Intro to Sociology

Course Syllabus  

Course: Introduction to Sociology 

Course Category: Social Studies College Prep Elective 

Course Length: One Semester 

Grades: 9-12 (Recommended for Grades 11-12) 

Instructor: Mr. Moy 

Room: 156 

Contact information: Email: [email protected] 

Textbook: (online or physical version) HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Sociology 2021 Social Studies 

Course Description: The major purpose of this course is to study group behavior, the societal problems which arise from that behavior, and the effects of those problems upon group members.  The following units and topics will be covered in this course: 

Unit 1) “What is Sociology?” (CA State Content Standards: 1, 5, 7) 

--The Sociological Perspective 

--The Benefits of Studying Sociology 

--The Origins of Sociology 

--Socialization 

--The Research Process 

Unit 2) “The Nature of Culture” (CA State Content Standards: 1, 5, 7) 

--Transmitting Culture 

--Language and Cultural Transmission 

--Deviance 

--Defining Deviance 

--Problems with the Definition of Deviance 

--Causes of Deviant Behavior 

--Reasons for the Increase of Deviant Behavior 

--Video and Video Assignment on Deviance 

Unit 3) “Norms, Mores, and Folkways” (CA State Content Standards: 5, 7) 

--Guidelines for expected behavior 

--Dominant American Values 

--Gestures 

Video and Video Assignment on Gestures/Non-Verbal Communication 

Unit 4) “Status”/”Social Stratification” (CA State Content Standards: 5, 7) 

--The Function of Status 

--Status Labels 

--How status is determined 

--Ascribed Status and Achieved Status 

Video and Video Assignment on Status 

Unit 5) “Social Institutions” (CA State Content Standards: 1, 5, 7) 

--Different Family Structures 

--Women in the Labor Force 

--Increasing Divorce Rate in the U.S. 

--U.S. Education 

Unit 6) “Race and Ethnicity”/Cultural Similarities and Differences (CA State Content Standards: 1, 5, 7) 

--Defining Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality 

--Ethnic/Racial Stereotypes 

--Racism 

--African Americans as a group 

--Latino Americans as a group 

--Asian Americans as a group 

--Native Americans as a group 

--Video and Video Assignment on Ethnic Stereotypes and Racism 

--”The Stereotypes Project” 

Unit 7) “Dating and Courtship” (CA State Content Standards: 5, 7) 

--Differences between Dating and Courtship 

--The Process of Dating on a Continuum 

--Factors for the Emergence of Dating 

--Reasons for Dating 

--Homogamy 

--Video and Video Assignment on Dating and Courtship 

--”The Dating and Courtship Project” 

*Standards: California History-Social Science Content Standards 

 

(Pacing: Two weeks per unit, except for Unit 6, which will require four weeks) 

(Activities for each unit will include Warm-Up activities, Cornell Notes, Pair-Share activities, a Schoology exam, and a team/group-based project) 

Grading Scale: 

Rubrics are used to grade class assignments and are available to all students on the class bulletin board and on the Schoology Materials Page for this course.  Unless the teacher feels that student grades should be curved, grades will be based on the following scale: 

90% -100% = A 

80% - 89%  = B 

70% - 79%  = C 

60% - 69%  = D 

0%   - 59%  = F 

Grade Weights: Tests-20%, Projects-20%, Classwork-40%, Homework-10%, and Speaking and Listening/Schoology Discussions/Class Participation-10% 

Students are expected to maintain good attendance and to arrive to class on time and prepared, bringing with them their necessary class devices and supplies. 

Make-up work for legitimate excused absences will be accepted but must be submitted in a timely manner. 

All students are encouraged to monitor their academic progress on Schoology. 

During times where Remote Learning programs are in place, Schoology Conferences participation with video camera on id highly encouraged. 

Daily Supplies: An up-to-date electronic learning device (Chromebook, laptop, desktop computer, or tablet) with reliable internet connectivity, access to Schoology, textbook (online or physical), assigned handouts/readings (available via Schoology), pen, pencil, lined paper, 3-ring binder with dividers.