Sociology

Course Syllabus

Dan Sullivan: Social Studies (Room #234)

dansullivan@clintonia.org

(563) 243-7540 ext. 234

Course Description-

Sociology is one area of the social sciences. Sociology deals with how people react to each other,

treat each other, and handle everything from institutions to family. This sociology course gives

students an understanding of the basic concepts in sociology and how it relates to them. This

course is preparation for students going to college, but will be helpful for students who go

directly into the workforce as well. This course will give students insight into everyday

relationships, group interactions, and the actions of people who come in and out of their lives on

a daily basis. We explore our culture, socialization process, and how we are indoctrinated into

our family, society, and the workplace. Every student will gain knowledge of parts of societyu

Critical Course Objectives-

Understand our role in society

Understand society, culture, social status, socialization, and other social situations in society

Become familiar with vocabulary terms commonly used in sociology

Understand social structures and how they affect our beliefs and behaviors

Learning, practicing, and applying sociology skills

Primary Resource-

Sociology and You- Textbook by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, Shepard-Greene

Secondary Resources-

Handouts on various topics as selected by the instructor

Weekly readings in the Newspaper

Reading Expectations-

Chapter reading is required so the student understands the various aspects and uses of sociology

vocabulary and theories. Reading will also help the student understand the context in which

words and theories are used. Text reading is to be done outside of class. Handout and Newspaper

reading will be done in and out of class. Some reading will be required so discussion can take

place in class. The readings both in and out of class enhance the information taught throughout

the chapter.

Expectations-

Each student is expected to attend class on time and on a regular basis. They must demonstrate

their work appropriately and on time. They should bring their book, a pencil, and a notebook

each day. Students are expected to read the chapter outside of class to prepare for the test and to

help with comprehension of material. Students are expected to respect others in class and their

opinions. Late work will be accepted, but will lose up to 20% of value from work turned in on

time. Class participation is an important part of the class so discussion can solidify and clarify

your opinions on a topic.

Units of Study-

Introduction- 1 week

Sociological Perspectives- 2 week

Sociological Methods- 1 week

Culture- 2 weeks

Social Structure- 2 weeks

Socialization- 2 weeks

Deviance, Crime, and Social Control- 2 weeks

Social Institutions- 1 week

Gender and Age Inequality- 1 week

Social Change- 1 week

Course Evaluation-

There will be one research paper, six chapter test, one project, and a final test. The course

evaluation is divided into three main classifications: Daily work, tests and quizzes, and projects.

Coursework is assessed with total points. Students are expected to complete specific assignments

within each unit of study and points will be awarded accordingly. We will use the standard

Clinton Schools grading scale;

Grading Scale

A 93-100% (4.0) C+ 77-79% (2.33)

A- 90-92% (3.67) C 73-76% (2.0)

B+ 87-89% (3.33) C- 70-72% (1.67)

B 83-86% (3.0) D+ 67-69% (1.33)

B- 80-82% (2.67) D 63-66% (1.0)

D- 60-62% (0.67)

F 59% and below (0)