SOC 1015 092

Doing Sociology

Instructor: John Stevens

Summer 2013 Online

This course is an introduction to basic forms of data presentation and analysis. By data, we
mean all sorts of empirical observations that we use to support or oppose an argument. This
course focuses on quantitative data – data that are presented in numerical form. Presentation
refers to the multiple ways that data are summarized and made accessible (e.g. tables, charts,
trendlines, scatterplots, etc.). You will be introduced to several different analytical methods
and some basic research concepts.

The main goal of the course is to introduce you to basic tools of dataanalysis and presentation, and how to use that information to help yourself and others better understand society.

We will not be dealing with statistical formulas and calculations, rather we will focus on becoming familiarwith using data to interpret and explain social phenomena in the world around us. We all are consumers of data at some level.It is important to be able to process and think critically about the information we encounter every day – be it as students in a sociology class, consumers at the shopping mall, or as citizens in a democracy. This class is designed to help you become better “consumers” of data. It is also designed to create a solid foundation for the subsequent courses taught in the sociology major (especially statistics).It should also provide a useful base for those of you who will eventually go on to become producers of data in the form of your own research.

Assumptions

It is assumed that you will have a computer to work on, will complete the assignments on time and participate in online discussions. I will also assume that if you are having any problems you will let me know as soon as possible so I can help.

You can assume that I will respond to any questions within a day or two, and have no tolerance for cheating. Also computer problems are not my problem and will not be a valid excuse for late work under any circumstance.

Programs

All of the programs that will be used are freely available.We will be using spreadsheets such as excel, or open source alternatives such as google docs, or open office.We also will be using R, an open source statistical programming language.

Organization

The class will be broken up into weekly modules. Each module will contain:

  • video instruction (possibly more than one),
  • a class/group discussion,
  • extra readings (if pertinent),
  • an assignment, and
  • an example of the assignment.

The topics that we will cover include:

  • Social Science Theory
  • How data supports social science
  • Data Types
  • Statistical testing
  • Visual presentation of data

and more

Text

The primary text for the course can be found as a free pdfhere, or in the iBookstore if you have an iPad.

I will provide supplemental readings as needed.

Grades

The following discussion is just a brief description of the assignments. Greater detail on expectations, goals, and grading will be available on the canvas course website.

  • There will be weekly writing assignments, some small random quizzes, some online discussion questions and a final project.
  • Writing assignments will be short papers, often with an data component. I will try to give an example for all of these assignments
  • Quizzes will be short timed online multiple choice/short answer questions from the readings and lectures
  • Discussions will be focused on a single topic, and you will need to argue with each other
  • The final project for the course will be an presentation that will be uploaded to the course website.

Grading Scale:

94% - 100% A

90% - 93.9% A-

87% - 89.9% B+

84% - 86.9% B

80% - 83.9% B-

77% - 79.9% C+

74% - 76.9% C

70% - 74.9% C-

65% - 69.9% D+

60% - 64.9% D

55% - 59.9% D-

Less than 54.9% E

Code of Conduct & Accommodations

  • Faculty and Student Responsibilities: All University policies and procedures will be followed. Pleaserefer to the University of Utah Faculty Handbook ( and Student Code(
  • Plagiarism: Cases of suspected cheating or plagiarism will be reported to the Dean. The penalty forcheating is an automatic failing grade for the course, in addition to other potential penalties decidedby the Dean's Office.
  • ADA Statement: The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services andactivities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior noticeneeds to be given to the Center for Disability Services (CDS), 162 Union Building,581-5020(V/TDD).CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.
  • Disabilities: Please inform me of disabilities with written documentation from the CDS within the first2 weeks of class so appropriate accommodations can be made.
  • Student Assignments: I will NOT retain a copy of online submissions beyond that which is retainedautomatically by Canvas.
  • Syllabus and Course Event Schedule: This syllabus is a tentative schedule only. All dates and assignmentsare subject to change. I will notify class via Canvas email or in class prior to any changes. It is yourresponsibility to check Canvas on a regular and frequent basis to keep track of the course schedule, and forinformation regarding changes to the schedule.