T. RALPH PETERS, JR. , ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY/HISTORY, FLOYD COLLEGE. E-MAIL: ralph_peters@mail.highlands.edu
AREAS OF ACADEMIC INTERESTS: U.S. HISTORY; RACE/CLASSS RELATIONS; SOCIOLOGY OF THE SOUTH
OFFICE: SOCIAL/CULTURAL STUDIES, FLOYD COLLEGE
(706) 295-6300
CLASSES TAUGHT: INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY; PRE- AND POST-CIVIL WAR U.S. HISTORY
SOCIOLOGY 101: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Professor: T. Ralph Peters, Jr.; Phone: 295-6300; Office: F- 131-A, Social/Cultural Studies; Office Hours: 1-3, MWF:
Required Readings
Henslin, James M. Essentials of Sociology: A Down-To-Earth-Approach. Second Edition. Allyn and Bacon. 1998.
Henslin, James M. Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings. Ninth Edition. The Free Press. 1998.
Course Description
This course involves lectures, discussions, readings and demonstrations, all designed to develop within students an appreciation for the sociological perspective. Students are responsible for following the requirements outlined in the syllabus.
Attendance
Attendance is often an indication of your attitude toward this class. Since many of the "demystifing" insights of sociology emerge through class discussions and lectures, excessive absenses many result not only in sociological ignorance, but a drop in your final grade.
Grading
Evaluation is based on a combination of several subjective and objective factors:
Subjective factors: Class preparation, class participation, class attendance.
Objective factors:
1) The average of five exam grades = 60%; 2) Grade on the internet research paper = 20%; 3) Grade on the critical thinking essay based on Down to Earth readings = 10%; 4) Grade on a final, comprehensive exam = 10%
Exams
Exams are both objective and subjective in format, and cover the text, readings, lectures, and other relevant materials.The exam dates, and the material they cover, are listed elsewhere in this syllabus.
Computer Usage: You are expected to use your laptop computer for several different activities in this class. First, you must e-mail me during the quarter. You can ask about an assignment, an issue you are unclear about, a study guide question, or anything else you wish. Secondly, you are expected to to some of your research for your major essay this semester on the web. I will provide you with a list of sociological websites, and the textbook provides some sites at the end of every chapter, and you are expected to use these. Also, you are to use the Microsoft Word program on your laptop computer to write fhe final draft of your paper. There are some study guide materials on the web which we will also utilize this quarter.Depending on classroom linking availability, we may also use the laptops in class.
Note: Please note this semester's deadline for withdrawl without penalty, and for holidays.
SOCIOLOGY 101 COURSE SCHEDULE
Week Of: By Lecture Topic, Textbook Chapter/Reader Chapters
Jan. 4----- Sociological Perspective: Text, 1; Reader, 1, 2, 3
Jan. 11----- Theory, Methods, Culture: Text, 1,2; Reader, 4, 7, 8
Jan. 18----- Socialization, Text: 3; Reader, 10, 12,
Exam 1 - Jan. 26 or 27
Jan. 25----- Social Structure/Social Interaction: Text, 4; Reader, 20, 21
Feb. 1----- Social Groups: Text, 5; Reader, 16, 18;
Feb. 8----- Deviance: Text, 6: Reader, 23, 24, 27
Exam Two - Feb. 10, 11, or 12
Feb. 15----- Social Stratification: Text, 7; Reader, 30,
Feb. 22----- Social Class in U.S.: Text, 8; Reader, 33,
March 1----- Inequalities of Race/Ethnicity: Text, 9; Reader, 31, 32
March 15----- Inequalities of Gender: Text, 10; Reader, 29, 34
Exam Three - March 22 or 23
March 22----- Politics/Economy: Text, 11; Reader, 35,
March 29----- Marriage/Family: Text, 12; Reader, 14, 15
April 5----- Religion: Text, 13; Reader, 38, 39
Exam Four - April 12 or 13
April 12----- Urbanization: Text, 14; Reader, 43
April 19----- Social Change: Text, 15; Reader, 44, 46
April 26----- Catch-Up
Exam Five - April 26 or 27
Exam Dates, Topics and Format
Notice that exam topics cover everything listed for that section of material, including lecture material, videos, textbook, and textbook and reader readings. The format of the exams are always both objective and subjective.
CRITICAL THINKING ESSAY ASSIGNMENT
The essay assignment involves a four-page, double-spaced paper on a topic chosen from one of the below reading assignments from your reader. You do not need to do any further research for this paper (unlike the research paper). No late papers are accepted. Your essay will be graded on the basis of organization, writing ability, and particularly, on how you critically analyze information from a sociological perspective. It is due by the end of the second week in April. No late papers are accepted!.
1. A New Vantage Point: Articles 1, 3, 7
Explain how these articles illustrate the sociological perspective in the way we have studied it this quarter.
2. "Oddballing": Articles 23, 24, 25 28
Discuss the sociological meaning of being "different," using these articles as a beginning reference point.
3. Social "Ladders": Articles 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
Describe and discuss the various ways in which groups of persons are stratified, according to these articles.What affect does stratification have on those stratified?
4. Social Change: Articles 44, 46.
Explain how these two articles represent opposite ends of the Gemeinschaft/Gesellschaft continuum we have discussed this quarter. Is there any inrony in the setting of these two articles?
RESEARCH PAPER
Unlike the critical thinking essay, this paper (while it does require critical thinking) is based upon research you conduct in both traditional and internet sources. The paper should be 8 to 10 pages long, and should be based on at least 3 to four internet sources, as well as at least that many traditional sources (books, journal articles, etc.). While I am open to your ideas for papers, I would prefer you choose one from those listed below instead. Please inform me of you choice by the first week of February. The research paper is due on April 26. Do not turn in a paper that is not your own work, or words. Plagarism will result in an automatic "F" grade!
Substantive Topic Choices
Gender Relations, Race Relations, Latchkey Children, Open Adoption, Date Rape, Religious Intolerance, Cults, Rock/Pop Music, Sexual Harassment, Deadbeat Dads, Hollywood Movies from a Sociological Perspective; U.F.O.'s; Suicide; Teen-Age Pregnacy; Downsizing;, or any other idea from a sociological perspective (this is the real key to this paper).
HISTORY 2110: U.S. AND GEORGIA HISTORY
Professor: T. Ralph Peters, Jr. Phone: 295-6300; Office, F-131-a, Social/Cultural Studies; Office Hours: 1-3 p,m,,MWF, 1-2;15 T/R
Required Readings
Kennedy, Bailey, Piehl. The Brief American Pageant: A History of the Republic. Fourth Edition. D.C. Heath and Company.
Course Description
This course involves lectures, discussions, readings and demonstrations, all designed to develop within the student a grasp of the essential developments in U.S. history from settlement to the present. It is a broad survey course designed for career programs only.
Attendance
Attendance is often an indication of your attitude toward this class. Excessive absences may result in a drop in your final grade.
Grading
Evaluation is based on a combination of subjective and objective factors:
Subjective factors: Class preparation; class participation, class attendance
Objective factors:
1) The average of five exam grades = 60%; 2) Research Paper = 20%; 3) Final Exam = 20%
Exams
Exams are both objective and subjective in format, and largely cover the lectures and the textbook, and, occasionally, other readings.
Computer usage:
You are expected to use your computer for several different activities this semester. First, you must e-mail me during the quarter. You can ask about an assignment, an issue you are unclear about, a study question, or most anything else. Secondly, you are expected to do some of your research for the research paper on the web. I will provide you with a list of sociological websites, and your text provides information on primary and secondary sources at the end of each chapter. Also, you are expected to use the Microsoft Word Program in your computer to complete the essay assignment.
Note
Please note this semester's deadline for withdrawl without penalty, and holidays.
HISTORY 2110 COURSE SCHEDULE
Week Of: ----- By Lecture Topic, and by Textbook Chapter Readings
Aug. 24 ----- Exploration and Settlement: Chapts. 1, 2, 3
Aug. 31 ----- Colonial Life and Restiveness: Chapts. 4, 5, 6
Sept. 7 ----- Revolution and the Constitution: Chapts. 7, 8, 9
Sept. 14 ----- Federalism and Jeffersonianism: Chpts. 10, 11,12
Sept. 21 ----- Nationalism and Jacksoianism: Chpts. 13, 14, 15
Sept. 28 ----- Reformism and Slavery: Chpts. 16, 17, 18
Oct. 5 ----- Manifest Destiny and Sectionalism: Chpts. 19, 20, 21
Oct. 12 ----- Civil War and Reconstruction: Chpts. 22, 23, 24
Oct. 19 ----- Urbanization/Industrialization: Chpts. 25, 26, 27
Oct. 26: ----- Empire and Progressivism: Chpts. 28, 29, 30
Nov. 2: ----- Progressivism/Twenties: Chpts. 31, 32, 33
Nov. 9: ----- Depression, New Deal and Isolationism: Chpts. 34, 35, 36
Nov. 16: WWII ----- Cold War, Fifties: Chpts. 37, 38, 39
Nov. 23: Sixties: ----- Chpt. 40
Nov. 30: Reaction: ----- Chpts. 41, 42
Dec. 7: ----- From Here Forward: Chpt.43
Exam Dates and Topics
Exam 1: Sept. 10, Chapts. 1-9
Exam 2: Oct. 1, Chpts. 10-18
Exam 3: Oct. 27, Chpts. 19-27
Exam 4: Nov. 19, Chpts. 28-36
Exam 5: Dec. 8, Chpts. 37- 43
RESEARCH PAPER
You are required to do a research paper on a topic included in the period we study this semester. It must be approved by me in advance. Your topic choice should be made by the first week in November, and you should notify me by the same time. The paper will at least be partly based on research you do on web-based sources. You will be provided with a list of sources during the semester. You are also expected to do traditional kinds of research as well, such as secondary and primary sources. The paper should be eight-to-ten pages long, and should contain at least as many sources. It is due the first week in December.
HISTORY 2112: AMERICAN HISTORY II
Professor: T. Ralph Peters, Jr. Phone: 295-6300;Office, F-131-A, Social/Cultural Studies; Office Hours: 1-3 p.m. MWF; 1-2:15 T/R
Required Readings
Tindall, George. America: A Narrative History: Vol. II. Fourth Edition. W.W. Norton and Co.
Atlers, Pool and Mugleston. Readings in U.S. History. From 1877. Vol. II. American Heritage.
Course Description
This course is designed to develop within the student an understanding of the critical broad issues in post-Civil War U.S. history. The focus is upon the major themes during the period.
Attendance
Attendance is often an indication of your attitude toward this class. Excessive absences may result in a drop in your final grade.
Grading
Evaluation is based upon a combination of subjective and objective factors.
Subjective factors include class preparation, class participation, and class attendance.
Objective factors:
1) The average of five exam grades = 60%; 2) Research paper = 20%; 3) Critical Thinking Essay = 10%; 4) Final exam = 10%
Exams
Exams are both objective and subjective, and cover the lectures and textbook, and also any readings.
Computer Usage
You are expected to use your computer for several different activities this semester. First, you should e-mail me this semester. You can ask about an assignment, an issue you are unclear about, a study question, or most anything else. Secondly, you are expected to do some of your research for the research paper on the web. I will provide you with a list of website sources, and your text provides web, and other, sources, as well. Also, you are expected to use the Microsoft Word Program in your computer to complete the essay assignment.
Note
Please note this semester's deadline for withdrawl without penalty, and holidays.
HISTORY 2112 COURSE SCHEDULE
Week Of ----- By Lecture Topic, ---by Textbook ----- Reader
Aug. 24 ---- Reconstruction ------ 17 -------
Aug. 31 ----- South/West/Business ---18,19 --- Heilbroner, Liberty
Sept. 7 ----- Modern Am./Gilded Age --- 20,21 --- Wilson, Westin
Sept. 14 ---- Populists/Empire --- 21,22 --- Frederick. Leuchtenberg
Sept. 21 ---- Progressivism ---- 23 --- McCormack, Carson
Sept. 28 ---- WWI --- 24 --- Lukas
Oct. 5 --- Modern Temper/Normalcy --- 25, 26 --- Galbraith
Oct. 12 --- New Deal --- 27 ---Schlesinger
Oct.19 ---- Isolation/WWII --- 28, 29 --- Maddox
Oct. 26 ---- Fair Deal/Containment --- 30 --- Brady
Nov. 2 --- 50's/Ike ---- 31, 32 --- Matthei
Nov. 9 --- New Frontier --- 33 --- Oates, Dallek, Herring
Nov. 16 ---- Rebellion/Rection --- 34 --- Alfers
Nov. 23 --- New Gilded Age --- 35 --- Kennedy
Nov. 30 ---- Cultural Politics --- 36 --- Maharidge
Dec. 7 ---- Catch-Up
EXAM DATES AND TOPICS
Exam 1: Sept. 10, Chpts. 17-21
Exam 2: Oct. 1: Chpts. 21-24
Exam 3: Oct. 27: Chpts. 25-30
Exam 4: Nov. 19: Chpts. 31-34
Exam 5: Dec. 8: Chpts. 34-36
CRITICAL THINKING ESSAY
This is a short (3-5 page) essay in which you are to take any one of the following broad themes from the class, discuss the origin of the theme, its development, and analyze why it is significant in U.S. history. You must discuss your topic with me before beginning this paper. It is due the week before Thanksgiving break.
"New South;" race relations; women's history; presidential power; federal government power; social dissent; art and literature; music; foreign policy; public vs. private interest
RESEARCH PAPER
You are required to do an eight-to-ten page research paper on a topic chosen by you, and approved by me. The paper is to be partly based on internet sources. You will be given a list of history web sources. You should also expect to do research in traditional sources as well. The main idea of the paper is to analyze why the particular person, event, institution, etc. you chose as your topic is significant in U.S. history. Remember to make your choice within the time frame of this class.The paper is due the first week of December.