SOCI-108 - Thinking Critically About Social Issues - Karith Meyers
| Course: | Thinking Critically About Social Issues |
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| Professor: | Karith Meyers |
| Email: | karith.meyers@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Hello! I am the instructor for this online-live fall, 2021 course, "Thinking Critically about Social Issues" (SOCI-108) and I am very much looking forward to working with you in critically analyzing todays social problems. I've been teaching Sociology since 2006, although I've lived and experienced social issues for much longer. Social inequality, social justice, and critical thinking are at the center of my academic, professional, and personal focus. I have a background in the world of nonprofit social services and am a social justice advocate at heart when it comes to social justice and issues of social stratification. Topics in this course will be drawn from a range of current social issues that we all are currently observing and/or experiencing such as climate change, racism, gender inequality, voting rights, poverty-related issues, mass incarceration, and the list goes on...
Course Description
In this "Thinking Critically about Social Issues" course, students will compare and contrast the content, meaning and interpretation of social phenomena as reported by the media and the scientific community. Throughout this course we will analyze social issues using sociological concepts and practice evaluating arguments regarding those issues. Concepts of morality, censorship, ethics, government restrictions, fallacies, opinions, and nontraditional explanations concerning social issues will be at the center of how we may come to think critically about social issues. Topics are drawn from a whole range of social inequalities in our social world today! Examples: Racism, Climate Change, Voting Rights, Gender and LGBTQ+ Inequality, and so much more!
What to Expect in this Course
Thinking Critically about Social Issues in an Online Live course that meets via Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-10:50am. To participate in this course, students must have regular and reliable access to WiFi and a computer or electronic device with a webcam, microphone and a web browser (recommended; FireFox, Google Chrome, Safari). This course is run on the Canvas platform which must be accessed from the College of the Canyons home page. Links & details are available on the course syllabus. Projects in SOCI-108 include quizzes, exams, debate/arguments in constructing fallacies.
Types of Assessments
Assignments/Projects: Quizzes, In-class activities, fallacy development written/oral project, debate group project, debate peer evaluations, exams. All assessments & assignments take place and/or are uploaded to Canvas.
Textbook Information
- Free Critical Thinking Workbook in Canvas - may be printed electronically or downloaded & saved.
- Free APA Guide in Canvas - May be printed electronically or downloaded & saved.
- Additional supporting materials (articles, videos, websites) are posted on Canvas in weekly modules.
Other Relevant Course Information
Regular attendance and class participation is essential for this course, please contact me should you have any comments, questions, or concerns at karith.meyers@canyons.edu.
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: 08/20/2021 Sub#: 564