Portland Community College Sylvania Campus SW 49 th Avenue - Portland, Oregon 97219

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1 Portland Community College Sylvania Campus SW 49 th Avenue - Portland, Oregon Sociology 204 Telecourse Syllabus Spring 2002 General Sociology: Sociology in Everyday Life I. Instructor: Jan Abu Shakrah, Ph.D. Telephone/Voice Mail: Fax: jabushak@pcc.edu Office: Sylvania Campus, SS215, G59 Website: Office Hours: MW 9-11am and W5-6:30pm (except first, last, and midterm weeks), and by appointment. I am in the office at other times throughout the week, but it is best to make sure I am at my desk. Please feel free to drop by, or to contact me at any time via or voice mail, and I will respond as soon as possible. II. Course Description: In this course, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to apply a sociological frame of reference to events, patterns, and societal trends you encounter in your everyday life. You will have the opportunity to develop a sociological imagination to discover and explore the links between your personal experience and social structure. Finally, you will learn how to use core concepts, theoretical perspectives, and methods of sociological research both to understand and to influence the features of societies and cultures that shape your own and others lives. III. Learning Outcomes: Students successfully completing this course will think and act sociologically. This means that they will be able to: Apply a sociological frame of reference to events, patterns, and societal trends they encounter in everyday life. This means they will grasp how all human experience is socially constructed. Use a sociological imagination to discover and explore the links between personal experience and social structure, between biography and history, both for themselves and for others. This means they will learn how to put themselves in the place of the other. Use core concepts, theoretical perspectives, and sociological research methods to understand and to influence the features of societies and cultures that shape people s lives. This means they can act as agents of social change. 1

2 IV. Themes, Concepts, and Issues: Each of the 12 chapters of Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society we will study this term is divided into major topical headings. You should use these headings as your guide for the major sociological themes, concepts, and issues we will explore through your assignments. There is a Chapter Summary and a Key Terms section at the end of each chapter. Use those sections to review the important concepts and assure yourself that you understand and can use them appropriately and apply them. Thinking Sociologically boxes dispersed throughout each chapter pose questions for critical thinking. Resources on the Internet at the end of each chapter should help you with your applications and possibly your Term Project. The video programs complement and extend the Chapters in your textbook. I recommend that you view the video programs after you have read the related chapter in Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society, and use the questions in the study guides to direct your attention to important concepts and issues. You will notice that the video programs are about a decade old, and some of them may seem dated (they are due to be updated Fall2002). They do, however, convey basic sociological concepts well and substitute for not having regular class discussions. V. Skills: By participating in the Orientation and Midterm Meeting and by doing your assignments, you will acquire some new abilities and further develop skills you already have. This course focuses on the following skill development areas: Critical thinking within a sociological frame of reference Social research, including data gathering, interpretation, and analysis Verstehen an empathetic stance toward others that enables one to interpret the significance of specific interactions and events in terms of the meanings they have for the people who live them Interaction and group work [There is limited opportunity for this in a telecourse, which is why I include the Midterm and Final Meetings. If possible, I encourage you to form a study group with other students.] Oral, written, and other modes of expression and communication on sociological concepts, themes, and issues Awareness of elements involved in social change Application of sociological concepts to social policy VI. Credit Hours and Work Expectations: The telecourse is designed to offer you an educational experience similar to what you would have in a normal classroom offering. It is primarily an off-campus arrangement with course content, assignments, and learning assessment comparable to the standard course offering. As with all college courses, there is an expectation that students spend about three hours for each credit hour studying and completing assignments each week. Including one hour for viewing the video, that means you should expect to focus about nine hours each week on this course. Individual study and work times may vary, but this general rule gives you an idea of the expectations for this course. 2

3 VII. Transferable Credit: Credits earned in this course transfer to Oregon state colleges, universities, and community colleges. Generally, there should be no problem regarding transfer credit to any college or university. If transferability is a concern, especially to a private college, you should consult the receiving institution before enrolling in this course. VIII. General Education: This course is an excellent choice for general education credit, or for fulfilling the social science requirement in a degree program. This course is especially recommended for students interested in social and health services and business fields. It is also of interest to any one who wants to learn more about human behavior, society, and social issues. IX. Course Requirements: This is the first half of a telecourse entitled The Sociological Imagination. The course is designed to be equivalent to the campus-based Soc 204. General Sociology: Sociology in Everyday Life. Therefore, the text is the same, the themes, concepts, and issues explored are identical, the assignments are similar, and the skills you acquire should be comparable. To insure you achieve the learning outcomes of this course, please note the following requirements: Attend and participate in the Orientation Session, the Midterm and the Final Meetings. You will complete the majority of the course requirements off-campus. I consider these three sessions, however, essential for the kind of learning experience expected in a sociology course. Orientation: The introductory session provides an opportunity to meet me and some of your fellow students. I will explain various aspects of the course and answer questions or concerns you may have. You will receive study guides, worksheets, application assignments, and general guidelines for your Term Project. I will also introduce the sociological perspective and some central sociological concepts that will help direct your learning process. In my experience, attendance at this orientation session correlates highly to success in this class. If you are unable to arrange your schedule to attend one of these sessions, please contact me to review course requirements and expectations. Midterm Meeting: You are expected to come prepared to a Midterm Meeting with the Topic Statement for your Term Project. This meeting will be an interactive session in which we work on further defining your project focus, review resources, and work through the analysis and proposal sections of your project. The guidelines for this project are specific to this course and it is important that you understand and follow these guidelines to insure the success of your project. Final Meeting: Students make brief presentations at the Final Meeting to inform their colleagues about the major findings of their analysis and/or major features of their proposal. This is always a fun and engaging meeting when students have the opportunity to demonstrate the sociological knowledge and skills they have acquired through this course. In addition to the Term Project itself, you should bring a self-evaluation and a report of an Outside Review of your project. [See Term Project details, below, as well as the guidelines and resources you will receive at the Orientation Session and at the Midterm Meeting. 3

4 Read the textbook. Read the assigned chapters as indicated on the course schedule and on each weekly study guide. You should make a point of reading the assignment chapter before viewing the related televised program or tape. This will make the programs a richer learning experience for you. Viewing the televised programs or tapes. This is a telecourse, and both the videos and the readings from your textbook and handouts are your basic informational sources. The videos will provide you important information and perspectives, but are best understood as supplements to illustrate and enrich what you are reading in the textbook, and to substitute for the lack of classroom discussion. If you miss a program as scheduled on TV, the video is available in each PCC library (LRC). You may view, or review, the programs in the Audio-Visual area of the LRCs. Check the green Telecourse Update: Spring Term 2002, for other options. Use the Study Guides and Project Guidelines. You will receive regular study guides and specific guidelines for applications and for your Term Project. In addition to the study aids in your textbook, these guides will help you focus on the important concepts and issues we will emphasize in this course. Complete worksheets on time. You will receive 12 worksheets, one for each chapter. These worksheets are designed to test your understanding of central concepts and issues; they essentially substitute for quizzes and exams. You will receive full credit for them only if they are completed on time, unless you inform me of problems you are having in meeting the schedule. My past experience indicates that students who do not read the textbook, view the videos, and complete the worksheets in a timely manner have greater difficulty grasping concepts, acquiring a sociological perspective, and completing the course on time. At the same time, I recognize that the telecourse format offers necessary flexibility for students whose schedules do not permit them to attend classes. Contacting me will allow me to provide any assistance to insure your educational success. Complete applications according to the guidelines. There are four applications in this course. You will receive explicit guidelines for each application. These applications pose a question or challenge that requires you to think critically beyond the textbook and to use your sociological imagination to apply key concepts, themes, and issues from this course. They prepare you for the Term Project. , mail, or drop-off worksheets, applications, and other assignments. All assignments should be completed and mailed, ed, or dropped-off the week after each unit s scheduled viewing. I should receive them no later than Tuesday of the week after the scheduled viewing, unless otherwise indicated. Get into the habit of sending them as soon as possible after reading the chapter and viewing the video-program. The first assignment is due on Tuesday, October 9 th. See mailing address, office location and address in section I. of this syllabus. The best way to enhance your learning process is to complete assignments on time. If you are unable to do so, please contact me so I know what is going on and can help, if possible. 4

5 I strongly urge you to keep copies of all work you mail, , or deliver to me. This will protect you in case of any errors that might result in the loss of your papers. If you assignments, send yourself a copy or keep the attachment, so you can re-send if necessary. All assignments mailed or dropped-off must include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), so that I can mail them back to you with feedback. Because of privacy considerations, I can only return your graded assignments in person, by mail, or in a sealed envelope placed in the student pick-up box at the front desk of the Social Sciences Building, entrance 217. If you want to pick up assignments there, you must do so in a timely manner and when the building is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours (usually 7:30am to 7:30pm). The building closes at 4:30pm on Fridays, and is not open at all on Saturday or Sunday. To insure that you receive timely feedback, please include a SASE, or clearly indicate on each assignment that you want me to return your assignment to the Student Pick-up Box. Never leave an assignment under the front door if the building is locked. Follow the guidelines for the term project. This course requires a Term Project, which is due at the Final Examination period, in which you will make a brief presentation to the class. The project involves an analysis of a social issue and a proposal for a social policy, program, or project responding to that issue. You will select your topic and prepare a Topic Statement for discussion at the Midterm Meeting. This Topic Statement should be turned in May 1 st or 2 nd at the Midterm Meeting you attend. You will receive the Term Project Guidelines and suggested resources at the Midterm Meeting. I will also demonstrate how to access resources on websites and Ebscohost, and you will have access to laptop computers to complete your search for resources. X. Course Materials: Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society. Second Edition. Margaret L. Andersen and Howard F. Taylor. Wadsworth Thomson Learning This text can be purchased at the bookstore and comes with a CD-Rom. You will receive other materials, including study guides, at the Orientation session. See below concerning telecourse viewing or tape rental. XI. Student Assessment and Grading: Grading Criteria Grade A B C D F Point range for grade points points points points 599 points or less 5

6 The course grade will be determined from the following point schedule: Course Component Points per Item Total Points Worksheets (12) 20 points each 240 Applications (4) 60 points each 240 Attendance at Meetings 40 points each 120 Term Project 400 total 400 Total Possible Points 1,000 Attendance is expected at the Orientation Session, the Midterm Meeting, and the Final Meeting. If you are unable to attend, please contact me. If you make an alternative arrangement with me to make up what you have missed, it may be possible to regain full or partial credit for any missed meetings. If you want to take the course as an Audit or on a Pass/No Pass basis, please inform me as early as possible in the term. Keep in mind that an Audit could affect your Financial Aid. Term Project Details Item Due Points Topic Statement Midterm Meeting 20 Paper (6-10 pages) Final Meeting 330 Self-Evaluation Final Meeting 10 Outside Review Final Meeting 20 Presentation Final Meeting 20 If you want me to review a draft of your Term Project and give you feedback before the Final Meeting, please give me the draft no later than Monday, June 3 rd. XII. Students with Disabilities: I encourage students who have disabilities or learning problems to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for assistance in requesting accommodations. Their number is Please meet or talk with me to discuss any special considerations or problems that may affect your participation or performance in the course. Please see section I. above. XIII. Withdrawal from the Course: When you register for a course at PCC, you assume the responsibility for completing the course. If you need to withdraw from the course, you must contact the PCC Registration Office ( ). Depending on when you withdraw from the course, you may be entitled to a full, partial, or no tuition reimbursement. While it is not required, I would recommend that you let me know if you plan to drop the course. It may be possible to arrange for you to complete the coursework and not lose your tuition. XIV. Resources Your Instructor contact me! I encourage you to contact me if you have any concerns or questions regarding this course. Call, , or drop by during my office hours. You are welcome to see me at other times, but it is a good idea to call before making a special trip to campus in case I am unavailable. 6

7 Other Resources As a registered PCC student, you have many resources available to enhance your learning experience. Get a copy of the Student Handbook. Be sure to talk with an Academic Advisor at least once a year. Use the Learning Resource Center services, which you can contact in person, by telephone, by , and through the PCC website ( You can also use the Computer Resource Center, College Center 206, for Internet access, word-processing, virus scan and printing. You need to go through a 5-minute orientation, and present your current PCC ID card and PCC registration receipt. You can also use the computers in the Learning Resource Center or in any public library. You may also find the Writing Center or the Multicultural Center helpful. You will notice that many resources used in this course are Internet-based, so you are highly encouraged to get on-line. If you do not have personal Internet access and an address, I suggest that you get a free Hotmail, Juno, Easystreet, or other Internet-based account, which you can access from any computer. XV. Course Format and Important Dates To insure that you achieve the learning outcomes for this course, it is essential that you follow the guidelines, meet deadlines to the best of your ability, and attend the Orientation, Midterm, and Final Meetings (or make alternative arrangements). See the Important Information and Dates box, below, for meeting times and places. The telecourse program and assignments follow the attached Reading, Viewing, and Assignment Schedule. Deliver, mail, or your assignments, with a SASE if necessary to the attention of: Jan Abu Shakrah Portland Community College Sylvania Campus, SS SW 49 th Avenue Portland, OR jabushak@pcc.edu Bring your Topic Statement for your Term Project to the Midterm meeting to discuss your project and receive resource materials and guidelines. Bring your Term Project, with Self-Evaluation and Outside Review, to the Final Meeting. If you want me to return your Term Project, please bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope. I can give you feedback on a draft of your project only if you get it to me by Monday, June 3 rd. 7

8 Important Information and Dates Meeting Times (You can attend either the Wednesday or the Thursday meetings). Orientation Wednesday or Thursday April 3 rd or April 4 th 5-6pm 5-6pm Midterm Meeting Wednesday or Thursday May 1 st or May 2 nd 5-6:15pm 5-6:15pm LIB112 LIB112 Final Meeting Wednesday or Thursday June 12 th or June 13 th 5-6pm 5-6pm Assignment Due Dates All worksheets and application are due by the Tuesday of the week following the video viewing and assigned reading on the study guide. The first assignment is due on April 9 th. Viewing Information This course will be broadcast on Portland CABLE (AT&T Cable Services: Channel 27, PCC viewing area only) according to the following viewing schedule beginning the week of April 1 st. See the Reading, Viewing, and Assignment Schedule to see what programs will be aired each week. This information is repeated on each weekly Study Guide. If there is only one video program, it will play during the first half hour of the indicated viewing time. Air Day Air Time Beginning Viewing Date Wed 2-3pm April 3 rd Thu 2-3am April 4 th Sat 9-10am April 6 th Sun 7-8pm April 7 th Additional Viewing Options An entire set of tapes for this course is available for rent from the PCC Sylvania Bookstore. The cost is $65 per set. A $25 refund is credited to the student s account if tapes are returned on time at the end of the term. Details are listed in the rental contract. There is also a complete set of tapes for this course in each PCC library (LRC) for on-site viewing. See green Telecourse Update: Spring 2002, for details. 8

9 Reading, Viewing, and Assignment Schedule Video Lesson# Meetings Sociology Due Dates VC# (library) Topics (Chapters) 1: 4/1 Orientation Orientation Meeting 4/3 Wed 5-6, 4/4 Thu 5-6, Attend Orientation and get class packet 1: 4/1 Social Interaction & 1: Sociological WS1 Due: April 9 th Lesson 1/VC8201 Social Structure Perspective 2: 4/8 Sociological Research 2: Doing Sociological WS2 Due: April 16 th Lesson 3/VC8202 Research 3: 4/15 Lesson 4/VC8202 Culture 3: Culture WS3+AP1 Due: April 23 rd 4: 4/22 Lesson 5/VC8203 Socialization 4: Socialization WS4+AP2 Topic Statement Due: Midterm Mtg. 5/1 Wed 5-6:15pm or Midterm Meeting Term Project Bring Topic 5/2 Thu, 5-6:15pm 5: 4/29 Lesson 2/VC8201 Lesson 8/VC8204 6: 5/6 Lesson 6/VC8203 Lesson 7/VC8204 7: 5/13 Lesson 11/VC8205 Lesson 12/VC8205 8: 5/20 Lesson 13/VC8206 Lesson 14/VC8206 9: 5/27 Lesson 15/VC8207 Lesson 16/VC : 6/3 Lesson 17/VC : Finals Week Wed or Thu Meeting LIB112 Social Interaction, Conflict, and Change Societies Groups Formal Organizations Deviance Social Control Social Stratification Social Class Race and Ethnicity Gender Guidelines/Resources 5: Society and Social Interaction 7: Sexuality 6: Groups and Organizations 8: Deviance and Social Control 10: Social Stratification 12: Race and Ethnicity 13: Gender Statement WS5-6 Due: May 7 th WS7+AP3 Due: May 14 h WS8+AP4 Due: May 21 st WS 9 Due: May 28 th WS10-11 Due: June 4 th Term Project draft June 3 rd (optional) Aging 14: Age and Aging WS12 Due: June 11 th or Final Meeting 6/12, 5-6pm or 6/13, 5-6pm, Presentation on Term Project (2 minutes) Term Project, Selfevaluation, Outside Review If you want me to return your Term Project, please bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Final Meeting. Have a great term, and please contact me with any questions or concerns. You can always turn in assignments early. If you are late turning in assignments, I may have to give you an Incomplete. 9