Schedule and Assignments:  Sociology of Communications, Spring 2007
Links:   Course Syllabus  -  WEBCT   - Notes & Grading -  Instructor's email:  goertzel@camden.rutgers.edu

January 17.  First day of class.  Discussion of the Course Syllabus and the use of the Microcase software.   Using WEBCT and other departmental systems.  This is done by opening the Enrolling assignment and following the instructions.  The Enrolling assignment is due in WEBCT by 5 p.m. on January 24., but will be accepted for reduced credit after that time.   You must be enrolled in WEBCT by the instructor or the registrar's office, this course is not open enrollment.  We will view the Purdue University Writing Labs powerpoints Finding Your Focus: The Writing Process
Enrolling Assignment  - Due in WEBCT by 5 p.m. January 24.
 Open the assignment file (click on the link at the left) and follow the instructions.  This assignment must be submitted to the Assignment Dropbox on WEBCT.  You may not submit it by email file attachment or on paper.  This is because part of the assignment is to learn to use WEBCT.
Quiz One.  Opens January 17, closes January 26.
 Opens January 17, closes on January 26 .  You may take the quiz as many times as you like and the highest score counts.  No excuses for computer problems will be accepted if you do not start the quiz the first time at least a day before it is due.  It includes material from the Penguin Manual, Chapters 1 to 5.
January 19:   We will meet in our new classroom, Armitage 207.  Organizing and Writing the Research Report.  Reading:  Michael Corbett, "Writing the Research Report," an Appendix to Rodney Stark and Lynne Roberts, Contemporary Social Research Methods.  This is available in our WEBCT in the "Software and Readings" folder.  Also see the sample research report in our Penguin Handbook.  In class, we will look at a research report from Science magazine "Experimental Macro Sociology:  Predicting the Next Best Seller" (in WEBCT).  This is in several formats.  We can also look at some of mine:  a study of UFO Abduction Status. and A Content Analysis Study of Editorial Cartoons.
January 22:  Meet in Computer Lab, BSB 117 Working with Microcase data sets.  Formulating a research hypothesis that is testable with available data..
January 24:   We will meet in our new classroom, Armitage 207.  Discussion of Library Research.  Use of PowerPoint.  A presentation on "Experimental Microsociology Summary by TGG" is available in the "Software and Readings" folder in our WEBCT.
January 26: Meet in Computer Lab, BSB 117
Bivariate Crosstabulation Assignment.  Due in WEBCT by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 26
January 29:  Discussion of writing a research report in APA style.  Examples:  Body Objectification in the Penguin manual.  The Measurement of Romantic Love.
Quiz Two closes February 4.  It covers Chapters 6 ("Critical Reading and Viewing") and 7 ("Analyzing Verbal and Visual Texts") from the Brief Penguin Handbook, Second Edition.  If you have the first edition, you do not have this chapter 7.  There is a copy of it in the Software and Readings folder on our WEBCT.
Multiple Bivariate Crosstabulation Assignment due in WEBCT by 5p.m. on February 2.   A sample is available here. 
January 31:  "There's Something About South Jersey"  an online presentation and research report and poster to be shown in class.  This is an example of the kind of report you might prepare for a community organization or an employer.  It is a bit dated.
Citation Abstract.   Prepare a correct APA citation and paste in the abstract for ONE research article to be used as the basis for a classroom presentation.  The article must be from a scholarly journal and must present original research.  A sample is available here.  Please save in html, doc or rtf format and upload to WEBCT.  Due February 3.
February 2: Meet in Computer Lab, BSB 117 - we will work on preparing time series graphs with Excel, using data from the General Social Survey 1972 - 2004  (File: GSS7204.mc4).  This file is in our WEBCT;  it works with the Microcase Professional software.  The choice of a dependent variable is important - you will save effort if you choose one that you will use for your final report.  It may be the same one that you used for the multiple bivariate assignment. 
Excel Trends Assignment.  Due in WEBCT by February 9.  A sample completed assignment, with three variables, is here.
February 5:  We will work on Effective Style and Language, Part 7 of the Penguin Manual.  Examples. 
Quiz Three:  Verbal Fallacies.  Closes February 11.
February 7:   Building time series graphs with data from the Statistical Abstract of the United States and other data sources. 
February 9: Meet in Computer Lab, BSB 117. 
Open Book Writing Quiz.  Must be started between 9:05 and 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February 9.  Based on Chapters 26 and 27 in the Penguin Manual, be sure to have the book with you.  If you miss class, you may take it from home.
February 12:  Organizing your Argument.  We will discuss the organization of the Research paper.  See the Organizing Your Research Paper powerpoint in the "powerpoints" folder on our WEBCT.
Statistical Abstract Trends Assignment.  Due in WEBCT by February 16.  Make a time series graph using data from the Statistical Abstract of the United States.  Submit a one-page report similar to the one for the Excel Trends Assignment.  Go back as far in time as appropriate data are available.  If  available and appropriate, include more than one variable.  The important thing is to produce a graph that will be useful in your report.  Instead of using Excel, you may use Create-A-Graph
Quiz Four closes February 18.  Covers "Writing to Reflect, Inform and Persuade" (chapters 7, 8, 9 in the first edition and 8, 9, 10 in the second edition of the Brief Penguin Handbook).
February 14:  Class was cancelled due to snow
   February 16:   Meet in BSB117 to work on the Statistical Abstract Trends Assignment.  Graphics Illustrations and Instructions Here. 
February 19 -   Discussion of research proposals.
 February 19, 3 p.m. Make-up test in WEBCT for anyone who missed the quiz on Feb 9.  Come to Room 110 in the Sociology Building or take it anywhere.
February 21 -   More on proposals and writing.  We will examine a sample term paper which is available in WEBCT.
February 23 -  Meet in BSB108 for a quiz, or take elsewhere.  The quiz must be started between 9:05 and 9:15.
Friday, Feb 23 9:05 Open Book WEBCT Quiz with writing items  Take it in BSB108 (not BSB117) or at home.  Must be completed by the end of the class hour.  Opens at 9:05 and must be started by 9:15.
Research Paper Proposals Due February 22.  Complete the Research Paper Proposal Form and submit it to WEBCT.

Introduction and Literature Review for Research Paper due March 5 .  This should be 500 words minimum, citing at least three published articles from scholarly journals.  It should explain your topic and how it relates to published work done by others.  It should include the full APA citation for each reference.
February 26 -    Organization of arguments, chapters 3 and 4 in the Penguin Manual.  We will discuss the use of  graphics to present an argument and view an example from a commercial presentation.
February 28 -  We will view a  streaming video on causal analysis and discuss the logic of arguments in research papers.  Powerpoint:  The Art and Science of Cause and Effect.   We will review percentages and the use of multiple crosstabulation for causal analysis.   Crosstabs Tables Worksheet was distributed in class.
Online Quiz to be started between 9:05 and 9:20 on Friday, March 2.  I was not able to reserve a computer lab.  You may take it in any of the labs on campus or at home.  I'll be in my office, 110 Sociology Building and there is a lab with four computers there.  You can also reach me by email or telephone 225-2714 if you have a problem.   The quiz will have writing questions similar to the previous quizzes and some percentage questions, also some questions on the organization of arguments, Chapters 3 and 4 of the Penguin Manual.
March 2 -   Online Quiz. Must be started between 9:05 and 9:20. 
March 5 -   We will continue with the Multiple Crosstabs Example from the Crosstabs Tables Worksheet.   Times Article:  Use of GSS Graphics to Illustrate Trends. 
March 7 -
March 9 -  Class in BSB 108.  This will involve preparing a multiple cross-tabulation table.  Anyone who submits their table BEFORE CLASS TIME.
Multiple Crosstabulation Table due 1 p.m. March 9.  This can be completed in class in BSB 108 on March 9.  If you submit it BEFORE CLASS TIME you are exempt from attending class on March 9.  The one-page assignment should look like this sample but with data relevant to your project.
March 12 - 16  Spring Break
March 19 - Methods and Approaches of  Future Studies. 
March 21 -  Meet in BSB117 to work on on graphics for powerpoints.
March 23 -   Class in BSB 117 to work on Research Papers.  Anyone submitting their paper before 9 a.m. today need not attend.
Research Papers Due March 23.  Papers should be modeled on the sample in the Penguin Manual using APA format.  They should include:
  1. Title page
  2. Abstract
  3. Literature Review with at least three reference from scholarly journals.
  4. Data Analysis section with
    1. Complete description of data sources used, including the variable numbers and descriptions of GSS variables.
    2. At least one time series graph.
    3. At least one multiple bivariate table.
    4. At least one multiple cross-tabulation table
    5. Additional graphs and tables needed to complete the argument.
    6. A paragraph of text summarizing the data in each table.
  5. A paragraph or two of summary and conclusions.
  6. A list of references in APA format.

March 26 -  "The Media is the Message"  Theories of Marshall McLuhan.  Other readings:  Understanding McLuhan  Notes on McLuhan and "Are Newspapers Doomed?" (also on our WEBCT). -   Wikipedia vs. Citizendium -  -
March 28 -   Writing clear, straightforward sentences on research.  We discuss how to rewrite passages selected from some of your research reports.
 March 30-   In Class WEBCT quiz. 
March 30 - In Class WEBCT quiz.  Must be taken during the class hour.  May be taken at home or at Rutgers.  No lab reserved.  You may use the lab next to my office if you wish.  The quiz will include sentences culled from your research reports that need to be re-written.
April 2 -  Video, The Global Brain  by Peter Russell.  Reading Assignment: Transcript of Towards a Global Brain. and Methods and Approaches of Future Studies.  Kurzweil essay with charts on exponential growth and "the singularity".
April 4 -  Preparing Powerpoint Presentations and posters.  Powerpoint Logic -  Three Points to Powerpoint - Gettysburg Address in Powerpoint the poster as a medium.   Powerpoint Template for Presentations.  Future of News items. 
April 5 - 6.  WEBCT quiz may be taken between noon Wednesday April 4 and Noon Friday April 6.  Includes material from McLuhan Notes on McLuhan,the Transcript of Towards a Global Brain and Methods and Approaches of  Future Studies. May be taken as many times as you like. 
April 6-  No class - quiz may be taken between noon April 4 and noon April 6.
April 9 -  Fundamentals of Public Speaking - see the Notes page for links. 
April 11-  Everyone is to present an excerpt from a historical speech.  Speeches can be found in the links in the class notes.  Churchill's "this will be their finest hour" speech was distributed in class.
April 13 -  Meet in BSB117 to work on Powerpoints.  No need to attend if your powerpoint is submitted to WEBCT  BEFORE class time.
Submit a Powerpoint presentation of your research findings, including your predictions and recommendations for the future.  Due April 13.
April 16 -  campus closed for flooding
April 18 -  oral presentations
April 20 -   oral presentations 
Preparation of a poster with your research findings.  Must be brought to class on April 23. 
April 23 -  Bring Posters to Class Today!
April 25 -  We will attend the Campus Forum open discussion about the search for a new provost.  This is to be held in the Courtyard Restaurant at the Student Center from 9 to 10.  Please see me to sign attendance.  This will give us a chance to evaluate President McCormick's communication skills.
  Thursday April 26 - Undergraduate Research Poster Session - Psych, Soc and Criminal Justice Depts.  Extra credit for presenting your poster.  You must be officially registered with the department to do so.  Link to past poster sessions.
April 27 -    any remaining presentations should be done today.  Discussion of the Campus Forum. 
April 30 -  Last Class
Thursday, May 3,  9 a.m.  -  Final Exam in BSB 108.  Will include items from the WEBCT quizzes we have taken this semester.