Magee
Magee@fulton.k12.ga.us
Sociology
Syllabus
Course Description:
Sociology is the scientific study of human social interaction. Students will explore the processes by which people form and interact within and between groups. Emphasis will also be placed on the functions and characteristics of the five main social institutions (Family, Education, Religion, Economy, and Government). As sociology is a science, students will be introduced to sociological research methods and use these methods to evaluate current findings and claims in the social sciences. Finally, students will define and explore current social issues and problems facing the world today.
Unit Names: Chapters in text:
· I. Sociological perspective - theorists, cultures,
social change and demography Chapters 1-3, 16, 18
· II. Research methodology Pages S18-S27
· III. Socializing the individual - personality, groups,
collective behavior Chapters 4-5, 17
· IV. Social institutions - family, education, religion,
economics, government Chapters 12-14
· V. Social stratification and inequality Chapters 9-11
· VI. Social issues and problems Student defined
Text:
Sociology: The Study of Human Relationships by Thomas, W.LaVerne. 2005, Holt, Rinehart and Winston. ($59.70)
Evaluation of Student Performance
· 4 tests 35%
· Comprehensive final 15%
· Papers 20%
· Classwork, homework, current events 30%
I strongly encourage your parents/guardians to sign up for parentconnect so they and you can monitor your grade. I will give you your average at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and after your final. If you would like to know your average at any other time please see me before or after school.
Assignment Requirements
· All homework and classwork assignments are to be done neatly in blue or black ink. Proper grammar and accurate spelling are expected and required. All answers should be in your own words, not copied from a source. Points will be deducted for errors.
· All work will be graded for accuracy rather than merely completion. Please complete all assignments thoughtfully.
· Late work will only be accepted one day after the original due date and will only be eligible for half credit. Review sheets will not be accepted late.
· Current event articles are due on the last school day of every week. If you are absent, they are due the next day you are in school. Current event articles will not be accepted late.
· As a policy I do not believe in extra credit. It will only be used in special circumstances, and will not be used to boost your grade up to the next level.
· Fulton County Recovery Policy – Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grade.
Chattahoochee High School guidelines for recovery – Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. The student must initiate the process within 5 days of notification of a failing grade on a major assignment/test.
· Please familiarize yourself with the grading scale:
above 90 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C below 70 = F
· YOU are responsible for the grade you earn in this course. Please do not hesitate to see me for ways to improve your grade.
General classroom policies
1. Treat your fellow human beings with respect and consideration. Have a positive attitude toward school, society, yourself, and others. It will contribute to making this a more productive and a more pleasant year for all of us.
2. BE IN CLASS!! The best way to do well is to be present AND AWAKE in class to receive instruction. When you must be out, it is your responsibility to complete all work missed due to your absence. You will have the number of days equal to your excused absence to complete missed work. Upon your return check the appropriate basket and schedule. Do NOT take up class time asking what you missed. See me before or after class. Again, responsibility is yours.
If you are absent on a review day only, you will still be expected to take the test on the scheduled day
If you are absent on the day of a test, the expectation is that you will take the test in class on the day you return. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis.
Homework and missed current events are due the day you return.
Major papers and projects are to be turned in on the day they are due whether or not you are in class that day. Grades on projects turned in late will drop one letter grade for every day the project is late. Feel free to email work to me at Magee@fulton.k12.ga.us. (Do not bring in work on a disk or cd.)
3. BE ON TIME!! The school policy tardy policy will be enforced.
4. Come to class prepared to work - Bring your notebook, materials, and writing instruments EVERY day.
5. Come to class prepared to participate - Discussion and debate are part of the social sciences. Have an open mind about people, places, and ideas different from your own. You may not lay your head down on your desk or sleep in class. Doing so will result in disciplinary action.
6. You will be allowed 3 bathroom “passes” for the semester. Aside from those emergencies you will not be allowed to leave the room during class.
7. DO YOUR OWN WORK!!
· While SOME classwork will be done cooperatively, ALL HOMEWORK, TESTS, AND PROJECTS ARE TO BE COMPLETED INDEPENDENTLY.
· Copying another student’s work, letting someone copy your work, and working together are all examples of cheating and will result in a grade of zero and may also result in an honor code violation. Also familiarize yourself with the poster on plagiarism in the classroom. Plagiarism is also considered a serious honor code violation.
8. Your parents are welcome to contact me regarding your performance. The best way to reach me is via email: Magee@fulton.k12.ga.us.
9. I follow all behavioral expectations and regulations as noted in the Fulton County and Chattahoochee handbooks. Please review those guidelines.
10. No food is allowed in the classroom. The only beverage allowed is water and it must be in a clear, plastic bottle. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action. If you have a medical concern please speak to me privately.
11. I-pods and Cell phones are to be kept out of sight and are not to be used in the classroom.
