Ragin, C. C (1994). Constructing social research. Pine Forge Press: Thousand Oaks, CA. ISBN 0-8039-9021-9 

Lomand, T.C. (2002). Social science research, 3rd. ed. Pyrczak Publishing:  Los Angeles, CA. ISBN1-884585-36-1

Patten, M.L.  (2004). Understanding research methods, 4th. ed. Pyrczak Publishing:  Los Angeles, CA. ISBN1-884585-52-3

Other handouts, readings, and webpages to be distributed in class or on the web.

Prerequisites:

Email: Email and frequent access to Blackboard are requirements for this course. You will need to check your email and Blackboard 24 hours prior to each class meeting time.  

Course Description

     This course surveys the major theories, principles, and methodologies applied to scientific thinking. We will examine both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection an data analysis from the perspectives of sociology, anthropology, and psychology.   The course will follow a lecture/discussion format. Classroom activities, films and brief presentations may also be used. Questions are encouraged. As a courtesy to other students, please turn off cell phones and beepers during class.

Course Objectives

     By the end of the semester, students will be able to: identify and explain the different approaches to measurement; identify and apply different techniques of data collection for each approach; compare and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each; write surveys; design experiments; conduct fieldwork; conduct interviews; analyze quantitative data; analyze qualitative data; code both qualitative and quantitative data; translate data into English language statements about social phenomena; critically evaluate research reports; write research reports; draw valid conclusions from data; explain these conclusions; generalize from particular cases; and deal with uncertainty and probability. 

Attendance
    Attendance is required.  More than one unexcused absence will lower your grade. No exceptions.  Sleeping in class is counted as an absence. Leaving early from class counts as an absence.

Evaluation
     Evaluation is based on the course objectives.   These objectives will be met by completing assignments, quizzes, in-class activities, a final exam as well as active participation and class attendance. 

Quizzes  and On-Line Assessments (40%)
      There will be several quizzes throughout the semester given during the first fifteen minutes of class on assigned dates. If you are late, you will not be able to take the quiz. These quizzes will focus on class lecture, discussion, in-class presentations, guest speakers, movies and the assigned reading. Quizzes will have both multiple choice and short answer components. Answers to the quizzes will be posted on the Blackboard. 
     There will be a few online assessments due in blackboard one hour before class on the assigned dates. These assessments will be based on the assigned readings. Their format will be just like the quizzes, except that they will only be available through the online assessment tool during the 24 hours prior to class. Once they expire, they are gone. Absolutely No Makeup Quizzes or Assessments
Final Exam (25%)
       There will be one final exam during the final exam period.  The final exam will be cumulative Absolutely no make-up exams.
Assignments (25%). 
     Throughout the semester we  will give assignments to sharpen and enhance your research  and thinking skills.  Some of these assignments include critiquing  research methods, analyzing data on SPSS, doing literature reviews, reading and commenting on primary source material, and writing up research in APA style. Assignments will be due about every other class period.
Class participation/In-class assignments (10%)
     Contributions to discussion, thoughtful responses to homework and in class assignments, rapt attention, good attendance (no more than one absence -- "excused" or otherwise), actual (even feigned) interest in the course material, thoughtful comment, turntaking, and playing off of other students' comments are all encouraged. Class "dis-participation" (disrespect for other students, leaving beepers or cell phones during class [and/or answering them], wandering out for a snack or to make phone calls, eating gross/crunchy things in class, chronic lateness, private conversations with a neighbor while others are speaking etc.) can not be tolerated.

Grading will be on a traditional grading scale where 88-89.9 is a B+, 90-92 is an A-,  93 or above is an A and so on.

Communication
     Communication is essential to the learning process. If the question is brief, email is the most efficient method of contact.  Communication between students is strongly encouraged.  The first day of class you should get two students' phone numbers and email addresses so that you may collaborate on course notes and have a study partner.

Make-ups, Extensions & Incompletes
     Make-ups and extensions are only available in extreme circumstances. A blackboard systems crash is not grounds for an extension, unless the system is down for days at a time. A note from your doctor or your auto mechanic does not constitute an extreme circumstance. To receive full credit for missed work, or to receive permission for absences, you must have a note from the Dean of Students. Athletes who miss class due to travel must provide appropriate documentation, and hand in all assigned work, before  the date of the absence. Incompletes: Neither I nor the department encourage incompletes. You can not get an incomplete from us without prior approval from the office of the Dean of students. Failure to show up for the final exam = F for the course, not Incomplete. The date, time and location of the final exam is indicated in the course schedule.

Important Withdrawal Dates:   9/9 last day for 100% refund for withdrawal from a course; 10/7 last day for 50% refund for withdrawal from a course; 10/21 last day to academically withdraw from course (no refund). 

Academic Honesty
     It is expected that all work handed in for this class is based upon your learning and personal effort. Violations of academic integrity, including cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and lying, can not be tolerated. Please familiarize yourself with the University's Academic Honesty Policy. 

Course Schedule
This schedule is a general outline and is subject to change.