Sociology ∙ Ms. Wiley ∙ Course Syllabus, D___
Name:
Important Teacher Information:
Ms. Wiley’s email address – kwiley@cbsd.org
Room D218
See Ms. Wiley’s Schoolwires site for pertinent course information and documents
Course Description:
This nine-week course is designed to introduce students to sociology, which is the study
of human social relationships and institutions. We are all interested in human behavior,
particularly our own, but to what extent does society dictate our actions and behavior?
Are there certain social constructs that tell us what to do and when, or do we have the
free-will to do as we please? The aim of this course is to explore how we interact with
society and how certain structures, environments, institutions, and organizations effect
our decisions, attitudes, and ultimately, our behavior. Sociology’s subject matter is
diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of
race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability
to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these diverse subjects of study
is sociology’s purpose of understanding how human action and consciousness both shape
and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures.
Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study that analyzes and explains important matters in our personal lives, our
communities, and the world. At the personal level, sociology investigates the social causes and consequences of such things as racial
and gender identity, deviant behavior, aging, and religious faith. At the societal level, sociology examines and explains matters like
crime and law, poverty and wealth, prejudice and discrimination, schools and education, business firms, urban community, and
social movements. At the global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population growth and migration, war and peace, and
economic development. Thus, sociology offers a distinctive and enlightening way of seeing and understanding the social world in
which we live and which shapes our lives. Sociology looks beyond normal, taken-for-granted views of reality, to provide deeper
understandings of social life that can expand our awareness and analysis of the human social relationships, cultures, and institutions
that profoundly shape both our lives and human history. By better understanding social processes, we also come to understand
more clearly the forces shaping the personal experiences and outcomes of our own lives. The ability to see and understand this
connection between broad social forces and personal experiences — what C. Wright Mills called “the sociological imagination” — is
extremely valuable academic preparation for living effective and rewarding personal and professional lives in a changing and
complex society.
This course is not one in which you will play a passive role. Instead, you are expected to take an active part in your learning and that
of the class as well. Discussion and demonstrations will dominate over lectures so that we can think and learn as real sociologists
do—by interacting, observing, analyzing, deliberating, and testing hypotheses.
Course Expectations and Goals:
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Read and analyze sociological research/commentary
Form and express thoughtful opinions and arguments
Engage in lively discussion daily
Formulate responses to social problems
Apply sociological methodology and mindset to current events and personal life
Course Materials:
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In-class textbook: Sociology in Our Times by Diana Kendall (2007)
Pencils, pens, highlighters
One labeled folder solely for Sociology use (include full name and course title)
Flash/USB drive for research/project purposes
Grading Breakdown:
Marking Period—70% Summative / 30% Formative
 Summative Assessments—70% of final grade
Projects/Presentations
Participation (to be evaluated every three weeks)
One test (to be administered at end of course)
 Formative Assessments—30% of final grade
Bi-weekly quizzes (combination of multiple-choice and short-answer)
Sociology folder (to be evaluated in week four and week nine)
Class Rules:
1) Arrive to class on time. All students are to be quiet and in their seats with class materials ready when the bell rings. The bell is
the signal to begin class, not a signal to come to class. Similarly, the bell is the signal to end class; therefore, packing up early will
not be tolerated (unless Ms. Wiley directs you to).
2) Arrive to class ready to learn. This entails being prepared with the necessary materials and being awake, engaged and
participatory.
3) Cooperate with teacher and peers in a mature and respectful manner at all times. The classroom environment is to be friendly
and inviting at all times. Please note that the nature of this course demands that students and teacher explore contentious and
sensitive topics. While debate is encouraged, it must be done respectfully.
4) Absences – Regular attendance is expected from all students. Under circumstances where regular attendance is interrupted,
please follow the guidelines below:
- For extended planned absences please let Ms. Wiley know as far in advance as possible so that she may provide the
student with the necessary materials.
- For illnesses, please email Ms. Wiley at your earliest convenience.
- For an unplanned day absence, students should learn what they missed from a classmate or Ms. Wiley before school
starts.
5) Restroom – When possible, students should try to use the restroom between classes or before lunch. If necessary, and at
appropriate times during the lesson, students may ask permission to use the restroom. Students must sign out legibly, with their
full name, and sign in when they return.
6) Food & Drink – Drinks are permitted in the classroom so long as students dispose of their bottles appropriately and thoroughly
clean any spill that they are responsible for. Eating is not permitted in the classroom unless the teacher announces a class party
or event. Please advise Ms. Wiley of any food allergy as soon as possible.
7) Electronic Devices – Electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, etc.) are not permitted in class.
Student/Parent Receipt:
My child and I have read and reviewed the preceding course syllabus and fully understand the guidelines, procedures, and
expectations for classroom behavior, conduct, and performance.
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Student Name
Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Name
Parent/Guardian Signature