Sociology

Instructor: Cody Shilling
Sociology is a senior elective offered only to the seniors during the 2nd semester.

My goals for you over this semester are that students: 1. Develop a greater and deeper understanding of the society we live in. 2. Are able to formulate coherent explanations and analyze your reasoning for why various facets of our society are the way they are. 3. Are challenged to think and express yourself in ways they haven’t before.
 * My Academic Expectations:**

The readings and questions for this class will be at the college level. I expect all answers, discussions, and work you produce to match that quality.

My non-negotiables:
 * Procedures:**
 * 1) Everyone in here will treat everyone else with respect. We will be dealing with some sensitive issues, many of them directly relevant to people’s lives in here. As such, this will be a place where everyone feels safe and comfortable. Period.
 * 2) Work. Do it. If you turn something in late, it will be 20% off per day (aside from excused absences). There will be the occasional day when you cannot get to the reading, and I know that happens. But if this becomes a habitual problems or I feel it is interfering with your involvement in the class, you and I will have a conference.

Positive and substantial contribution in the class is required from everyone. This entails not only participation during class discussions but also coming prepared to class with anything necessary (basic supplies, homework, notes for presentations, etc.)
 * Participation:**

Grades in my class will be based on a point system:
 * Grades:**
 * Each participation or daily assignment will be out of 5 points.
 * Each weekly assignment or quiz will be out of 10 points.
 * Each major assignment (papers, tests, research presentations) will be out of 50 points.

At the end, I will add up all the points you have earned and your grade will be the percentage of points earned over the total amount possible. If you had earned, 160 points, your average would be 160/200, or 80%.

All assignments in this class will be graded based on depth and clarity and articulation of thought based on the topic at hand.

We will have one major project and one major test throughout the semester. When they are and what they cover will be decided by the class.

After each unit, will have smaller quizzes covering that specific topic that will be primarily essay discussion questions.

Timeline for returning graded work:
 * Daily assignments || 2 days ||
 * Weekly assignments || 3 days ||
 * Major assignments || 1 week ||

Plagiarism is passing off anyone else’s work as your own. Not only is it lying, it is very much against school rules. I assume any work you turn in is your own. If you violate that trust, there will be serious consequences. Colleges view this as an expellable offense; let’s make sure this doesn’t happen.
 * Plagiarism:**

If there are any discipline issues with someone not following any of the class rules, you will earn the following consequences:
 * Class Procedures:**
 * 1) The first time – A warning from me.
 * 2) The second time – I will talk to you individually. It will go on the infraction list.
 * 3) The third time – Mr. Dilworth will be involved. And your parents. Don’t let this happen.

**Timeline:** Start research project on how religion plays a role in both society and the lives of individuals. ||
 * Unit Title || Estimated Unit Length || Major Questions ||
 * Introduction || 1 week || What is sociology? What are the major questions sociology asks? What are the major questions sociology seeks to answer? ||
 * Race and Ethnicity || 2 weeks || What is race? What is ethnicity? What role does each play in the daily lives of individuals? ||
 * Class and Social Structures || 2 weeks || What does the US social class system look like? What is life like for members in each group? ||
 * Religion || 2 weeks || Why is religion important? What are some of the major religious groups? How does religion shape people’s beliefs? How does religion shape people’s daily lives and practices?
 * Families and Interpersonal Relationships || 2 weeks || Does family structure vary between cultures? Do familial roles vary between cultures? What are social norms regarding relationships with other people (romantic and otherwise)? ||
 * Gender || 2 weeks || What is gender? What roles do gender and gender identity play in people’s lives? How does gender shape who we are as people? ||
 * Health and Sexuality || 2 weeks || How do we define healthy? Does it vary by culture? What is sexually normal and acceptable? Where do these beliefs come from? ||
 * Political Movements || 2 weeks (if we have time) || How do political movements start? Why do some succeed and others fail? ||

We will be drawing many readings from national newspapers and magazines such as //The NY Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic//. We will also use:
 * Texts:**
 * "Readings for Sociology". Ed. Garth Massey. 6th ed. W.W. Norton & Company: NY, 2009.
 * "Readings for Sociology". Ed. Garth Massey. 7th ed. W.W. Norton & Company: NY, 2012.