Elements of Sociological Research
Sociology 312 – Spring 2003
Curtis R. Blakely, Ed.S.
Office: Faner 3429
Phone: 453-2494
email: rickyb103@aol.com
Meeting Place/Times:
Required Textbook:
Course Description:
Course Objectives:

Faner 1230 – T/TH
Office Hours: T/TH 1 – 3:15pm
Or by Appointment
3:35 pm – 5:15 pm
Therese L. Baker's Doing Social Research (3rd ed.)

The student is introduced to a variety of research methods in the social sciences including use of the library, techniques of observation, and elementary steps in quantitative/qualitative measurements and analyses.
To introduce students to a variety of quantitative and qualitative social research methods and to explore the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Grading:
To provide hands-on experience in the collection, analysis, and presentation of data.
To familiarize students with ethical concerns associated with scientific research.
This course will be graded on a standard one hundred-point scale. Therefore, an " A " will be awarded to those receiving 90-100 points, a "B" will be awarded to those receiving 80-89 points, a "C" will be awarded to those receiving 70-79 points, a "D" will be given to those receiving 60-69 points, and an "F" will be given to those receiving 59 points or below.
There will be two exams, a midterm and a final. Exam one will count for 25% of your final course grade. Exam two will count for 30% of your final course grade. These exams will be fill in the blank, matching and essay. They will be specifically designed to ensure that each student has a firm grasp on methodology and key terms and concepts. A review session will proceed each exam.
Total points possible on exams -55.

Attendance:
There will also be 5 assignments/quizzes each worth 5 points.
Total points possible on assignments/quizzes -25.
Class attendance is mandatory. Attendance will be taken during each class session. Any student having more than 3 unexcused absences will have his/her final course grade lowered one letter grade. Therefore, an "A" would become a "B"; a "B" would become a "C", and so on. If you must miss class, either email or phone so that I will be aware of the situation.

All cell phones must be turned off prior to start of class – and no children or other guests without instructor’s approval.

Tentative Schedule:
Week 1: Chapter 1
Week 2: Chapter 2 and Chapter 14
Week 3: Review and Summation - Chapts. 1, 2 & 14; Quiz covering chapters 1, 2 & 14
Week 4: Chapter 3
Week 5: Chapter 4
Week 6: Review and summation of Chapts. 3 and 4
Week 7: Assignment 1; Chapter 5 and 6
Week 8: Chapts. 7 & 8; Quiz 2
Week 9: 14 & 16 – Spring Break
There will be a group project that will count for 20% of your final course grade. This project will include developing a research topic and question, conducting a literature review, forming a hypothesis statement for testing, collecting and analyzing the data, presenting this information in paper format (paper is to be no less than 15 pages in length), and orally presenting findings during class session. The group oral presentation will be approximately 15 minutes in length. Total points possible on group project -20.
Week 10: Chapter 9; Exam 1; Assignment 2
Week 11: Test and Assignment returned and reviewed – Miscellaneous information and preparation for second portion of semester – including introduction to upcoming chapters and assignments; Group work begins.
Week 12: Chapter 10
Week 13: Chapter 11

Week 14: Assignment 3; Review/summation of chapts. 10 and 11;
Chapter 13
Week 15: Chapts. 12,13,14
Week 16: Chapter 15; Review; Group Projects & Presentations

Week 17: Finals