Sociology 2061: Introduction to Social Statistics
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Classroom: Stadium 140
Summer Session M/2006
Instructor: Jade Aguilar
Office: IBS 3, Room 4 (in basement)
Email: aguilamj@colorado.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 12:30 -2:30 p.m. or by appointment
Text: Caldwell, Sally. 2005. Statistics Unplugged. Thompson and Wadsworth.
Available at the CU bookstore
Course Description
Sociology 2061 is designed to introduce you to the basic concepts that make up the backbone of quantitative sociological research. The primary goal of this course is to help you become an educated and critical consumer of both academic sociological research and statistics that are often presented as “fact” in mainstream media outlets.
Class sessions will tend to address the same general topics as the readings. You are responsible for completing the readings according to the schedule listed at the end of this syllabus and coming to class prepared to discuss readings and ask questions. From time to time, you will also be reading articles or chapters that will be either handed out in class or made available via the internet or email.
Class Attendance and Participation:
Attendance is required. I will announce the specifics of assignments, changes to the syllabus, changes to the course schedule, and give other critical information in lecture. Students are responsible for this information.
Class discussions and lectures will build upon our readings. However, some of
the material presented in class is not included in the readings. You are
responsible for this in-class material. It is important that you regularly (a)
take part in class activities, (b) ask questions, and (c) volunteer your
opinions and analyses. If you do miss class, be sure to get notes from a
classmate.
Class Policies
My philosophy is to try to be explicit, fair, and consistent when it comes to class policies. Therefore, I have described the "ground rules" of this course below in some detail. By remaining in this class, you are agreeing to these basic rules and accepting the consequences for breaking them.
1) Late Work: All assignments are due, in class, at the beginning of class on the due date. There is NO CHANCE that I will accept late work. Okay, Never Say Never: There may be some extremely good reason for missing class, if you really truly believe that your situation meets this-we can talk about it. Things I consider good reasons for granting extensions are: A serious illness of self (with Doctor’s note), close family member, or your child.
There is no exception for last minute computer, printer, or other problems. Don't wait until the last minute to write and print your work. Also, be sure to save a copy of your work for yourself.
2) Computer Requirements: You will need an email account for this class. You should plan on checking it daily.
3) Getting Assistance:
Office hours: I am available during office hours, or by appointment, to discuss readings, your work, the course, college in general, or other issues that you think I can help with.
E-mail: You can also pose questions or comments about readings, assignments, and class material by way of e-mail. I check my email often, but any questions about assignments must be sent to me earlier than the night before the due date!
Extra Help: Be sure to take advantage of the tutoring assistance available from the SASC Tutoring Center at (303)492-8761.
Other Related Information:
DISABILITY STATEMENT:
If you have a specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disability and require special accommodations, please let me know by the end of the first week of class so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Service Office in Willard 322 at 303.492.8671.
HONOR CODE:
All students of
the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic
integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include:
cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery,
and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be
reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-725-2273). Students
who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be
subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic
sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or
expulsion). Other information on the Honor
Code can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and at http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/
CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
Each day you will receive 2 points just for attending. This comes to 28 points or 6% of your grade.
You will be given 11 assignments to do in class. Each assignment will consist of several problem sets based on material covered in the book and lecture. These will be due at the end of the class period. Each assignment is worth 10 points for a total of 110 points (22% of your grade.)
There will be two in-class tests and one final exam. Any missed test will result in a score of 0 and a make-up test will be given only in the case of a documented emergency. The first test will be worth 100 points, and the second will be worth 120 points for a total of 200 points (44% of your grade).
There will be one in-class final exam which will be cumulative. A missed examination will result in a score of 0 and a make-up examination will be given only in the case of a documented emergency. The final exam is worth 142 points (28% of your grade).
Grading
Your final grade is determined by your performance on tests, class work, and the final exam. Grades are based on a percentage of 500 points as shown below:
|
Percentage |
Points |
Grade |
|
|
|
|
|
100-93 |
500-465 |
A |
|
92-90 |
464-450 |
A- |
|
89-87 |
449-435 |
B+ |
|
86-83 |
434-415 |
B |
|
82-80 |
414-400 |
B- |
|
79-77 |
399-385 |
C+ |
|
76-73 |
384-365 |
C |
|
72-70 |
364-350 |
C- |
|
69-60 |
349-300 |
D |
|
59-0 |
299-0 |
F |
Class Schedule:
May 15th (Monday): Introduction and Chapter 1
May 16th (Tuesday): Chapter 2
May 17h (Wednesday): Chapter 3
May 18th (Thursday): Chapter 4
May 19th (Friday): Chapter 5
May 22th (Monday): Review and Test #1
May 23th (Tuesday): Chapter 6
May 24th (Wednesday): Chapter 7
May 25th (Thursday): Chapter 8
May 26th (Friday): Review and Test #2
May 29th (Monday): No Class Memorial Day
May 30th (Tuesday): Chapter 9
May 31th (Wednesday): Chapter 10
June 01th (Thursday): Chapter 11
June 02nd (Friday) Review and Final Exam