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/ Course / Diversity SOCI 301 Bump Spring 2012 for Weekender Hybrid
SOCI 301: Sociology of Diversity
Instructor / Denise L. Bump
Credits / 3 Credit Hours
Term / Towanda Spring 2012
Meetings / 45% of the class will be online and 55% in the classroom

Instructor’s Contact Information

Office Phone / 570-265-9241
Emergency Contact / In the event of an emergency, contact the Towanda Campus office at 570-265-9241 or Instructor at 570-265-1959
Office Location / Towanda Campus
Email Address /
Office Hours / Fridays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Syllabus Changes / Instructors reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed, and you are responsible for keeping up with those changes. Please logon regularly to Blackboard to get the most current information.
Other Information / The best way to reach me is by e-mail. I check my e-mail everyday, and usually respond within 24 hours. However, it is best when sending e-mails to allow at least two days for response to your e-mail.

Course Description & Information

Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, & other restrictions / Learning Expectations: To be successful academically in this class, students must be able to navigate and search the internet, use e-mail, attach and upload documents, download and save files, and have access to and use Microsoft Office.
Course Description / Nearly every state in the union is presently experiencing rapid diversification in population statistics which is nothing short of an explosion! California, New York, Texas, and Florida have the largest immigrant populations; whereas only in West Virginia and Hawaii has the percentage of the dominant white population grown (whites meaning whites who are non-Hispanic). Pennsylvania is also experiencing this explosion, and even here in the Northeast quadrant. As minorities are rapidly becoming majorities, has the term “minority” outlived its usefulness and accuracy? In responding to this question, we must consider that the term “minority” is not just about numbers; it also refers to groups deprived of full legal status or full civil rights, consisting of Latinos, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, et al. Clearly the dominant non-Hispanic white population of European descent who have lived in America longer feel outnumbered, and many of them perceive the differing lifestyles of these “minority” groups (in terms of cuisine, dress, religious worship, and language) as being both dysfunctional and threatening to “mainstream American values.” Such disapproval manifests itself daily in acts of intolerance, such as bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination.
What is to be done about all of this? The key to developing tolerance, respect, and a peaceful co-existence among all Americans is education. Knowledge is the enemy of ignorance, fear, and hate because it can break down barriers and build bridges, and thus promote a harmonious “cultural diversity.” Thus, the goal of this course is to educate you with the facts, utilizing both an analytical and narrative approach to this topic. Within a sociological and demographical framework (using statistics, graphs, and paradigms), we will also develop a historical perspective on the similarities, differences, unique contributions, and the assimilation experiences of a wide variety of immigrant groups, augmented by another group of significance - the native American culture. Not to be overlooked, gender constructs will be used to examine the peculiar problems in our society experienced by women (the oppressed majority) and by homosexuals (a severely oppressed minority). I will strive to achieve the course goal by presenting to you material from your textbook and from my experiences in the field of sociology. Current events from the media and videos will be used at times to supplement lecture, readings, and discussions. Relevant questions, comments, interactions and examples from life experiences are encouraged from all students.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
  1. As previously stated, to examine and accrue knowledge of the diversification of America in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, etc.
  2. To instill within each student the significance of striving for toleration and harmony in a multi-cultural society. Surely, the crisis in the Middle East at present reflects the dire consequences emerging from a society inept in fostering these principles.
  3. To personalize these issues by communication in candid discussions emerging from our own experiences in society as both oppressors and being oppressed.
  4. To hone the reading and speaking skills of all students via class discussions, review article assignments, and a course project. Feedback (or constructive criticism) will be given to improve both your research and analytical skills.
  5. Strategies for promoting peace and harmony will be discussed and shared by all.
This course will conclude with a critique of a very perplexing question - “Is the existence of a multi-cultural diversified society a strength or a weakness (or neither)?”
Required Readings / Schaefer, R. T. (2010). Racial and Ethnic Groups, 12th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Buying Textbooks / Please note that the Keystone College Bookstore has the most complete and up-to-date information about your course textbooks. Be sure you are purchasing the correct edition and receive all the materials you need.
Recommended Readings / As Assigned by Instructor. Various media articles to be examined based on class topic.
Assigned Reading and Field Assignments
(if applicable) / Assigned Readings: Each student is expected to have assigned readings completed prior to class. The textbook and lecture work in tandem to create a comprehensive understanding of diverse groups. The textbook and its complimenting lecture, therefore, may provide different perspectives on the issues at hand. As a critically thinking student, it is in your best interest to make use of both your textbook and your lecture notes so that you may achieve an even greater understanding of diversity and its significance.
Use APA style for text documentation and reference page. Students are expected to provide accurate documentation and proper citation of all quoted, paraphrased, or inspired material. There is APA information available on Miller Library’s web page.
Special Software/Hardware / All students enrolled in this class are required to have active Keystone Blackboard and E-mail accounts. Students are expected to have basic computer skills such as word processing, use of e-mail including sending file attachments, and searching the Internet are necessary. Installed software should include a web browser, Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word/Excel), Windows Media Player, and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Internet connection to Blackboard is only supported using Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher. Note: Javascript and Cookies must be enabled.
Browser/Plugin/Viewer Info / For standard Browser/Plugin/Viewer visit this page:

Other Required Materials / NA
Netiquette & Online Behavior / It is essential that proper language is used in Blackboard Discussions. Maintaining respect for others must be continuous as we proceed through the course. Rudeness, disrespect, and inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Grading (credit) Criteria / Grading
Final accumulative grades for the course are based on the following:
Discussion Board Assignments(ONLINE) 100
Timeline 100
Class Participation (ONLINE/F2F) 75
Class Attendance (ONLINE/F2F) 75
Research Paper 100
Comprehensive Final Exam 100
TOTAL POINTS 550 points
A4.0090%+
A- 3.6788 - 89%
B+3.3385 - 87%
B3.0080 - 84%
B- 2.6778 - 79%
C+ 2.33 75 - 77%
C2.0070 - 74%
D1.0060 - 69%
F 0.00 50 - 59%
Assignments /
  1. Time Line: Each student will be required to choose an immigrant/ethnic and/or subordinate group to conduct a timeline. This same group must be used in your research paper. If choosing an immigrant/ethnic group, you should use your personal ethnicity in which to research. Or, you can choose to research other perceived to be subordinate groups such as women, gays and lesbians (who face barriers), or other groups of subordinate status such as the aged and the disabled. Your topic must be approved by me no later than mid-term. Late assignments will not be accepted.
  1. Research Project: Each student will prepare a research paper on the immigrant/ethnic and/or subordinate group in which the timeline was conducted. You will analyze your group of choice in terms of cultural values, social mobility, and assimilation strategies. Thus, the paper should be both narrative (telling a story) and analytical in the usage of data such as graphs, charts, and recent research statistics. The number of pages should be no less than eight, and APA format is required. Please feel free to seek advice and guidance whenever needed. Late assignments will not be accepted.
  1. Comprehensive Final Exam: Because the final exam entails developing a diversity program it will be a take-home that you will be given well in advance to the due date. Further guidelines and expectations will be explained when you receive the exam.

Discussion Board Criteria (if applicable) /
  1. Online Discussion Board Assignments: You are required to read each textbook chapter. Ten questions will be posted on the Keystone College classroomDiscussion Board and must be answered at this location. The following are requirements for answering the questions:
  1. For each question posted, your initial answer must be a minimum of 2 substantial paragraphs (3-6 sentences in each paragraph). Initial responses are due by Fridays, 11:59pm on the online weekends.
  2. For each question posted, you must respond to 2 classmates’ responses – your response to each classmate must be 1 paragraph minimum (3-6 sentences). Peer responses are due by Sundays, 11:59pm on the online weekends.
  3. For each assignment that is not completed as instructed above will result in a subtraction of 2 points.
  4. Once the deadline for each question has been reached, you will no longer be able to post to the question, thus resulting in you losing 10 points for the question.
  5. Each discussion board assignment is worth 10 points (10 questions total).
  6. SEE LAST PAGE OF SYLLABUS (PG.10) FOR GRADING RUBRIC FOR DISCUSSION BOARD POSTINGS.

Make-Up Work / At Instructor’s Discretion – Contingent upon extenuating circumstances.
Extra Credit / Extra credit may be available throughout the semester based on topics discussed.
Class Preparation & Participation / Online Class Participation: Students should be self-motivated learners and able to use the Bb course management system for the online portion of the class. Please go through the Bb orientation carefully to learn to use Blackboard. The manual can be found to the left of the main screen under the button area.
In-Class Participation: Each student is required to participate in class discussion because your thoughts, experiences, questions, and comments are important and worthy of being heard. Also, sharing your textbook reading assignment answers provide a thought-provoking learning experience for the entire class.

Course Policies

Make-Up Exams / At Instructor’s Discretion – Contingent upon extenuating circumstances.
Late Work / Late Assignments will not be accepted.
Special Assignments / NA
Class Attendance / Online Class Attendance: Attendance for the online class meetings will be tracked through your initial postings done by Fridays, 11:59pm, and your peer responses done by Sundays, 11:59pm. Also, participation/activity throughout the week (s) prior to the online weekends.
F2F Class Attendance: Attendance will be recorded at each class meeting. It is pertinent that you attend each class in order to keep up with the lecture materials and receive attendance and class participation points.
Regular attendance is required. Class participation is expected, and reflects students’ understanding of materials. I do understand that family emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, out of courtesy, I expect the student to notify me if they are going to be absent from class, or provide me with a reason shortly after missing the class. Remember, you earn class attendance and participation points each class. You must be present to earn these points!
Notification from the Dean’s Office, while appreciated, does not make an absence excused. Any sickness, hospitalization, or personal emergencies are considered absences. With Hybrid courses, students must attend all face-to-face class meetings. If students are asked to leave the class for lack of preparation or disruptive behavior, it will count as an absence. An accumulation of 3 late arrivals or early departures will count as an absence. If you arrive after I have taken attendance, you are responsible for making sure that your attendance is recorded at the end of class. Master and Success students must adhere to their stricter policies. If you have a serious illness or other problem, talk to me early in the semester.
Special Procedures / Past experience has shown me that without the following rules, class interruption and rudeness can occur. Both you and your classmates’ education will suffer from the lack of courteous behavior!
Cell phones are to be turned off during class. If you are expecting an emergency-based call, please notify me prior to the start of class. To prevent instructor/classmate interruption in these situations, please keep your phone on silent/vibration mode, sit nearest to the door, and exit quietly when call comes in.
Arriving late and leaving class early should be avoided. If you must arrive late to class, please quietly enter the classroom and sit nearest to the door. If you must leave class early, please notify me, sit close to door and exit quietly when the time comes that you must leave. By doing this, interruption of instructor’s lecture and classmates’ learning can be avoided.
Entering and exiting classroom during lectures. Please be courteous to your instructor and classmates by avoiding to the urge to do a “walk about” during class (except in cases of illness). This behavior is rude and will not be tolerated.
Blackboard Support / For Blackboard assistance or e-mail the Blackboard administrator at
For a New Student Orientation to Blackboard, visit:
For tutorials on using specific aspects of Blackboard, visit
Technical Support /
You can gettechnical support or assistance by visiting the Technology Support page here: or by contacting the IT Helpdesk at(570) 945-8778or
Plagiarism & Academic Integrity / Academic misconduct and dishonesty includes any activity that compromises the academic integrity of the College or subverts the educational process. For information on dishonest acts including plagiarism, cheating, and fraud, consult your Student Information Guide or click on the link below. If you have any questions, talk with your instructor.

Copyright Notice / The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act. As a Keystone College student, you are required to follow the College’s copyright policy. For more information about the fair use exemption, see the Miller Library’s copyright page:
Email Use / Keystone College states that all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s Keystone email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a Keystone account. This allows the College to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals and the security of transmitted information. Keystone College furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with College personnel.
Withdrawal from Class / The College has set deadlines for withdrawing from courses. These dates and times are published in the course catalog and on the Academic Calendar. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend once you are enrolled. If you are considering withdrawing from a class, talk with your Advisor and consult the College Catalog.
Academic Grievance Procedures / Procedures for student grievances are found in the College Catalog. Please consult the procedures before taking action.
Please note: The first step in attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, is to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor. The College Catalog outlines any subsequent steps.
Incomplete Grades / According to the College Catalog, an Incomplete (“I”) will only be awarded in the case of exceptional circumstances. Mere inability to submit work on time, or missing the final exam, is not valid reasons for an Incomplete.
Students must make arrangements with the instructor prior to the final exam it they wish to receive a grade of incomplete. (Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.) The deadline for the completion of the coursework is four weeks into the next semester. If the course work is not completed within the specified time frame, the incomplete grade will become an “F.”
ADA Statement / Keystone College does not discriminate in any of its programs on the basis of disability.
While there is not a deadline for the disclosure of a disability by a student, in order to facilitate the documentation and accommodation processes, students are encouraged to voluntarily and confidentially disclose and disability requiring an accommodation prior to the beginning of class. This disclosure should be made to Owen Conaghan, ollege Counselor & Coordinator of Disability Services. Students who disclose a disability, and who are seeking an accommodation, ultimately will be expected to provide documentation verifying the disability.
KC Connect / For information about classes & advisers, to check midterm and final grades or to register for classes, logon to KC Connect.
Tutoring Info / The College does offer tutoring assistance for many courses. For more information or to schedule an appointment, consult the Tutoring webpage here:
Advising & Other Student Support Info /
For information about academic advising, visit the Academic Advising Center homepage here:
For a list of Student Support Services, visit the Support Services webpage here:
Bookstore Info / Visit the Bookstore at this link:
Library Info / See Keystone Library Homepage

SOCI 301: SOCIOLOGY OF DIVERSITY