SOCI 102 - Introduction to Research Methods - Briauna A. Johnson

Introduction

Hello and welcome to my online Sociology class, Introduction to Research Methods, at College of the Canyons! I am very excited about the opportunity to dive into Sociology with you all. Of course, I may be biased but I think Sociology is one of the most interesting and useful subjects you can study. In sum, Sociologists study everything people do! This could be on a large scale like politics or the economy or on a smaller scale like intimate relationships.

Please feel free to email me with questions at briauna.johnson@canyons.edu after reading this informative letter. I want more than anything for you to be successful in this class. I will strive to answer emails as soon as possible (usually within 48 hours). Please be sure to include your full name (as seen on Canvas), the class, and the section number in your emails.

Course Description

This course examines methodologies for an application of the scientific method to social phenomena, including both quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data, as well as considerations about research design, the role of theory, and ethics. Methods covered may include survey research, experimental research, secondary data analysis, content analysis, qualitative interviews, and historical comparative research. Introduction to sociology provides a firm foundation for other courses in the social sciences as it provides an insight into areas of social life. The course is CSU and UC transferable.

What to Expect in this Course

The first thing to learn in any of my classes is my overall teaching philosophy. I aim to engage and inspire my students in both the classroom and beyond. I believe that teaching does not stop in the classroom but is rather a continuous process. I want to engage with my students in my class and I am also excited about the possibility of supporting them throughout their academic careers beyond my class. I want my students to know that I am here to assist them in participating in their own success. As a minority from an underrepresented population in institutions of higher education, I have first-hand experience with the collegiate classroom environment and its potential barriers that can manifest for many students. As a lecturer/instructor, I want to inspire my students to grow within academia while reaffirming the students’ self-efficacy, abilities, and strengths needed for a successful college career. I want to instill in all my students that despite (and perhaps because of) their multifaceted backgrounds, collegiate success is also for them while providing support and resources that help keep this goal within their reach.

Types of Assessments

Remember that for each three-unit sociology class you should expect to spend eight to nine hours per week doing work for the class. This includes reading, taking exams, working on projects/final papers, engaging in our face-to-face material, etc. I want you to be successful so remember, although our course is online, it requires a high level of self-initiative. The types of assessments you may anticipate in this course include activities, a final project, and periodic graded check-ins. 

To keep track of deadlines, it is important to print the course calendar and keep it handy so you will have the due dates. No matter what the date, 11:59PM is the due time for all assignments and check-ins. Canvas also lists all assignments for all your classes in a calendar format. It also lists due dates in a list format. It is in your best interest to check these sources regularly.

Textbook Information

The free textbook can be found on Canvas under the “Orientation” module. A list of specific readings will be provided to you on the syllabus and discussed further during our first in-person class discussion.

You may also be asked to read periodic articles for the week to complement the textbook. These articles will also be located for FREE on Canvas.

Other Relevant Course Information

Success in any class starts early. Be sure to read the syllabus and calendar thoroughly before you begin the class. The syllabus is posted on Canvas and the course should be available for you to log in at least five days before class starts. This is an online course which means the course will occur 100% online. Therefore, be prepared for independent learning. We will be using Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) for all coursework done online. Examples of coursework done independently online include reading course materials, submitting assignments, and taking timed quizzes that I refer to as “Check-ins.” Additionally, I will periodically post small PowerPoints and videos to help with instructions and to break down some of the denser material covered in the class. The course duration is from August 19th, 2024, to December 5th, 2024.

Is an online course right for you?

The entire course occurs online which provides you flexibility to work on your own time. Since you can log in at any time convenient to you, the time of day that you complete your work is more flexible than seen in traditional fully in-person courses. For example, quizzes can be done at any time of day on Canvas during the week that it is available. However, there are still deadlines, which means this is not a class in which you can make up work during the last weeks of the term. In other words, this is not a “learn at your own pace” course. I expect students to sign on to Canvas several times a week to complete the work. If you will not be able to do this, this may not be the course for you, and that’s OK! Please make sure you truly reflect on your own personal learning style and strengths to determine if this format works best for you. It would also be a good idea to not wait to work on the class only hours before each deadline. This could lead to so much stress, and in my class, I want you to be as stress free as possible!

Success in this course relies upon your commitment to do the coursework independently while simultaneously using me as a resource via email where I can clarify information you should have already read prior to our meeting. To summarize, to succeed in this course, you need to be self-aware, motivated, disciplined, and focused. Also, since most of your assignments will be written, you need to be able to express yourself clearly in writing

Technology

To do well in this class you must have reliable access to a dependable computer as well as reliable access to the internet.

A smart phone or tablet may be unsuitable for this class. It will work for many things, but it is difficult to complete the assignments and do the reading necessary if these are your only tools.

Microsoft Word is available as part of your school My Canyons account and is required for assignments. If you have a word processor other than Word, learn how to save your document in PDF format.

Adobe Acrobat Reader may also be needed. You need to be able to open, print, and save PDF files. To view PDF files, you should have a current version of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/06/2024 Sub#: 1789