Sociology Course SyllabusTeacher: Mrs. Cabrera Voicemail: 361-6500 X 2099Room D228 Email: rachel_cabrera@jusd.k12.ca.usPatriot High School 2014- 2015

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will understand that the principles of Sociology are academic methods for studying people. Students will use their knowledge of Sociology – the scientific study of social relations, institutions, and society – to analyze and interpret why humans behave as they do… why we behave the way we do, why we form groups, worship, marry, vote, go to war, etc. Students will incorporate sociological knowledge into creative projects, self-discovery activities and work on refining their academic writing skills.

Textbook: Introduction to Sociology Remind: 940-220-4804 code: @4f03a Textbook website:nextext.com Mrs. Cabrera’s website: mrscabrerasclass.weebly.com Extra Help: Afterschool any day from 2:30-3:30pm

UNITS OF STUDY:

1. Intro to Sociology - exploring your own sociological background

2. Socialization Chapter 4 – Cooley, Mead & Freud, feral children, stages of

development, different influences

3. Deviance & Crime Chapter 5– non-conformity, deviant appearances & behavior, the

US prison system

4. Stratification & Class Chapter 6– money (poverty, working class, middle class,

wealthy), different values

5. Race Chapter 7 - ethnicity, prejudice vs. discrimination, stereotypes, history of US

race relations

6. Gender Chapter 8 – women vs. men in the workplace, dual-earner households,

changing roles of wives

7. Family Chapter 9 – diverse types of US families, latchkey kids, both parents working,

new issues

8. Education & Religion Chapter 10 - the US public ed system, creating the ideal

school, different religions

9. Sports & Entertainment Chapter 12 – the influence of media, music, sports, etc. on our

society

GRADE WEIGHTS ARE BASED ON THESE CATEGORIES:

1. SOCIOLOGY ASSIGNMENTS (organization & quality of assignments in your binder)…..……..……………………….30%2. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS & PROJECTS (individual/group projects)……………...……………………………………..25%3. TESTS, & FINAL (there is a test at the end of each unit of study and the final exam is cumulative)…………………..35%4. PARTICIPATION (journal entries)..……………………..……………………………………………………………………..10%

GRADE PERCENTAGE SCALE:

A+ 97 – 100+% C+ 77 – 79% F 59% and below A 93 – 96 % C 73 – 76%A- 90 – 92% C- 70 – 72% B+ 87 – 89% D+ 67 – 69%B 83 – 86% D 63 – 66%B- 80 – 82% D- 60 – 62%

PHS Vision: "Pursuing Excellence in Learning & Character Within the Patriot Community"PHS Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Commitment, Courage, Discovery, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety & Security

Mrs. Cabrera’s Class Rules The following rules & expectations are in place so that our classroom is

a safe, clean, respectful, peaceful, orderly place to learn for all students!1. Classroom Rules

1. MINIMIZE DISRUPTIONS. Testing is a silent activity, so are reading & writing. Disruptions will be documented. Bathroom passes – 2 per semester unless you have a health office pass. No passes during the start or end of class. Restroom use in 5 mins or less. 5 mins + up will be documented.

2. BE RESPECTFUL to other people when you talk and interact. Profanity will be documented. *Hitting/bullying/all other Ed Code violations receive an immediate office referral*

3. PAY ATTENTION to the teacher’s instructions. I will raise my hand for quiet.4. BE ON TIME.Tardy students will be locked out at the bell. Get an admit slip from the attendance office where it will be documented. Other passes only accepted if you have it with you when you arrive.5. ALL PHS SCHOOL RULES APPLY. Dress code, academic integrity, & electronic policy are all enforced. Electronics will stay in teacher’s desk (x3), documented. 4th

offense to office.6. RESPECT YOUR CLASSROOM. Put your trash in the can, take care of school property, and stay in your assigned seat. Failure to do so will be documented.7. TRY YOUR BEST EVERY SINGLE DAY. Stay on task in class! Study at home! Learn & participate as much as you can, and keep a happy, grateful attitude!!

2. Consequences for Not Following the Rules1. Teacher documents behavior violation in Zangle (up to 4x). Student is

re-taught correct skill.

2. Mrs. Cabrera’s Classroom Character Contract & sentences – parent signature required next day

3. Referral & parent phone call/email4. Conference with Guidance Coordinator and Parent/Guardian

** Unsafe behavior/any other Ed Code Violations get an immediate office referral**3. Rewards

1. Warrior Success Postcards (for good grades/behavior)2. Treasure Chest: college pencils, assignment/bathroom passes, candy,

stickers, etc.3. Positive note/phone call home (especially for grade/behavior

improvement)4. Whole class reward – popcorn/food/grade awards

4. Binder PolicyLearn to love them! All students must bring a 3 ring binder to this class daily. When

you first get to class, take out your binder and begin your assignment right away. Do not put your classwork any place besides your binder! The binder helps you stay organized, study and keep track of your grades and assignments. Review your notes & assignments at home everyday & I guarantee you will get a good grade/maximize your learning.

5. Homework Policy1. Regular – Homework is assigned from the textbook studyguides and section

assessment questions for each section outline from the chapter and is assigned twice a week on average.

2. Before a Benchmark exam/Test – Review notes and assignments all week leading up to the test. Review sheets take about 1 ½ hours to complete, then you need to have someone quiz you for at least 45 minutes.

3. Turn in all homework in your binder. Test reviews are collected separately on the day of the test.

6. Make-up Work & Academic Integrity Policy1. Check make-up work bin for your class/ ask me directly – Do this immediately

when you return from an absence! It is your responsibility to come get the make-up work the day after you are absent. Do not wait till the binder check.

2. Do not copy work from another student. Exceptions: Lecture or film notes which cannot be made up. All other work must be made up by you at home on your own time – no copying. Schedule test make-ups with me individually.

7. Late Work PolicyFor any assignment, a 1 letter grade penalty (10 percent off) is marked for each day it is late unless it is an excused absence.

8. Important Dates at PHS1. Back-To-School Night – August 26th2. Semester 1 Grades: Progress Report 1 – Sept.

25, Progress Report 2 – Nov. 6, Final grade – Dec. 19.

Semester 2 Grades: Progress Report 1 – Feb. 27, Progress Report 2 – April 17, Final grade – June 4.

“There is no such thing as failure. There is only giving up too soon.” ~ Jonas SalkAugust 12, 2014

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Hello and welcome to the 2014-2015 school year at Patriot High School! My name is Mrs. Cabrera and I will be your son or daughter’s teacher. I am looking forward to many positive learning experiences for

the students in this class. I am a third generation teacher in my family, and have been a teacher for 15 years in Jurupa Unified School District. My educational background is a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, a social science teaching credential from UC Riverside, and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Azusa Pacific University. I live in Corona with my husband and our 5 year old daughter.

I have completely enjoyed working with the students and parents at Patriot High School in the past and look forward to more positive interactions this year. I am grateful to be able to teach two of my favorite subjects - History and Sociology - to new students each year. My interest in history started early in life from hearing the real-life stories and adventures from my grandfather and uncles who are WW2 and Vietnam veterans, and from my father who was a history major; in college I also became fascinated with the study of sociology - studying human behavior and how we are influenced in so many ways by our surroundings. Another special interest of mine is helping students with guidance issues, especially helping them plan for college and career options. Periodic updates about individual student progress and upcoming events/projects in the class will be sent home with your student. Attached you will find a calendar of important school events including progress report & report card dates as well as all the testing dates for the year - it will be helpful to read this over with your student and discuss which ones apply to them. For example, all sophomores need to take the Exit Exam (CAHSEE), and 10th graders interested in college should register to take the PSAT/PLAN tests this fall. Also, please support your student and come learn about their school experience by attending Back-to-School Night at 6 pm on August 26, 2014.

Our main focus here at Patriot this year is “Bring Your A Game” in learning and character. We will challenge ourselves to open our minds and experience new possibilities and successes, instead of accepting the status quo. Whatever struggles we face in school and at home as Warriors this year, we are up to the challenge! We will be emphasizing the importance of a strong character and hard work in class this year when in comes to assignments, studying at home, and treating others with respect. Students are expected to come to class prepared with appropriate materials and assignments on a daily basis. On that note, please look over the requirements for this class, it is important that you and your child have carefully read the syllabus and classroom rules together, so that you both understand what my expectations are for the students and also what help is available. You can support your child’s progress by regularly (daily is best) asking to view the work they keep in their binder, discussing their weekly grades on the binder grade sheet, and requiring a minimum study time each day without phone use during that time. If you have any questions, please contact me by email me at rachel_cabrera@jusd.k12.ca.us or leave me a message at 361-6500 X 2099. Email is the best way to reach me – I check it several times a day. I am happy to contact parents anytime and can send home an individual grade print-out with your student whenever you request one. Thank you for all you do to support your student’s learning, personal growth, and work ethic at home. You are the most important influence in their lives, especially during the teenage years when they are becoming independent and may “forget” to ask you for help!

Sincerely,

Rachel L. CabreraWorld History & Sociology Teacher Patriot High School

PHS Vision: “Pursuing Excellence in Learning & Character Within the Patriot Community”

WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE EXPECTATIONS FOR MRS. CABRERA’S CLASS

STUDENT NAME______________________ ____ PARENT

NAME_____________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE______________________ PARENT

SIGNATURE________________________

PARENT PHONE ___________________

PARENT EMAIL _____________________

PERMISSION TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR STUDENT IN CLASS YES □ NO □

PERMISSION TO WATCH EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTARIES/FILMS EVEN IF RATED R YES

□ NO □

PARENT SURVEY (PLEASE COMPLETE SO THEY CAN GET FULL CREDIT ):

1. WHAT IS YOUR CHILD’S BIGGEST STRENGTH?

2. WHAT IS YOUR CHILD’S FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT?

3. WHAT IS YOUR CHILD’S FAVORITE ACTIVITY/HOBBY/INTEREST?

4. DO YOU HAVE THE INTERNET AT HOME? IF NOT, WHERE IS ANOTHER PLACE THEY

COULD USE A COMPUTER BESIDES AT SCHOOL FOR WRITING ASSIGNMENTS,

PROJECTS?

5. DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A QUIET PLACE TO DO HOMEWORK? HOW LONG DO YOU

REQUIRE THEM TO STUDY FOR SCHOOL EACH NIGHT?

6. IS YOUR CHILD INVOLVED IN SPORTS, CLUBS, OR OTHER ACTIVITIES AT SCHOOL? IF

SO, WHICH ONES, AND WHAT IS THEIR TIME COMMITMENT?

7. ARE THERE TOPICS FROM THE HISTORY SYLLABUS YOU FIND INTERESTING? WHICH

ONES?

8. IS YOUR CHILD GOOD AT PROBLEM SOLVING?

9. LIST SOME THINGS THAT MAKE YOUR CHILD HAPPY:

10. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST THINGS YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO?

11. WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOUR CHILD HAS HAD?

12. WHAT DOES YOUR CHILD WANT TO DO FOR A JOB/CAREER IN THE FUTURE?

13. WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE ME AS YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER?

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST STRENGTHS AS A

PARENT/FAMILY?

15. WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS/HOPES FOR YOUR CHILD?