Sociology
12th Grade
Mr. Williams
Objective: To provide a study of the principles of human interactions and
associations which result in human grouping. The primary focus of this class is on
human behavior in families, religious groups, local communities, and in the larger
society. Emphasis will also be placed on human interpretations of various
situations. We will examine culture, the process of socialization, education, group
membership (voluntary or involuntary), social stratification, and racial and ethnic
groups in order to better understand these various interpretations.
Text: Thomas, W. LaVerne. Holt Sociology: The Study of Human Relationships.
Austin: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2010. A variety of primary and secondary
sources will also be used.
Course Outline:
1. The Sociological Point of View
2. Cultural Diversity
3. Cultural Conformity, Deviance, and Social Control
4. Social Structure
5. Social Stratification
6. Socializing the Individual and the Adolescent in Society
7. Gender, Age, Health, Marriage, and the Family
8. Racial and Ethnic Relations
Grading: Student grades will be determined on a total points system. Each unit will
culminate in a quiz or test. In addition, level 1 students will be required to conduct a
research project based on a question they devise from one of our discussions on the
various aspects of sociology. Students must create a device for gathering data on
this issue, collect and analyze the data, and present their findings to the class. Any
plagiarized assignments will receive no credit and may result in further disciplinary
action.
Homework: While some homework assignments may be written and graded, others
may simply be reading assignments. Regardless, all students are expected to come
prepared having individually completed their assigned homework. Failure to do so
can and will result in reading quizzes. Please check my website for assignments.
*****NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED*****
Expectations: Our classroom will reflect the values of responsibility and respect on
the part of both the instructors and students. Students will be responsible at all
times for their own behavior and assignments and will be respectful of other
students and teachers. Students must feel comfortable to express their own
opinions or class discussion will suffer. Students should expect these qualities of
everyone else in the classroom, including teachers, administrators, and guests. In
short, I expect everyone to do his or her best.
In order to accomplish this, students should:
 come to class prepared and on time
 hand in all assignments on time
 participate during class discussions
 follow school and class rules
 remain seated at all times unless specifically permitted
 respect the property, ideas, feelings, and qualities of others
Supplies: For each class, students are required to bring their textbooks, paper to
write on, and a pen or pencil. Students should keep all of their notes in a single
notebook or binder. Students should also keep all papers that I pass back, as it will
serve as evidence should you notice any discrepancy with your posted online
grades.
Communication: Effective communication between students, teachers, parents and
administrators is critical for a successful school year. I will take many steps to
ensure open lines of communication. The easiest and quickest way to reach me is by
email at mwilliams@rtmsd.org. You can also leave me a voice mail at (610) 6276228. Grades will be updated online per school policy. Finally, we will be viewing
some film clips during the school year. While most of these films are purely
educational videos, there may also be one or two R-rated movies (or portions of
them) used if I feel that the students would truly benefit and gain a greater
understanding of the time period in question. All students will be given prior notice
before we watch these and alternative assignments will be offered to them upon
request. I will also be sure to edit any parts that I think are unnecessary or
excessive for our academic purposes. Please contact me if you have any concerns
about the videos being shown in class.
I have read and acknowledged Mr.
Williams’ Sociology syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature
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Student Name
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Student Signature
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