Course Syllabus
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Syllabus: Sociology 3040/3041: Social Research Methods II/Lab for Social Research Methods II Semester: First Summer Term, 2017 Class Location: Online Course start date: May 17, 2016 Course end date: June 23, 2016 Instructor: Dr. William Haller Email: whaller@clemson.edu Response Time: Instructor response time is 36 hours for questions posted in Blackboard and sent via email. This response times excludes weekends and official University closures. Should you need live assistance, email me to arrange an online or phone consultation. Course DescriptionWelcome to SOC3040/3041: Social Research Methods II, with accompanying lab. This course is continuation of the research methods you learned in SOC3020. It has been designed to provide you with an intermediate understanding of statistics and how to use them in both in basic and applied research and professional practice. Although the course is technical in nature it emphasizes conceptual understanding so that you recognize what statistical methods to use in which problem-solving situations. Pre-Requisite CoursesSOC3020, and one of STAT 2300 or STAT 3090 or STAT 3300Pre-Requisite KnowledgeMinimum Technical Skills Students are expected to be comfortable accessing Blackboard and downloading files such as Microsoft Office documents, YouTube videos, and PDFs. In addition, students should be able to use Microsoft Office to compose written documents, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. Course ContentThis course contains lesson units, each consisting of some or all of the following components:
Directions for completing course assignments are provided in the Modules areas of this Blackboard site. Course NavigationThe buttons in the course menu provide access to these content areas:
Course PoliciesGradingI will return all graded material to you within 72 hours (excluding weekends and official university holidays/closures). In addition to the detailed rubrics provided for each assignment, I offer an overview of my grading policies in the syllabus. FeedbackI am always happy to offer you feedback on your work in progress. Feel free to send quick questions about coursework via email, but keep in mind that it may take time to offer detailed comments. If you would like me to Please allow at least a 24-hour turnaround period. Because privacy regulations stipulate that University faculty and staff communicate with students only through Clemson email, please use your University email account to contact me. AssessmentAssignments in this course are divided into these general categories, which carry the following weight in your final grade calculations:
You are treated as a professional in the course. Accordingly, the grading is strict, but fair. Reading the directions and grading criteria provided for each assessment is the key to understanding how you will be graded. Following those directions is the key to doing well. This course follows the typical grading guidelines:
General Policies & ProceduresAcademic IntegrityContent from previous classes may not be submitted. The following is Clemson’s official statement on academic integrity: As members of the Clemson University community, we have inherited Thomas Green Clemson’s vision of this institution as a “high seminary of learning.” Fundamental to this vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a Clemson degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form. A simple definition of plagiarism is when someone presents another person’s words, visuals, or ideas as his or her own. The instructor will deal with plagiarism on a case-by-case basis. The most serious offense within this category occurs when a student copies text from the Internet or from a collective file. This type of academic dishonesty is a serious offense that will result in a failing grade for the course as well as the filing of a formal report to the University. See the Undergraduate Academic Integrity Policy website for additional information about academic integrity and Clemson procedures and policies regarding scholastic dishonesty. Academic GrievancesAcademic grievances are handled by Dr. Jeffrey Appling in Undergraduate Studies. Students are advised to visit the Ombuds Office prior to filing a grievance. Email CommunicationBecause of privacy regulations, University faculty and staff communicate with students only through Clemson email. Therefore, you must use your Clemson email account in this course. Check your Clemson account at least three times per week for important messages. Student Disability ServicesStudent Disability Services coordinates the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Reasonable and specific accommodations are developed with each student based on current documentation from an appropriate licensed professional. All accommodations are individualized, flexible, and confidential based on the nature of the disability and the academic environment. Housing accommodations for a disability or medical condition are also coordinated through this office. Visit the Student Disability Services website for location, contact information, as well as official policies and procedures. Copyright NoticeThe materials found in this online course are strictly for the use of students enrolled in this course and for purposes associated with this course; they may not be retained or further disseminated. Clemson students, faculty, and staff are expected to comply fully with institutional copyright policy as well as all other copyright laws. Online Class Protocol & StandardsAdhering to Online ConductAppropriate academic conduct includes doing assigned work, meeting deadlines, participating in online discussions, and completing all the required elements of the course. It also means following these basic rules of netiquette:
Furthermore, appropriate academic conduct means maintaining a safe learning environment based on mutual respect and civility. All participants in Clemson online courses are expected to behave professionally by adhering to these standards of conduct:
Online communication that fails to meet these standards of conduct will be removed from the course. Repeated misconduct may result in being blocked from online discussions, receiving a grade penalty, or being dismissed from the course. Such misconduct in the online environment may also be reported to officials for appropriate action in accordance with University policy. If you ever feel as though our online classroom is inappropriate or uncomfortable, please first contact your instructor with your concerns. Course Schedule The course runs the duration of First Summer Term, 2016. It begins May 11th, and ends June 17th. Although the course is asynchronous we will be covering the material at a fast pace, approximately 2 modules per week. It is vital to establish and maintain momentum because new material builds directly on the preceding modules. Attending ClassTaking an online course is a different style of learning for many people. You may think you will be learning on your own, but you will soon discover opportunities to interact with other students to support each other's learning (such as in the shared Q&A discussion forum and optional face-to-face meetings to take place all or most Thursdays during the term at 2:00 PM in the Vickery Hall computer lab) and to communicate with me. You will find the support you need and have a great learning experience. Because you do not come for on-campus lectures in a classroom, attendance is determined by your active online participation and communication in the course through BlackBoard. You will spend at least 9 hours each week completing course activities, and otherwise interacting with your instructor, classmates, and course content. Log into the Blackboard site and check your Clemson email at least three times weekly. Successful online students keep a schedule just as if they were attending class on campus, and they communicate with one another and their instructor frequently. Your active online participation and communication in the course through BlackBoard is necessary for your success. Meeting DeadlinesAssignments are due by 11:55 pm, Eastern Time, on the day specified unless otherwise stated. Plan ahead for the unexpected! You are accountable for staying on schedule should technological or other problems arise. You should immediately contact the instructor if an emergency may affect your ability to meet course deadlines. An online course gives you the flexibility to do your coursework when it best fits your schedule, as long as you meet deadlines set by your instructor. Do not let this flexibility be your downfall. Set aside time in your schedule to participate online and to complete your assignments. You will have frequent deadlines to keep you on track. Do not fall behind. Playing catch-up causes stress, and stress reduces learning. Many students juggle school, work, family, and other life responsibilities all at the same time. If a serious life issue prevents you from staying current in your coursework, contact your instructor as soon as possible to explain your circumstances. Do not let school or life responsibilities overwhelm you. The faculty and staff at Clemson are aware that students face challenges, and we are committed to your success. Often, we may be able to help you see a way to deal with your circumstances and still complete your courses. We have a lot of experience. Give us the chance to help you. Accepting Late WorkLate work will be accepted up to one week from the original deadline, but may be subject to a grade penalty. Late work submitted more than one week from the original deadline may receive a failing grade. All work must be submitted by the last day of the course; no extensions or late work will be accepted beyond that date. Please plan ahead. Submitting Work Make sure you submit coursework according to the directions provided in the course. Here are general guidelines for assignment submission:
Do not email coursework unless you have received prior approval from your instructor. Receiving Grades & Instructor FeedbackAssignment grades and feedback are provided generally one week (seven days) after the assignment is due and always before an assignment of the same type is due. Unless otherwise stated, grades and feedback will be available via the Grades area of the Blackboard course site. Communicating with Your InstructorYou have numerous ways of communicating with your instructor: phone, email, the Ask the Instructor forum, and live consultations by appointment. If you have a question about an assignment or class procedure, consider posting it in the Ask the Instructor forum so that other members of the class can benefit from it, too. A lot of learning can happen in this forum if you use it, so please do! If you have a personal concern (such as a question about a grade), send an email to your instructor through the Tools button inside the Blackboard course site or through your Clemson email account. I am here to help you, so please ask questions and seek clarification as early and as often as needed. Delay will only hinder your learning. UNIVERSITY POLICIESStatement on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty:As members of the Clemson University community, we have inherited Thomas Green Clemson’s vision of this institution as a “high seminary of learning.” Fundamental to this vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a Clemson degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form. When, in the opinion of a faculty member, there is evidence that a student has committed an act of academic dishonesty, the faculty member shall make a formal written charge of academic dishonesty, including a description of the misconduct, to the Associate Dean for Curriculum in the Office of Undergraduate Students. At the same time, the faculty member may, but is not required to, inform each involved student privately of the nature of the alleged charge. If you have any questions whatsoever about what constitutes plagiarism, see me before you turn in final drafts of your work. Students are not allowed to submit work from other classes for credit in this course. Students may also want to review the information from the International Center for Academic Integrity (http://www.academicintegrity.org/icai/home.php). Students with DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities who need accommodations should make an appointment with Dr. Arlene Stewart, Director of Student Disability Services, to discuss specific needs within the first month of classes. Students should present a Faculty Accommodation Letter from Student Disabilities Services when they meet with instructors. Student Disability Services is located in Suite 239 Academic Success Building (864-656-6848; sds-l@clemson.edu). Please be aware that accommodations are not retroactive and new Faculty Accommodation Letters must be presented each semester. Academic Grievances:Academic grievances are handled by Dr. Jeffrey Appling in Undergraduate Studies. Students are advised to visit the Ombuds Office prior to filing a grievance. To view a list of all University student policies, please see the student handbook (http://www.clemson.edu/administration/student-affairs/student-handbook/universitypolicies/index.html). Online Conduct:Appropriate academic conduct includes doing assigned work, meeting deadlines, participating in online discussions, and completing all the required elements of the course. It also means following these basic rules:
Furthermore, appropriate academic conduct means maintaining a safe learning environment based on mutual respect and civility. All participants in Clemson online courses are expected to behave professionally by adhering to these standards of conduct:
Online communication that fails to meet these standards of conduct will be removed from the course. Repeated misconduct may result in being blocked from online discussions, receiving a grade penalty, or being dismissed from the course. Such misconduct in the online environment may also be reported to officials for appropriate action in accordance with University policy. If you ever feel as though our online classroom is inappropriate or uncomfortable, please contact me with your concerns. For additional tips, visit the CCIT standards for netiquette (http://www.clemson.edu/ccit/learning_tech/distance_ed/prospective/about_de/ol_skills.html). Online communication that fails to meet these standards of conduct will be removed from the course. Repeated misconduct may result in being blocked from online discussions, receiving a grade penalty, or being dismissed from the course. Such misconduct in the online environment may also be reported to officials for appropriate action in accordance with University policy. If you ever feel as though your online classroom is inappropriate or uncomfortable, please first contact you instructor with concerns. Final ConsiderationsLearningWhat matters most in any course is what you actually learn. Online learning allows you many different ways to learn, such as reading your textbook, following the hands-on practice in your assignments, communicating with your classmates and your instructor, and discovering other resources across the Internet. If you actively participate in your course, you will get good feedback to help you with your learning. Stay active in your course and focused on your learning to get the most out of it. ChangesOccasionally, circumstances require the instructor to change the syllabus. Should the instructor find a change necessary, you will be notified as soon as possible. You might print and hole-punch this syllabus and put it in a binder for ready referral. AgreementIf you disagree with any of the policies or procedures spelled out above or cannot accept the demands of the course (i.e., the amount of time and work required), you need to drop the course as soon as possible. By staying in the course, you agree to comply with all the policies and procedures described in this syllabus. ReminderYour instructor should be your first point of contact and support for any questions or concerns you have about this online course. If you cannot resolve your questions or concerns through your instructor, contact the Office of Online Education, 206 Sikes Hall, at online@clemson.edu or 864-656-3978. Additional Resources
Technical SupportFor technical assistance with the online course site, visit CCIT (Tech Support) website (http://www.clemson.edu/ccit/help_support/) or email CCIT (Tech Support) email (ithelp@clemson.edu). Required Materials
Required MaterialsThe following materials are required for successful participation in the course:
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