Sociology

Sociology is a one semester course that examines modern man’s behavior in groups, specifically the study of the individuals, groups and institutions that make up human society.  Sociology also considers a variety of social issues, such as the attitudes and values of adolescents, the minority experience in America, the roles of men and women today, and the changing American family.

Major Focus of the Course:

The major focus of this course is to help students understand and thus appreciate the rich diversity that is possible in social life by exposing them to data from a wide variety of cross cultural and historical sources.

• Objectives

• Expectations

• Grading

• Semester Grades

• Absences/Make-ups

• Outline

• Application

Student Objectives: 

As a result of completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Define Sociology and the importance of maintaining a sociological perspective.
2. Identify the factors that led to the emergence of Sociology as a distinct academic discipline.
3. Define sociological research and the methods employed to conduct research.
4. Distinguish between the terms culture and society and the basic components of each.
5. Identify and describe the traditional American values and the two basic methods of social control.
6. Describe the features of group structure and the various types of group interaction.
7. Identify the characteristics of each stage of the socialization process.
8. Explain the nature and functions of deviance and crime in the United States.
9. Outline the characteristics of the American class system, and discuss poverty in the United States.
10. Discuss the characteristics of social institutions and their impact on the total social environment.

Student Expectations:

As active participants in a student focused learning environment, the student will be expected to:

1. Be on time!
2. Complete all assigned work in good order by the due date.
3. Participate in classroom discussion, activities, and projects.
4. Maintain an assignment book and class folder with all class materials.
5. Successfully pass all evaluations and the semester examination.
6. See the teacher immediately with any concerns you have.                         
7. Strive for excellence.

Grading Scale:   A+ = 97 – 100             A = 93 - 96                 A- = 90 – 92

                                B+ = 87 - 89                B = 83 – 86                 B- = 80 - 82

                                C+ = 77 - 79                C = 73 – 76                 C- = 70 - 72

                                D+ = 67 - 69               D = 63 – 66                 D- = 60 - 62

                                F = 0 - 59

Semester Grades:    Quarter1 equals 40%; Quarter2 equals 40%; Final Exam equals 20% of the recorded semester grade.

Absences/Make-Ups:

Obtain your work on the day you return from an absence. Any work due on the day of your absence is due the day you return. You have one day for each day you are absent plus one day to complete missed assignments. Tests and quizzes missed due to an absence must be taken during the scheduled make-up time.

Outline of Study:

Real World Applications:

The knowledge and skills obtained in this course will help students to develop a sociological imagination, or the ability to perceive how people’s lives are shaped by the social environment and how the social environment is in turn shaped by people.  Such an imagination is the mark of every good student of society.  Students will be able to use sociology’s skills in their relationships with other people throughout life, in pursuing success in their careers, family relationships, and community associations.

Enjoy your semester!

Sociology | World Cultures | Latin American Studies | NHS

Contact me: gerry.sansone@lz95.org         Phone:  847-540-5418        Voice Mail: 4356
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