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Welcome to the online section of
CD 162 for Spring 06!
This
course is an exploration of the agents and processes by which cultural
values and social attitudes are transmitted. Some of the topics that we
will be covering this semester are bilingual education, gender and race in
advertising, and minority families as agents of socialization.
Technology and Skill Requirements
Convenient
and dependable access to the Internet is necessary for enrollment in the
class. Also, you must have basic computer skills. At a minimum these
include the ability to send and read e-mail, download files, conduct
Internet searches, and scan photos. (Computer labs on campus have
scanners.)
Course Orientation
The
class uses WebCT for assignments and discussions. This is not a complicated
system and is easily learned in a relatively short period of time. We will
have an online orientation period during January 25-February 3.
During that time, we will review the course requirements as well as
specific logistical issues related to taking an online class. You will also
be required to complete your first assignment. Course content instruction
will commence the following week. Be sure to familiarize yourself
with the WebCT environment during the Orientation period so that you are
prepared to begin your work according to the course syllabus.
If
you are unfamiliar with WebCT, I will have two optional orientation
sessions on Wednesday, January 25 in SH 433. One is at 11AM and then a
repeat session will be held at 1PM. We will review how to use WebCT and
access course materials.
Student Commitment
Students
should be prepared to spend a minimum of 9 hours per week on this
course. (Yes, that is the same as for standard class instruction!)
Although there will be some flexibility regarding the completion of course
requirements, reading assignments and participation in online
discussions are important aspects of this class and will be required on a
weekly basis.
Course Readings
In order to reduce costs for students, most
of the readings will either be on e-reserve through the MLK Library course
reserve website or as free downloads from the Internet. We will also read
two short books that students will need to purchase locally or order from
an online bookseller such as Amazon.com. (Please note that these two books
are NOT in Spartan Books for this class.)
Han, A., & Hsu, J. (Eds.). (2004). Asian
American: An Intersection of 21st Century Asian American Voices.
Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Rodriguez, L. (2002/paperback edition in
2003). The Republic of East LA. NY:
Harper Collins.
Course Website
Beginning January 25, students may view the current semester's syllabus
and other important course information. Note that prior to January
25, the site will be under revision and may not be ready for student
access. After that date, I encourage you to explore the posted
materials so that you are able to start the semester prepared.
Contact Instructor
So that I can touch base with you before
the official start of the semester, please e-mail your name, phone number,
and e-mail address to me at MMcVey@aol.com January
24-26. You should also feel free to
contact me at that same address with any preliminary questions that
you might have about the course. Many students are turned away each
semester from this course so please be considerate and let me know if
your plans change and you intend to drop. (If students do not contact
me by Friday, January 27 (9:00AM), I will assume they plan to drop the
course and others will be given their place.)
I am delighted you are taking this class
and I look forward to an interesting and productive semester with you.
Mary McVey
Sweeney Hall, Room 325
408-924-3740
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