Sociology
Course Syllabus
Dan Sullivan: Social Studies (Room #234)
dansullivan@clintonia.org
(563) 243-7540 ext. 234
Course DescriptionSociology is one area of the social sciences. Sociology deals with how people react to each other,
treat each other, and handle everything from institutions to family. This sociology course gives
students an understanding of the basic concepts in sociology and how it relates to them. This
course is preparation for students going to college, but will be helpful for students who go
directly into the workforce as well. This course will give students insight into everyday
relationships, group interactions, and the actions of people who come in and out of their lives on
a daily basis. We explore our culture, socialization process, and how we are indoctrinated into
our family, society, and the workplace. Every student will gain knowledge of parts of societyu
Critical Course ObjectivesUnderstand our role in society
Understand society, culture, social status, socialization, and other social situations in society
Become familiar with vocabulary terms commonly used in sociology
Understand social structures and how they affect our beliefs and behaviors
Learning, practicing, and applying sociology skills
Primary ResourceSociology and You- Textbook by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, Shepard-Greene
Secondary ResourcesHandouts on various topics as selected by the instructor
Weekly readings in the Newspaper
Reading ExpectationsChapter reading is required so the student understands the various aspects and uses of sociology
vocabulary and theories. Reading will also help the student understand the context in which
words and theories are used. Text reading is to be done outside of class. Handout and Newspaper
reading will be done in and out of class. Some reading will be required so discussion can take
place in class. The readings both in and out of class enhance the information taught throughout
the chapter.
ExpectationsEach student is expected to attend class on time and on a regular basis. They must demonstrate
their work appropriately and on time. They should bring their book, a pencil, and a notebook
each day. Students are expected to read the chapter outside of class to prepare for the test and to
help with comprehension of material. Students are expected to respect others in class and their
opinions. Late work will be accepted, but will lose up to 20% of value from work turned in on
time. Class participation is an important part of the class so discussion can solidify and clarify
your opinions on a topic.
Units of StudyIntroduction- 1 week
Sociological Perspectives- 2 week
Sociological Methods- 1 week
Culture- 2 weeks
Social Structure- 2 weeks
Socialization- 2 weeks
Deviance, Crime, and Social Control- 2 weeks
Social Institutions- 1 week
Gender and Age Inequality- 1 week
Social Change- 1 week
Course EvaluationThere will be one research paper, six chapter test, one project, and a final test. The course
evaluation is divided into three main classifications: Daily work, tests and quizzes, and projects.
Coursework is assessed with total points. Students are expected to complete specific assignments
within each unit of study and points will be awarded accordingly. We will use the standard
Clinton Schools grading scale;
Grading Scale
A
93-100%
(4.0)
C+
77-79%
(2.33)
A-
90-92%
(3.67)
C
73-76%
(2.0)
B+
87-89%
(3.33)
C-
70-72%
(1.67)
B
83-86%
(3.0)
D+
67-69%
(1.33)
B-
80-82%
(2.67)
D
63-66%
(1.0)
D-
60-62%
(0.67)
F
59% and below (0)