Instructor: Mark K. Whyte  USE ETUDES email when taking the class online. 
  Phone: (661) 835-7335

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ARE YOU ENROLLED YET??  If not click here and go to Taft College Distance learning and call the Toll free # (there are other helpful Tele. #s there also).

VERY IMPORTANT PREFACE:   I’m glad you are in class!  Let me remind you that you are in charge of your grade – but it will require diligence and discipline on your part to earn it.  Do not slow down or slack off.  And if you do choose to slack off, do NOT expect me to be flexible with you.  Do your work, follow ALL my instructions below, and you will do well.  Otherwise you WILL do poorly and that will be your problem, not mine.  If you have a schedule problem that will slow down your submissions for the week - Contact me in advance by phone or email NOT after the fact (unless it is a genuine emergency situation).  I expect all your work to be submitted on time (even if you have other classes).

Over the years, I've heard some interesting rationalizations like:

"I don't have my book yet" - Answer:  If you don't have your book within the first 2 weeks of class - drop the class. 

"I have other classes too" - Answer:  Yes, and welcome to the world of juggling more than one thing at a time.  You can do it!

Here is the bottom line:  Online classes are REAL classes.  The credit is the same, the transferability is the same, and the work is the same EXCEPT that they take a bit more personal discipline to stay on top of them.  95% of all my students treat these classes with the respect that they deserve - but on occasion a student will treat it as though - they will get to it when they get around to it  - and then expect me to flex with their sloth.  Don't do that! You would not treat a regular class on campus that way, so don't even begin to do the same thing here!  In the syllabus, there are severe penalties for NOT submitting assignments or discussions - All you have to do to avoid those penalties is to submit the assignments on time. 

Having said all of that, I WILL gladly help you if you need help - I want you to learn and thrive in the class.  So discipline yourself to learn, and when you need help, contact me first thru the ETUDES email (if you're online) or Taft College email (if you're not using Etudes) or by phone.  But DO NOT wait till the last minute to ask for help!

NOTE on Grades: I grade based on the quality of your work. In order to do well, it is essential to do all of the reading, to do it on time and take note of what is said in all other forums in which the class takes place. Make every effort to keep up with the reading. The readings should be completed by the end of each week/module.

In order to get the best possible grade, it is suggested that you do NOT simply restate the obvious in your assignments.  You are familiar with many or most of the subjects that we will talk about. If you use tired ideas, and worn out clichés when submitting your assignments, they will get graded accordingly.  It is possible to take a common subject and bring new life to it, by research, interviews with others in the field etc. -- To do so, will sharpen you intellectually AND better your grade in this class. 

Work hard, learn a lot and remember that YOU are in charge of your grade. Realize, that there is and always will be a certain amount of subjectivity with ALL instructors when it comes to grading - in fact - LET IT BE KNOWN: "I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO BE SUBJECTIVE - BUT FAIR IN MY GRADING" - just as ALL other instructors do (though perhaps they don't always tell you that fact).  BUT you are still the one who must choose to work hard and learn and then you will get the maximum points available.  AND if you work hard, learn a lot, and follow the instructions for a given assignment - YOU WILL do well!!!

*** You are NOT expected to agree with me, my ideas, or my worldview.  You will NEVER be graded down if you disagree.  I simply expect an open mind willing to learn and perhaps change.  BUT, if you disagree, be sure that you base your position on facts not emotions and outline clearly, why you see a position differently. (See Appendix A)

Grades: (Rule of Thumb:)   See Appendix B concerning grades  An "A" grade is an excellent score - a "hall of fame" score, one which states that a student has a mastery of a particular material.   A "B" grade is given for work that is very solid, and above average.  Clear and good thought is obvious in the submitted material.     A "C" grade is given when it is deemed that the work is acceptable but generally average in quality.   A "D" grade is below average, and shows a lack of clear thought and focus in the assignment.

In ETUDES, Check your Assignment Desk section for actual assignments)

FOC/Observation Journal: This is an integral part of research for the class.  For each module (8 total), you will submit sociological observations on topics from the class. Further instructions will be given.

Final Exam:  Tests cover the assigned reading, lecture and visual materials for that section only. The final is short answer and term identifications.  The tests are "open book" unless otherwise stated.  The final exam is comprehensive and is "open book".   Tests may NOT be taken early (without consulting the instructor) and if taken late a 10% reduction in grade is automatic.  If taken more than 7 days late, a 25% reduction will occur. 

Make-up Exam Policy:  The individual student needs to explain to the instructor the reason for absence from any tests given.  Only serious and unavoidable excuses will be accepted.  Failure to provide adequate explanation may result in a zero on the exam missed.

Assignment duplication:  See the honesty section below!!

The following is a description of my teaching postures 
for this class and its related research projects.

• Assignments:  You will be asked to complete frequent small assignments rather than large assignments.  At times they may seem to come at you all at once but they are designed so that you will not become overwhelmed by the load.  Hang in there - you will get through this class, enjoy the content and be better for it!!
  

• Much of the class is centered on "community research".  I require the student to collect sociological data from both assigned and self-initiated topics for the length of each period of study (semester).  Students are usually at very different skill levels, and each must work to improve their observational research skills against traditional standards.  Observational research requires self-motivation by the students to become active listeners and observers and then to explain your research in short writing assignments. The course is centered around student projects and their many facets. The environment is very loose.  
  

• I teach under the firm belief that data/information collection alone is useless. Data must be related to current sociological and cultural trends. The research for this class requires you as a student to relate your data from one or more sociological and cultural categories and are designed to make you think and broaden your skill level - skills that will serve you well throughout your life.  
  
• Discussion and interaction dominates the assignments.  I use email and discussion groups to discuss related topics.  Students are invited to dialogue with the rest of the class at their own convenience.

It is my intent to supply an environment that fosters clear and critical thinking, self-analysis, and the sharing of knowledge.  Many of you will not be Sociology majors, but you will succeed in this class and be sharper in your analysis and research skills as you proceed through the assignments.  

Press ahead, be diligent and enjoy the process!!!