Spring 2009

SOC 317M • Intro to Social Research

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to teach basic research skills. You can use these skills in a wide variety of settings (not just the ivory towers of academia). Specifically, students will learn
1) basic research approaches
2) how to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches
3) how to apply these methods to a research problem.
To achieve these goals this course takes a

Grading Policy

Course Grades are calculated as a weighted average of grades on assignments, papers, and exams.
3 Quizzes:
Analysis paper 15%
Design Paper 25%
(Optional first draft )
Assignments 20%
(There will be approximately 7. You may drop one. All assignments should be word processed unless instructed otherwise.)

Note: All late assignments will receive a grade of 0. If (for any reason) you are unable to complete one assignment on time you may drop this assignment grade. However, you must complete all assignments. If you do not turn in all assignments by December 7th, I will assign you a letter grade one lower than you would have received otherwise. Note Also: Class attendance is required. Excessive absences will result in a lower grade.

Texts

Schutt, Russell K., Investigating the Social World, Fifth Edition, Pine Forge Press, 2006

back