SOCI 4901 89893 -01-Sociology Practicum Course Syllabus Spring 2013

SOCI 4901 – 89893 -01-Sociology Practicum Course Syllabus–Spring 2013

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, .

Instructor Information:

Taralyn Keese, MSW
phone: (678) 466-4887

fax: (678) 466-4669
e-mail: ( Best way to contact me- I check email daily)

Office:

Clayton Hall–RmT218

Office hours:

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12:30pm-2:00pm; other times by appointment

Course Description:

Number and Title:

SOCI 4901(CRN 89893-03)Introduction to Marriage and Family

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3)

Catalog Description:

The practicum will constitute an independent (individual or small group) sociological research project. The student will prepare and submit a significant sociological paper and/or project.

Enhanced Description:

This course is designed for senior-level students to integrate their learning from previous sociology courses and other courses in their concentration. The objective of this course is to expand students' knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches to sociological research and to critically evaluate the work sociologists have done.

Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:

This course requires the approval of the sociology experiential learning coordinator and the department head.

[Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirements before they can enroll in this course.]

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the WindowsTM operating system
• Able to use Microsoft WordTM word processing
• Able to send and receive e-mail using OutlookTM or Outlook ExpressTM
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Program Learning Outcomes

General Education Outcomes

The following link provides the Clayton State University Core Curriculum outcomes (See Area E)

Sociology Learning Outcomes

•Define theory and describe its role in building sociological knowledge.

•Describe and apply some basic theories or theoretical orientations in at least one area of social reality.

•Critically evaluate published research articles

•Cconsider opposing hypotheses and how viewpoints are critically assessed and supported by empirical data.

•Conduct a research study in an area of choice and explain why various decisions were made.

•Report findings in a paper and poster presentation.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Students will (1) carry out an individual research study or write a theoretical research paper; (2) present the results of that research; (3) listen to the presentations of others and provide constructive criticism; (4) synthesize the material from all of their sociology courses; and (5) take steps to further their career goals.

Class Meetings:

Classroom:CLAYTON HALL, RM T212 Class times:2:10pm –3:25pm, Tuesday and Thursday

Textbook Information:

Required:

• Bowser, B. P. (2007). The Black middle class : social mobility--and vulnerability / Benjamin P. Bowser. Boulder : Lynne Rienner, 2007.
• Bonilla-Silva, E. (2006). Racism without racists : color-blind racism and the persistence of racial inequality in the United States / Eduardo Bonilla-Silva. Lanham : Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, c2006.
• Johnson, H. (2006). The American dream and the power of wealth : choosing schools and inheriting inequality in the land of opportunity / Heather Beth Johnson. New York : Routledge, c2006.
• Kozol, J. (1992). Savage inequalities : children in America's schools / Jonathan Kozol. New York : HarperPerennial, 1992.

Recommended:

Johnson, Rettig, Scott, and Garrison. 2009. The Sociology Student Writer's Manual, 6th Edition.

Prentice Hall 978-0205723454 (Optional but recommended).
Pollak, Lindsey. 2012. Getting from College to Career: Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World Harper Paperbacks 978-0062069276

Additional Readings:

While there are no additional required books for this course, you WILL be asked to read/consider other written materials beyond those offered in the text. Unless otherwise noted, these are all required readings and might be drawn upon for quizzes and examinations.

Evaluation:

Class Participation:

Class participation encompasses punctuality, focus, attendance, and engagement with the class and with the ideas we are discussing. Please attend class diligently and on time, and please come to class prepared to focus on the material we will be covering for that day. Consistent, punctual attendance is expected. Sporadic attendance and/or frequent tardiness will be reflected in your grade for class participation.

Assignments:

Resume and Mock Interview: Students will schedule an appointment with the CSU Career Services Center at 678-466-5400 in order to create/ a professional resume and participate in mock interview. Appointments must be completed by November 17. Students must dress appropriately for the interview. The grade for the interview will be determined by the evaluation of the Career Services representative.

Practice Interview Day Thursday, September 26

Career Services Office (STC 228) 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (by appointment).

Students gain valuable experience by having a practice interview with an employer. The employer conducts a realistic practice interview and then provides feedback about the student’s interviewing skills. Students must schedule practice interview times in advance. Limited appointment times are available. Call or stop by the Office of Career Services to schedule your appointment by September 20.

Reflection Papers

1) Journal Articles: Students will write (3) one page reflection papers on a journal article (of your choice) we have discussed in class. In the reflection paper you should discuss in detail the methodology of the study under review. Your analysis should at a minimum identify and discuss the (a) research question, (b) research design, (c) sample, (d) measurement, and (e) results. Reflection papers must be completed and turned in before the start of class on the day in which we will discuss the study you have written about.

2) Book Analyses: Students should complete (2) analyses of the assigned books we will cover over the duration of the semester. One analysis will take the form of a class presentation, the other should be a written presentation that you submit the day we cover that particular book in class.

• Class presentations will take place during the first twenty minutes of class and should briefly summarize the main points of the week’s reading, and thoroughly offer an analysis of the reading.
• The analysis should include four sections: the readings’ strengths, their weaknesses, a discussion of the sociological arguments the author makes about black life, and an assessment of how the author(s)’ conclusions contribute to the field in which they are situated (e.g., social theory, urban sociology, sociology of the family, and so forth). Class presentations should also include between three to five questions to pose to the class to generate discussion.
• Written presentations should follow this same format (but without discussion questions) and should be approximately 3 pages.

Research Presentation: Students will present the results of their research study or theoretical paper in class either on November 19, November 21, or November 26 as assigned. All students must attend these presentations. Students not presenting should listen intently to their colleagues’ presentations and provide constructive criticism. The presentation should last about 15-20 minutes and utilize PowerPoint.

Research Study Paper: Students will prepare a 15-18-page, double spaced paper with one inch margins, reporting the results of their research study. This research must follow a proposal approved in advance by the instructor. Instructor approval must be obtained by September 12. The final paper is due to me by December 3. No e-mailed papers will be accepted. Your paper must include:

•Proposal (Sept 12) 1-2 pages

• An abstract of approximately 100 words

•Discussion of the theoretical perspectives informing your study

Define and describe two theoretical frameworks that you could use to inform your study.

•Literature review (at least ten academic journals or scholarly books)

•Hypotheses (if quantitative)

•Research methods

•Outline 2 research methodologies that could be used to collect data/evidence relevant to your topic and questions

•Conclusion

•References

IF ANY PART OF THE PAPER IS PLAGIARIZED YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO FOR THE PAPER, AN “F” FOR THE COURSE, AND APPROPRIATE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.Work you have completed for other courses is not acceptable.

Writing Assistance:

The Writers’ Studio 224 is located in the A&S building, room 224. There you can talk with trained writing tutors about your writing projects. They are available to work with you at any stage of your paper, from generating ideas to organizing your paper to understanding how to format it correctly. The service is free; you may drop in and wait for a tutor or sign up for a regular appointment. But remember: you, not your tutor, are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of the papers you submit.

Grading:

Mid-term Progress Report:

The mid-term grade in this course will be issued no later than October 1, 2013 and will reflect approximately 30% of the entire course grade. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W." Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, or withdraw on-line using the Swan by mid-term, which occurs on Oct 4, 2013.

Last day to withdraw and receive a W grade: October 4, 2013.

If you withdraw after October 4, 2013 you will receive a WF grade.

Course Schedule:

Course Policies:

General Policy
Students must abide by policies in the and the

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy
Attendance is expected for all class periods. It is your responsibility to come to class to learn how to conduct research, analyze your findings, write your findings professionally and present your research study. Academic discussion of research articles and your colleague’s research is part of the learning experience in class. If you must miss a class, please check GaView for all updates. I will periodically take attendance in class that counts toward your attendance and participation points. You can not participate very well if you do not read your required material.

NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Class Structure: This is a “seminar” and does not follow a typical college class format. We will be reading and discussing articles that can be used as examples to help with conducting your research and writing your own paper. The recommended manuals provide excellent instructions and examples on how to write professionally in the field of sociology. The manuals are read at your own pace. Please ask questions if you do not understand the material we cover in class or in you read in the manuals. Your questions on specific text related material are welcome. If you do not ask questions, I assume you know the material. In class we will discuss your individual research projects and we will critique each student’s research in a scholarly manner. Constructive critique of each other’s work is a learning experience that has been shown to be extremely helpful. If for any reason you cannot support critique of your work, please see me privately in my office.

Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at: Judicial procedures are described beginning on page 14 of the Student Handbook (Procedures for Adjudicating Alleged Academic Conduct Infractions.

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures are provided at:

Technological Disruptions:

Please, let there be no outside interruptions:

No cell phone usage (If you need to be reachable in case of emergency, put it on vibrate.); no text messaging; no electronic devices at all, including laptopsunless you have made special arrangements with me or with disability services or we are using laptops in the service of some sort of class exercise. If you are an inveterate multi-tasker who cannot focus on one conversation for the length of a class period, please don't take this course! If you need to be doing something else, do it somewhere else. If you can't abide by these policies, please don't take this course.

Other Policies

•You are expected to have read each assigned reading prior to class. This is the only way you can reasonably expect to do well in this course.

•Occasionally, important information will be communicated to you by me via email. Therefore, it is your responsibility to establish and maintain a functioning CSU email account.

Important dates:Visit here to view all important administrative dates for Clayton State University:

Last day to withdraw without academic penalty: Friday, October 4, 2013.