SOC 411 - Canadian Association for Community Service Learning

At the end of your textbook, you will find a companion lab manual to SPSS that includes step-bystep
instructions for the most common procedures. A series of SPSS help tutorials are also available
on the department’s ‘Statistics in Sociology’ website.
I recommend that you use a memory key to store and transport your electronic files for this course.
Many of the data files that we will be using are too big to send as email attachments; a memory key
is the most efficient way to transfer data.
How to Succeed in this Course:
Attend all of the lectures and labs
I expect that students will attend all lectures and labs and arrive on time. Arriving late to class is
disruptive for everyone. Regular attendance is necessary for you to successfully complete this
course; Each week’s material builds on concepts and ideas from the previous weeks. The lectures
will cover material that is not found in your readings and lab activities will give you important
practical experience.
Pay attention in class
I strongly discourage the use of laptops in the classroom. It is especially difficult to take notes about
statistical ideas on a word processor. Laptops also often provide a distraction for you and for other
students around you. Students who do use laptops in the classroom will be asked to sit in a
designated location in order to minimize the disruption to other students.
Participate in the lectures and labs
Lecture and lab participation forms a key part of the learning in this course. Activities in lectures
will give you the opportunity to practice interpreting quantitative data in a supportive environment.
Lab activities will give you the opportunity to practice using statistical analysis software. Ask
questions as soon as you encounter any difficulties.
Although I realize that some students may be hesitant to speak in class, learning to effectively
explain your ideas to other people is an important part of your university education. Students who
have concerns about speaking in class should make an appointment with me at the beginning of the
term so that we can develop some practical strategies for increasing your confidence and comfort in
the classroom.
Do the readings before you come to lecture
You should complete the assigned readings prior to arriving in lecture each week. As you read, be
sure to make notes about anything that is confusing and any questions you have and bring these to
my attention. Students who do not keep up with the readings may find it difficult to understand and
engage with the lecture and lab material.
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