Phone 531-4264

Library Room 319

Office hours: Anytime via email

Mon, Tue, Wed 3:00-6:00 PM

OBJECTIVES: This course introduces students to the sociological study of human populations, including the size of different populations, the composition and distribution of various populations. Changes in the populations will be studied as well, in particular, fertility, mortality and migration. Emphasis will be on populations within the United States, and more specifically, within Texas and the Metroplex.

By the end of the course the student will be able to identify population data and recognize its significance. The student will be familiar with charts and tables summarizing population data, and be able to explain their significance. Students should develop an appreciation for the particular insight that this data gives to sociologists and to other interested persons. After studying the various populations, the student should have an appreciation for the social problems and the future social trends.

TEXTS: 1) The First Measured Century: An Illustrated Guide to Trends in America, 1900-2000. By Theodore Caplow, Louis Hicks and Ben Wattenberg. AEI Press, 2001.

2) The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators: American Society at the End of the Twentieth Century. By William J. Bennett. Broadway Books, 1999.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: The course will be comparative and exploratory. There will be lectures, discussion, student research and presentations, papers, and joint compiling of facts. Each student is expected to complete the reading assignment prior to class and be prepared to contribute to the class discussion in a thoughtful manner.

TESTS: There will be two tests that together make up 40%of the final grade. Test dates are June 18 and June 27.

PAPERS: There will be four papers that together make up 40% of the final grade. Paper topics will be given on Wednesday. Papers will be due on the following Monday. Students should use data covered in the reading as well as information from the resource sites on the web page. Papers should be three to four pages in a 10 pt. Times Roman font. Please have a title, introduction, body of the paper, and conclusion. Include a source page. Be careful not to plagiarize. Any sentence containing more than five words that are the same as another author without giving them credit is considered plagiarism.

DISCUSSION: Class participation will make up 20% of the final grade. Students will be expected to know the assigned material sufficiently to find contribute meaningfully.

GRADES:

Papers = 40%

Discussion = 20%

Tests = 40%

A standard 10 point scale will be used for determining grades:

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

Below 60 = F

PROCEDURES: In general, questions and discussion are encouraged. Respect for the instructor and fellow students is expected at all times. Class attendance is expected; absences will be noted and could affect your final grade. Students absent for whatever reason are responsible for all material that they have missed, including announcements. Anyone caught cheating on a test will receive a zero for that test. Any student having a question about the grade is welcome to make an appointment to discuss it.

EMAIL: Use of email is recommended for this course. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor via email, in addition to the traditional office visit or phone call.

WEB PAGE: A Population and Society Web page will have pertinent information for this class. The syllabus is available online. There are also links to important resources sites. Students are encouraged to check the web page frequently.

Texas Wesleyan Policies: Students should read the current Texas Wesleyan University Catalog and Student Handbook to become familiar with University policies. This includes but is not limited to grade appeal, sexual harassment, student access to records, and other; policies specified in the current catalog are applicable unless otherwise stated in this syllabus.

Texas Wesleyan University adheres to a disability policy which is in keeping with relevant federal law. The University will provide appropriate accommodation. Students must notify instructors of any permanent or temporary disabilities and must provide documentation regarding those disabilities prior to the granting of an accommodation. For assistance, students should consult with the Career, Counseling and Testing Center.

Course syllabi are intended to provide students with basic information concerning the course. The syllabus can be viewed as a 'blueprint' for the course; changes in the syllabus can be made and students will be informed of any substantive changes concerning examinations, the grading or attendance policies and changes in project assignments.

May 30, 2001 Population

June 4, 5, 6 Work

Business

Money

Family Family

Living Arrangements

June 11, 12, 13 Education Education

Health Youth Behavior

Transportation

June 18, 19, 20 Crime Crime

Religion Popular Culture/Religion

Activities and Leisure

Communications

June 25, 26, 27 Politics Civic Participation

Government