Welcome To Sociology 254

1. Welcome To Sociology 254 Racial and Ethnic Minorities In The US Professor: Dr. Richard Pitt (r.pitt@vanderbilt.edu) Teaching Assistant: Art Reed (arthur.e.reed@vanderbilt.edu)

2. http://majorsmatter.net/race

3. “Dr. Pitt is an unbelievable professor. He communicated perfectly with the class and I loved the way he taught. He is an animated and fun professor that does not hold back. I learned a lot more than I expected to, and he made this class the best class I have ever taken at Vanderbilt.” “Dr. Pitt was one of the best professors, if not the best professor, I ever had at Vanderbilt. He made class so interesting and fun. His ability to engage the students and make us like the subject was astounding. I found myself missing his style and class on days I didn't have it.” “Professor Pitt has a way of making the material interesting to the class. If I were not graduating I would love to take more classes from Professor Pitt!” “Dr. Pitt can relate to students, which is obvious in his lectures. He relates every theory, every subject, to college students which is so helpful when it comes to studying. He made himself available before tests during office hours which was so helpful. He is funny and engaging in class lectures - his class was a highlight of the day and I learned so much about social theory that, as a sociology major, I felt I should know.” What Past Students Say About Me

4. Dr. Pitt is the best lecturer I've ever known. I came to class eager to learn something new every single class. However, I really think that his means of grading his students is completely unfair and irrational. I have really enjoyed this course and learning about how race works in America, however, there was way too much work for a class many take as an elective. Eight autobiographies? Really? Hands-down the best class I've ever had at Vanderbilt in terms of how the material was taught. Terrible, ridiculous, utterly unfair grading scale though. A good professor and knows his material; however, his assignments are somewhat ridiculous. I am no stranger to hard work, but his exams and so-called “reading-check” quizzes are TOO HARD! Grading for the class is interesting, but somewhat unfair: everyone starts with 500 points and then points are deducted accordingly, which makes understanding grading difficult. What Else They Say About The Course

5. A = 470 to 500 A- = 450 to 469 B’s = 400 to 449 C’s = 350 to 399 D’s = 300 to 349 F’s = 0 to 299 Only way to go back up is to contribute to the course blog every week. Don’t wait until the end of the semester!

6. Average Grades For This Class Autobiography Quizzes (200) Blog Contributions (100) Examination I (100) Examination II (100) 178 points 87 points 83 points 79 points 427 points ( the same as an 85% ) Grade? B 427 + 15 extra credit points = 442 points (Grade? B+)

7. Register for the course blog by clicking on the little pencil in the corner. Then click <Register an account> On next screen, click on <Register> Type in a username and your email address. We will send you a password to that address. Log back in and change your password to something YOU CAN REMEMBER!