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SOCI 207 - Social Problems - Katie Coleman

Course:Social Problems
Professor:Katie Coleman
Email:katie.coleman@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:5 week
Textbook Title:I have some good news for you: We have no “for-proft” textbook required for this class! Instead, we'll be using an Open Educational Resource (OER) Free Text provided in our class in Canvas. When campus reopens, you may print a limited number of pages free each day in the ASG computer lab located in the Student Center, and you may print (for a fee) in the TLC. But, you don't have to print anything! You are expected to have read the pertinent chapters prior to the start of that lesson.
Types of Assessments:This course will use quizzes, discussion boards, exams and assignments.

Introduction

picture of Professor Coleman

What is this class about, anyway? (Besides everything!)

This class will serve as your introduction to Social Problems; you are in for a treat! Sociology is the best subject! Literally, it is the best. I am not kidding; the best. Everything you are interested in, sociology has something to offer. We will look at some fascinating topics in this class including (but not limited to) race, gender, sexuality, substance abuse, poverty, and education. Should you already be an expert in sociology or social problems? Absolutely not! So much of our world is taken for granted. Sociology actively changes that, forces interrogation and a critical awareness. Nevertheless, there is so much more. Using your newly discovered sociological imagination, everything you once knew is now open for scrutiny, and the mundane becomes extraordinary. Enjoy!

Course Description

Sociology 207, Social Problems applies sociological principles and the research process to identify and analyze contemporary social problems, both nationally and globally, while considering:

  1. The role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems;
  2. Their causes and consequences; and
  3. Solutions and interventions.

Course Student Learning Outcome

Students will be able to identify a social problem and investigate its causes and consequences and propose a solution.

What to Expect in this Course

Teaching philosophy: It is my intent that students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives will be well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups! I love hearing feedback from you!

Emailing: A lot of our communication takes place via email. I can address your issues much faster if I know who you are. It is a good idea to add your name to the email (rather than relying on your mail address). Be sure to edit your Personal Information in CANVAS so that your email address is correct and you receive class emails. Go to Personal Info on the course menu and click on Edit Personal Information to update your email address and name (change it to what you want to be called). I will respond to emails within 48 hours.

I have more than one class, so the subject line of the email should include the class name and your name.

***Remember that for each three-unit sociology class you should expect to spend nine hours per week on the class in a full semester. *** This includes reading, taking exams, etc. I want you to be successful so it's good to know what the expectations are. Online courses require a high level of self-initiative and they are well suited to students who possess this quality. This is for a standard 15 week semester. Just because it is online does NOT mean we do less work, we do the same amount of work online.

To do well in this class you will need access to a dependable computer as well as reliable access to the internet. The school has many, many computers available for your use?check out the library, TLC, and ASG computer lab. Your public library also probably has computers for use, but the time allowed may be limited.

Be sure to check out CANVAS for updates and course materials.

Part of being successful in an online class is learning the material and the other part is being comfortable with the format so that you can access the material. If you are new to online courses I strongly suggest you investigate some of the online tutorials. They're easy enough!

Checking in the first day: Please ensure you have logged into Canvas and have completed the syllabus quiz no later than day two of the term; if you do not you will be dropped from this course.

Make-up Policy and Late Assignments: Every assignment has a due date and a deadline for submission. Participants are expected to submit assignments on or before the assigned due date, which, in turn, allows me time to review your work and provide meaningful feedback. Due dates have been designed in the course to ensure time is provided to allow you to produce your best work.

Because time management is challenging, deadlines might not be met. If you foresee an issue with meeting a deadline, talk to me! We will likely be able to figure something out. In the case of a true emergency wherein a student is not able to predict missing a deadline, but does not submit work on time, come see me. Again, with proof of a true emergency, exceptions for submission can be made. Oh, and remember, you got this! 

Academic Honesty: Your work is more valuable than you know! And your efforts and experiences in this class will only be enhanced when you take advantage of the helpful resources COC has to offer. You are smart enough and capable enough to complete your work without using someone else's as your own. And when in doubt, ask me! I am happy to help during my many office hours throughout the week.  While I advocate collaborative learning and teamwork, students should maintain the highest ethical standards in all of their academic endeavors. Plagiarism, cheating, and other misconduct are serious violations of the COC's Academic Conduct Policy, and I am obligated to follow the appropriate and official protocol in response to plagiarism or cheating. Please see COC's Academic Conduct Policy for more information for official guidelines on plagiarism at https://www.canyons.edu/_resources/documents/studentservices/studentserviceslanding/StudentConductCodeRevJune2018.pdfLinks to an external site.

English Language learner: COC welcomes students from around the world and recognizes the unique perspectives international students bring enrich the campus community. To empower students whose first language is not English, an array of ESL support is available on campus including language and culture workshops and individual appointments. For more information about ESL resources at COC, please visit the following website: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/tlc.Links to an external site.

Complete your Educational Plan Online: A good educational plan is critical to college and career success.  All current students should complete their comprehensive educational plan for College of the Canyons by visiting your My Canyons account. Students can also receive help in creating their education plan by visiting http://www.canyons.edu/MAP.

Additional Textbook Information / Link to OER Textbook

We will be using a FREE OER online textbook that will be available in our class in CANVAS.

Other Relevant Course Information

Get ready for the best class ever!


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 Accomodation 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

College of the Canyons cares about your emotional and physical health. Learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including free counseling and mental health services available during this time by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center website or by calling them at: 661-362-3259.

The National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). Please call it if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress - it could save someone's life.

You can also use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. It's free, available 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.

Last updated: 10/11/2020 Sub # Orig: 1745