Sociology 488 (Delinquency) Jim Thomas
Office: 807 Zulauf 807 Zulauf
Office Hours: ONLINE (TBA) 753-6436 (o)
756-3839 (h)
YOU MUST CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR, Jim Thomas - at jthomas@sun.soci.niu.edubefore signing up for this class to indicate that you have read the
expectations and have the willingness to work in an online class.
This is a blended ONLINE course. A blended course means there
is some face-to-face interaction, with the rest being online.
Online courses are at least as much work as conventional courses, because
they require self-direction, online expertise, and the ability to work
independently and engage in self-directed learning.
Here is an example of sample assignments and exerices that form the base of the course.
You can see the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Sociology 488 ONLINE brings NIU's Sociology-Criminal Justice
emphasis to any NIU student in good standing. For more information, call
Jim Thomas at (815) 756-3839. For a course description,
see the Soci 488 Syllabus.
You MUST contact the instructor before signing up.
Assignments will include group projects, online debates, interent "treasure
hunts," and question-answer exercises.
Some Basics:
It is expected that students will have had either an introductory
sociology course or an introductory criminology course, or both.
In addition, because ONLINE instruction requires independent
learning, students should should be self-motivated and capable
of working outside of the traditional classroom structure.
CLASS MEETINGS: This class will be conducted 90 percent online.
However, there will be AN INTRODUCTORY CLASS MEETING and a FINAL
CLASS MEETING in face-to-face format (January 28 / May 5).
The first meeting is "getting to know you" and a lecture; The
final meeting is class presentations.
TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
For information on the kind of equipment you will need, review this
CHECKLIST.
-- Because this is an online course, participants are expected
to have unfettered access to a computer and to an Internet
Service Provider (ISP). Any reliable ISP is fine. Many will
likely use NIU's computer labs. Others may prefer Compuserve,
The Well, or a local provider. My own preference, and one I
recommend, is American Online (AOL).
-- Students will need the following resources. At a minimum:
a) Email (reliable service)
b) Net Browsing capability
c) Ability to listen to sound on the Web (or at least
to download sound files)
d) Some video capability is recommended.
e) Ability to send text files (eg, papers, assignments)
in ASCII format, rather than as a word processor
attachment
And, of course, familiarization in using these resources
is required.
ASSIGNMENTS
The assignments will include a variety of web, library, and other
assignments.
Others can be done with your television, such as this *possible* extra credit
assignment on the video Sleepers.
Still others will include Web "treasure hunts" such as these SAMPLES
of HUNTS from last summer.
There will be many other activities, including team projects,
online debates, and the discussions on WebBoard.
Return to JT's homepage
Page maintained by: Jim Thomas - jthomas@sun.soci.niu.edu