Sociology 210

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a survey course designed to present an overview of the field of social psychology with a specific emphasis on symbolic interaction. In addition to that of basic instruction in the tradition of liberal arts education, the goal of this course is to enable students to better understand their personal lives, identities, and attitudes in relation to the social worlds in which they live.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you should be able to: 

• Develop a sociological perspective on social psychology by learning basic social psychological theories, concepts, and research methods.

• Compare and contrast the assumptions, methods, and reasoning of symbolic interactionism with those of the other theoretical perspectives within social psychology.

• Explain how individual action is shaped by the social context.

• Explain interactionist understandings of socialization, group processes (both inter and intra group), and interpersonal processes (e.g., interpersonal affiliation and attraction)

• Apply the basic principles and theories of social psychology to critically analyze social situations.

• Identify major achievements within symbolic interaction and the historical figures most closely tied to these achievements

• Analyze your own experiences from a sociological perspective.

REQUIRED MATERIAL:

DeLamater, John D. and Jessica L. Collett. 2019. Social Psychology, 9th edition. New York: Routledge. 

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

This 3-credit hour course will require approximately three hours of direct faculty instruction each week. In addition, you may expect to spend approximately six hours on out-of-class student work for this course each week for approximately 15 weeks. Out-of-class work may include but is not limited to: required reading, library research, experiments/observation, written assignments, and studying for exams. 

EVALUATION AND GRADING:

Class Attendance and Participation: As long as you are healthy, I expect you to be in class. Little symbolic interaction can occur between us if you are not.  To encourage class attendance I will distribute sign-in sheets on randomly selected days. I will also pass out a sign-in sheet if one is requested by class members. Attendance points will be levied based on your attendance on the days the sign in sheets are passed out, and will count for 12.5 percent of the final grade. NOTE: I understand that sometimes things come up in life. As an adult you have to decide what in your life deserves attention at any given time. I do not need to be informed of why you miss class. Excuses do not change the fact that you weren't here and therefore missed out on whatever we were discussing that day. 

Exams: There will be two exams throughout the semester as well as a final exam during finals week. Material for the exams will be taken from the textbook, lectures, films, and class discussion. The two exams during the semester are worth 12.5 percent of the final grade each. The final exam will be comprehensive and worth 25 percent of the final grade.

Assignments. The assignments are short (2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced).  They are either:  a) reactions to readings that I will make available on blackboard or b) reactions to social experiments/observations that you will perform. Each Assignment will be worth 12.5 percent of the final grade.

GRADING SCALE:

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE:

This is a general schedule of quiz dates  and readings to be done in preparation for class.

RESOURCE INFORMATION:

• WKU Writing Center 

The Writing Center on the Bowling Green campus will have writing tutors available to offer advice to current WKU students on any stage of their writing projects. In-person tutoring is available in Cherry Hall 123 from 10-4 Monday through Friday and in the Cravens Commons (at the horseshoe-shaped reference desk) from 5-9 on Sunday through Thursday evenings. WKU students may also request feedback on their writing via email or arrange a real-time Zoom conference to discuss a paper. See instructions and how-to videos on the website (www.wku.edu/writingcenter) for making appointments. Walk-in feedback is available unless we are booked up. Students may also get short writing questions answered via email; just put “Quick question” in the subject line to (writingcenter@wku.edu).

The WKU START Centers will be offering writing tutoring sessions via Zoom as well as in person in their Glasgow and Elizabethtown locations. More information on how to make appointments and what to expect from your appointment will continue to be posted at (https://www.wku.edu/startcenter/).

• ADA Accommodation

In compliance with University policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or auxiliary accommodations for this course must contact the Student Accessibility Resource Center located in Downing Student Union, Room 1074.  The SARC can be reached by phone number at 270-745-5004 [270-745-3030 TTY] or via email at sarc.connect@wku.edu. Please do not request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a faculty notification letter (FNL) from The Student Accessibility Resource Center.

• Title IX/Discrimination and Harassment

  Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to supporting faculty, staff and students by upholding WKU’s Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (#0.070) and Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040). Under these policies, discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct based on sex/gender are prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex/gender-based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator, Deborah Wilkins, 270-745-5398 or Title IX Investigators, Michael Crowe, 270-745-5429 or Joshua Hayes, 270-745-5121. Please note that while you may report an incident of sex/gender based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct to a faculty member, WKU faculty are “Responsible Employees” of the University and MUST report what you share to WKU’s Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Investigator. If you would like to speak with someone who may be able to afford you confidentiality, you may contact WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center at 270-745-3159.

   

• Help

  College students often experience challenges that may interfere with academic success such as stress, sleep problems, juggling responsibilities, life events, relationship concerns, or feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. The pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. If you, or a friend, is struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Helpful, effective resources are available on campus at no additional cost.

  • If you are struggling academically with this class, please visit me during office hours or contact me by email at douglas.smith@wku.edu
  • Meet with your academic advisor if you are struggling academically in multiple classes, unsure whether you are making the most of your time at WKU, or unsure what academic resources are available at WKU.
  • Visit the Counseling Center website at https://www.wku.edu/heretohelp/ for information about the broad range of confidential on-campus mental health services, online health assessments, hours, and additional information.
  • Call the Counseling Center at (270) 745-3159 if interested in scheduling an appointment with a counselor. After-hours crisis support is also available through this phone number.

   

• WKU Food Pantry

  The WKU Office of Sustainability offers non-perishable food and toiletries to all WKU students, faculty, and staff. No proof of need is necessary. The only requirement to use the pantry is completion of a digital form.  All information is kept confidential and is used solely to track pantry usage statistics. The Food Pantry is located at the WKU Office of Sustainability, 503 Regents Avenue--diagonally behind Gary Ransdell Hall in a small brick house). For schedule and details, please see https://www.wku.edu/sustainability/food_pantry.php.

   

• Other Important Information

  WKU maintains a web page with other important information here: https://www.wku.edu/syllabusinfo/.  This page details the student complaint procedure, lists the student ombudsperson, provides info on active shooter preparedness, and many other important topics.  Please go take a look. 

SYLLABUS CHANGE POLICY:

The syllabus for any class is a road map. The readings in the course calendar are places we are scheduled to visit.  Anyone who has taken a preplanned road trip or vacation knows that the trip is not fun unless you stop at the interesting roadside attractions even though they might divert from your original route or time table.  It's the process of getting there that is fun and relaxing and intriguing.  In that light, I reserve the right to alter the standards and requirements set forth in this syllabus at any time. Notice of such changes will be by announcement on Blackboard and/or by email notice.

ADD/DROP DATES:

Last day to add a full semester class: August 29

Last day to drop a full semester class without receiving a grade: August 29

Last day to receive 25% refund for the semester: September 12

The 60% point of the semester: October 23

Last day to drop a class with a W: October 31

Last day to remove an incomplete from Spring or Summer terms: November 11

Roster freeze date (No late adds or withdrawals for extenuating circumstances will be processed after this date): December 2

Students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. Persons violating the Student Code of Conduct (in particular but not limited to the section on academic conduct) in any assignment or exam in this class will receive a minimum penalty of a grade of zero (0) for the assignment, and may receive an "F" for the course at the instructor’s option.  In particular, no form of academic misconduct will be tolerated (see https://www.wku.edu/studentconduct/process-for-academic-dishonesty.php.) Know your Regulations!