SOC Syllabus
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Spring2024SOC268-01W93515WeeksHyFlex.docxNorthern Virginia Community College-Woodbridge Campus – HyFlex Format Spring 2024
Prof. Lisa Riggleman-Gross
Email: [email protected]
Voicemail: 703-878-5642
Office: Woodbridge Village E106
SOC 268-01 Social Problems (3 credits) W 9:35 am – 10:55am 15 Wk Session Room : Zoom & F2F (HyFlex)
No prerequisites
Hybrid courses will meet 50 percent of the time in the classroom (Zoom or In Person) and 50 percent online. (Online consists of active learning assignments including reviewing text, slides, writing assignments, lectures, website investigations, quizzes etc.)
This class is a combination of virtual synchronistic (live) ZOOM or In Person meetings and online instruction/activities in a single course.
This class meets via ZOOM or In Person on WEDNESDAYS from 9:35 am – 10:55 am as listed in the schedule of classes.
Students must have internet access and basic computer competency to complete this course. Use of VCCS e-mail and Canvas account is required for this course. Assignments will be completed with the use of computer technology. We will be using Canvas and Zoom extensively.
Student Engagement Hours: Hours are times that I am available to assist students and meet with scheduled appointments. Hours will be online and conducted via Zoom, email, Google Voice.
Tues 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Remotely via ZOOM by Appointment)
Wednesday 8:30 am - 9:30 am (On Campus or ZOOM)
Zoom Links:
(Spring 2024) SOC 268-01 (Wednesday 9:35 am – 10:55 am) -Zoom or In Person
https://vccs.zoom.us/j/87902340951?pwd=ZUlHZzVMZUFIZ3dNZEJEdFZpb0Frdz09
Meeting ID: 879 0234 0951
Passcode: Spring2024
Personal Meeting Room (for remote office hours, student advising, etc)
https://vccs.zoom.us/j/2796446288
Meeting ID: 279 644 6288
Can be accessed through our Canvas site. Please make sure to have BOTH your VIDEO and AUDIO set up and turned ON. You can then mute your audio until needed. We will be using video during our meetings. Zoom Instructions: https://www.nvcc.edu/academic-technology/continuity/_docs/Zoom-Instructions-Students.pdf
Required Textbook :
Understanding Social Problems 10th Edition by Mooney (Cengage) More discussed during first class meeting.
From the NVCC Bookstore: https://nvcc.bncollege.com/shop/nv-cc/page/find-textbooks
Course Description:
Applies sociological concepts and methods to analysis of current social problems. Includes delinquency and crime, mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual behavior, population crisis, race relations, family and community disorganization, poverty, automation, war, and disarmament.
Course Objectives:
· Identify various social problems including possible sources, solutions and social barriers to its resolution.
· Describe and understand the basic theoretical approaches applied to social problems.
· Identify examples of how the definition of a social problem changes over time and from one cultural context to another.
· Assess strategies for addressing social problems related to deviance, inequality, social institutions, and modernization.
· Recognize the role of culture and ideology in shaping our understanding and evaluation of social problems including the role of history, social class, race, and gender.
· Interpret debates surrounding a social problem and compare/contrast the various sides in the debate to examine why and how groups develop opposing opinions regarding a given social problem and its solution.
· Recognize the interrelationship of local and global issues in social problems.
· Develop critical thinking skills that include open-mindedness, willingness to ask questions, thinking logically and seeking evidence to discover truth.
Student Assessment:
*Three (3) Examinations OPEN BOOK & OPEN NOTES (300 points) Each exam will be worth 100 points. There are 50 questions @ 2 points each. *** All exams will be taken on Canvas.
· Exams will be timed and ONLY taken during our scheduled class session.
· You will have ONE attempt to take the exam. It takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete the exam. I set the end time to reflect the full length of the class session for accommodation purposes. You may leave after you have completed the exam.
· The exam must be submitted by the end of the class session.
· Exams will not be accepted late. If you miss the deadline for submitting the exam, you will receive zero points for the assessment.
· Exam are predominately multiple-choice and true/false. They will cover definitions, key terms, application of subject matter, sociological concepts and material covered in class, online and in the textbook.
· Work on UNDERSTANDING/APPLYING THE CONCEPTS….DO NOT RELY ON ONLY MEMEMORIZING DEFINITIONS.
* Canvas Chapter Review Quizzes (200 points)
Ten (10) Canvas Chapter Review Quizzes. There will be 1 Canvas Review Quiz per chapter.
Each chapter review quiz will be worth 20 points. There are 20 questions @ 1 point each.
· To obtain the points, students must complete the Canvas quiz by the deadline listed on the syllabus.
· It will not be accepted late under any circumstances. Canvas Chapter Review Quizzes must be completed/submitted by the posted deadline listed in the syllabus.
· You may take the quizzes multiple times but they must be completed and submitted by the deadline. The grade from your highest submission will be recorded and counted towards your total number of accumulated points.
· You are encouraged to review the course materials and retake the quiz until you achieve a perfect score. Obtaining a perfect score will ensure that you have an accurate resource to use as a study tool.
· If you would like to use the quizzes for studying, please make sure to print them out BEFORE the deadline.
· You maybe able to access quizzes after the deadline listed in the syllabus BUT no submissions will be accepted after the deadline. If you have questions on a given quiz, contact me during office hours. Any attempt to submit after the posted deadline will be considered late and will result in a zero for the assignment.
*Canvas Web Activities (400 points) No AI Assistance is Accepted.
Ten (10) Web Activities. Each chapter has a corresponding web activity. Each web activity is worth up to 40 points each.
Canvas Web Activities must be completed by the posted deadline listed on the syllabus.
· To obtain any points, the student must complete/submit the activity on Canvas by the posted deadline in the syllabus.
· It will not be accepted late under any circumstances. You will not be able to access the activities after the posted deadline.
· At a minimum…. Responses to activities should be at least THREE fully detailed paragraphs. Each paragraph should have at least 6-8 sentences. They should be well thought out, organized, clearly presented and checked for basic spelling and grammar. I am looking to see that you fully understand and can apply the course concepts. Make sure to respond to all parts of the given assignment. (weblinks, number of examples, solutions, etc) Before submitting …ask yourself: 1. Is it at least three or more paragraphs? 2. Does each paragraph have more than six to eights sentences? 3. Is it well thought out, clear and organized? 4. Has it been checked for spelling and grammar? 5. Have you shown that you fully understand and can apply the concepts? 6. Have you covered ALL of the requested/required elements and aspects of the assignment? REMEMBER…. MINIMAL EFFORT EQUALS MINIMAL GRADE (20-30 POINTS). A minimum response that addresses the assessement usually will receive 21-30 points (C/B) IF YOU WISH TO EARN UPTO THE MAXIMUM POINTS, YOU MUST SHOW MAXIMUM EFFORT AND MASTERY OF THE COVERED CONCEPTS AND MATERIALS. You can include personal experiences and outside research. (Basic grading rubric: Below Expectations: 0-10 points, Needs Improvement: 11-20 points, Meets Expectations: 21- 30 points, Exceeds Expectations: 31-40 points.) A more detailed rubric will be posted on Canvas.
· Points will be deducted for not meeting the basic requirements.
· Please do not procrastinate.
· Helpful suggestions when submitting work: 1. Capitalize words correctly. Capitalize proper nouns. Capitalize the word “I”. Capitalize the first word of the sentence. 2. Use proper punctuation at the end of your sentence. 3. Write in complete sentences. 4. Indent the first sentence of a paragraph. 5. Remember you are not sending a text message. You are submitting academic work. 6. Spelling and Grammar checks are your friends.
*In Class Activities and Misc. (aka IC) (Approximately 200 points)
· Points vary per activity and per class session. (Examples: In class discussions, Polls, Video reviews, breakout groups, evaluations, discussion boards, reflective responses, etc.)
· If you miss the class….you miss the In Class Discussions/Class Activities and other opportunities for points. ***Please note that our class meets a limited number of times and each class meeting is essential. **
· You CANNOT make up in-class work, activities, discussions.
· IF YOU MISS A CLASS, YOU ALSO MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN POINTS FOR THAT DAY. Please plan your schedule accordingly.
*Attendance (0 points)
· Regular attendance is essential to effective learning. Students are expected to attend every class, participate and stay for the entirety of the meeting. Attendance will be taken during class. There will be no excused absences. Missing class can be reflected in your overall grade .
· *** Students are also required to submit assignments in Canvas at least once per week. This is usually accomplished by completing online assignments. (For example…completing chapter quizzes, web activities, viewing PowerPoint slides, outlines and videos etc.)
· Students are to arrive on time and stay for the entirety of the class. Use of your webcam and microphone are highly encouraged to help you actively participate in class.
· Students who fail to attend a class and submit an online assignment before the Census Date of 2/1/24 will be administratively withdrawn/deleted from the course. This means that there will be no record of the class or any letter grade on your transcript. Furthermore, your class load will be reduced by the course credits, and this may affect your full-time or part-time student status. Your tuition will not be refunded. Students are responsible for work/assignments missed during an absence and must abide by all deadlines.
· Any student who must withdraw from the course MUST contact the instructor and complete an official withdraw form to avoid receiving a grade of F. (Last day to withdraw without grade penalty… 3/23/24) If you do not withdraw from the course, your course grade will be based on the total number of points that you have accumulated during the semester. The award of W after the last day to withdraw without grade penalty REQUIRES official documentation and the Dean’s signature.
· Please note two important dates related to your enrollment in a course: The ‘census’ date for a course is the last day to drop a course and receive a full tuition refund, and also the last day to change your grade status to audit. The ‘withdrawal’ date is the last day to withdraw without grade penalty. Dropping a course after the census date and before the withdrawal date will result in a “W” grade appearing on your transcript. To identify these dates for your courses, please visit the College Academic Calendar and scroll down to the specific session for your course.
· It is YOUR responsibility to know and meet all deadlines.
Grading:
A 900-1000 (Your goal is 900 total accumulated points.)
B 800-899
C 700-799
D 600-699
F 599 and below
Your grade is based on the TOTAL NUMBER of ACCUMULATED points (NOT percentages, NOT “out of”points but…TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCUMULATED POINTS). Canvas can be confusing on this aspect…..remember to only look at the TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCUMULATED POINTS. Don’t overcomplicate it. 2+2=4. Do not use the “what if” function on Canvas. Your grade is simple….the TOTAL NUMBER of ACCUMULATED POINTS.
Reading and Studying Assignments are to be completed before class begins. This preparation will enable you to participate in class discussions and activities, enhance note taking and increase quiz/exam scores.
Make-Up Exams, Extensions and Other Information:
I do not offer extra credit. I do not accept exams, quizzes, web activities, in class activities/assignments or other class related assessments after the posted deadlines. It must be POSTED/SUBMITTED by the deadline.
*** In the event of a true DOCUMENTABLE EMERGENCY, exceptions maybe considered on a case by case basis.
This must be a true emergency. Examples…Your hospitalization or visit to ER, death of parent, child or sibling.
Documentation is REQUIRED….Accident report, court records, subpoenas, doctor’s note etc.
Notes from parents are not accepted.
If there is a true emergency, you must contact me as soon as possible.
***It is not my intention to appear unsympathetic or uncaring (I am a caring person.) but….you are responsible for your coursework and performance.
The Sensitive Nature of Sociology: For Mature Audiences Only!
Sociological discussions tackle some of society’s most sensitive topics and issues. As a discipline, sociology is considered a progressive subject. For this course, in addition to the textbook material, I will offer contrasting perspectives, literature, videos and discussions in order to critique certain sociological concepts. The objective is to expose students to a variety of approaches to social issues in order that they may have the resources they need to form their own ideas that are not just restricted to the confines of this discipline. The extent of class discussion will be reliant upon a mature classroom of students who are willing to participate, ask questions, and listen to fellow students’ ideas and be respectful of each other. Never assume that everyone in the class shares your personal views or ideas, and this is what makes for a great learning environment.
If you are taking a class using Zoom….Zoom Class Session Notes, Tips and Requests:
· Please be aware of what is viewable to others when your video/webcam is turned on. You have invited people into your home.
· Please use a “neutral” background if needed.
· Please keep your audio muted until you need to respond to a question, make a comment or participate in breakout groups.
· Please avoid walking around with your device while attending class if possible. The movement can be extremely distracting.
· Please understand that we are a diverse society on numerous levels and what is viewable from your webcam maybe insensitive (possibility offensive) to others.
· I encourage discussion and participation but please refrain from the use of obscene language or profanity.
Full Policy: https://www.nvcc.edu/policies/_files/224-Academic-Integrity.pdf
Student Code of Conduct Webpage: https://www.nvcc.edu/students/handbook/conduct.html#panel12
Academic dishonesty will be reported to the NVCC Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Instructor sanctions may include receiving a zero on the assignment/assessment and possible dismissal from the course with a grade of F. Work that is plagiarized will not be accepted and will result in an F. The college academic integrity policy is enforced in this course. Academic Integrity Policy: NOVA does not tolerate academic dishonesty. As outlined in more detail in The Student Handbook, academic dishonesty can include, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz and submitting work that is not your own (plagiarism). Because faculty members share a responsibility for a student’s education and the value of a NOVA degree, they seek to prevent unethical behavior and, when necessary, respond to infringements of academic integrity. Penalties can include a failing grade on an assignment, a failing grade in the course, suspension, or expulsion from the college. Procedures for disciplinary measures and appeals are outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook and the Academic Integrity Policy.
***Code of Academic Integrity****
Each student has a responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own, or to provide clear and complete acknowledgement of the use of work attributed to others. To these ends, the following actions are expected of students:
1. Complete all work on exams without assistance.
1. Follow the professor’s instructions when completing all class assignments.
1. Ask for clarification when instructions are not clear.
1. Report to the instructor any unauthorized information related to an exam.
1. Provide proper credit when quoting or paraphrasing.
1. Submit only one’s own work.
Students who do not accept responsibility for the integrity of their own work will experience sanctions, including failure of the assignment and/or failure of the course.
NO Generative AI Usage Permitted For the duration of this course, the use of Generative AI in assignments is strictly prohibited. Assignments are opportunities for personal growth, critical thinking, and applying your acquired knowledge. Your individual effort and creativity are essential in demonstrating your understanding of the course material. Dependence on AI undermines these objectives and compromises the integrity of the learning process. We appreciate your commitment to academic honesty and dedication to upholding this course's principles by refraining from using Generative AI in your assignments.
Disabilities and Accommodations
NOVA is committed to ensuring all students have an opportunity to pursue a college education regardless of the presence or absence of a disability. Complete information on NOVA’s Office of Accommodations and Accessibility Services, including how to reach a Counselor, can be found at: https://www.nvcc.edu/accommodations/index.html
*** It is requested that the letter (MOA) be submitted to the instructor during the first week of the semester so we can discuss the contents of the letter and how it is applied to our class.
Emergency Evacuation:
When on campus…Please take note of the closest fire exit to the classroom. You will find a framed emergency evacuation plan on one of the walls in each of the classrooms. This describes the procedures that must be followed, and diagrams the evacuation routes that are to be used in case of emergency. All occupants must immediately evacuate the building when the fire alarm bells/lights are activated unless the Building Warden has advised that the system is undergoing a scheduled test. Occupants will exit the building using posted evacuation routes or the nearest safe exit. Elevators will not be used during emergency evacuation. Upon exiting, occupants are to continue moving until they are at least 300 feet from the building. The instructor will assist handicapped persons to the designated assistance areas on each floor. You should take your coats and purses with you, as there is no assurance that you will be allowed to return. Evacuation procedures will be discussed during the first class session.
Information on what to do in case of an emergency can be found on NOVA’s Office of Emergency Planning and Management (OEPM) website at www.nvcc.edu/emergency .
Disruptive Behavior:
Disruptive behavior or threat of physical harm will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior in the classroom/online will not be tolerated. The student will be asked to immediately leave the classroom and Campus Police will be contacted if needed. Students will be referred to the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities if necessary. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, a variety of behaviors such as inappropriate talking during class time, arriving late or leaving early, bothering/distracting other students, texting, sleeping, reading outside literature, passing notes, disrespectful behavior towards myself or others and so forth. It is requested that cell phones and other such items be turned off during the class. Use of laptops is permitted only if the student is viewing the text or taking class notes. Other disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the policies in the college student handbook. . Other disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the policies in the college Student Handbook. http://www.nvcc.edu/students/handbook/index.html
Zoom Etiquette: https://www.asdk12.org/cms/lib/AK02207157/Centricity/Domain/74/ZOOM-student-etiquette.pdf
College Schedule and Academic Calendar: Important dates can be found by accessing the college web site https://www.nvcc.edu/calendars/academic/index.html . It is the student’s responsibility to read and know the dates for application for graduation, add/drop, or withdrawal without grade penalty etc.
Schedule Changes:
The professor retains the right to change the schedule and/or assignments as necessary. Any changes will be announced in class/Canvas. It is the responsibility of the student to be in class thereby hearing such announcements.
Continuity of Instruction During Emergency Closure or Absence of Instructor
The safety of students and personnel is the primary reason for closure of college facilities and the cancellation of campus-based activities. An additional concern is to reduce activities on campuses to enable the Facilities staff to prepare the campuses for reopening as soon as possible. In the event that the College is closed for emergency situations or the absence of the instructor, please access your class Canvas site. The site will be updated to address the particular circumstance. Instruction can still be continued online through the use of various online mediums… videos, recorded (video/audio) lectures, PowerPoint slide presentations, alternative assignments etc. It is also requested that students regularly check their NVCC email account for any additional information or updates.
Communication:
Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) faculty, staff, and administrators communicate with students through their official NVCC email accounts ( @nvcc.edu). Students are likewise required to use their VCCS email accounts ( @email.vccs.edu) to communicate with instructors and other college personnel and should check their email accounts regularly.
Inclement Weather Policy : http://www.nvcc.edu/emergency/closing/
If my class starts before the late opening time but continues afterward, should I come to class? When the college announces a delayed opening, any class with at least 45 minutes of class time remaining after the college opens will be held (for example, if the College opens at 10:00 a.m., a 9:30-10:45 a.m. class will begin at 10:00 a.m.). This procedure applies to all credit classes. Please go to Canvas for any specific communication or instructions regarding our class that I may have for you.
**NOVA announces campus and college closings on the NOVA homepage. You can also receive notification by cell phone or email if you register for NOVA Alert .
When a course is canceled due to a weather event or other unforeseen situation, check the course Canvas site or NOVA email as soon as possible for instructions and assignments to avoid falling behind in coursework. You are expected to be up to date with all assignments the next time the class meets.
Please also review the college policies regarding emergency closings and late openings .
Financial Aid:
Students receiving financial aid are expected to attend and complete all classes. Withdrawing from a class can dramatically impact your financial aid status and may require repayment. To understand the impact of withdrawing from a course please visit https://blogs.nvcc.edu/financialaid/2020/03/25/how-dropping-withdrawing-auditing-or-not-attending-a-course-impacts-financial-aid/ .
NOVA’s Office of Wellness and Mental Health:
During your time at NOVA, you may experience challenges including struggles with academics, finances, or your personal well-being. NOVA has support resources available. Please view https://www.nvcc.edu/wellness/index.html if you are seeking resources and support or if you are worried about a friend or classmate.
TITLE IX:
Title IX is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs, activities, admission and employment. Complaints of sex-based discrimination, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual or gender-based harassment are governed by the Title IX Policy. For information about Title IX or to make a report, please visit: https://www.nvcc.edu/titleix/ .
Financial Stability Program:
Students can receive assistance from professionals who will help connect them to local community and governmental resources through personal contact and the Single Stop screening tool. Complete the online Single Stop screener, please visit https://nvcc.singlestoptechnologies.com/ or contact the office at [email protected] or call 703.323.3450.
Additional Student Resources
REMOTE STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES : https://www.nvcc.edu/safe-campus/services/index.html
**** See our Canvas Site for Specific Woodbridge Campus Support for Students.
Zoom Information/Training/Tutorials:
https://www.nvcc.edu/academic-technology/continuity/_docs/Zoom-Instructions-Students.pdf
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials
https://ischs.net/wp-content/uploads/documents/coronavirus/Zoom-for-Students.pdf Borrowed from Academica Virtual Education
Instructor's Commitment:
If are willing to do the necessary work, attend class and meet deadlines. I am committed to help you learn and be successful in the course.
If you do not understand something ...ask for help. Ask questions in class. Email me. Schedule an appointment to meet me via Zoom.
YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE!!!
