Introduction to Sociology – SYG 2000
Instructor
Office
Office
Hours
Rosalind Fisher
Phone
Anthropology, Building 13, Room 111 E-mail
Tuesdays & Wednesdays with an
appointment
850 473-7064
rfisher@uwf.edu
Text:
1.
Essentials of Sociology, 2013, Giddens, Duneier, Applebaum and Carr. 4th edition, Norton
Publishing, ISBN: 9780393918830.
2.
On-line assignments and other readings are also required.
Required Materials:
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Reliable Internet Access
UWF E-mail Account
Description:
This course introduces you to the sociological perspective and provides an overview of sociology's major
theoretical perspectives and approaches. Through the texts, video clips and on-line discussions we will
explore how socialization and socially constructed concepts help shape the reality of our lives. We will
focus on social processes and the social systems that maintain social hierarchies and institutions as well
as, how society affects our choices and life chances. Some video clips or course materials contain adult
themes, but they are relevant sources of information to expose you to diverse norms, values, and
histories.
This course is designated as a General Studies course. The General Studies curriculum at the University
of West Florida is organized to be a cohesive program of study that promotes student’s development as
broadly educated scholars with the knowledge needed to succeed in university studies. The General
Studies learning outcomes for this course are Analysis/Evaluation, Information/Literacy and Writing.
Learning on-line may be a very different environment for some of you. You will generally set your own
schedules except for assignment deadlines and participate in class activities at your convenience. You
may require some additional time online during the first week while you adjust to the online format. You
may feel overwhelmed at first, but it will get better. You should be prepared to spend approximately 5 7 hours per week online completing lessons, activities, and participating in class discussions.
Goals:
After successful course completion, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the sociological imagination.
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Use the sociological perspective or imagination to interpret the real world.
Understand and critically discuss the three major theoretical perspectives,
functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic-interaction theory.
Apply sociological concepts to observable events and social issues.
Define social diversity in a global context.
Appreciate the major ethical and value issues confronting the sociological researcher.
Requirements:
Students are evaluated through exams, on-line exercises or activities, and participation in discussion
forums, which will reflect work on topics covered in the text.
There will be 840 points possible to earn in this class.
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There will be five quizzes, each worth approximately 80 points.
Participation points totaling 200 for two papers and two on-line discussions,
Three vocabulary matching or drag & drop assignments 60 points total.
There are no make-up discussions. There can be no exceptions to this arrangement. However, quizzes
can be made-up if you have a documented medical emergency.
Evaluation:
Grading: if your overall average is:
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A – A- = 90% and above
B+ – B- = 80-89%
C+ – C- = 70-79%
D+ - D- = 60-69%
F = 59% and below
Quizzes & Assignments
Opens
Closes
Sociological Imagination Discussion
08/ /13
08/ /13
Quiz 1 & 2
09/ /13
09/ /13
09/ /13
09/ /13
09/ /13
10/ /13
10/ /12
10/ /13
Drag & Drop Assignment
Quiz 3 & 4
Quiz 5 & 6
Everyday Sociology Blog
Quiz 7 & 8
Quiz 9 & 10
Points
Theory Assignment
Quiz 11 & 12
10/ /13
11/ /13
Quiz 13 & 14
11/ /13
11/ /13
Bonus Quiz (Optional)
11/ /13
12/ /13
Health Discussion
Resources:
I cannot help with technical problems. If you run into any computer or software glitches or problems
you can get 24 hour, seven days a week assistance at UWFs computer helpdesk@uwf.edu (850) 4742075 and they will be happy to assist you. Under links on the eLearning website, I provide you with study
and writing help links and sociology theory sites.
Technology Utilized by Students:
This course is totally online. All instructional content and interaction takes place over the internet. In
addition to baseline word processing skills and sending/receiving email with attachments, students will
search the internet and upload/download files. Students will need the Dropdown Browser available for
download from computer services in order to see incorrect quiz answers. You must install the
Respondus Lockdown Browser and use it before you take the quiz.
Weather Emergency Information:
In the case of severe weather or other emergency, the campus may close and classes cancelled. Official
closures and delays are announced on the UWF website and broadcast on WUWF-FM. Hurricane
preparation procedures, the status of classes and the closing of the university.
Emergency plans for the University of West Florida related to weather or other emergencies are
available on the following UWF web pages:
o Information about hurricane preparedness plans is available on the UWF web site:
http://uwfemergency.org/hurricaneprep.cfm
o
Information about other emergency procedures is available on the UWF web site:
http://uwfemergency.org/
Assistance for Students with Disabilities:
The University of West Florida supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are
aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as time-limited
exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable
accommodations can be arranged. Prior to receiving accommodations, you must register with the
Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) at http://uwf.edu/sdrc/internal/. Appropriate academic
accommodations will be determined based on the documented needs of the individual. For information
regarding the registration process, e-mail sdrc@uwf.edu or call 850.474.2387.
Expectations:
I have expectations regarding student behavior and performance. Be sure you understand these!
1. Read the syllabus and be aware of the contents and your responsibilities.
2. Meeting the deadlines is critical to your grade. Upload your written assignments to a drop box
on the eLearning course webpage by 11:58 PM on the Friday deadline date. Failure to do so by
the deadline will result in a failing grade for the assignment.
3. This class will use the on-line eLearning site for handouts, lecture notes, assignments, etc. Basic
computer savvy and access is required. Use the ITS Help Desk for any technical or software
problems (850) 474-2075.
4. If you are having problems in the class please email me, before finals week to seek help. My goal
is to provide you with an understanding of the material.
5. I expect you to act with honesty and integrity. The University of West Florida considers
plagiarism a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Cheating and/or plagiarism will
merit an automatic failing grade for this course. Plagiarism applies to any material written by
someone else such as material be published in books, magazines, journals, and newspapers. It
may also include lyrics, scientific charts, graphs, and materials published on Web sites via the
Internet. When you use information from these sources, you must properly cite the sources
utilized. I may upload papers into the Turnitin software to verify originality.
6. Remarks of a personal and/or derogatory nature are not acceptable. Disparaging remarks with
regard to race or ethnic background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability,
socioeconomic background, etc will not be tolerated.
My Commitment to You:
1. Challenge you in order to help you understand the material.
2. Provide a variety of learning opportunities to insure that each person has multiple opportunities
to understand the material.
3. Be available to assist you via email and the Muddy Issues Forum.
4. Show you the dignity and respect that you deserve.
5. Encourage you in every way I can to discover new levels of awareness.
If you are interested in a career in Anthropology or Sociology, contact the Anthropology Department at
850 474-2797. If you are undecided about your career field, you should contact Career Services at 4742254 or your academic advisor.