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Sociology (College Preparatory Elective – ½ or Full Credit)

Course Instructor- Adam White                                                         Room 4
Email- adam.white@lpsb.org                                   Tutoring Hours: By appointment.

Phone Number -225.665.8851 ext

Please be advised that this syllabus is subject to change based on the pacing the class follows. Please check PowerSchool periodically for any changes and updates.

Course Description and Objectives:

This is a study of the field of Sociology from its humble beginnings in ancient history through the development of the modern era known as the 21^st century. The topics to be covered include the origins of the science itself; the development of theory and experimentation; the intricacies of culture, religion, politics, war, family life, relationships, etc.; the technological innovations that have assisted the study of society; and how the study of all of these subjects shape our country and world as we know it. It is imperative that each student understands the progress and problems created in the development of the modern country/world so that responsible and active citizens are developed with the hopes of creating and forming a better tomorrow for the future. This course is offered to 10^th-12^th graders as either a ½-credit or full-credit course.

In addition to providing a basic exposure to the factual narrative, the goals of Sociology (College Preparatory Elective) are to: 1. develop an understanding of some of the principal themes throughout human history; 2. obtain an ability to analyze physical/cultural/environmental elements; 3. obtain an ability to express understanding of said subjects in writing; and 4. obtain an ability to apply/relate learned concepts to daily life. The course includes history, civic study, religious materials, military/societal conflicts, relationship studies and economics as both content and methodology. Emphasis is placed on students developing intellectual, academic and concrete applicable skills including effective analysis of primary sources, effective note taking, clear and precise written expression, critical analysis of applicable life situations and the ability to weigh evidence and reach conclusions on the basis of facts.

Essential Knowledge:

1. Students will compare, analyze, and explain the historical periods and conflicts in the development of Sociology while identifying significant people, places and events.

2. Students will use and evaluate primary and secondary source materials to interpret historical facts, ideas, and issues.

3. Students will interpret and analyze data using maps, tables, and graphs.

4. Students will interpret political cartoons and other forms of media depicting historical events, issues, or perspectives.

5. Students will conduct historical research using a variety of resources.

Course Outline:

1^st Quarter- Units 1-4 - In Units 1-4, students will examine the beginnings of the study of Sociology and society as a whole, various social/cultural/societal changes in America and the world over time, explore the research methods used by sociologists and historians to understand said changes, compare and contrast the past/present/future of society and culture, the influence of socialization on our lives, and the importance in recognizing the impact of culture and societal interactions in our lives.

2^nd Quarter- Units 5-7 - In Units 5-7, students will examine and explore the intricacies and qualities of social interactions, the various groups and organizations of the past/present/future in society, the very nature of an ever-evolving society and world, and how recognizing cultural and social differences leads to growth as an individual.

3^rd Quarter- Units 8-10 – Units 8-10 will have the students explore arguably the most delicate topics in both American and world society: crime/deviance, the family dynamic and economics. These units will again explore the intricacies of the physical, cultural, societal and environmental aspects of the people, places, events, and times associated.

4^th Quarter- Units 11-13 - In Units 11-13, students will explore more controversial and “real” topics that are prevalent in students’ daily lives today. These topics should resonate with students as “closer-to-home”, and promote involvement in current issues in society and the world. Students will be exposed to modern issues that are inherently connected to religion, politics, military conflict, war, political/societal revolutions, and social/cultural stratifications.

Course Assessments and Grading:

There will be a weighted grading system in this class.

Chapter Tests- We will typically have tests at the end of each of unit, but some units will be coupled into a singular test. Students should expect at least 2-3 Unit Tests every nine weeks (each quarter).

Quizzes/Discussions - We will have quizzes or involved class discussions every week of class. Some quizzes may be announced while others may be unannounced. Class discussion days should and will always be announced. Students should expect 5-7 quizzes or class discussion-based activities every nine weeks (each quarter).

Homework/Class Work (Reading/Writing/Review/Current Event Assignments)- Homework and notable Class Work assignments will be announced to the class. The Homework assignments should not be overtly intensive, but they will be used to reinforce class concepts. The Class Work assignments will also be used to reinforce class concepts, but will obviously be conducted in class for credit. Students should expect 7-9 HW/CW assignments every nine weeks (each quarter).

Projects – Projects will be put into the proper category. Bigger projects will be in the Tests category, while smaller ones could be put into the Quizzes/Discussion or Homework/Class Work category.

Test questions will cover all assigned readings (textbook and supplementary), hand-outs, class discussions, class notes, and multimedia sources (power point presentations, documentary videos) used in a given chapter. I will stress that tests do not come “straight from the book,” but also include information from activities and discussions completed in class. Tests are comprised of a variety of assessment styles including multiple choice, true/false, short answer questions, fill-in-the-blank, and essay.

GRADE WEIGHTING (SCHOOL-WIDE):

FIRST QUARTER + SECOND QUARTER + EXAM = SEMESTER 1

42.5% 42.5% 15% 100%

THIRD QUARTER + FOURTH QUARTER + EXAM = SEMESTER 2

42.5% 42.5% 15% 100%

QUALITY POINT SCALE: GRADING SCALE:

A = 4 A = 100% - 93%

B = 3 B = 92% - 85%

C = 2 C = 84% - 75%

D = 1 D = 74% - 67%

F = 0 F = 66% - 0%

Attendance- Attendance is mandatory. All absences must be approved by the main office. Detention will be issued for more than one tardy in a quarter.

Reading- Some form of reading activity is assigned for virtually every class and quizzes will be given accordingly (announced or unannounced). It is imperative that reading be completed on time so students can adequately participate in class discussions and meaningful activities.

Assignments-Students will have assignments to help focus on developing skills that are necessary for success in Government, but also in future educational and life experiences. Students will be notified of assignments in advance via the class webpage and in class.

**per the Social Studies department policy, late work will not be accepted and the late assignment will receive a 0 until completed with the teacher after school.

Classroom Contract

Coach White’s Expectations for You:

This class will be intensive and rigorous, but not impossible and not designed for you to fail. This class is designed to push you to exceed your own expectations and broaden your horizons as a young adult entering society and the world as we know it. Through struggle, we grow in persisting and refusing to fail. You will not be allowed to fail, quit or simply not do the work required of you. You will be held to the highest academic, behavioral and moral standards here at Denham Springs High School, and we will not be lowering said standards and expectations to meet you half-way. You will be pushed to step up and meet our goals for you not for our own sake, but for your own. I will do my best to provide you with a multitude of tools, skills and sources of knowledge to best encounter and overcome the challenges that await you in both your educational and life experiences from this point and moving forward. I look forward to working with each and every one of you and am excited to guide you along the path to enlightenment and discovery within these beautiful gifts of education and life. – Coach White

Classroom Rules and Consequences:

Respect

Respectfully conduct yourself during class (i.e. raise your hand to be called upon, stay seated unless given permission to leave your desk, etc.).
Respect all classroom materials (computers, chairs, desks, boards, etc.). Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in class. Do not throw paper or throw up a “Kobe” shot into a garbage/recycle can.
Respect the opinions and work of all other individuals in the classroom. RESPECT IS TO BE GIVEN BEFORE IT IS EARNED.
Respectfully adhere to all Denham Springs High School policies found in the Student-Parent Handbook.
THERE ARE MULTIPLE RIGHT AND JUST WAYS TO DO SOMETHING, BUT THERE IS ALSO A CLEARLY WRONG WAY THAT TEMPTS EVEN THE STRONGEST OF MEN/WOMEN. You will be held to the highest moral standards at Denham Springs High School.

Responsibility

It is your responsibility to complete all assignments and readings by the assigned due date. All homework is due at the beginning of the class period of the assigned day.
Late work is not acceptable. All assignments must be turned in at or by the beginning of class unless otherwise specified. If you do not complete your homework or turn it in to me when it is explicitly due, you will receive a 0 in the gradebook per Social Studies Department policy. For assignments other than homework: I will accept late work, but points will automatically be deducted. The length of time in which assignment is late will determine the correlating point deduction. The deduction will be 5-10 points for every day that it is late.
If you miss a quiz or test, you must meet with me to arrange a make-up quiz/test as soon as possible. All missed quizzes and tests will automatically be given a 0 on PowerSchool until they have been made up.
Students who are absent for multiple days due for legitimate reasons should keep in contact with me via email and are responsible for checking Moodle frequently to stay up to date on missed assignments.
ALL work missed during an UNEXCUSED absence, as stated in the Denham Springs High School Student-Parent Handbook, will be assigned a grade no higher than a 66 F.
It is your responsibility to come to class on time, prepared and ready to participate in all class discussions and activities.
It is your responsibility to adhere to all rules and policies of Denham Springs High School which are set forth in the Student-Parent Handbook.
Parents of students who are exhibiting behavioral or academic problems will be contacted by telephone or email. Additionally, parents are encouraged to contact the teacher at any time by telephone or email when a concern arises.

Students should always enter the classroom quietly, take their assigned seats, and get ready to begin class by taking out any necessary materials and completing the Bell-Ringer assignment to prepare for class. Immediately after the bell rings, we will start each class period by standing for prayer.

The bathroom and water fountain need to be used while changing classes. Students are not allowed to get drinks, go to their lockers, or make telephone calls during class time. Only if it is a legitimate emergency will a student be able to use the bathroom at the end of a class activity.

Classroom Policies and Procedures:

All rules/policies of the DSHS Student Handbook will beenforced accordingly in this class.
A copy of the course syllabus and classroom contract has been assigned and made available for each student/family.
All major assessments will be posted on the class calendar.
All grades/assignments will be posted and updated on PowerSchool weekly.
Inappropriate Academic Conduct- will not be tolerated in any form on any assignment. There are both severe academic and disciplinary consequences for those who cheat and/or assist others in cheating: All offenses of cheating or plagiarism will be handled in accordance to the policies outlined in the DSHS Student Handbook.
You are expected to bring all your materials to class. This includes your book, paper, blue/black pen, and other class-related materials.
You are to keep your personal area organized, neat and trash-free. Your learning area is an extension of who you are.
Your books, bags, and other extensions of your person are out of the walkways in respect of others.
There will be a at least one quiz/test/graded assignment every week in addition to at least two to three homework assignments which should take between 15 – 30 minutes to complete. I know you have other classes as will always keep this in mind when assigning homework.
When students are absent from class, it is their responsibility to find out what work they have missed. DO NOT ask me the day you return if you have “missed anything?” Yes, you will always “miss something” whenever you are absent. Ask someone in the class what you missed and if you can copy notes. Also it is a student’s responsibility to check PowerSchool daily for assignments and handouts.
POLICIES FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES:
- An absence is excused when you turn in a note from your parents/guardian saying you were absent on this day and for this reason to the front office. The front office will give you a slip saying that your absence is excused. You must show me the official note not the parental note. This must be done within three days of your absence or the absence will not be excused. This procedure also must be followed if you check out during the day as well.
- Students who miss a test or quiz may be given alternate, make-up versions, regardless of the reason for the absence. This is left to my discretion.
- If you do not take your quiz/test within one (1) week from the date you return to school, you will receive a zero (0) for the quiz. This includes make up homework as well.
- Daily worksheets, homework, and other assignments: the student has the same number of days he/she missed to turn in an assignment.
- Of course, students with special circumstances (ex. missing multiple days) will be allowed more time to make up work. Still, it is always the students’ responsibility to keep up with assignments, to contact me if they have questions and to see me about scheduling make up tests and quizzes.

POLICIES FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: The assignment/test/quiz must still be made up and is due upon the student’s return. However, a MAXIMUM (starting) score of 66% will be given for work (including quizzes, tests, etc.) missed during an unexcused absence.