SOC165: Introduction to Environmental Sociology

E-learning course

Mgr. Benjamin Vail, MSc.

Spring 2008

Course description and requirements

This course introduces many of the major schools of thought and topics of research in the field of environmental sociology, and presents a historical overview of the development of environmental sociological theory and research over time. The course consists of weekly thematic modules which typically include textbook and other readings, multimedia lectures, and graded activities. Students should read the assigned chapters in the course textbook and use the IS e-learning system to read the supplemental literature, which is available electronically in PDF and/or Word format.

This is an e-learning course which will require as much time and effort from students as a traditional classroom lecture course. Because this course will be taught via the Internet using e-learning methods, rather than as a lecture course in a physical classroom, students are expected to be comfortable using computer hardware and software, and to be comfortable doing reading, research, and writing independently. It is possible that you will not meet the instructor or other students in person. The instructor will make every effort to provide information and support to make your experience of the online learning environment educational.

Students must be proficient in English, and this course is an opportunity for you to practice English. Students are encouraged to ask the instructor if they have any questions about the language or cultural references in the literature. Students must also have regular access to a computer and high-speed Internet connection, and be proficient in the use of various software applications, including word processing, e-mail, Internet searching, and use of multimedia programs such as Real Player, Windows Media Player, and Youtube. Students need an Internet browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, or Firefox, to connect to the online course content. Lectures are provided using Microsoft Office PowerPoint. Reading materials posted on the IS or sent to students are for class use only, not for distribution.

Using the Information System

Class resources are available to students through Masaryk University’s online Information System (IS). Under the course title “SOC165: Introduction to Environmental Sociology” you will find an interactive syllabus which contains important general information about the course and the weekly schedule with links to all the required course materials – including the lecture files, required reading, assignments, quizzes, and all other information. Essay assignments should be uploaded to IS for the teacher to read. Please contact the instructor with any questions or concerns about using the IS.

Assignments and grading policy

The course is based on the textbook An invitation to environmental sociology (2nd edition) by Michael Mayerfeld Bell (ISBN 0761987754). At least one copy should be reserved for you to read in the university library.

Each week’s study will typically involve required readings, viewing of lecture materials and required videos, and taking the weekly quiz. The weekly quiz, to be taken via the IS, may include questions about the lecture and any required reading or videos for that week. Approximately every 3-4 weeks there is also an essay to write. Specific information about each assignment can be found on the interactive syllabus in IS. Essays submitted late will receive reduced grades. A 2000-2500 word research essay is due at the end of the semester.

For each essay, students must use the guidelines of the American Sociological Association (ASA) for referencing all sources of information. These are the same guidelines the Sociology Department expects students to use when writing Bachelors and Masters theses. These guidelines, and more detailed information about how to write the essays, may be found in the “Writing resources” section of the interactive syllabus.

Students will receive a final letter grade (A-F) for the semester based on the following components:

E-mail policy

Communicating with the instructor by e-mail is an important part of this course, since there is no classroom contact. Students may contact the instructor at any time by e-mail with questions about the course. I will reply to your questions within 48 hours of receipt of your e-mail.

Office hours

You may consult with the instructor in person during office hours which are Fridays from 14.00-15.00 in room 3.59, or by appointment.

Academic honesty

The Faculty of Social Studies at MU expects students to know the study rules and maintain academic honesty by refraining from plagiarism and from cheating during exams. Plagiarism means that one presents other peoples’ ideas as one’s own and does not credit the author. Plagiarism is one of the most serious breaches of ethical standards in the academic environment, for it denies the mission of the university and the meaning of studying. From a legal perspective, plagiarism is the stealing of intellectual property. The official FSS policy on academic honesty is available in the course’s interactive syllabus in IS in English and Czech. Academic dishonesty is not tolerated under any circumstances at FSS. The minimum penalty for academic dishonesty is expulsion from the course, a grade of F for the semester, and referral to the Faculty disciplinary committee.

In this course, students will become thoroughly acquainted with the problem of plagiarism and how to avoid it. If you have questions about plagiarism, contact the instructor. In the first week of class, students are required to read about ASA citation guidelines and write a short essay entitled “What is plagiarism and how can I avoid it?” Students are also required to read and sign the Statement on Academic Honesty and give it to the instructor by February 26. These materials can all be found in the “Writing resources” section of the interactive syllabus in IS.