INSTRUCTOR- Jonathan Williams (Jon)
Phone 269-965-3931 x 2229
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Course Credit: 3         Contact Hours: 48

Description: Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior. This course helps students to understand how they are influenced by group situations and relationships. The focus is on the study of cultures, institutions, and social groups. Basic principles for the study of society are explored.

Prerequisites: COMPASS reading score of 70, or 'C' in STSK 98 or ENGL 120

Textbook: Introduction to Sociology, (10th Edition - though the 9th edition will work if you have it), Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum, and Deborah Carr, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Core Abilities: Evaluate knowledge of the implications of being a citizen in a global community.

Competencies

1.     Identify major sociological theories and apply them to society.

2.     Describe the main sociological research methods.

3.     Use a sociological imagination to interpret the impact of social forces on the individual.

4.     Develop a comparative approach to observing society.

5.     Define culture and describe the impact of varying cultures on individual and group behavior, social institutions, social problems, and social change.

6.     Analyze how socialization and social interaction affect individual and group behavior.

7.     Identify social problems including deviance, crime, racism, discrimination, changes in employment opportunities, poverty, gender bias, family issues, and unequal access to resources.

8.     Explore social institutions, including government, education, the economy, religion, the family, the military, the law, medicine, and mass media, and consider their purpose, and influence on the individual and society.

9.     Investigate globalization in reference to economics, employment, population change and movement, immigration, distribution and use of resources, and technological advances.

10.  Explain the relevance of technological advancement to sociology.

11.  Examine social change and forces that create change.

This section of the class includes a service learning option: students who choose this option, pass the class and complete the required service hours and assignments, will receive a service learning endorsement on their official transcript related to this class.

Attendance Requirements:  All students must develop professional and personal skills that enable them to be successful in the workplace.  Developing a strong work ethic begins with one having a good attitude about attendance.  The College policy is that regular class attendance is considered an essential part of a student's educational experience and a requirement for an adequate evaluation of student academic progress. To be successful in this class it is highly recommended that you check into Moodle at least every other day. Attendance requirements are that you must enter the Moodle Site to read Announcements, participate in the Discussion Forums at least two times a week. There is an automatic tracking system in Moodle so that the Instructor can check your attendance. It is recommended that you sign onto Moodle at least every other day to check for new Announcements and postings and questions from the instructor and fellow students.

Absences will cause a loss of points as follows:

When a student does not attend the first class, I will complete a No Show Report.  When a student misses more than two weeks of assignments without contact or when absences reach a level when the overall completion of the course is jeopardized, I will initiate the administrative withdrawal process.  The Student Services department will follow up with individual students.    

Participation is determined by successful completion of each assignment and accurately following the directions given.

Late Assignments will lose points as follows: half a grade for 1-3 days late, one grade for 4-7 days late.

No assignment will be accepted more than 7 days late, without an agreement between the instructor and student, and based on exceptional circumstances.

Withdrawal date for refund and for Grade of W: It is the responsibility of the student to know the date by which he or she may obtain a refund of tuition and the date by which withdrawing from the course can result in a grade of “W”. The general formula is: Refund of tuition – first one tenth of class days.  Grade of “W” – Prior to seven eights of the duration of the class.

See pages 16 and 31 of the catalog and pages 49 and 52 of the student handbook. Specific dates are available from the Customer Service Center. 

Requirements for Successful Completion of this Class:

*See the "Schedule" for points, assignments, and deadlines.

FINAL GRADES

Syllabus Disclaimers

 Kellogg Community College Academic Integrity Statement:

The Kellogg Community College policy on Academic Integrity is spelled out in the student handbook.  If it is suspected that you are cheating, fabricating, facilitating academic dishonesty, or plagiarizing, there may be serious consequences.  The incident will be documented and may be reported to the academic chair and/or program director for possible disciplinary actions up to and including course, program, or college expulsion.

Plagiarism

All work must be written in the student’s own words: all sources used in any work must be cited both in the paper and/or in a bibliography, as relevant; direct quotes taken from any source must include citations and the source must be included in a bibliography. Students should follow assignment instructions and format given in grading matrices. Students must follow MLA or APA format as relevant. Individual assignments must be completed individually. Any work that is copied from another source will receive no points.


Kellogg Community College Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Statement:

Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of disability.  KCC is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Instructor Syllabus Rights Statement:

Information contained in this syllabus was to the best knowledge of the instructor considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract with Kellogg Community College and any student, nor between the instructor and any student. The instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of Kellogg Community College, to make changes in the course content or instructional techniques without notice or obligation.

Class Conduct and Participation:

Class participation is expected. We will follow the College policies regarding online class conduct – see the etiquette information on KCC’s webpage - Orientation to Online Learning. I expect students to create an atmosphere of respect: we will discuss subjects that are controversial and that may be uncomfortable for some. We may be led to question others’ beliefs:  it is appropriate to question all beliefs and assumptions as long as we do so in a civil and constructive way. We should also respect all beliefs irrespective of whether we agree with them. Ultimately, I would like this class to lead you to question your own beliefs as well as those of others! Attend this online class prepared to learn from others, with an open mind and a willingness and enthusiasm to explore new ideas and knowledge.

Although class policies are stated on the syllabus for this class, I am able to make exceptions for absences and late assignments depending on individual circumstances. If you have any concerns or worries about completing assignments, or have unforeseen circumstances that necessitate excessive absence from class, please let me know and I will give consideration on a case by case basis.

Last modified: Tuesday, 18 January 2016, 2:08 AM