UNC Pembroke Course

Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice

CRJ 3610 Section 002 -- Social Research (also cross-listed as SOC 3610-002)

Instructor: Dr. Fran Fuller Semester: Fall, 2008

Class Location: Rm 233 Sampson (New Classroom Bldg, North of Dial) Time: M,W,F 8-8:50am (Synchronized class -- SYN -- meets 50% in classroom, 50% online).

Office Hours: M,W 10-10:30am; T, Th 9:30-11:30am, and by Appointment Call 910-733-5317.

Office Hours: M,W 10-10:30am; T, Th 9:30-11:30am, and by Appointment Call 910-733-5317.">

Description

NOTE: This course outline is being 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. F. Fuller.

From the UNCP Catalog :
CRJ 3610. Social Research (SOC 3610) An overview of research methodology in the social sciences. The course will include survey and experimental designs, and sampling and scaling techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques of analysis will be presented. Credit: 3 semester hours.

Class focus for the semester: These crosslisted sections CRJ/SOC 3610-002 Fall ’08 (CRJ CRN 10071) and (SOC CRN 10072) are all one class, designed for students in social science majors, particulary Sociology and Criminal Justice where Social Research is a core requirement for graduation. The course is designed with the understanding that CRJ/SOC 3600 Social Statistics is a co-requisit, but there is no requirement to take either one before the other. The Social Research course focuses on research design procedures that will allow valid statistical interpretation of results. Much of the reading covers the challenges social researchers face in drawing data ethically and accurately from individuals in social contexts. Through other course work and life experience, as well as in their study for this course students come to realize they will be accountable in the future for understanding and applying basic social research methods 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 presentational tools, including the online course environment Blackboard (Bb), where other software applications can be shared, for instance, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and statistical software. Students plan to master the fundamentals of chart and table graphics displays. Students look forward to revisiting or meeting basic statistical intepretation as a part of the course.

Class methods for the semester: CRJ/SOC 3610-002 Fall ’08 (CRJ CRN 10071; SOC CRN 10072) meets 50% face-to-face and 50% online through Blackboard (see Course Schedule, linked here, and also below) following a M,W,F schedule for 43 fifty-minute class meetings during the sixteen week semester, plus a face-to-face meeting for two & one-half hour final exam period in week seventeen. Class attendance face-to-face and online is required and graded. Class activities include lecture, in-class discussion, “friendly quizzes,” and student development and presentation of research designs. 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

To provide UNCP students well grounded in their major areas with a sound foundation for the practice of social research in both academic and applied fields.

Objectives

To provide a thorough grounding in social research methods so that students are able:

(1) To possess and demonstrate formal documentation skills, demonstrated with their classnotes, reading notes, course reference pages, and steady participation in on-line interaction through course work on Blackboard .

(2) To understand and communicate with the formal language of social research design, as demonstrated with Blackboard exchanges, and quality of the final product, the student's research design as presented to the class within the context of both the classroom and the online environment.

(3) To demonstrate the essentials of research design, including path modeling to isolate variables of interest and to demonstrate cause and effect, statistical applications where appropriate, IRB considerations, and the rudiments of projecting a research project for a potential funding sourse, as demonstrated in the student Research Design class exercises, presentations and proposals.

(4) To understand process sequencing, time management and "billable time" in regard to the formal conduct of social research, as demonstrated with "chargeable time" records kept throughout the semester.

Course Materials

Textbook(s)

Adler, Emily Stier and Roger Clark. 2003. How It's Done: An Invitation to Social Research, 2nd Edition. Belmont, CA: Thompson-Wadsworth. ISBN 0-534-58814-X. REQUIRED.

Fuller, Fran Haga. 2006. Invisible Action: Proof vs Possibility, Habeas Corpus, and Waco. Southern Pines, NC: Carolinas Press. ISBN 1-891026-35-6. REQUIRED.

Esterberg, Kristin G. 2002. Qualitative Methods In Social Research. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-7674-1560-4. REQUIRED.

Katzer, Jeffrey, Kenneth H. Cook, and Wayne W. Crouch. 1998. 2002. Evaluating Information: A Guide for Users of Social Science Research, 4th Edition. ISBN 0-7-034309-8 REQUIRED.

Rumsey, Sally. 2004. How to Find Information: A Guide or Researchers. Berkshire, England: Open University Press. ISBN 0-335-21428-2 REQUIRED.

Other

Paul, Richard and Linda Elder. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts & Tools. Dillon Beach, CA: The Foundation for Critical Thinking. REQUIRED.

Course Resource Links

Schedule

BraveWeb (http://braveweb.uncp.edu)

Blackboard (http://blackboard.uncp.edu)

Need an UNCP computer/email account?

Shea, Virginia. 1994. Core Rules of Netiquette

UNCP Department of Sociology, Social Work & Criminal Justice

UNCP Sampson-Livermore Library Electronic Resources

UNCP Writing Center

Good APA info for students

APA in-paragraph citation style

How to write references, Fuller-style

Index of /home/fuller/FullerShows/

Strunk, William, Jr. 1918. The Elements of Style

Grading Policy

Your course grade is determined by three grades: (1) 40% Research Design Classwork and Presentation; (2) 30% Research Proposal based on your design, posted through Blackboard and (3) 30% Final Exam.

As the semester develops, grades will be posted on Blackboard as they are earned. Each student is responsible for contacting the instructor if they believe a mistake has been made in the grading.

Grade Components

Name	Weight	Subject
Research Design Process	40%	Classwork and Presentation. You apply social research concepts gained in your reading and classwork to defining and setting up the solution for a social research problem. NOTE: You design the research, you do NOT carry it out.
Research Design Proposal	30%	Using ideas and concepts developed in the research design classwork, you submit an on-line Research Design Proposal during the last two weeks of the semester. This is similar to an on-line grant application. The proposal is a class exercise, not set up for external review.
***Final Exam***	30%	Comprehensive, "M-KAT" format, following Quiz questions developed throughout the semester. M-KAT format. Comprehensive. Covers lecture material, statistical and computer applications, assigned readings in various texts, with examples from student discussions and presentations. Monday, Dec 8, 2008, 8:00am-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

This course is delivered 50% in the classroom and 50% online. Class attendance and participation is expected from all students, both in class and online. The days where face-to-face classroom attendance is expected are detailed on the Course Schedule. Penalties are imposed for any classroom day you miss, or where you are late or leave early, for any reason. Four points will be subtracted from your final grade for each classroom day missed. Two points will be subtracted from your final grade for any day you reported late to class or left early. This policy might be relaxed if you suffer an extended illness of your own.

Your virtual presence and participation is expected in addition to your face-to-face attendance. Your virtual presence, online, week-to-week, is the only part of the course that cannot be made up or excused if circumstances slow down your on-going online contacts.

Online participation is asynchronous. That means there is no requirement that everyone be logged in at the same time for some sort of group chat. However, a new week begins each Monday. It will count against your grade if any week goes by where you have not logged into appropriate Discussion Boards and posted appropriate signs of your virtual life. Total Bb contact counts to some extent, as a portion of your virtual presence is graded on the curve, i.e., in comparison to the contacts of everyone else in the class. More than one standard deviation above the mean = A, plus or minus one standard deviation from the mean = B, more than one standard deviation below the mean = C, zero = F. Virtual participation is graded week to week (not cumulative, otherwise students whose virtual participation steadily improves could never catch up.) Anyone appearing to care more about numbers of contacts, rather than quality of posts will be counseled within the context of both face-to-face and online class discussion.

Differences in student style as well as differences in previous online experience and general computer-skill aptitude will be taken into consideration. However, if you are experiencing computer-based difficulties -- such as difficulty with a new-to-you software application, difficulty with accessing UNCP computer resources, including Blackboard and UNCP email, difficulty in upload/download speed with home computers, personal computer malfunctions, difficulties with your own technical support networks, as well as personal aversions to computer based assignments -- please contact Fran Fuller at 733-5317. Maintaining computer accessibility in courses with scheduled online components (in the case of this course 50%) is the responsibility of each student enrolled, but there are many resources out there, beginning with your instructor. If you do not make me aware of your problems, I cannot help you develop alternatives. If you let time go by with no solutions, I cannot turn back the clock for you.

Procedure to re-gain points lost due to classroom absences for any reason: In a timely manner (as soon as possible following your absence, tardiness, or early departure) present to your classmates your own "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 classroom 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.

In developing your "proof of studies" remember I am not interested in any "proof of absence," the records will show you were absent, but what I am interested in is purely and simply, "proof of studies." Studying is an activity that can be done in many places and under many circumstances. In short, I cannot care where you were or what you were doing when you were not in class. I can, however, ask that you present to me and to your classmates tangible evidence that you made up for your absense with study activity that has the potential to make up to me and to them for your unavoidable lack of participation during the time you were not in class.

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 .

UNCP Honor Code is important. If you get into legal or ethical network-based trouble during the semester, you will fail the course if you drop it, and you will get a D- as a final grade if you elect to continue the course with passing work. No one in legal or ethical network-based difficulties has the option to withdraw with a "W" grade.

Students are on their honor to avoid pornographic Websites from any computer during the time they are enrolled in this class. Pornography, as a vice, is a suitable CJ content issue, and pornography as a form of human expression and communication is a legitimate research topic in Sociology. However, the ramifications of pornographic involvement for the Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Nursing professionals, combined with the opportunities for abuse provided with the Web crawling University computers, leave pornography as the one topic forbidden for exploration by students for the duration of the course. Any pornographic Website accidentally encountered should be ignored unless you believe the content is illegal, in which case your site contact should be reported to the police.

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).

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 Considerations

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.

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

Instructor: Dr. Fran Fuller	Semester: Fall, 2008
Class Location: Rm 233 Sampson (New Classroom Bldg, North of Dial)	Time: M,W,F 8-8:50am (Synchronized class -- SYN -- meets 50% in classroom, 50% online). Office Hours: M,W 10-10:30am; T, Th 9:30-11:30am, and by Appointment Call 910-733-5317.