Download 16-17 Sociology Policies - Township High School District 113

SOCIOLOGY
HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL: 2016 - 2017
MS. CHOY
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Office: A-311
Office Phone Number: (224) 765-2307
Office Hours:
Before School = By Appointment
During School/Free Periods = 4 and 7
After School = By Appointment
Textbook: Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach (Custom Edition) by James M. Henslin
Course Description
Sociology is the scientific study of society. Sociologists utilize the Scientific Method to gather data about social behavior and
further study social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. In this course, we will examine
the behaviors of people in groups and learn about various themes in sociological thinking.
Major themes in sociological thinking include the interplay between the individual and society, how society is both
stable and changing, the causes and consequences of social inequality, and the social construction of human life.
Understanding sociology helps discover and explain social patterns and see how such patterns change over time and in
different settings. By making vivid the social basis of everyday life, sociology also develops critical thinking by revealing
the social structures and processes that shape diverse forms of human life. (Adapted from the AP Sociology Curriculum
prepared by the ASA Task Force on the AP Course in Sociology)
In addition to being introduced to sociology through various themes, students will also complete a research project.
Course Outline
Listed below you will find some our topics of study throughout the semester:
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Introduction to Sociology and the Sociological Point of View
Studies on Race and Ethnicity
Culture, Social Structure, and Social Change
Socialization – Gender Studies / Social Stratification
Conformity, Deviance, and Social Control
Class Materials
For this class, you need a copy of the textbook. While you do not need to bring the book to class on a daily basis, you will
have readings most nights so the book can be kept at home. Please bring the following materials to class on a daily basis:
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3-ring binder (used for sociology only…you will get lots of hand-outs!)
Writing utensil
Highlighter
Notebook (for in-class notes and double-entry journal notes)
Assignment notebook or planner
Chromebook or other laptop / tablet
In this class, you will rely heavily on class notes and handouts as well as readings from the text. It is imperative that
these materials be kept for reference. Organization of these notes and handouts in your sociology binder will be
important in order to be successful in this class.
Class Expectations
As seniors, you have been through many years of rules and expectations in a variety of classes with many different
teachers. That being said, the list below will look very familiar to you. Different teachers have different teaching styles
and classroom environments and I think that it is important to have a fun learning experience. The more that you use
common sense and courtesy and are respectful toward me and your peers, the less unpleasant conversations we will have
to have.
In order to be SUPER SUCCESSFUL in class (and well, in life) follow
“Ms. Choy’s 10 Commandments”:
1.
Be on time!
Our time together is valuable and it is limited. This is a semester course and we have a lot of interesting things to
get through! The expectation is that you are in the classroom when the bell rings, with your materials ready. I am
an understanding person but repeated tardies will result in consequences according to school policy and a lower
participation grade for the quarter.
2. Come to class!
I can’t imagine who wouldn’t want to come to sociology class every day, but it is extremely important to show up
for class on a regular and consistent basis. This means every time that we meet. Many activities and discussions
that occur in class cannot be replicated at home so in order to fully understand the concepts, you must be in class!
Again, I am an understanding person but unexcused and chronic absences will be dealt with on a case by case
basis and according to school policy.
3. Participate! Participate! Participate!
Sociology is full of interesting topics made only more interesting when we get a variety of opinions and
perspectives. This is where you come in! You are expected to participate regularly. There will be a participation grade
assigned at the end of each quarter and will not only include how often you contribute to the class, but also include things such as:
attendance, tardiness, homework completion, group work, behavior with a substitute, etc.
4. Be respectful…of our classroom, toward yourself, toward others.
I have no problem with you eating or drinking in the classroom…until it becomes a problem. Please be respectful
of your surroundings and clean up your own mess.
In this class, we will have many discussions, some during which people may have a strong difference of opinions.
It is important to remember that patience is expected of all members of our class and disrespect of any kind will not be
tolerated. At all times, our classroom will be an environment where everyone is safe from derogatory remarks
about race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or any other matter. It is important that we
work together as a class toward achieving our goals.
5. Do your homework and get it in on time.
In this class, you will have readings and journaling most nights. Lucky for you, I think that the homework will
always be interesting and fun! However if you disagree, it is still important for you to do your work and get it in on
time. This is a faster paced class (because of our time constraints) and once you fall behind in the reading or
work, it is always harder to catch up and follow what is going on in class.
Late Work: Each quarter, you will get two “late passes” that allow you to turn the assignment in the next day for no penalty. Late
passes will only be accepted for some assignments (no projects or extra credit).
6.
Communicate with me!
Communication skills are very important in the “real world” and that is no exception in this class! If you have a
problem or issue, please talk to me as soon as possible (especially if it prevents you from coming to class or
completing an assignment on time). I am an understanding teacher, but I am not a mind reader. The more that
you keep me in the loop, the better able I am to work with you to be successful. If you know that you are going to
miss class ahead of time, please let me know in advance so that I may provide you with anything that you might
miss in your absence.
7. No cell phones!
Now that all of your cell phone dreams have come true at HPHS, you have a time and a place where your phones
can be used. This being said, a stricter in-class policy has been adopted – if I see you with a cell phone in class, I
WILL take it away and assign you a 4-hour Saturday detention (as new school policy states). A student using a
cell phone in class is a pet peeve of mine and it is disrespectful to me and the overall classroom environment.
8. Assessments…be aware and be prepared!
There will be scheduled exams at the end of most units. We will discuss preparation for them in class. Quizzes
may be given at any time on readings, vocabulary, or any other material that has been assigned. Always come to
class prepared! If you miss an exam because of an excused absence, you will need to take a make-up exam during
one of your free periods within 1 to 2 days upon your return.
9. Honesty…really is the best policy!
Most people would like to describe themselves in life as an honest person and in school, it shouldn’t be any
different. At the end of this class, I would like to be able to describe you as a person with a solid character; a
person that I am proud to know and am confident will be successful in whatever you choose to do after high
school.
Carefully do all of your own work for this class. Unless I specifically tell you that you may work with another
person, collaboration or similarity to work from a different class will be considered academic dishonesty. Do not
cheat, copy homework, plagiarize writing or answers, engage in any other academically dishonest behavior. In
addition, do not give your work to another student. This can be just as dangerous and is also considered cheating.
Any issues regarding academic dishonesty will be dealt with through the HPHS dean’s office and a zero will be
received for the work. More than this however, the damage to your integrity will be extremely difficult to repair.
10. Ask for help!
I am your teacher; I am here to help you. Don’t hesitate to ask! I welcome your questions and am always here for
you. I cannot help you if I don’t know that you may need my help, so please do not ever hesitate to come to me!
Senior Inquiry Project
This semester, you will be responsible for completing a “Senior Inquiry Research Project” focused around a sociological
issue. This project will be an on-going research project. More information will come later in the quarter about this
experience.
Grading
Assignments, tests, quizzes, and projects are evaluated on a point or letter basis. Percentages calculate as follows:
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 & Below
A, AB+, B, BC+, C, CD+, D, DE
The two quarters combined total 90% of your overall semester grade and the final counts as 10%.
A NOTE FROM ME:
I am extremely passionate about Sociology and am excited to be with you in this course! I look forward to getting to
know each of you individually and at the end of the semester, my hope is that you can look back and reflect on Sociology
as one of your favorite courses in high school. If we all work together to create a classroom community centered around
respect, effort, and a passion for sociology and learning, I am confident that we will have an extremely successful
semester!
Ms. Lindsey Choy