COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT -- Jackson Community College

[David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

The following was posted to WORLD distribution on the above newsgroups:


>                         COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT
>
>     As a part of our continuing commitment to distance learning at
> Jackson Community College, I will be conducting an experimental
> course, SOC231--Principles of Sociology (a standard survey course in
> introductory sociology) during the winter semester. This course
> carries full academic credit, which may be transferred to other
> institutions, and will be conducted totally online. Based on
> enrollments and the initial response to this course, I may be
> offering other courses (including Introduction to Psychology,
> Introduction to Political Science, and more advanced courses in these
> disciplines) as online sections in the near future as well.


[...]


>                           COURSE OUTLINE
>
>     SOC231 is a traditional introductory course in the principles of
> sociology. As a survey course, the focus is on introducing the
> student to the basic nature of sociology and providing a greater
> understanding of both sociology and of society as a whole. A wide
> variety of topics will be discussed and examined, ranging from
> theoretical perspectives to practical applications. The primary
> thrust of the course will be to relate these principles to our
> society, and a great deal of time will be spent examining such
> problems as poverty, homelessness, the War on Drugs, and issues of
> race, sex, and age. Throughout the course, extensive use will be made
> of the resources available on the Internet as a learning tool. In
> particular, such resources as Usenet newsgroups, mailing lists, and
> online archives will be among the primary sources for our studies.
>
>     Grading criteria will be based on active participation, short
> essays, projects (often involving the use of Internet resources), and
> a term paper. Each element will constitute 25% of the overall grade
> and all grading will be on a flat "points accumulated"  basis, rather
> than on a class curve. Because of the unique nature of the course,
> and the difficulty of insuring impartial testing environments, no
> exams will be required. Students will be required to subscribe to
> three mailing lists, devoted respectively to student discussions,
> informational postings, and class assignments (the latter two lists
> will be moderated). Access to these mailing lists will be limited to
> students and (in the case of the second list) invited  expert
> guests. Once the JCC Internet node is fully implemented additional
> resources, including a  virtual society  implemented through an
> educational MOO may be made available for student use.
>
>     Further information, including an application for enrollment,
> may be obtained by writing me at my email address of
> adamsr () umcc umich edu, or by surface mail addressed to:
>
>     Richard A. Adams
>     Department of Social Sciences
>     McDivitt Hall
>     Jackson Community College
>     2111 Emmons Road
>     Jackson, Michigan 49201