll at the University commit to holding themselves and their peers to the high standard of

honor required by the Honor Code. Any individual who becomes aware of a violation of the

Honor Code is bound by honor to take corrective action. Student and faculty support are crucial

to the success of the Honor Code. The quality of a University of Florida education is dependent

upon the community acceptance and enforcement of the Honor Code.

The Honor Code: We, the members of the University of Florida, pledge to hold ourselves and

our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is

either required or implied:

"On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment."

(1) All students are required to abide by the Student Honor Code.

(2) The conduct set forth hereinafter constitutes a violation of the Student Honor Code. Those

adjudged to have committed such conduct shall be subject to sanctions provided in Rule 6C1-

4.016, F.A.C.

EXAM AND GRADING POLICIES

Each of the exams will include multiple-choice questions. The final is NOT cumulative. It will

only cover material after Exam 2. There may be a few general questions on the final that address

basic ideas that I will emphasize throughout the entire semester.

All exams are the property of this course. Students are not permitted to take an exam out of the

classroom or office nor may they write down exam questions--failure to comply will result in an

"E" since non-compliance is, in effect, cheating. Cheating or copying during an exam also results

in an "E" for the exam and the entire course.

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I expect all students to take the exams during the scheduled class periods. I do not give make-up

exams except under the rarest of circumstances. You must notify me in advance that there is a

very serious problem and I will decide if you are allowed to take a makeup. If I deny your

request to take a make-up, and you do not take the scheduled exam, I will assign a grade of zero

for your exam score. If I administer a make-up exam, I reserve the right to give an exam that is

different from the exam the class had and to give an essay exam. Students who take make-up

exams for any reason will be graded on a straight percentage scale (i.e., any curve that is applied

to students who take the exam during the scheduled period will not apply to students taking

make-up exam). Do not take this class if you anticipate that you might miss an exam for any

reason. Note that the final is on Wednesday, December 13th. I will administer no early final

exams (everyone, including seniors, will take the exam during the scheduled period).

Your final grade is based on your attendance, your performance on the three exams, and your

activity on the discussion boards. Please do not ask about extra credit.

Your final point total, and the letter grade associated with it, is final. Students should not ask for

preferential treatment; it's unfair to the other students and challenges the integrity of the grading

scale.

IN-CLASS ETIQUETTE

I will appreciate it greatly if you make a conscientious effort to be on time and ready for each

class session. If you miss an announcement that I make at the beginning of class because you are

late or did not attend, it is your responsibility to know what's going on in class. Everyone should

make a few "class-buddies" to keep them informed if they are late or miss a class. It is important

that students show respect for their classmates. This means that students should remember to turn

off their cell phones before class begins. If you have an "emergency," and need to contact

someone, excuse yourself from the room and then return.

CANVAS

Much of this course will be based in Canvas: https://lss.at.ufl.edu/

Instructions for using Canvas and the programs that will be accessed for this course are available

upon logging into the course Canvas site. Students may log in to Canvas using their gatorlink

username and password.

Computer and Internet – This course is partially online and therefore requires a computer and

high speed internet access, and access to E-Learning. Students are responsible for maintaining

access to E-Learning. Please review the information on system setup for use of E-learning:

https://lss.at.ufl.edu/services/els/stu_intro.shtml. The minimum UF computer requirements can

be found at: http://www.it.ufl.edu/policies/student-computing-requirements/.

Time Management and Planning for Online Courses

You are responsible for appropriate planning and time management in order to complete all tasks

by their due dates. Procrastination and last minute completion of discussions and quizzes will

result in low quality performance and poor grades.

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Online learning offers great flexibility and independence and therefore can be very rewarding.

Online learning can also be challenging when personal initiative and good time management are

not used. This means that how much you get out of an online course is very much related to how

much you put into it. Below are tips for success in online courses:

Read the syllabus and all online course materials carefully. This information can help you

plan and prepare for the course.

Keep up with the course schedule and complete all assignments. If your computer goes

down when you are trying to complete a quiz or submit an assignment, you'll need

additional time to get to another machine.

Study all of the course materials and work through all of the assigned activities. Trying to

take short cuts will result in poor work quality and low grades.

Take quizzes well ahead of their closing time. Remember that there are no extensions for

missed quizzes or other activities.

Take advantage of the online discussion boards. Ask for help or clarification when you

need it.

Do not wait to ask questions! Waiting to ask a question might cause you to miss a due

date.

In online courses, procrastination and last minute attempts to complete the work will

inevitably result in missed work, poor work quality, and low grades. Remember that late

work is not accepted and will result in 0 points.

FOUR STEPS FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURSE

STEP 1: Check the course syllabus and online materials. When you have a question about the

course, your first step should always be to check the course syllabus and online materials for the

answer to your question. The answers to most questions are in these materials.

STEP 2: Review answers to Frequently Asked Questions below:

I can't find course content! HELP!

Be sure to carefully review the content of all of the tabs on the course page.

When is (some assignment/quiz) due?

All due dates are listed at the end of the syllabus. All quizzes and discussions are due no

later than 11:59 p.m. on the day listed.

Internet connection cut out, what do I do?

Contact your internet provider or the UF Help Desk: 352-392-HELP (4357).

Video not playing, what do I do?

Try shutting down your browser and then re-starting. If that doesn’t work, try shutting

down and restarting your computer. If the video still will not play, post this information

on the Course Questions Discussion Board along with the browser and operating system

you are using and when you tried to view it.

Can't click "Begin Quiz," what do I do?

Sometimes the problem can be solved by shutting down the browser and re-starting. If

that doesn’t work, try shutting down the computer and restarting. If you are still unable to

start the quiz, then contact Learning Support Services https://lss.at.ufl.edu/ and be sure to

tell them what operating system and browser you are using. If they cannot solve your

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problem in time for you to take the quiz before the due date, be sure to get the ticket

number. E-mail the instructor with your ticket number and explain the situation.

Remember that unless there is a system-wide problem with E-learning, there will be no

extensions for quizzes or assignments. But, you may choose to take the Extra Quiz at the

end of the course to replace your one lowest quiz grade.

When do quizzes open and close?

Quizzes will open at 8am and close at 11:59pm on the date listed on the syllabus.

Why are there parentheses around some of my grades?

This is a feature of E-Learning – please ignore it. As long as you have points listed inside

the parenthesis, you are fine.

There is a mistake with my grade, what do I do?

Please e-mail your instructor and be as detailed as possible as to why you think there is

an error.

What does “N/A” mean on our grades page?

It means “not applicable.” This means that either a grade hasn’t been entered yet OR

there is no grade for you.

I am missing a grade, what do I do?

Please give the instructor plenty of time to complete their grading. If you believe that

grading has been completed and your assignment was skipped for some reason, please e-

mail the instructor privately about your missing grade.

I haven't heard back from an email I sent, what do I do?

Please allow 24 hours (not including weekends or holidays) for responses to your emails.

If you do not receive a response during this time frame, please send another e-mail to the

instructor. Be sure to use the email addresses listed at the beginning of this syllabus.

STEP 3: If your question is of a technical nature, including difficulties with e-Learning, please

contact the UF helpdesk at learning-support@ufl.edu, or (352) 392-4357; they are located in the

ground floor of the Hub.

Examples of questions that should be directed to the Help Desk:

I can’t log into E-Learning.

I have clicked the “submit” button for my quiz and nothing is happening.

I can’t upload an assignment (be sure to have reviewed the tutorial on how to do this

BEFORE you contact the Help Desk).

E-Learning has given me an error message and I can’t submit my assignment.

Please remember that all students are required to maintain computer and high-speed Internet

access, and access to E-Learning for this course. No extensions will be given for technical

difficulties. To prevent technical issues from interfering with your course performance, complete

assignments in advance of their due dates. Waiting until the last minute to complete assignments

increases the possibility that unforeseen circumstances, including technical difficulties, can result

in missed assignments and grades of 0.

If UF E-Learning experiences system-wide technical difficulties that are verified by E-Learning

staff, deadlines will be adjusted to allow for completion of assignments and quizzes. In such

cases, you must report the problem to E-Learning and obtain a ticket number from them; email

this ticket number along with any correspondence with E-learning staff to the instructor.

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STEP 4: If you do not find the answer to your question in the previous steps OR if your question

is of a private nature, please contact the course instructor through their e-mail address. Please

allow 24 hours (not including weekends or holidays) for a response to your questions.

Examples of questions that can be directed to the teaching assistant or course

instructor:

I’ve had a family crisis and must drop the course.

I’ve had a documented illness and will miss multiple modules this semester.

Disclaimer: This syllabus represents my current plans and objectives. As we go through the

semester, those plans may need to change to enhance the class learning opportunity. Such

changes, communicated clearly, are not unusual and should be expected.

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Date Activity/Course Material Reading/Topic Assignments Assessment

21-Aug Introductions 23-Aug Online 25-Aug Lecture Ch. 1

28-Aug Lecture Ch. 2 30-Aug Online

Discussion Post 1 / Quiz 1 Communication & Content

1-Sep Lecture Ch. 3 Discussion Response 1 Communication 4-Sep HOLIDAY - NO CLASS

6-Sep Online

Discussion Post 2 / Quiz 2 Communication & Content 8-Sep Lecture Ch. 4

11-Sep Lecture Ch. 5 Discussion Response 2 Communication 13-Sep Online

Discussion Post 3 / Quiz 3 Communication & Content

15-Sep Lecture Ch. 6 18-Sep Lecture

20-Sep Online

Discussion Response 3 / Quiz 4 Communication & Content 22-Sep Lecture Review

25-Sep Exam 1

Critical Thinking 27-Sep Online

Discussion Post 4 Communication

29-Sep Lecture Ch. 7 2-Oct Lecture Ch. 8 Discussion Response 4 Communication

4-Oct Online

Discussion Post 5 / Quiz 5 Communication & Content 6-Oct HOMECOMING - NO CLASS

9-Oct Lecture Ch. 9 11-Oct Online

Discussion Response 5 / Quiz 6 Communication & Content

13-Oct Lecture Ch. 10 16-Oct Lecture Ch. 11 18-Oct Online

Discussion Post 6 / Quiz 7 Communication & Content

20-Oct Lecture 23-Oct Lecture Review

25-Oct Online

Discussion Response 6 Communication

27-Oct Exam 2

Critical Thinking

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30-Oct Lecture Ch. 12 1-Nov Online

Discussion Post 7 / Quiz 8 Communication & Content

3-Nov Lecture Ch. 13 6-Nov Lecture Ch. 14 Discussion Response 7 Communication

8-Nov Online

Discussion Post 8 / Quiz 9 Communication & Content 10-Nov HOLIDAY - NO CLASS

13-Nov Lecture Ch. 15 Discussion Response 8 Communication 15-Nov ONLINE LECTURE Ch. 16 Discussion Post 9 Communication 17-Nov ONLINE DISCUSSION

Discussion Response 9 Communication

20-Nov Lecture Ch. 17 22-Nov HOLIDAY - NO CLASS

24-Nov HOLIDAY - NO CLASS 27-Nov Lecture Ch. 18

29-Nov Online

Discussion Post 10 / Quiz 10 Communication & Content

1-Dec Lecture 4-Dec Lecture Review

6-Dec Online

Discussion Response 10 Communication 13-Dec Exam 3 (12:30-2:30pm)

Critical Thinking