Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice

CRJ 3600 Section 001 Social Statistics (cross-listed also as SOC & SWK 3600-001)

Instructor: Dr. Fran FullerSemester: Fall, 2008
Class Location: Rm 136 Sampson (New Classroom Bldg, North of Dial) Time: Section 001: T,TH 8:00-9:15 am

Office Hours: MW 10:00-10:30am; T,Th 9:30-11:30 am, & by Appointment Call 910-733-5317

Office Hours: MW 10:00-10:30am; T,Th 9:30-11:30 am, & by Appointment Call 910-733-5317">

Description
NOTE: This course outline is revised for the semester opening Fall, 2008, and additional revisions may be made. Changes after Aug 20, 2008, will be discussed in class before they are made. F. Fuller, June 30, 2008.
Classroom Security Policy Statement added October 18, 2008, after class discussion.

From the UNCP Catalog:
CRJ 3600. Social Statistics (SOC 3600/SWK 3600)
An introduction to statistical analysis. Focus is on the process of determining the appropriate statistical techniques, the uses of those techniques, and on the process of the proper interpretation of statistical results. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREQ: MAT 1050 or permission of the instructor.

Class focus for the semester: These crosslisted sections CRJ/SOC/SWK 3600-001 Fall ’08 (CRJ CRN 10057), (SOC CRN 10058), and (SWK CRN 10059) are all one class, designed for students in social science majors where passing statistics is a requirement for graduation. These students may or may not be confident of their own mathematical abilities, but they realize their challenge is more than passing the course. Through other course work and life experience they have come to realize they will be accountable in the future for understanding and applying basic statistical procedures and interpretations, either on the job or in further studies. Students already have (or learn on their own) word processing computer skills and computer system operation skills. Students are ready for the introduction of spread sheets and statistical software and plan to master the fundamentals of chart and table graphics. Students look forward to revisiting basic math facts and arithmetic processes as a part of the course.

Class methods for the semester: CRJ/SOC/SWK 3600-001 Fall ’08 (CRJ CRN 10057; SOC CRN 10058; SWK CRN 10059) meets face-to-face for 75 minutes two days a week for the sixteen week semester, plus a two & one-half hour final exam period in week seventeen. Class attendance is required. Class activities include lecture, in-class discussion, “friendly quizzes,” and student interaction on selected data management projects. Class preparation and follow-up, through reading the assigned text, and through online Blackboard participation is expected. Students are encouraged to assist each other throughout the semester. All grading is for individual accomplishment.

Goals
Students will develop a new self confidence in their ability to interact with mathematically based information and make methodological decisions fundamental to research in the social sciences.

Objectives
(1) To understand basic statistical notation and calculations, particularly for measures of central tendency and hypothesis testing.
(2) To be familiar with computer generated statistical output, particularly the spreadsheet Excel and the statistical package SPSS for Windows.
(3) To be conversant with basic concepts in statistics and their application in research design, data collection, preparation of charts and graphs, and standardized testing.
(4) To easily recognize and interpret these particular statistics: mean, median, mode, quartiles, z-scores, standard deviations, correlations, P-values, chi-square, gamma and regression coefficients.
(5) To understand how statistical analysis is incorporated into the overall scientific research process.

Course Materials
Textbook(s)
Caldwell, Sally. 2007. Statistics Unplugged. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. Required.

Fuller, Fran Haga. 2006. Invisible Action: Proof vs Probability, Habeas Corpus, and Waco. Southern Pines, NC: Carolinas Press. Required.

Any other basic statistics textbook, your choice. Pick one that you can read, mark up, and keep for reference. A used stats text someone gives you is fine. An old text is fine. Requirement is that you plan to keep it forever. Required.
Other
Calculator. Required. Each student needs their own basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) calculator. If your calculator will do square roots, it is sufficient.

One 1/2" three-ring looseleaf notebooks (required)and several plain manila file folders. wilsonjones transparent dividers (optional), but you will need dividers of some kind. Manila file folders, perhaps as many as three.

Course Resource Links
Schedule
BraveWeb (http://braveweb.uncp.edu)
Blackboard (http://courses.uncp.edu)
Need an UNCP computer/email account?
UNCP Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice
UNCP Sampson-Livermore Library Electronic Resources
Index of /home/fuller/FullerShows/

Grading Policy
Grades will be posted on Blackboard as they are earned, and to BraveWeb for midterm and final course grades. Each student is responsible for contacting the instructor if they believe a mistake has been made in the grading.

Grade Components
 Name 
 Weight 
  Subject
Class/Computer Lab participation
40%
 (Includes in-class quizzes, class exercises and computer assignments.)
Notebooks
30%
 Inadequate notebooks will not be accepted. Notebook Grading Criteria.
***Final Exam***
30%
 "M-KAT" Format. Comprehensive, based on on-line "Friendly Quiz" questions, practical computer skills, and statistical analysis following "The 12 Steps."
Thursday Dec 11, 2008, 8am -10:30am

Final Grades
 A: 92-100 (4.0QP)  B+: 87-89 (3.3QP)  C+: 77-79 (2.3QP)  D+: 67-69 (1.3QP)  F: 0-59 (0QP)  
 A-: 90-91 (3.7QP)  B: 82-86 (3.0QP)  C: 72-76 (2.0QP)  D: 62.66 (1.0QP)      
     B-: 80-81 (2.7QP)  C-: 70-71 (1.7QP)  D-: 60-61 (.7QP)      

Attendance Policy
Class attendance and participation is expected. Two points will be subtracted from your final grade for any day missed. One point may be subtracted from your final grade for any day you reported late to class. This policy will be relaxed if you suffer an extended illness of your own.

Time expectation: At least the very minimum of one hour of preparation/study time outside of class for every scheduled class hour.

Absences: All absences are assumed to be for personal reasons and students are expected to consult with classmates for notes, review video tapes missed, complete assignments, make up assignments, and otherwise be aware of all material missed.

Proof of Studies: Students are expected to spend a minimum of one hour outside of class in preparation for each meeting of the class. Students may spend study time reading, taking reading notes, working problems, preparing class assignments, on-line with Blackboard or with directed websearches (confirmed with websearch logs), reworking and expanding classnotes, preparing flashcards to study important vocabulary, reviewing class "friendly quizzes," or in communication with each other. Students will document their studies with a personal journal recording the time and date, their activity, and citation notations, plus a counter-signature. Points for class absences may be restored when selected journal entries and study output are formally presented to the class within three class meetings after the class or classes missed, or later. Points deducted for tardy arrivals and early departures may be restored with similar presentation of proof of studies.

Procedure to re-gain points lost due to class absences for any reason: In a timely manner present Proof of Studies specific to the days missed. Should be on the topics covered in class and in a format suitable for sharing with classmates who missed your class presence. Formats may include oral reports, essays, vocabulary flashcards, chapter exercises, powerpoint presentations, handouts shared electronically or on paper. Material presented should be substantial enough to demonstrate at least two, if not three hours, of your work so as to be proof of your studies in lieu of class attendance for any reason. Proof of studies will always be presented in class in a 1/2 inch loose leaf binder (small), or plastic zip bag in the case of flashcards, for open class inspection, and will include a daily journal of how you spent your time devoted to your studies for this class.

Students failing the course at midterm due to non-attendance and non-participation are expected to contact the instructor prior to Oct 20, 2008, for guidance as to the advisability of their continuing in the course.

Student Conduct & Honor Code
Students will read and adhere to The UNCP Student Honor Code. This should be a direct link to The Student Honor Code .

Our academic honor code applies, in its entirety, to all aspects of the course. See UNC Pembroke Catalog, p. 47. In the online pdf version, scroll down to page 47. The code concludes with advice to instructors: "Students have the responsibility to know and observe the UNCP Academic Honor Code" (p. 50).

Students will read and adhere to UNCP Student Honor Code. After reading the Honor Code, please email fran.fuller@uncp.edu to let me know whether or not you have (1) read the Honor Code, (2) have any questions about any part of it, and (3) agree or disagree with any portions of it. Thank you.

Other Information
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first week) as possible. ACCOMODATIONS PROCESS LINK. .

All discussions with Disability Support Services will remain confidential. Please contact Disability Support Services, UNC Pembroke. DF Lowry Building, or call 910-521-6695 for an appointment.

This web-based publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, Room 197, or call 521-6695.

Contact Information
Office Tel: 910-521-6473. University Mailing Address: Dr. Fran Fuller, UNC-P, Box 1510, Pembroke NC 28372

Name change alert! Dr. Fuller was Dr. Haga until her marriage December 16, 2001 to Fred Fuller. The Fullers reside in Pembroke, North Carolina. Dr. Fuller can be reached at your convenience at 910-733-5317.

UNDERGRADUATE GRADE APPEAL PROCESS
4-3. 13. Abbreviated from the UNC Pembroke Faculty Handbook : Undergraduate students may appeal a final course grade. The appeal process must be initiated by the student within thirty (30) calender days after the first day of class of the regular semester following the award of the grade. The appeal process is summarized below.

Step 1
An undergraduate student who wishes to appeal a final course grade must first attempt to resolve the matter by meeting with the instructor involved....

Step 2
If a student fails to reach a satisfactory solution in consultation with the instructor, or if it is impractical to consult with the instructor, the student should seek the assistance of the Faculty Conciliator within fifteen (15) calendar days of the meeting with the instructor or within thirty (30) calendar days after the first day of class of the semester following the award of the grade. The Faculty Conciliator's role is to advise, guide, and document the student's progress through the Appeal Process....

Step 3
Within five (5) calendar days of the initial meeting with the student, the Conciliator must arrange a meeting with the student, the instructor, and the chair of the department.... If the student is still dissatisfied after this meeting, such student may then elect to file a formal appeal within fifteen (15) calendar days of the meeting.

Step 4
To file a formal appeal, the student must submit a written appeal statement to the Conciliator who will forward it to the Chairperson of the Campus Hearing Board. The written appeal must be specific, relevant, and concise, explaining precisely the student's justification for the grade appeal. The burden of proof will be on the student...

Step 5
The Campus Hearing Board has authority to screen out frivolous or unsubstantiated claims. The Chairperson will notify the Conciliator, the faculty member, the student and the departmental chair (or Vice Chancellor) in writing, explaining why the committee found a student claim sufficient or insufficient and, in the event of a sufficient claim, of the date of the appeal hearing.

Step 6
The chairperson of the Campus Hearing Board shall convene a meeting of the board at least once a semester, unless no sufficient appeals are forthcoming. In a closed hearing, the student shall produce documents and other relevant evidence to substantiate his or her claims. The student may address only those issues that are described in the appeal statement.... The Board shall issue its decision within seven (7) calendar days of the hearing.

Step 7
Once the Campus Hearing Board reaches its decision, the following persons will be notified in writing about the findings of the Board: the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the chair in the appropriate department, the faculty member, the Conciliator, and the student.

If the Board finds the original course grade to be inappropriate, the Board will recommend that the faculty member recalculate the grade and make the appropriate change in Registrar's Office within five (5) calendar days. Should the faculty member be unwilling or unable to do so, the Board will recalculate the grade and make the change in the Registrar's Office. The resulting grade is final and may not be further appealed.

Other Information
Policy (Fuller) in Regard to Classroom and Personal Security: Issues concerning current events and matters touching on classroom safety and personal security are always part of a curriculum in Sociology and Criminal Justice. These matters and any pertinent classroom procedures will be handled as they arise. Pertinent procedures will be announced in class discussion. Students are encouraged to remember that classroom procedures vary widely in the University setting and students, as adults responsible for their own safety and security, are free to enter and leave the classroom as their personal needs dictate.

Additional Links of Interest
Blackboard Login

Updated October 18, 2008 | fran.fuller@uncp.edu | Copyright © 2008 The University of North Carolina at Pembroke