My name is Frank Ha and this is the fully online version of the Introduction to Sociology (Sociology 201A) course that I teach. If you have never taken an online course or used Canvas, you will need a few hours to get familiar with the structure. You will be able to log on to Canvas (our learning management system that we will be using) on the first day of class, Monday, August 17.
Prior to the first day of class, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.
Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the directions on the course home page.
Wait list procedure
If you are on the wait list, please read the
college wait list procedure. If you are number 10 or lower (1 through 10) on the wait list on the first day of class, you will be sent an add code in the morning. YOU MUST ADD THE CLASS BEFORE THE END OF THE DAY.
Logging on to Canvas
This online course will be using Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Online Learning
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required.
This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings.
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
First, go to the Online Readiness ResourcesLinks to an external site. page to take a "self-assessment.” There are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)
Contact information
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Office phone: 805-546-3100 ext. 2679
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Email: fha@cuesta.edu. (Best way contact me. I will generally respond within 24 hours on weekdays. Expect longer response times on weekends, holidays, and during the summer session. Make sure you tell me your name and what section you are in.)
- Office: Building 6200, Room 6213
- Fall 2020 hours: TBA
Problems logging on?:
If you are having problems logging on, go to Cuesta Technical Support for information on how to get help. You can also try calling the Help Desk in the Computer Lab, room 3400. Their phone number is 546-3100 ext: 2802. If no one is there, send an email to support@my.cuesta.edu.
Required textbook
Giddens, Anthony et al. 2019. Essentials of Sociology. 7th ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Company
The above textbook is required. The textbook is available at the campus bookstore.
InQuizitive is not required but is recommended. If you want to do the InQuizitive exercises, you will need an InQuizitive registration code. If you bought a new book or ebook, the registration code should come with the book or ebook. If you have a used book, you need to purchase a registration code. Instructions on how to use the code or purchase a code is found in Canvas.
Also, if you score 100 points on all Inquizitive assignments, and you have completed all other quizzes and assignments, and you are below a C, I will consider raising your grade to a C.
Course description and objectives
Introduces the basic principles of sociology including the study of the structure of human society, and group life. Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 156. Transfer: CSU; UC. (Formerly SOC1A)
Student learning outcomes
- Demonstrate that I have the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the study of sociology.
- Use critical thinking and perceptive reading skills
- Use my skills for sociological analysis
- Show an understanding of concepts, language, and definitions sociologists use to interpret their vision of social life.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method.
- Analyze social events using major sociological perspectives.
Course requirements
Module timed quizzes = 40 percent
Timed essays/Assignments = 50 percent
Module discussions = 10 percent
Inquizitive = 0 percent (no longer required but recommended; also if you score 100 points on all Inquizitive assignments, and you have completed all other quizzes and assignments, and you are below a C, I will consider raising your grade to a C)
The scale below will be used when calculating your final grade
A 90 percent and above
B 80 to 89 percent
C 67 to 79 percent
D 55 to 66 percent
F 54 percent and below
I reserve the right to modify the grade scale when computing final letter grades to account for the level of difficulty of the course. I will not modify the scale to your disadvantage.
Instructor-initiated dropping of students who do not log on to Canvas by Sunday, August 23 at 11:59 pm:
Students who have not logged on to Canvas by Sunday, August 23 at 11:59 pm may be dropped from the course unless the student contacts the instructor before that day. If you do plan dropping the course, you must drop by yourself. It is the student’s responsibility to drop if you do not plan on taking this course.
Dropping the course
It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a class by the withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: If you drop this class after the last day to drop without a "W," you will receive a "W" on your transcript. All courses in which you earn a grade of "D", "F", "NP" and/or "W" are counted as "unsatisfactory" attempts to successfully complete the course. You are only allowed 3 attempts to repeat courses for which you receive an "unsatisfactory" grade. A "W" on your transcript will count as an "unsatisfactory" attempt to successfully complete the course.
Academic integrity
Cheating is absolutely not tolerated. You are encouraged to study together for the quizzes. You are encouraged to discuss assignments with others, but you cannot work on the assignment together. Assignments should be written completely independently. Plagiarism will result in a zero for that assignment, at minimum. Also, asking someone who has taken an exam before you have about the content of the exam or receiving information about an exam that you have not yet taken is prohibited. After taking the exam, please to do not discuss the exam with anyone who has not already taken the exam. Do not post or share the questions with anyone or anywhere. For more information on the college's policy regarding cheating refer to the Cuesta College Student Code of Conduct.
Students with disabilities
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) or the instructor as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. The DSPS phone number is 546-3148, and they are located in the Academic Support Center, Building 3300.
Student computer competency requirements
Students are expected to know how to use a computer and use an internet browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.
Computer requirements
Browser requirements and minimum computer specifications can be found here.
College Support Services
- Tutorial services are provided to students and can be found at the following link: Tutorial Services.
Help and Technical Support
- If the Cuesta server goes down or the power is out, you are still responsible for accessing the course. When this happens, you can access the class through here
- If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
- If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
- Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications.
- For all other issues related to the course or course content, please email me.
Course and College Policies
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Authentication policy: Authenticating student identity will be conducted through the use of the Learning Management System, Canvas. Canvas requires each student to log into the program using a secure login and password to access.
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Regular Effective Contact policy: Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and office hours which may be asynchronous or synchronous.
Add / Drop Policy: In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops
Netiquette and Online Course Participation
Use respectful and appropriate language in your forum discussions.
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.