SOCI 205 - Society and the Environment - Karith Meyers
| Course: | Society and the Environment |
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| Professor: | Karith Meyers |
| Email: | karith.meyers@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Greetings and welcome to this Society and the Environment sociology course! I am a life-long environmentalist and have taught environmental sociology for many years. Issues of climate change and environmental sustainability have been denied and/or debated for many decades, but are now integrated into the collective knowledge and policy of all societies as humans endure widespread consequences of a warming climate. However, the intention of this course is not to provide countless doom-and-gloom statistics and scenerials to convince anyone that Climate Change/Global Warming is real -- because the science has become very clear that a myriad of societal causes are impacting the well-being of all life on Earth. This course is intended to raise awareness about new developments in sustainable technologies, change attitudes to discourage unsustainable behaviors, and learn how all humans (individuals, groups, corporations, governments, and whole societies) might move forward in a more environmentally sustainable manner.
Course Description
This course examines the interconnections between the social and biological features of society, as well as the sociological ramifications of environmental policies and cultural practices.
What to Expect in this Course
Throughout this term, we will explore issues of sustainability in relation to patterns of human materials consumption, production and disposal of waste and toxins, economic factors, social policy, globalization, alternative energy sources, as well as the short-term and long-term environmental effects to all life on Earth. The approach I use in teaching sociology is to make the connection of everything you learn in this course, as it is relevant to your everyday life. Upon completing this course, students will have a much deeper & personal understanding of the social effect on Earth's environment as well as the environment's effect on human life.
Types of Assessments
This course includes online reading, taking weekly quizzes & discussion forums, assignments, and project-based learning. The content of this course is the same as traditional classroom courses that I teach and most likely, such as those you have already been enrolled in. Online education courses require a high level of self-discipline and motivation on the part of the student, but of course, I will be available to help when needed.
Textbook Information
Textbook: Open Education Resources provided at no cost to students in Canvas.
Remember, there is no required textbook purchase for this course, but I do have a recommended text that students sometimes purchase just for their reference.
Bell, Michael Mayerfeld and Loka Ashwood. 2016. An Invitation to Environmental Sociology. 5th ed. Pine Forge Publication: Los Angeles. ISBN: 9781452275796.
Other Relevant Course Information
This course is 100% online and asynchronous. There are no face-to-face required sessions in a classroom or online. All course materials, lectures, assignments, tests, quizzes, class discussions, instructor office hours, and grading will be conducted online in CANVAS. What this means for you is that consistent and regular participation is necessary to succeed in this 100% online course of study.
Units: 3.00 -- UC:CSU, May Be Taken Once for Credit.
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: 01/11/2023 Sub#: 466