Welcome to Sociology!
If you are registered for SOC 1 with Jesse Kolber, please visit Jesse's website. This site is for students registered to take Sociology with instructor Blayke Barker.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of human society, social structures and institutions. Sociology's subject matter is diverse, ranging from media to family, crime to religion, and race to radical social movements. As sociologists, we are tasked with taking a closer look at some of the most "normal" aspects of society. The ultimate goal is to make the familiar strange and critically question and examine why things are the way they are. If this sounds interesting, you are in the right place! So again, welcome to sociology, and to my course website! Take a look around, learn a little bit about me and the course you have enrolled in!
about me
My name is Blayke Barker. I have been teaching at CCSF since 2017 in the School of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Multicultural Studies. I am originally from a small border town in Southern California called El Centro and just recently moved to the Bay Area in 2016. I received my Bachelor's degree from UC Santa Barbara in Sociology and Black Studies. I went on to attend Penn State University and received my Master's in American Studies in 2014.
My research interests are racism and race relations, identity formation, and social inequalities. In 2014 I completed my Master's research on Border Patrol agents of Mexican Ancestry who patrol the Southern California borderline. I am deeply drawn to my hometown community, its rich culture, and the impact and symbolism of the border wall. These interests inspire my commitment to teaching about justice and social equality here at CCSF. My ultimate goal is to make sociology interesting, relatable, and accessible to all students. This means that I want you to be able to connect with the topics we are learning about, see the value in your own experiences, and apply what you learn to your everyday life.
When I am not teaching I am most likely hanging out with my two dogs, Kado and Layla, and my almost 2 year old son, Julius.
Textbook
For Introduction to Sociology the required textbook is:
You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Thinking Like a Sociologist by Dalton Conley
You may use the 4th, 5th or 6th edition of this textbook, but please be advised that the "Core Edition" is missing some of the required chapters.
In addition to the bookstore on campus, you can rent the book on amazon and chegg. You do not need to buy the book new; we will not be using the online access code this semester.
succeeding in an online classroom
If you have never taken an online class, it is a good idea to check out some of these tips for success!
Taking an online class is a big commitment! It is not self-paced; there are multiple due dates each week, and the average time spent per week on each unit is the same, if not more than a traditional classroom. This means you will need to set aside time each week to read and complete the required assignments.
You can also take this short quiz to see if online learning is right for you.
Canvas
Our class this semester will be available through Canvas.
To access the course log in to the CCSF Canvas portal
Username: CCSF ID (examples: W12345678 or @12345678)
Password: your RAM ID password
If you have never logged in to Canvas, check out the new user account activation page to learn how to claim your RAM ID and successfully sign in!
You can also contact the CCSF Help Desk at (415) 239-3711 for 24 hour assistance.
important dates
CRN 78259
Class Begins: August 31, 2020
Last Day to Add: September 18, 2020
Last Day to Drop with refund: September 10, 2020
Last Day to Drop without W on your record: September 18, 2020
Last Day to Drop with a W on your record: November 19, 2020
Final Exam/ Last Day of Class: December 18, 2020
Final grades available on myRAM portal: January 11 2021
DSps info
Please contact the DSPS office if you require any accommodations
You can view the DSPS homepage for general information and services
If you need immediate assistance or need to make an appointment with a DSPS counselor, contact the DSPS main office at:
415-452-5481 (Voice)
415-452-5451 (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) or use California Relay Service
If you are a distance learner and are unable to come to campus, services can be arranged through email at dspsacom@ccsf.edu or by a phone appointment at 415-452-5481.
Contact info
The best ways to reach me are via email at bblayke@ccsf.edu and through our Canvas course inbox.
I will respond to emails within 48 hours. If you do not hear back from me within that time frame, please re-send your original email.
CCSF Sociology Homepage
Visit the CCSF Sociology homepage to learn about the courses offered and the faculty here at CCSF!