Mrs. Allen
Email: lallen@dist113.org
Phone: 224-632-3297
Office: Q101
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY
COURSE OUTLINE & EXPECTATIONS
MATERIALS:
Textbook: Sociology & You
Course Packet
PURPOSE:
This course is designed to introduce you to the sociological study of society. Sociology focuses on the
systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. 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)
OVERALL GOALS:
Students who have mastered an introductory sociology course will be able to:
 understand that individuals are influenced by the groups in which they belong and the social contexts
that surround them
 take on roles of other people and view the world from different perspectives
 understand that where an individual is located in the social context determines the individual’s life
chances
 develop a conscience and a willingness to act for the improvement of society
COURSE OUTLINE:
I.
The Sociological Point of View
II.
Culture & Social Change
III.
Socialization
IV.
Deviance
V.
Race and Ethnic Relations
VI.
Social Class and Stratification
VII. Required End-of-the-Quarter Project
COURSE SCORING:
The standard Deerfield High School Grading scale will be used. Quarter grades are based on total points
compiled from: completion and quality of your homework, tests, quizzes, papers, projects, and class
participation. At the end of 2nd/4th quarter in sociology, students are required to complete a cumulative project
that will make up a significant portion of the quarter grade. Details will be presented in class. There is no final
in sociology… Every student has to complete the quarter project to pass the class. For your semester grade,
each quarter is worth 50%.
EXPECTATIONS:
Be On Time: Because our time together is so valuable, I expect you to be in your seat, with materials out and
ready to go when the bell rings. Use the bathroom, get a drink, and get all materials before class. 3 tardies,
excused or unexcused will result in a behavioral referral.
Attendance: Do your best to attend class every day. There are many experiences in the classroom that one
cannot duplicate at home.
Participate: You are expected to have your required materials in class. It is your responsibility to bring a pencil
and/or pen, notebook, textbook, class assignments, and homework to class. If you do not have one of the
aforementioned items, a deduction in your homework grade will be taken.
Throughout this course, we will read articles, watch video clips, and participate in discussions regarding topics
and concepts of interest to sociologists. Some of these topics and/or concepts may be considered contentious,
such as issues related to transgenderism, homosexuality, gender-based violence, etc. We also watch clips from
videos that are rated-R or have no rating at all, such as Crash, The Devil’s Playground, Tough Guise, and
Killing Us Softly. Courtesy, respect, and patience will be expected of all members of our class so that we can
work together to achieve learn and grow as much as possible. At all times, our classroom will be a place where
everyone is safe from derogatory remarks about race, religion, gender, ability, sexual orientation or any other
matter.
Homework Is Essential: Generally, there will be homework each night. Make sure to listen and know what is
expected for each day. Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Homework completed during class
will be counted as late. Late homework will receive a grade deduction of 10% per class period for five periods.
Late homework can still receive 50% credit until the assessment on that homework, after which point no credit
will be given. You will have a turnitin.com account to which you will submit major assignments and projects.
Feedback regarding daily assignments will be provided before unit assessments. For projects, my goal is to get
them back to you within one week.
If you are sick, upon your return, you must make sure to get any class notes, in-class assignments or
worksheets, and homework assignments from another classmate, me, or the class website. When getting an
assignment from me, you should schedule a time to meet with me, outside of class, to go over the assignment
and everything else you missed while absent. E-mailing me is also an effective way to catch-up when you are
ill.
If you know you will miss school (for a field trip, sports event, vacation, etc.) SEE ME BEFORE you leave to
get assignments and homework. Your due dates DO NOT change! In other words, whatever homework is due
on the day of your absence must be turned in before you leave, and any homework assigned on the day of your
absence must be turned in on the day you return.
Respect the Classroom: Eating and/or drinking in the classroom will be dealt with on a case to case basis.
Once any leftover drink or food trash is found in the classroom, any rights to eat and drink in the classroom will
be eliminated. Respecting the classroom also includes dressing appropriately for a learning environment.
Musical devices: Because many music devices are also phones, listening to music in class will not be allowed
unless special permission is granted. Please put away all music devices before entering class
Assessments: There will be scheduled exams at the end of each unit. 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.
Be Honest: Character matters at school just as it does everywhere else. Carefully do your own work in this
class and do not use similar work from other classes as a substitution for work I assign (Unless it is a group
assignment… I will always tell you if you can do an assignment with another person. If I do not specifically
say you can do an assignment with another classmate, DO IT ALONE!! Otherwise, collaboration will be
considered academic dishonesty). Do not cheat, copy homework assignments, plagiarize written material, or
engage in any other academic dishonesty. In addition, do not give your work to any other student. If another
student copies your work, it will be classified as academic dishonesty. Any infractions in this area will be
reported to the DHS Deans’ Office and you will receive a zero for the assignment. Furthermore, the damage to
your integrity and reputation is difficult, if not impossible, to repair.
Help: I am always ready and willing to help you with any questions, problems, or comments that you may
have. My desk is in the Social Studies Office, Q101. Feel free to stop in during one of my free periods.
However, the best way to reach me is to set up an appointment, either in person or through email.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name: ______________________________
If all of these expectations are clear, please sign your name below. In addition to your name, please have one
of your guardians/parents read over the course outline and expectations and sign his/her name below. If you
have any questions, please write them down. Also, note if you would like to speak individually with me about
any of these.
_____________________________________
Student Signature
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_________________________ /__________________________
(Phone)
(Email)