Sociology 270

 

Introduction to Community, Environment, and Development Spring 2023

Section 701 CRN: 43033

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to the sub-disciplines of Community Sociology, Environmental Sociology, and Development Sociology. At their core, these areas focus on the following questions: How do we survive and thrive together in place? Given the people around us and the places we live in what do we need to make this happen? How do we define and measure these things so that we know where we stand regarding surviving and thriving? How do we identify and solve the social problems we face in fulfilling our needs together? And how does our survival, growth, and development affect the environment and vice versa?

Each week in this introductory course, we take up a different dimension of what stands in the way of greater togetherness, and how we might turn it into a point of connection and belongingness with one another.  Key topics include community organizing, local food systems, energy transitions, environmental justice, resource dependence, and sustainable development.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

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

• Connect individual and seemingly isolated lives to a broader social and historical context. 
• Understand how social science arguments are constructed and evaluated.

• Learn and practice the core elements of sociological reasoning, including making connections between a social phenomenon and its larger context; evaluating the “situated” nature of knowledge; and recognizing the paradigms, or knowledge frameworks, that structure our thinking about social issues.

• Gain experience critically evaluating various sources of knowledge and data about social issues.

• Become familiar with key concepts such as: “community,” “development,” “environmental justice,” “sustainability,” and “globalization,” and learn how these concepts are involved in contemporary debates about what is just and desirable for the places where we live and the world as a whole.

• Become familiar with actors in the social practices, processes, and institutions that affect our communities and the environment, including government, corporations, transnational institutions and social movements.

• Develop skills and frameworks for analyzing how social processes affect disparately different groups of people.

• Make connections between sociological theories and concepts and your own experiences.

This course also fulfills the Local to Global Component of the Colonnade Program's Connections Section.  This course will help you attain these general education goals--by the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Recognize the interconnections of events and processes unfolding in different localities around the world.

• Analyze the tensions between the projects of local communities and economic globalization.

• Identify the consequences of decision-making for various localities and developments at the global scale.

• Consider and evaluate various alternatives for how everyday life might be organized.

The university also sees the Connections courses of the Colonnade program as the place to demonstrate mastery of the skills developed in WKU's Quality Enhancement Plan, entitled "Evidence and Argument."  Through this plan, WKU students will bring evidence and argument to life through written, oral, and visual means so that they can apply and adapt these skills to their professional, social, and personal lives. So at the end of this course, WKU students will also demonstrate the ability to:

• Gather sound and relevant evidence to address an issue (Evidence-Gathering).

• Analyze assembled evidence (Sense-making).

• Articulate a logical and supported argument based on this analysis (Argumentation).

The U.S. Department of Education requires that distance education courses must include regular and substantive interaction between students and faculty.  For more information about Regular and Substantive Interaction at WKU, please visit the Regular and Substantive Interaction in Online and Distance Learning webpage. 

In this course, regular and substantive interaction will take place in the following ways:

• Weekly announcements, 
• Assignments and assessment deadlines that are spread throughout the term of the class, and
• Timely and detailed feedback on assignments provided within one week of submission.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

Electronic copies will be available on our Blackboard website.

I want to clarify how I hope you will approach the readings. First, be critical of what you are reading, drawing upon your own experiences, and other knowledge you have acquired throughout your education.  I have chosen many readings precisely because they are provocative, and because they may disagree or amplify one another. If you find yourself strongly disagreeing with a particular reading, that's fine; indeed, I encourage strong disagreement. However, if you disagree, you must clarify in your mind the reasons and evidence upon which you are basing your disagreement. We will get a lot farther with discussion than with debate.

At the same time, you should keep an open mind. Listen to what the readings have to say. Think about what experiences you may have had and reading you have done that may corroborate the course readings.  Give yourself time to reflect on the information offered in the readings. These are not readings to be run through rapidly.  Take your time with them; allow yourself to enter into a kind of conversation with them.

When reading you should consider the following:

• What are the main themes/arguments in this reading?

• What evidence does the author provide to support her/his argument?

• How does this reading relate to other readings we have done?

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of this argument and any data supporting it?  Are terms defined clearly and used consistently? (If not, what problems does this create?)

• Are terms defined and used the same way as in the other readings?  Would other authors we have read agree/disagree with this argument?  Why?

• What additional questions does this reading raise for you?  (Or put another way: if you and the author were stranded on a desert isle, what question would you most like to ask him or her (besides "Do you have a boat?)?

• How could you use the ideas in addressing real world problems? 

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, online training module completion, written assignments, and studying for exams. 

EVALUATION AND GRADING:

I. Exams (30 points toward final grade)

There are two in-term exams -- These exams will be based on material from the assigned readings, class lecture, discussions, and videos.  All three exams consist of a combination of multiple choice questions and short essays. All three exams will be on Blackboard and you will be given a week to complete them.

II. Disaster Training Module Assignment (10 points toward final grade)

Your community will inevitably face quick, emergent disasters. This assignment is designed to introduce you to training modules developed through CONVERGE unit at the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder. The goal here is to complete a module and strengthen your knowledge and skills while encouraging you to learn more about the social scientific study of disasters. There are two pieces to the assignment: 1. Complete one training module of your choosing from the CONVERGE website and submit the certificate of completion on our Blackboard course site. 2. Write a two-page reflection piece that explains how the training module relates to this class and your future career and/or academic interests and aspirations.

III. Reaction Papers (60 points toward final grade)

Students will write FOUR one-page response papers.  Each paper is worth 10 points toward your final grade. I'll discuss how to write a good response paper in class during the second week of the semester.  For individualized help with your writing, please schedule an in-person or online appointment with the WKU Writing Center (see below).  The writing center is a FREE service and an invaluable resource for students who need to improve their writing.

You are also required to revise and expand ONE of these responses to turn in during finals week.  Choose your favorite response paper and do a modest amount of additional research; expand, improve, and clarify your argument; polish your writing and turn in a THREE-PAGE version.  This revised essay is worth an additional 10 points (above and beyond the first 10 you earned on the response paper).

IV.  Other Assignments (10 points toward final grade)

• I expect you to respect one another. We are all Hilltoppers. We take care of one another, our hill, our community, and beyond. Everybody is trying to understand this material and how it fits with their values and experiences. Give folks time to process. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. Diverse ideas and views are important to the class, and the orderly questioning of others' ideas, including mine, is encouraged and welcomed. Everyone's arguments can use polish. The only way we improve is by continuously re-examining our evidence and our argument. However, it is imperative that everyone be respectful of the each other. Couch your feedback to try to help the others understand. Focus on the evidence and argument presented, not the speaker's personal characteristics. You should expect that if your conduct during discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect I expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further.

• Please do not wait until the end of the semester to seek assistance when you are having difficulties with the course. Please use my office hours or contact me to arrange a time to meet. I am more than willing to arrange a time that works for both of us. I will only be on campus on MWF mornings; I'll be working out of my home office the rest of the time. The best way to reach me will be email. Please put your name and the course number in the subject line of the email. I'll try to respond within 24 hours. 

• If you prefer to be called a different name than what is indicated on the class roster, please let me know. Also feel free to correct me on your preferred gender pronoun. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  

• The United States Department of Education requires WKU's Office of Financial Aid to determine if a student who receives financial aid and fails to earn a passing grade in a course actually attended and/or completed the course. Because we will not be taking regular attendance for this course this term, the date I will report as your last date of attendance will be the latest of the following:

  • The date you last participated in a discussion or activity; 

  • The date you last submitted an assignment/project/quiz; or 

  • The date you last initiated contact with me to ask a question about the course or course content.

  If you earn an F, I will have to report your last date of attendance. If this date is at or before the 60% point of the term (in this semester, March 26), this may require you to pay back any financial aid funds received for this course.

• All students are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  In accordance with WKU policy, all students must call the WKU COVID-19 Assistance Line at 270-745-2019 within 4 hours of testing positive for COVID-19 or being identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive. The COVID Assistance Line is available to answer questions regarding any COVID-19 related issue. This guidance is subject to change based on requirements set forth by federal, state, and local public health entities. Please refer to the Healthy on the Hill website for the most current information. www.wku.edu/healthyonthehill

   

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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 9-4 Monday through Friday and in the Cravens Commons (at the horseshoe-shaped reference desk) from 5-9 on Sunday through Thursday evenings. 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 Glasgow START Center/Writing Center will be offering writing tutoring sessions as well as in person. 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 Executive Director, Office of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator, Ena Demir, 270-745-6867 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: Tuesday, January 24

Last day to drop a full semester class without receiving a grade: Tuesday, January 24.

Last day to receive any refund for the Fall semester: Monday, February 6.

The 60% point of the Fall semester: Wednesday, March 26.  

Last day to drop a class with a W: Thursday, March 30

Last day to remove an incomplete from Spring or Summer terms: Friday, April 14

Roster freeze date (No late adds or withdrawals for extenuating circumstances will be processed after this date): Friday, April 28

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!