10 November 2009

Dear Student: 

Welcome to College of the Canyons’ Sociology 200 ~ Introduction to Women’s Studies, course SOCI-200-73058.  The web address for your course is: http://bb7.canyons.edu/.  My name is Pamela Williams-Páez, and as your instructor, I look forward to working with you. 

On-line courses are designed for students who want flexibility in their educational experience.  While you will have assignments as in any traditional course, viewing the course sessions and completing homework assignments at convenient times for you is why on-line courses are so appealing.  There will be a few requirements in order to be successful in this course that you should peruse carefully, once you log into the course.  But first, let me tell you about the class you are enrolled in.   

Some basic information about this on-line course: 

I.              Studying the Discipline of Women’s Studies:  The discipline of Women’s Studies comes under the umbrella of Sociology, a social science that seeks to understand and explain organizations and institutions in society.  Through this introductory course, we will take a look at theories and methods for understanding how women and groups are connected to trends and patterns in society as well as examine a variety of perspectives on contemporary and classical issues.  Since this is an interactive course, you will have the opportunity to discuss in class and on-line how women are connected to groups and institutions in society and understand experiences of women and men in society from a multicultural and global perspective.  You will discover that critical analysis and sound logic help us in understanding how the experiences of women can be diverse and dynamic, reflecting larger patterns, cultures and reflections of society in general.  Upon completion of this course you will be able to, among other things: 

a.    understand current and historical women's issues from a variety of theoretical perspectives.

b.    critique the role of media and pop culture in shaping women’s experience

c.    discern social institutions and the impact on women’s lives

d.    explore the diversity of women’s experiences as they relate to gender and sexuality, race and nationality, and social class, age and ability 

·         Parameters and Duration of Course:  In order to succeed in this on-line course, you will need to complete all written assignments and participate in class discussions.  The online orientation is essential to your success in the course.  Assistance with the Blackboard platform, which we will be using for this course, is also available on-line.  You will have the opportunity in discussions to articulate your knowledge and get to know your classmates, discussing current issues and problem solving.  The course runs from 1/04/10-2/6/10.   

II.            Preparing for the on-line course:  Certain technology requirements will prepare you for this course. 

·         You must have access to a computer; with current Windows Software in order to access the server for your on-line course; or

·         You may use a computer found in many of the labs located on campus in the S Building, the TLC lab, The Zone, or the COC Library. 

·         You need to have connection to an Internet Provider if you are using a computer from home. 

III.           Before the first online class: 

·         Purchase your course textbook, which is listed below.  The book is also available in The Zone or the COC Library, on a Reserve basis: 

Gwyn Kirk, Margo Okazawa-Rey (2010) Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives (Fifth Edition). San Francisco State University, CA ISBN: 13-9780073512303 

IV.          Contact Information: 

·         Pamela Williams-Páez’s Homepage: 

      www.canyons.edu/departments.soc/faculty/paez/home.html 

Phone:  661-362-5904

Office:  BYKH-101

E-mail:  pamela.williams-paez@canyons.edu

Other useful links:

       Blackboard log in: http://www.canyons.edu/offices/distance_learning/BBSupport/BbLogin.asp
 

       Distance Learning home page: http://www.canyons.edu/distancelearning.
 

       Counseling 070 information: http://www.canyons.edu/offices/distance_learning/info/COUNS070.asp
 

       Exam proctoring: http://www.canyons.edu/offices/distance_learning/stusupport/proctor.asp

I look forward to working with you during the Wintersession 2010 and invite you to contact me with any questions.