SYLLABUS
General Information
Fall 14-Spring 15
Course Title: Introduction to Sociology 101
Required Text: Introduction to Sociology, 1st Edition
By Ethel Wood and Judith Lloyd Yero
Instructor’s Name: Mr. Charles Burch Email: cnb@blwd.k12.pa.us
Day and Time of Class Meetings:
Bellwood-Antis High School: M-F
I.
PURPOSE
A. Description
This is a basic, foundational course in sociology. This
course provides for an overview of the principles of
sociology using empirical knowledge, the application of the
scientific method, theory, and observations of individual,
group, societal, and cultural norms. The course reviews the
basic principles of social interaction, social roles,
organization, processes, stratification, social change, group
dynamics, social values, and social inequalities. Three (3)
semester hours.
B. General Course Objectives
1. To serve as a foundation course by providing an understanding
of some of the terminology, concepts, and names inherent to an
introduction of sociology.
2. To introduce the student to a variety of topics in sociology.
3. To introduce the student to the scientific method and how it is
used to gather data on human behavior.
4. To help the students understand and respect people from diverse
backgrounds and cultures.
5. To enable the student to gain an awareness of the relevance of
sociology to his/her life.
II.
COURSE POLICIES
A. Attendance/Tardiness Policy
The policy of Bellwood-Antis School District will be followed. The policy is
outlined in the Bellwood-Antis School District Student Handbook.
B. Class Participation
Verbal classroom participation and participation in in-class projects, small
group discussions, and completion of classroom study guide assignments, etc.
is essential and strongly encouraged.
Grading
EXAMS: There will be 17 pre-announced exams covering all chapters and
supplemental materials in class and one final exam. Exams are generally
given after completion of each chapter. The format will be a combination of
multiple-choice question, matching, true-false, short-answer, and essay
questions. Exams are based on the percentage of correct responses as follows:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F
Exams are worth 70% of your overall grade.
QUIZZES: There will be a vocabulary quiz for each chapter with varying
formats. Also, for each chapter we will have an additional reading assignment
and questions worth a quiz grade. Notebooks will be collected and graded as
a quiz grade each chapter. We complete numerous in-class assignments that
count as quiz grades throughout the course of a topic/chapter.
Quizzes are worth 20% of your overall grade.
HOMEWORK/IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: There will be a
homework/study guide packet assigned for each chapter. The packet contains
a vocabulary assignment, guided reading assignment, graphic organizer,
review quiz, and learning goals outline. This is expected to be completed as
we cover the chapter. Homework/in-class assignments are worth 10% of your
overall grade.
C. Extra Credit
Extra credit projects are not applicable for this course.
D. Mini-Assignments
Any mini-assignments will be discussed and assigned at the beginning of the
chapter. Assignments will be graded on a percentage basis.
E. Research Paper
Students are required to complete a 6-8 page research paper on a social
issue/problem. Students will use academic and professional journals to gather
and use scientific data to complete their paper. This is a requirement to pass
the course & will be due during the third marking period.
F. Plagiarism and cheating—see Student Handbook policy
G. Make-Up Exams—see Student Handbook policy
II.
COURSE OUTLINE
A. Outline of course contents by topic and chapter, in the expected order in
which it will be covered:
1. An Invitation to Sociology
Aug. 29th-Sept. 20th
2. Sociologists Doing Research
Sept. 21st-Oct. 4th
3. Culture and Social Structure
Oct. 5th-Oct.18th
4. Socialization
Oct. 19th-Nov. 1st
5. Social Structure and Society
Nov. 2nd-Nov 15th
6. Groups and Formal Organizations
Nov. 16th-Dec. 6th
7. Deviance and Social Control
Dec. 7th – Dec. 22nd
8. Social Stratification
Jan. 2nd- Jan. 17th
9. Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
Jan. 18th- Jan. 26th
10. Inequalities of Gender and Age
Jan. 27th- Feb. 10th
11. The Family
Feb. 13th-Feb. 24th
12. Education
Feb. 27th –Mar. 7th
13. Political and Economic Institutions
Mar. 8th -Mar. 21st
14. Religion
Mar. 22nd –Apr. 4th
15. Sport
Apr. 5th- Apr. 18th
16. Population and Urbanization
Apr. 19th – May.9th
17. Social Change and Collective Behavior May 10th- May 23rd
B.
Supplemental learning resources (handouts, study guides, homework
packets) may be distributed during the term of the course as appropriate.