Course Syllabus

SOC370 – USES OF VIOLENCE SPRING 2020

Instructor: Dr. McGovern
Email: Arthur.McGovern@Nichols.edu|

Phone: Ext 2123

Office Hours: NAB Room 315 | Monday & Wednesday 10:30 - 12:00

Violence has been a central object of study for anthropologists and sociologists, and a social concern throughout the ages. Over the course of the semester, we will examine overt and extraordinary forms of violence, and also consider the significance of its more discreet and everyday expressions. To this end, we will explore scholarship on phenomena ranging from war, ethnic conflict and genocide, to neglect, exclusion and exposure to harm. Our goal is to inquire. First, we will read an assortment of information on violence from the social sciences. Second, we will identify and process current issues and events regarding violence. Finally, we will organize our growing awareness into a coherent literature that applies our information to modern forms of violence. Note: This is a reading intensive course. Assigned readings are designed to take us through the material in an interesting and informative manner, and the processing assignments are intended to help you develop your critical thinking and communicative skills.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

What happens if I miss a class?
If you must miss a presentation due to an emergency, it is your responsibility to contact me as soon as possible. Please send me an email and include proper documentation of the event afterward. Absences for inadequate reasons will be counted as zero points.

Excused absences: There are two types of excused absences: (1) Illness with proper documentation (doctor, hospital, nurse); (2) A Nichols Sponsored event with prior notification.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Summary Reports (SR): Students will produce four summary reports that consolidate and synthesize the news reports from the CIR assignments, along with other information from official sources, into a Powerpoint presentation and post it in Canvas. The reports should be as comprehensive as possible, and are due on the dates indicated in the syllabus.

Current Issues Reports (CIR): Throughout the semester students will submit links to news articles that are relevant to the topic we happen to be covering in class. Students will find and post links to a discussion thread on Canvas and each must be original. Note: students will need to review the existing posts and avoid duplicating other students work. Grades will be based on originality and the ability of the student to explain the relevance of the linked information.

Public Service Assignment (PSA): As part of the course requirements, you will produce a Public Service Announcement (PSA) video on the topic of violence prevention. This will represent your final course project.

Quizzes (Q): There will be five “pop quizzes” during the semester to motivate students to keep up with the readings.

LATE POLICY:

No late assignments or presentations will receive full credit. If an assignment is turned in late, it will receive half credit at best. After one week no assignment submissions will be accepted for any reason. A missed presentation will receive a zero. Phones and Computers: Please put away mobile phones. I prefer that you take notes by hand rather than using a laptop. (I will provide slides for to facilitate note-taking. These will be available on Canvas for downloading and printing.) If I even suspect you are using a laptop for anything other than looking at a class reading or taking notes on slides, I will consider you absent for that class.

ASSIGNMENT VALUES:
Summary Report (SR): 1 – 4 (4 @ 100 pts)

Current Issues Report (CIR) 1 - 10: (10 @ 30 pts)

Public Service Project (PSA): (1 @ 200 pts)

Quizzes (Q) 1 - 5: (5 @ 20 pts)

TOTAL = 1000 points

Schedule:

CREDIT HOUR POLICY:

• This class is worth “3 credit hours” what does that mean?
A 3-credit course requires 37.5 contact hours, which does not include time spent on homework or studying. A traditional full-semester course fulfills this requirement by meeting in class for 2.5 – 3.5 hours per week. Students should expect to dedicate an additional 6 hours per week to homework and studying for a 15-week course.

All students are required to adhere to the Nichols College Academic Honesty Policy. This policy may be found in your Catalog or online at: https://my.nichols.edu/administration/policies/Documents/Academic%20Honesty%20Policy%20Update d%20April%202013.docx (portal login required)

If you have a documented learning difference and wish to have a reasonable accommodation made for you in this course, please contact the Office of Learning Services: https://my.nichols.edu/supportservices/academicsupportservices/learningservices/Pa ges/default.aspx (portal login required)

• What other campus resources might help me succeed in this class?
  The Academic Resource Center at Nichols College is designed to assist and challenge students in developing skills necessary for successful, independent learning. The ARC is a resource to support all Nichols College day students as they become more confident, independent learners. The ARC offers appointment-based sessions in many courses offered by the college. These sessions are 50 minutes long and should be scheduled ahead of time. You can make an appointment up to two weeks in advance. You may call 508- 213-2200 (ext. 2200) or stop by the ARC to schedule a session. Located in the Currier Center

   

• What should I do if I am feeling lost or overwhelmed in this class?
  Two things may help; first, speak up in class. You may not be the only person with the same concern, and we all benefit from working questions together. Second, make an appointment with me. You are welcome to meet with me either during my office hours, or better yet: just drop in. Many questions and issues can be easily resolved this way. My office is wheelchair accessible. If you cannot make these hours, please see me before or after class or e-mail me (Arthur.mcgovern@nichols.edu) so we can make an appointment to meet at another time.
  *TIP: Please do not think of office hours as a time to address only problems with the course. You can use them to clarify ideas, to get additional readings or materials, to go over work in progress or even to discuss careers in this field. You don't have to be having a problem to use office hours, and it is best not to wait until you are having serious difficulties.

• How will I find out if class is cancelled?

Students may call (508)213-2452 and a recorded message will state whether or not classes are being held at your location. Additionally, a message will also appear in myNichols announcements and on the Nichols website.

• What do I do if class is cancelled?

If class is cancelled and an assignment was due, the assignment (i.e., exams, online work) will be due the next class. If there is an abbreviated schedule on a bad weather day, the first period is moved from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and all other classes meet for a 50-minute class period. When in doubt, email me (Arthur.mcgovern@nichols.edu).

If you encounter any technical difficulty using Google, uploading files, accessing email, etc., please contact the Help Desk for assistance: helpdesk@nichols.edu |https://help.nichols.edu | 508.213.2206.

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!

• What if there is a Zombie apocalypse...what should I do?

In the event of an unexpected zombie outbreak, please follow the Federal guidelines offered by the C.D.C. Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response...and...good luck out there.http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/zombies.htm

Note: This syllabus is subject to, and very likely will, change.