Sociology
Sociology


Mr. Boardman
E-mail Me!
Ext.115

Course Description
Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behavior. This introductory course will provide an overview of the discipline of sociology, culture, socialization, deviance, society, social stratification and class, and race and ethnicity.

General Goals
1. To think critically and objectively about the world around you
2. To grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally as you progress throughout the course of the semester
3. To develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others as you are exposed to a variety of sociological concepts

Thoughts on Behavior:
1. The only person that I can control is myself!
2. However, my behavior will always have an impact on other people--good or bad.
3. It is necessary for me to take responsibility for my actions.

Problem behaviors that will not be allowed in class include...
1. Interfering with another's ability to learn
2. Physically or emotionally hurting another person
3. Interfering with the teacher's ability to teach
4. Destroying property

Class Rules
1. Bring all needed materials to class.
2. Be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings.
3. Speak at appropriate times, using appropriate voice and language.
4. Wait for the teacher to dismiss you--not the bell!
5. Respect others, respect property, and respect yourself.
6. Follow directions and classroom procedures.
7. Do your own work!
8. Obey all school rules.


What will we study?
Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology
What is Sociology?
Sociological Perspectives
Research Methods
Ethics
Careers in Sociology

Unit 2: Culture
Eight Features of Civilization
Geography Influences Culture
Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Egypt
History Skills: Developing an Argument

Unit 3: Socialization
History Skills: Using the Library
Sumerians
Babylonians
Assyrians
Egyptians
Phonecians
Persians

Unit 4: Deviance
Introduction to Religion
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism

Unit 5: Society
Hellenic Greece
Human Freedom
Humanism
Human Reason
The Rise and Fall of Hellenistic Greece

Unit 6: Social Stratification and Class
Rome's Expansion
Distinctives of the Roman Republic
Decline of the Republic
Roman Empire
Decline of the Empire
Christianity

Unit 7: Ethnicity and Race
Invasions, Carolingian Empire, and Invasions
Feudalism and Manorialism
Rise and Revival of Towns
Church Politics and Organization
Islam and the Crusades
The Great Schism
The Black Death
Hundred Years War

How will I be graded?

Daily Homework: (25% of your grade)
Homework assignments will typically include reading, section review questions, worksheets, and journal reflections.

Projects: (30% of your grade)
Occassionally, there will be assignments bigger than the typical daily homework assignment. Projects may include group presentations, Internet activities, and in-class group work.

Classroom Participation: (10% of your grade)
You will receive full credit for classroom participation and behavior by…1) participating in classroom discussions and demonstrations, and 2) being an active participant, who stays on task, in your group when the class breaks into small groups.

Chapter Quizzes: (10% of your grade)
Each week there will be a 5-10 question “pop” quiz over assigned readings, lectures, demonstrations, and topics that have been covered on the current unit study guide. The quizzes will primarily consist of true/false, multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions.

Unit Tests: (25% of your grade)
There will be several unit tests throughout the course of the semester. Each test may include information from more than one chapter. However, before each test, you will know what chapters the test will cover. The tests will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer, and essay questions. There should be no surprises on the test—use your current unit study guide to help you focus your study.

Grading Scale
Your average will determine what grade you will receive based on the following grading scale:

A 100-90
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 0-59


Classroom Policies and Procedures

Late Work: Excuesed Absences
If you have an excused absence, it is your responsibility to check the assignment board for missed work and to pick up any handouts or worksheets that you missed while you were absent. You have one extra day per day absent to make up missed work. Failure to do so will result in a 0 for any assignment not turned in on time. You must turn in any homework that would have been handed in on the day that you were absent. Failure to do so will result in a 0 for the assignment.

Late Work: Unexcuesed Absences
Please note that the social studies department has a policy which states that late work will NOT be accepted. In-class assignments and assignments missed as a result of an unexcused absence cannot be made up. You will receive a 0 for the assignment.

Cheating Policy
If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing on an assignment for this class, you will receive a 0 for the assignment that you are working on. You will also receive a detention and a call home. If you are caught cheating on an assignment for another class, your paper will be taken and you will receive a detention.

Classroom Procedures
The following link will take you to a list of important classroom procedures.