Sociology - Syllabus

2007-2008 Sociology Syllabus

Welcome to Sociology. As your text states, “sociology is the systematic study of human society.” Within that context, we will look more in depth at 18 areas within the sociological framework. In doing so, we hope to find a few kernels of wisdom we can take with us to help guide our choices as we engage in this thing called “life”.

Ever wonder why some groups commit more crime than others? Or why many crimes go unreported and even fewer get reported? Who makes those decisions and in whose interests? Or how religious is today’s society? How would you even define religion and how would you measure religiosity? Why do girls do consistently better on exams than boys? Does this mean the educational system is failing boys? What class would you say you were from? Do you think class is relevant to how you perform in school? How do you measure performance; is it just exams? How do you define class? And what influence do the media have? Are you influenced by what you read or see? How much and why?

FIRST QUARTER

Part I
Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
Chapter 2: Sociological Investigation

Part II
Chapter 3: Culture
Chapter 4: Society
Chapter 5: Socialization
Chapter 6: Social Interaction in Everyday Life
Chapter 7: Groups and Organizations
Chapter 8: Deviance
Chapter 10: Social Stratification

SECOND QUARTER

Part III
Chapter 14: Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 15: Aging and the Elderly

Part IV
Chapter 16: The Economy and Work
Chapter 17: Politics and Government
Chapter 19: Religion
Chapter 20: Education
Chapter 21: Health and Medicine
Chapter 22: Population, Urbanization, and Environment
Chapter 23: Collective Behavior and Social Movements

Exams and Quizzes

There will be both tests and quizzes as evaluation tools for this course. A minimum of two tests will be conducted each quarter on material from the textbook, supplemental readings, discussions, and lectures. A quiz will follow each chapter. The design of each exam will be multiple choice and essay questions. At times, take home exams will be issued as a means of providing students more time to evaluate complex issues. Tests will be worth 40% (weighted) of the students’ grade. Quizzes will be valued (weighted) at 30%. Students need to take exams and quizzes on time. Students missing exams/quizzes will have one school day after returning to class to make up the exam/quiz. For each day the student fails to make up the evaluation, the student will be docked by 25% of his/her grade. Homework and class participation will also be a part of the evaluation process. Students are responsible to coordinate with the teacher on all makeup tests/quizzes/homework.

Semester Exams and Class Participation

The course follows the school’s exam exemption policy (see student handbook). Students earn points by actively participating in class: students should take good notes, take an active leadership role in helping to explain concepts, problems, or answers to problems; students can engage in dialogues of sociological significance; students should always be ready to address questions asked by the teacher—correct answers need not be the absolute standard, but the student should demonstrate that he/she has been following the discussion/lecture. Homework assignments: reading assignments, completing identification terms, and recopying notes. Notebook checks will be done every quarter to ensure students have proper notes. Homework will be evaluated and have a 10% grade value.

Grading Standards
Tests: 40%
Quizzes/Essays/: 30%
Homework: 20%
Participation: 10%

Course Goals

1. Master a broad body of “relevant factual knowledge” about sociology.
2. Understand human behavior of different groups and their impact on society.
3. Understand the nature of change and its effect on people and society.
4. Use essential skills to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas and arguments, particularly in new situations.
5. Develop high level discussions of issues.
6. Use a scientific, systematic approach to understand ourselves as social beings.
7. Have fun and take a more active and meaningful role in society.

Course Objectives

1. The student will discuss sociology as a behavior science and be exposed to the development and characteristics of sociology.
2. The student will identify the devices, tools, and methods of research that sociologists utilize (surveys, polls, demographic information, statistics, and the Internet.)
3. The student will recognize how values, norms, and sanctions influence the individual and examine ways in which cultures differ, change, and resist change.
4. The student will assess antisocial behaviors, such as crime, social deviance, addiction, and terrorism.
5. The student will evaluate how culture affects his or her personality.
6. The student will describe the cycle of human life, including birth, including birth, childhood, adulthood, parenthood, middle age, late adulthood, and examine the topics of parenting, aging, and death and dying.
7. The student will discuss and evaluate topics concerning human groups, social stratification, gender roles, micro-cultures, populations and human ecology.
8. The student will analyze the family structure and functions, such as marriage, roles, divorce, and changing family patterns.
9. The student will examine the need and purpose of social systems and institutions such as prisons, schools, governments, and religions.
10. The students will examine forms of collective behavior such as mobs, riots, fads, social movements, public opinion, and mass communications.
11. The student will examine major social issues facing modern society.

Classroom Policies and Procedures

1. Attendance: Students will be on time and in their seats before the bell rings. Student restroom practices are given individually and on a “first come, first served” basis.

2. Students will follow the policies as identified in the Seton Catholic High School Handbook and the honor code that each student signed. Students will acknowledge that honor code on all written work, e.g. tests, quizzes, homework, projects, etc.

3. Students will be prepared for class. All reading and other assignments must be completed with due. Reading assignments are vital to learning the material assigned and to active class participation which is expected of all students. In addition, students must have their own books, pens, pencils, notebook, homework, and paper for class. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers to retrieve their belongings once class has begun.

4. Late assignments will not be accepted unless the teacher pre-approves them. A late assignment (e.g. homework, essays, etc.) will result in 25% off for each day late.

5. Absent students must turn in work due within one day after return to school. Late work will be “docked” 25% for each late day. Students can check with the teacher on line, in-person at school, or by phone to confirm what work was missed. Moreover, students can check the class web site for all information regarding the class; students may not take class time to do this. This is the students’ responsibility. Sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. extended absenteeism); accordingly, a make-up plan will be coordinated with the teacher, parent(s)/guardian(s), and student.

6. Students missing class due to scheduled field trips, mass, athletic events, or other scheduled events must turn in their work before they leave for the event. Assignments not turned in before scheduled events will be counted late and the work will be downgraded 25% for each day late.

7. Reading is expected of all students. Participation should be consistent, positive, and respectful during all class activities. Students are expected to lead class prayers throughout the year. Students may be required to lead the class in discussion of events/issues in the assigned chapter on an impromptu or assigned basis. Preparation and participation are key “operative” words as guidelines for the course.

8. I will edit on-line grades in a timely manner but at least weekly per school policy. Course assignments and results will be provided on line.

9. Each student is expected to behave with maturity and in accordance with the guidelines stated in the Seton High School Handbook. Negative behavior and comments will not be tolerated. Students are expected to:

a. Be on time and be in their assigned seats prior to the bell.
b. Raise their hands to get the teacher’s attention.
c. Remain in their seats throughout the class unless otherwise instructed.
d. Treat each other and the teacher with respect.
e. Discuss topics, materials, homework, tests, quizzes, etc., in an appropriate manner. Wasting the class’s time with disruptive talk and/or actions will not be tolerated.
f. Allow one person to speak at a time during the class period. All students raising their hands will be given the opportunity to speak.
g. Remain with their class when moving on campus as a class.
g. Leave the class quietly to use the restroom. Do not walk in front of the teacher when the teacher is lecturing. Students will use the pass and will sign out and back in.

I am available before school by appointment and Monday through Friday from 3:00-3:30 P.M. in room E3. My voice mail number is (480) 963-1900, ext 3070. You may also contact me through e-mail at Tdarby@setonCHS.org. Please by sure to put your name in the subject line or I will not open it.