SOCIOLOGY 452

 

Social Change Fall 2022 MWF 10:20 AM - 11:15 AM GRISE HALL 130

Section 002 CRN: 50377

COURSE OVERVIEW:

    Social change is a story of hope (or despair) and achievement (or loss), depending on your perspective and context. The course provides in-depth knowledge about sociological theories and concepts relating to social change and about key aspects of processes of social change in modern societies. We will ask, what do sociologists mean by social change? Are we losing, gaining, staying the same or oscillating?  What causes social change? How do large-scale changes affect us individually? Who controls such change and to what extent? and What if no one is at the wheel? The very idea of social change applies to all spheres of social life from the family to the global economic system.  In this seminar we will focus, in particular, on how technology, social movements, war, corporations, and states relates to change in these areas. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

When students have successfully completed this course, they should be able to:

• Remember how different thinkers have theorized social change
• Analyze how their individual experiences have been shaped by social change and connect those experiences to the processes and theories
• Evaluate and apply sociological explanations of social change using historical and contemporary data
• Use the knowledge gained and actions taken in this course to identify their own areas of future exploration in relation to their life goals as change agents

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

Harper, Charles L. and Kevin T. Leicht. 2019. Exploring Social Change: America and the World. New York: Routledge.

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

To give us the most flexibility given the COVID-19 pandemic, this course will be offered asynchronously. I will record online video lectures that you can watch when you have time in your schedule. This 3-credit hour course will require approximately three hours of direct faculty instruction each week through online video lectures that you can watch when you have time in your schedule. 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, written assignments, and studying for quizzes. 

EVALUATION AND GRADING:

Assignments. (10% of grade). There will be at least two assignments. These will count 10% each toward your final grade.  

Exams (60% of final grade). There will be three exams (20% of grade each).  Each exam will cover a third of the course.  

Term Paper (30% of the final grade). A term paper is required of each student. Explore an area of interest to you within social change. I strongly urge you to begin thinking about this paper and begin work on it as soon as possible.  The term paper topic must be approved.  Approval is secured after submission of an 

GRADING SCALE:

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY:

Due dates for every assignment are provided above. Unless otherwise stated, assignments are due on those days. However, I recognize that sometimes "life happens." In these instances, you may use your allotted two flex days. These days allow you to submit an assignment up to two days late without penalty. You can use these days for any assignment and for any reason. You do not need to provide me with the reason: simply email me and tell me how many of your flex days you would like to use. 

Once you have exhausted your flex days, then point deductions will occur for any assignment submitted after the deadline. An assignment submitted within 24 hours after the due date will only be eligible for 97 percent of the maximum number of points allotted. Each additional 24 hour period will reduce the maximum total points by 3 (2 days = 94 percent max, 3 days = 91 percent max, etc.). If you experience extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing assignments on time, please contact let me know before the due date whenever possible. Examples of extenuating circumstances where grace can be given may include but are not limited to: personal/family member hospitalization, death in the immediate family, weather/environmental evacuation due to fire/hurricane, or active military assignment where internet connectivity is unavailable for a limited time period. General computer-related issues and internet connectivity issues are usually not considered extenuating circumstances. Please ensure the technology you are using is compatible with Blackboard's technology requirements and contact IT if you experience any problems with Blackboard.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE:

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

COURSE NORMS:

• 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 the 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'll be in my office on MWF, but I'm teaching several classes back-to-back-to-back those days. The best way to reach me is 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. If you earn an F, your last date of attendance will be reported to the United Stated Department of Education. If this date is at or before the 60% point of the term (in this semester, October 23), 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 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 Title IX Sexual Misconduct/Assault Policy (#0.2070) 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, Andrea Anderson, 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!