This document provides an overview and instructions for students taking an online Principles of Sociology course. It discusses that the online classroom will take place through the course's Blackboard site, and will require 3-6 hours of work per week including readings, discussions, assignments and exams. It outlines where to find course materials and contact information for the instructor on Blackboard. It also provides technology requirements, course objectives to introduce sociology topics over 21 chapters, and expectations for weekly quizzes, discussions and responding to peers. Finally, it offers tips for success like budgeting time, meeting deadlines, active participation, and contacting the instructor with any questions.

1. SOC 200 (online)
Principles of Sociology
E. Mundok
Rappahannock Community College
Before we begin the
semester… let’s cover some
housekeeping items.

2. In an online classroom ….
 Your computer becomes your classroom
 Interact with fellow students and your instructor through
email and Blackboard
 Classes are intended to be more flexible and
convenient…. But not easier !
 Requires a minimum of 3-6 hours – a great deal of the
time will be spend reading.
 Includes discussions, assignments, exams … and FIRM
deadlines

3. Where to Find Things
 You will navigate the course using the buttons on the
left.
 Under the Start Here, you will find:
1. Welcome Message
2. Before You Begin & Online Learning
3. Technical Requirements or Issues
4. Getting Started with Content
 The next button, Syllabus, contains:
1. The Official Syllabus
2. Rubrics for Grading
3. Academic Policy links

4. Where to Find Things
 The next area is the Instructor Information area which
contains my contact information, including how and
when.
 The information you need for your assignments as well
as the assignments themselves will be found our
Learning Units.
 You will be directed to the discussion board from the
Learning Unit area when applicable. The Discussion
Board also has a thread started for you to ask and
answer course questions.

5. Where to Find Things
 You will find the group to which you are, or will be,
assigned under the next area, Groups.
 Journal is next. The journal function is for you to record
your personal observations or lessons learned from the
course.
 The Tools button is next containing things i.e. mail,
calendar and contacts
 And finally, Blackboard Help, which will land you on the
student help pages for Blackboard

6. Technology Skills: You should be
able to:
 Able to navigate using the Internet
 Basic Skills
 Type
 Use a mouse
 Able to Cut, Copy and Paste text
 Able to use email
 Able to attach a file

7. Your Course: SOC 200 Principles
of Sociology
 The objective of this course is to give you an
introduction to the purpose and various fields of study
associated with Sociology
 We will cover the 21 chapters contained in your
textbook. Subjects range from sociological theory to the
sociology of the elderly.
 You will complete an open book quiz and the interactive
exercises, referred to as Concept Coach, within your
book for each chapter. Chapters are assigned on a
weekly basis.

8. Your Course: SOC 200 Principles
of Sociology (continued)
 In addition to the quizzes and Concept Coach, you will
be required to respond to that week’s discussion
questions.
 You will also be required to respond to two of your peers
within the discussion.
 Please read the syllabus and assignment schedule
carefully. Print the assignment schedule.

9. Read the Syllabus !
 The syllabus explains the course organization,
the grading policy, the types of assignments &
other important information.
 You are expected to read the syllabus & know its
contents. I suggest you print & save it.
 Many questions you will be tempted to ask the
instructor in an email have already been
answered in the syllabus. However, do not hesitate to
contact me should you have a question or need clarification.

10. General Organization of the Course
 We will be reading and discussing one chapter a
week.
 You will make one initial post to that weeks’
discussion thread AND…
 You will respond to the posts of two of your
peers each week
 For every chapter you will be required to
complete an open book multiple choice quiz
(approximately 20-25 questions)
 You will complete the interactive questions,
Concept Coach, for every chapter

11. Discussion Boards/Quizzes/Tests/Papers
 This is an on-line class so your posts on the weekly
discussion boards ARE YOUR PARTICIPATION. Please
note the weight assigned to discussions for grading
in your syllabus – The discussions are very
important!
 The weekly quizzes are open book but the two
exams you will be required to take at the testing
center are not. You may not have any supplemental
material available for testing center exams.
 This is an introductory course, so the good news is
that you will not be required to author a research
paper – the bad news is that you will be required to
write a 4-5 page essay.

12. So, you have a question!
 How do you ask the instructor a question in an
online course? Some possibilities are posting to
the ‘I have a question’ thread on the discussion
board, emails, & phone calls. These have been
listed in the order of preference – that is, my
preference.
 There is a discussion thread for general questions.
It may be used for a question for me – or
sometimes students really are looking for another
student to answer their question, so feel free to ask
or answer. The relaying of personal or confidential
information should be done through email – Use
the email system within Blackboard or your VCCS
account – do not use your personal email. I cannot
be sure to whom I am conversing if I received the
email from “theswagmaster@yahoo.com).

13. When is it due?
 This is not a self-paced course. Contrary to
popular belief, most online courses are not self-
paced; their assignments have firm due dates.
The instructor sets the pace.
 Find the course calendar! Learn the due dates for
the assignments in your online course.
 Are there any penalties for lateness? Of
course…but I do not lie in wait for the stroke of
midnight just so I can assess a penalty. If you’ve
had an emergency, tell me. Just do not have an
emergency every week.

14. Calendars, late penalties, papers
… etc.
Please do not submit
work late. Read your
syllabus ! Pay attention
to the calendar. The
due dates are
generated by BB from
the assignments I
create.

15. I wrote it;
now how do I turn it in?
 “Can’t I just send it or upload it as an email
attachment?” The short answer is “no”.
 You do not have homework in the
traditional/high school sense. Your weekly
work is to read/view and reply to the
discussion questions.
 You only have one written assignment that
will be turned in as a Word Document by
uploading it in the Assignment area of
Blackboard

16. Mystery Emails & Filenames!?
Want credit for your work? Name your files
in a recognizable way:
If you are getting ready to upload your essay, identify yourself in the name
of the file.
CORRECT WAY: MUNDOK ESSAY POVERTY.DOC
INCORRECT WAY: POVERTY.DOC
Always include your name & the
assignment name at the head of the
document. Identify yourself by full name &
include course name & reference number.

17. Tips for Success
 Budget your time
 Don’t procrastinate;
don’t get behind
 Meet deadlines
 Login to Blackboard
often (3-5 times per
week minimum)
 Always save a copy
of your files
 Actively Participate
 Do your work “off line” in
Word (use spell check &
grammar check) and save
your files to disk before
you paste them into the
discussion board.
 Confused? Need Help?
Questions?
 Please do not be afraid
to ask questions.

18. Good Luck!