COURSE DESCRIPTION

Social change in long-time perspective in US society, with emphasis on institutional change, social movements, and nonviolence.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

In completing this course you will

-          become familiar with different sociological perspectives of social change; 

-          understand the social change that has taken place in US society during the past century; 

-          have a greater understanding of institutional structures and contemporary issues; 

-          further develop your writing ability, your capacity for critical thinking, for research and analysis. 

 

COURSE INSTRUCTION

The course objectives will be achieved through a program of readings, class discussions and activities, and written work.  The instruction will incorporate various interactive exercises in which the students are expected to participate, designed to exemplify the topics under consideration. 

 

COURSE TEXTS

-  Moyer, Bill, JoAnn McAllister, Mary Lou Finley and Steve Soifer, (2001), Doing democracy:  The MAP Model for Organizing Social Movements, New Society Publishers:  Gabriola Island, British Columbia

-  Ritzer, George, (2000), The Macdonalization of society, New century ed., Pine Forge Press:  Thousand Oaks, California

-  Zunes, Steven,  Lester Kurtz, Sarah Beth Asher, (1991), eds., Nonviolent Social Movements: A Geographical Perspective, Blackwell:  University of San Francisco

 

ASSESSMENT

Research project (25%) and presentation (10%)             35%

Mid term take home essay exam                                     20%

Journal entries (5 entries, 5% each)                                 25%

Class participation & attendance                                     20%

                                                                                    -------

 TOTAL                                                                        100%

 

WRITTEN WORK

The written work for this class is composed of journal entries, a research essay, and a research project with presentation.

·         Due dates:  Due dates for assignments are given for good reason and acceptance of this syllabus indicates your agreement to meet said due dates.  In general, late work will not be accepted.  In EXTREME cases where late work may be deemed acceptable there will be substantial penalties to the assessment – see below for policies for each type of written work

·         Submission:  Do not submit your papers in folders;  simply staple the pages together at the upper left-hand corner.  Be sure to keep a copy of your paper in case it goes missing.  Electronic copies of written work will only be accepted to prove on time submission of work;  a hard copy must be submitted to receive a grade on the work.  When submitting papers not directly to myself, papers can be left with other members of the sociology department, e.g. the administrative assistant, however, make sure the person receiving the paper signs it and notes the date of receipt. 

·         Questions:  If you have any questions about the written work, consult with me well in advance of the due date. 

·          Unless otherwise specified, all written work must be typed and in complete sentence form (the exception is journals). Students are expected to write at a college level with appropriate and effective use of the English language.  Those who have difficulty with writing are encouraged to contact the Reading and Writing Center for additional assistance.

·          Sources:  For the essay and research project only:  at least two sources should be used to explore the topic/question outside of the textbooks.  Sources for ALL ideas presented and quotations used are to be properly referenced using a recognized bibliographic format.  Penalties will result if this referencing is not undertaken, amounting to a minimum of 10% of the grade. If you wish to include an anecdotal personal story, it is still to be written in third person.  If you wish to include personal ideas, you must seek at least two sources for this idea in order to prove its validity, or demonstrate how your idea is derived from two other sources.  Remember:  Don’t confuse your own subjective interpretation with sociological ones and don’t make value statements in substitution for critical thinking.

   

Research Project – 25% written component, 10% presentation component

Written component:  Details of project will be assigned in third week of classes. 

Presentation component:  an oral presentation is required by all students.  Presentations will take place in the final weeks of classes.  Details to follow. 

 

Research essay – 20%

Details of requirements will be distributed in third week of classes. 

 

Journals – 30%

There will be 6 journal entries.  A question(s) will be provided for each entry.  These entries are an opportunity for you to explore your feelings and thoughts about various issues discussed in class and in the textbook, without having to provide academic argument.  However, thoughts are to be elucidated.  Assessment of entries does not focus on use of English, but rather on the comprehensiveness of your entry, how in depth you go into uncovering and exploring why you have the thoughts and FEELINGS you do.  Entries should include your attitudes, behaviours and FEELINGS about the particular topic, not simply a cognitive analysis.  There is no right or wrong answer to the question(s), and thus the entries will not be assessed according to this criteria.  Each entry should be MINIMUM 500 words, using first person (NOT academic style writing), and informal language.  Don’t censor yourself – be open and explore yourself and who you are, and don’t write the journal entry the night before it is due.  A journal entry requires reflection and this takes time.  Journals that are submitted late will be deducted a minimum 10% penalty of this assessment. 

 

PARTICIPATION – 10%

Informed and constructive participation in class discussion is also expected.  The course outline lists readings for each.  Please read and/or prepare all materials prior to the class period for which they are assigned.  It is also helpful if you approach this class with an open mind and a sense of enthusiasm for learning.  Participation is awarded for your involvement in in-class activities, exercises, discussions, and so on.  Please note that participation points are awarded based on your active involvement and genuine participation, NOT for mere attendance (which is expected as a minimal requirement and is addressed above).

 

ATTENDANCE – 10%

Attendance is expected and will be taken during each class session.  The 2000-2001 UAA Course Catalog notes that “regular attendance and active participation are expected in all classes” (p. 68).  In addition to the fact that the general academic policies of the University require your regular attendance and active participation in class, your attendance and participation is very important to your learning and that of other students in this class.  It will become apparent if you have not conducted the readings and thus are unable to contribute constructive discussion in the class. 

 

In general, I make no distinction between "excused" and "unexcused" absences.  This frees you from having to bring a note from your doctor or something of that nature.  I know that there are times when real life comes into conflict with the demands of pursuing an education, but your attendance in this class is important and you should make it a priority.  If you are unable to attend at least 80% of the classes, then it is advisable that you withdraw from the course or else risk the application of penalties in the assessment.  Four class periods are allowed, with each subsequent class missed amounting to a 1/4 point deduction in this component of the assessment. The 4 allotted absences are to be used in the event that dire circumstances keep you from class.  Use the absences at your discretion, but DO NOT VIEW THESE ALLOTTED ABSENCES AS SKIP DAYS!!!  The absences are provided because I understand that real life occasionally collides with your school responsibilities and these absences give you the flexibility to responsibly manage conflicting circumstances that may arise during the course of the semester without severe consequences for your point total.  If you have MAJOR extenuating circumstances requiring an extended absence from campus (e.g. an accident or illness that requires extensive hospitalization, a death in the family, etc.), please see me and we may be able to make arrangements and/or will talk about the options the University provides for dropping, withdrawing, switching to audit, and so on. 

 

If you are late, YOU are responsible for checking with the professor after class on the day you were late to correct the record.  It is simply not feasible to alter attendance records days or even weeks after the fact.  Excessive tardiness may result in a further loss of points from the final grade.  If you are late for a general class session, simply slip in as quietly as possible.

 

GRADING SCALE

A                             90 - 100%

B                             80 – 89%

C                             70 – 79%

D                             60 – 69%

F                              59% and below

 

The UAA Catalog offers the following descriptions of grades:

                A = Honor grade; indicates comprehensive mastery of required work.

                B = Indicates high level of performance in meeting course requirements.

                C = Indicates satisfactory level of performance.

                D = Indicates lowest passing grade.

                F = Indicates failure.

 

An “A” denotes exceptional work.  All assignments and policies indicated above and below must be completed and/or carried out in a satisfactory manner in order to receive a passing grade in this class.

 

Keep a folder for handouts, returned papers, and the like.  Also keep a photocopy or disk copy of outlines and other items you might submit.  Materials that have been graded and returned have comments that may be helpful to you for improving future assignments in class.  Keep all graded assignments until I have submitted your grades and you have received your final grade in the mail.  To calculate your grade in the course as we go along, simply calculate the percentage of points you have earned from the total thus far in the class.

 

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES for Social Change A405

 

The following are a list of expectations you the student can have of me the instructor for this course, and expectations I have of you during the course.  If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, then it is your responsibility to bring these to my attention during the first few weeks of classes.  Otherwise it is understood that you agree to abide by these rights and responsibilities. 

 

Your rights: 

·         course syllabus will be followed, and sufficient notice will be given if any changes will take place

·         clear explanations of written work including assessment

·         respect

·         office hours are scheduled and appointments can be made

·         provide reasonable assistance individually in understanding the course material if necessary

·         input into course topics to be discussed

 

Your responsibilities: 

·         this is your education so take it seriously

·         show up on time

·         attend all classes

·         hand in all written work on time

·         do readings prior to class

·         contribute to class discussions and activities

·         respect yourself and others

·         seek explanations and help if needed

·         if having learning challenges or other issues which will affect your learning inform me in advance

·         know what is taking place each week with regard to readings and assignment of written work and due dates

·         turn off any cell phones or pagers

 

As your professor, I am responsible for facilitating learning and serving as a resource for you in this class.  It is my job to challenge you, to consider your work against the standards I set forth, and to evaluate your efforts based on my years of training and my years of teaching in the field of Sociology.  As students, you are responsible for being here, for participating in class, for completing assignments in an appropriate and timely fashion, and for learning.  Staying on top of things, being self-motivated, and putting forth adequate effort are all a part of the equation for you to earn a good grade in this course. 

 

That said, I'd like to remind you that it is best if you do not equate your self worth with your grade in this class or on any assignment.  You may be an "A+ person" who happened to perform at a C+ level on a given assignment.  Remember that grades are an indication of your performance in mastering the material at hand at one point in time.  They do not condemn you to a life of doom and drudgery.  Nor are they an indicator of your professor's views of you as a person.  Reflect on your grade in an honest and realistic fashion before flying off the handle.   Remember that I am hired to offer constructive criticism of your speeches, papers, and so on.  Digest that criticism and then ask yourself questions like: Did I put in the preparation time that would've been necessary to receive a better grade?,  Did I understand the assignment as fully as I could have?, Did I turn in all the required paperwork?, Did I do an adequate job of proofreading, running a spell check?  If you find that you still have questions about how you can improve or about course content, come see me and we will talk about additional ways for you to work on your mastery of the subject matter.

 

A few thoughts about attitude...  It has been my experience that students who approach their education with a sense of excitement and a willingness to learn are more productive students.  Holding on to the belief that you HAVE TO take this course prevents you from embracing the point of view that you GET TO take this course.  This course may be outside your major area of interest, but the content will still relate to your daily activities at home, work, and school.  We will laugh, we will experience nervousness, we will think critically, we will speak, we will listen, and we will learn.  Most importantly, we will do these things together.  There is no room for negative criticism of others and there is no room for laughter at the expense of another in this class.  Enjoy the class and look for the concepts to be applicable in your daily life and I think you'll be surprised at what you can accomplish this semester.

 

PLAGIARISM, ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

Cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable.  Plagiarism is quoting from, paraphrasing, or using specific ideas contained in any published work, e.g. books periodicals, public documents, internet, etc…, or using another person’s ideas without providing an appropriate citation or recognition which credits the author and/or origin of the work or idea, and presenting them as if they are your own.  Academic dishonesty can refer to a range of inappropriate and unethical behaviors including but not limited to cheating on exams, falsification of sources, and so on.  As in other courses at the University, students in this class are expected to do their own work and conduct themselves in a fair, honest, and ethical manner.  Those who plagiarize or engage in academic dishonesty of any kind may minimally expect to fail the assignment at hand and perhaps the entire course.  In addition, instances of academic dishonesty and plagiarism may be dealt with through proper University channels for investigation and disciplinary action.

 

"Disruptive behavior" includes but is not limited to talking when someone else has the floor, being rude to other people, destructive (rather than constructive) criticism of another, arriving late repeatedly, sleeping during class, belligerent or aggressive behavior, and so on.  These behaviors have no place in a college classroom.  You have a right to maintain your own opinions and to disagree with others, but you must do so in a fashion that is conducive to learning and does not take the form of a personal attack on others.  Minimally, you are expected to treat your classmates and your professor in a respectful fashion and they will return the favor.  Any behavior that obstructs or disrupts the classroom teaching and learning environment will be addressed.  Serious or repeated breaches in appropriate behavior may result in a reduction of your final grade in the course and may be referred to additional University authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE:  The instructor reserves the right to change the course syllabus.  

The students will be given sufficient advanced notice of any changes should they arise.