Sociology
Syllabus and Course Description – 2014-15
Mr. Jay Snyder, B.A. – Liberal Arts – Virginia Tech, J.D. – University of Akron
Email - jsnyder@cityschools.com
Home email - jaysnyder247@hotmail.com
Work Phone - (540) 372-1100 ext 2212
Course Description
This social studies elective course will introduce the student to basic sociological
concepts and terms; examine various social institutions, explore current issues related to
social inequality and social change. The class requires a willingness to participate in class
discussions, as well as the commitment to keep pace with assigned readings.
Course Objectives
To have all students develop a sociological perspective and understanding of sociological
terms, concepts and skills; develop requisite skills to conduct scientific sociological
investigation; enhance their listening, verbal and writing skills; gain insight into their
own life and an appreciation and understanding of different perspectives, and most
importantly provide the opportunity for transformational personal change.
Course Materials
Text: Sociology, 12th edition by John Macionis*
Students are expected to come to class with all other necessary materials (notebook and
pen or pencil).
Course requirements and evaluation:
Class participation 25%
Tests & Quizzes
45%
Homework/notebook 15%
Projects
15%
It is expected and critically important for success in class to be actively engaged in all
class activities and discussions, maintain a notebook for class lecture notes, supplemental
readings and journal entries, and extend to other class members respect for and mature
acceptance of class norms and each individual's unique qualities and perspective.
Late Work
1. Generally it will not be accepted unless absence is excused under the updated JM
attendance policy as of 8/10.
2. Following your student handbook guidelines on make-up work, responsibility for
asking for make-up work starts with you, the student. You have the same number
of days to make-up the work as days that you were absent from my class. After
that the grade is a zero. So if you miss one day, you have one day after returning
to make it up, two days if you missed two days of my class. More details can be
found in your student handbook.
Test/Quiz Makeup:
There will be no make-up tests and quizzes unless certain circumstances exist. If you fail
to fall under those circumstances, you will receive a zero test grade and no opportunity
to make it up. Those circumstances are outlined in your student handbook for excused
absences. Also, remember makeup tests and quizzes are generally more difficult than the
ones given on the regularly scheduled day. Make every effort to be in class. When there
is perfect attendance on quiz and test days, everyone will receive 3 extra points on their
quiz and 5 extra points on their test.
General Policies
Along with the rules and guidelines for James Monroe High School, the following are
rules specific to this class:
1. Be respectful of everyone (including me) at all times.
2. Be prompt and prepared. Be in class BEFORE the bell rings and in your desk
ready to start class.
3. Raise your hand when you have a question or comment. There is no need to
say my name repeatedly to get my attention- I am not hearing impaired (if you
do this, I will likely ignore you until you sit quietly with your hand raised). If
your hand is raised but I do not acknowledge you, say my name once to get
my attention.
4. Do your own assignments. YOU MAY NOT COPY OR LOAN OUT
YOUR WORK - EVER. Not on tests, not on classwork, not on homework.
Assignments that look copied will earn a 0- whether the work was copied or
used to copy from. If this happens, I will photocopy the questionable
assignment and contact your parents. This policy includes plagiarism.
5. You may not sleep, put your head down, or slouch lifelessly. If you do so,
you will stand.
6. I will not tolerate general disruptions of my classroom. As a rule of thumb, if
as a result of your behavior, more than 2 people have diverted your attention
to you and away from the learning activities at hand, you are disrupting my
class.
7. No eating and/or drinking allowed during class.
8. You may not pack up before the bell rings. I will hold you for an extra minute
for every minute you pack up early. You may pack up 1 minute before the
bell rings.
9. Cell phones need to be away and out of reach.
10. All bags, purses and non-class related materials need to be on the floor and
not on the desk.
Consequences for Disruptive Behavior
The following steps will be taken for each incident
1. Verbal warning
2. Removal from class for remainder of period
3. Phone call or letter home to parent(s)
4. DR to office
Course Outline Topics:
1st Term
Part I: The Foundations of Sociology
Chapter 1 - The Sociological Perspective
Chapter 2 - Sociological Investigation
Part II: The Foundations of Society
Chapter 3 - Culture
Chapter 4 - Society
Chapter 5 - Socialization
Chapter 6 - Social Interaction in Everyday Life
Chapter 8 - Sexuality and Society
Chapter 9 - Deviance
2nd Term
Part III: Social Inequality
Chapter 10 - Social Stratification
Chapter 11 - Social Class in the United States
Chapter 13 - Gender Stratification
Chapter 14 - Race and Ethnicity
Chapter 15 - Aging and the Elderly
Part IV: Social Institutions
Chapter 18 – Families
Chapter 19 – Religion
Chapter 20 – Education
PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION
For Mr. Snyder’s Class
Parent(s) or Guardian(s),
Please fill in the information requested below in order to better encourage communication
between me and you about what is going on in class and with your child.
Sincerely,
Mr. Snyder
Student Name: ___________________________________________
Parent Name(s): __________________________________________
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Parent Email(s): __________________________________________
preferred
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Parent(s) Phones: __________________________________________
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Please place a check mark by which contact you like to be reached at.
Also, please look into using the Parent Portal access to your child’s grades for my class
online. Information on this program can be found on our school’s webpage. In addition,
please refer to my blog located at http://www.cityschools.com/jsnyder/ for more
information and resources.