PE 2001 Course Syllabus

***Do read this syllabus because it explains everything you need to know about the class!!***

Grading
Your final grade in this class will be determined by the total number of points earned on the learning module tests, on-line discussions, and assignments.  The final grading scale used in this class will be based on the correct percent method of the point system.  The grading scale of the total points earned out of the total possible is as followed: 94-100% = A; 90-93% = A-; 87-89% = B+; 84-86% = B; 80-83%=B-;77-79% = C+; 74-76% = C; 70-73% = C-; 67-69% = D+; 64-66% = D; 60-63% = D-; 59% and below = F.
On-line Learning Module Tests

A test will be given over every learning module. Each test will consist of multiple choice questions. The test will be available on-line during a specific time and day at the end of the each learning module. You can earn a total of 180 points for the tests which is weighted as 55% of the course grade.

Important. In the event that a “home computer” does not work, you will still be required to complete the test. Please make arrangements to use a family member’s computer, a friend’s computer, access a library computer, a cyber café, or campus computer, to ensure that your test can be completed on time. No late tests will be evaluated and you will earn zero points.

On-line Learning Module Assignments

Online Learning Module Assignments. These online individual assignments are related to the readings in the text. You should read the assigned chapters before completing the assignment. The assignment is to be submitted to the instructor before the end of each learning module. Each assignment contain a case study that relates to your assigned readings. You can earn 10 points for each assignment. Full credit involves answering the assigned questions using the below criteria.

A total of 80 points or 25% of the total grade in the course can be earned for correctly answering questions. I expect each question to be answered completely using the following criteria:
1) Your answers should have clarity. The answers should be of a sufficient length in sentence and paragraph form with proper spelling.
2) The answers should demonstrate critical thinking and knowledge of assigned reading. You need to integrate the fact, concepts, principles, and/or views cited in the reading about the topic being studies in your answers.
3) Certain questions require you to identify what morals were or were not violated about a scenario then use the 5 steps of moral reasoning to render a ethical decision.
Important. In the event that a “home computer” does not work, you will still be required to turn in the assignment. Please make arrangements to use a family member’s computer, a friend’s computer, access a library computer, a cyber café, or campus computer, to ensure that your assignment is completed within the course guidelines. No late assignments will be evaluated and you will earn zero points.

On-Line Learning Module Class Discussions
 

On-Line Class Discussion. You, the instructor, and the other members of the class will have an on-line discusss of ethical questions about the topic for each learning module. As your instructor , I will be observing, reading your discussions, and assessing your involvement in the discussions during each learning module. The instructor will engage in the discussion to facilitate the discussion or re-direct the discussion to a more meaningful direction.

This is an opportunity to express your opinions but remember that your views should be expressed in a mature, logical, and ethical manner. Using profanity or putting down another's views is not necessary nor acceptable.

You can earn up to 7 points per learning module your involvement involving these ethical questions. Full credit involves spending time reading others views and your direct involvement in expressing your views. A total of 56 points or 20% of the total grade can be earned for discussing the on-line ethical questions.

How do I post or discussion the questions in an ethical manner? First, use chapter 1-3 of the text, Sport Ethics: Application for Fair Play to examine each question from the ethical standpoint. Chapter 1 of Lumpkin's et al. text discusses how one might address the question from an impartial, consistent, and reflective perspective. Were any of the moral values of justice, honesty, responsibility, and beneficence identified in chapter 2 violated? Use the steps of moral issues identified in Chaptger 3 to thinking through the moral issue of each question. When posting refer to the materials in both texts for supporting your views. If we habitually use these thinking abilities, moral values, and steps, we will become better able to cope and resolve ethical situation we will face throughout out lifetime. The more we use these abilities, moral values, and steps to make decisions the more ethical our decisions become.

In the past students have lost discussion points because they did not recognize or meet the criteria that must be met when discussing the questions. The discussion criteria has been identified in the class discussion rubric. Become famaliar with class discussion rubrics and adhere to each criteria when you discuss the questions on-line. Click on the link to view the Class Discussion Rubric developed and used by the instructor to evaluate your discussions. In short if you frequently post through out the learning module, engage with others, use chapters 1-3 of Sport Ethics text, and support your view using materials of both texts, you will earn most if not all the discussion points per learning module.

Required Text

Two texts are required:

Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies by Jay Coakley (10th edition) and Sport Ethics: Application for Fair Play by Lumpkin, Stoll, and Beller (3rd edition). Both textbooks can be purchased though the UMD bookstore. Not having the text before the class begins is not an excuse for not completing the requirement of each learning module. Please buy these texts and have them before the course begins.

Software, & Supplemental Material:
Required software: You will need to have an appropriate word processing program for this class. You will need to use Microsoft Word 97 or above for your case studies. If you use Microsoft Works or a similar program, save the file as Rich Text Format before you submit electronically.
Communicating with the Instructor:
Important: I will respond to your questions using the mail system provided within this course. Please do not use my campus email address. You will receive correspondence from me and other classmates using the course mail system. I will respond to your questions as soon as possible and am usually online everyday during the week and on Sunday evenings.
Communication/Student Email
Your UMD campus email account is the official means of campus communication; however WebCT has an internal mail system within each of your online course(s). Please only use the WebCT mail tool for correspondence within this course.
Communication/Discussion Area:
Each learning module will have discussion questions and an assignment; these are required postings and will be monitored and graded. You will also find a discussion area for you and your classmates, this is an open discussion area for you to meet and discuss topics relating to this course.
Computer Requirements:
You will be required to have access to a computer and the internet. If for some reason your home or primary computer is not working, you will need to find an alternative method to complete the course work. Some suggestions are the public library, cyber-café, college or university, a friend’s computer, or a family member’s computer.
Technical Skill Requirements:

You should be comfortable with the following:

  • using a word processor (changing font, spell check)
  • using email for communication
  • sending an email attachment  or uploading files
  • navigating the Internet
  • downloading appropriate plug-ins
  • using an Internet search engine
Teaching Methods:

The course is totally online.  This is not an independent nor individual study course!  The learning modules are delivered in a sequential order throughout the semester.  One needs to realize that the discussions, assignments, and learning module tests are only accessible and to be completed during the dates identified at the courses homepage.

Course Strategies:  There are 8 learning modules throughout the semester. Each learning module is 2 weeks in length. The learning modules are sequentially offered through the semester. Read the requirements of each learning module before you begin studying each learning module.  Once you have reviewed the learning module requirements, read the assigned chapter(s) associated with the learning module become engaged in the weekly discussion questions.  Complete and submit the learning module assignment online before the end of each learning module. The test over each learning module will be provided online at a designated day and time.  Once the test is accessible, take the test and submit you’re answers to the instructor.

Homepage: You will find the syllabus and course material (units, modules, weeks).

Discussion Area: You will find weekly discussions questions that you are required to participate about with the instructor and other students.

Assessments: You will click on the “Assessments” link or link within a module/unit/week to find the tests, and surveys.

Attendance/Time Commitment/Student Expectations:

Attendance (regular participation in the online classroom) is essential for maintaining the best learning environment. Learning occurs in relationships not only between students and course materials, but, just as importantly, peer to peer, instructor to student, and student to instructor.

Students who successfully complete the course report that they spend an average of 10 hours per week online in the course. You may spend more or less, depending on your current level of expertise.

Assignments are due per the course schedule. In the event that a “home computer” does not work, you will still be required to turn in assignments based on this schedule. Please make arrangements to use a family member’s computer, a friend’s computer, access a library computer, a cyber café, or campus computer, to ensure that your assignments/test/quizzes are done within the course guidelines.

NOTE: This Online class demands that the student be self-motivated and self disciplined. You are responsible to keep up with the schedule, assignments, discussions, and tests. I will use the course mail system for all course correspondence and will respond to questions posted in the general course discussion area.

What You Should Understand About This Online Class:
  • Be realistic about the amount of time required to do the coursework.
  • Plan to spend 3 to 5 clock hours per week for every credit hour.
  • Schedule class time just as if you were attending class on-campus.
  • Turn in your work ON TIME.
  • Online is NOT easier!
  • Participate actively in the class.
  • Use the courses email and the discussion area to communicate often with your instructor and other classmates.
  • Log into the class on a regular basis (every day is best).
  • Do NOT fall behind in your assignments or discussions.
  • ASK for help when you need help.
Grading Criteria - Evaluation Techniques:
 

Grading Criteria

Learning Module Tests

55% of Grade

On-line Assignments

25% of Grade

On-Line Class Discussion Questions

20% of Grade

100% of the Grade