Sociology

Welcome to Sociology!  

Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.  Life is social whenever we interact with others.  Over time, patterns of interaction become embedded in the structure of society.  Sociologists investigate and seek to understand the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts.  Since most human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the Internet; from organized crime to religious traditions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture (American Sociological Association). 

Purpose of Course:

Sociology, an elective course, is an introductory study in social behavior and organization of human society. This course will describe the development of the field as a social science by identifying methods and strategies of research leading to an understanding of how the individual relates to society and the ever-changing world. Students will also learn the importance and role of culture, social structure, socialization, and social change in today’s society. 

Introduction to Sociology is a one-semester course for juniors and seniors, intended to give you a broad picture of the field of sociology with an emphasis on preparation for college and critical thinking.  This course is about problem-solving and working in groups.  The course will offer you a set of intellectual tools with which to more accurately understand the society in which you live.  Your participation, discussion, and feedback are needed.  Group activity, work, and cooperation are heavily emphasized.

**Please note:  When studying sociology, sensitive subjects may be discussed.  Students are expected to treat one another with maturity, respect, and should value the right to opinion of classmates.

Course Content:

  • An Invitation to Sociology
    • The Sociological Perspective
    • The Origins of Sociology
    • Theoretical Perspectives
  • Sociological Research Methods
    • Research Methods
    • Causation in Science
    • Procedures and Ethics in Research
  • Culture
    • The Basis of Culture
    • Language and Culture
    • Norms and Values
    • Beliefs and Material Culture
    • Cultural Diversity and Similarity
  • Socialization
    • The Importance of Socialization
    • Socialization and the Self
    • Agents of Socialization
    • Socialization Through the Life Cycle
    • Processes of Socialization
  • Social Structure and Society
    • Social Structure and Status
    • Social Structure and Roles
    • Preindustrial Societies
    • Industrial and Postindustrial Societies
  • Groups and Formal Organizations
    • Primary and Secondary Groups
    • Other Groups and Networks
    • Types of Social Interaction
    • Formal Organizations
  • Deviance and Social Control
    • Deviance and Social Control
    • Functionalism and Deviance
    • Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance
    • Conflict Theory and Deviance
    • Crime and Punishment
  • Social Stratification
    • Dimensions and Explanations of Stratifications
    • Social Class and Poverty in America
    • Social Mobility
    • Global Stratification
  • Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity
    • Minority, Race, and Ethnicity
    • Racial and Ethnic Relations
    • Theories of Prejudice and Discrimination
    • Minority Groups in the United States
  • Inequalities of Gender and Age
    • Sex and Gender Identity
    • Theoretical Perspectives on Gender
    • Gender Inequality
    • Ageism
    • Inequality in America’s Elderly Population
  • The Family
    • Family and Marriage Across Cultures
    • Theoretical Perspectives and the Family
    • Family and Marriage in the United States
    • Changes in Marriage and Family
  • Education
    • Development and Structure of Education
    • Functionalist Perspective
    • Conflict Perspective
    • Symbolic Interactionism
  • Political and Economic Institutions
    • Power and Authority
    • Political Power in American Society
    • Economic Systems
    • The Modern Corporation
    • Work in the Modern Economy
  • Religion
    • Religion and Sociology
    • Religious Organization and Religiosity
    • Religion in the United States
  • Population and Urbanization
    • The Dynamics of Demography
    • World Population
    • The Urban Transition
    • Urban Ecology
  • Social Change and Collective Behavior
    • Social Change
    • Theoretical Perspectives on Social
    • Collective Behavior
    • Social Movements

Current Issues

We will be focusing on the issues and current events of today and relating them to the field of sociology.

Grading

  • Sociology grades are based on an accumulation of points throughout two-quarters/one semester.
  • The point values for assignments will vary.
  • The BAHS Student Handbook grading scale will be used.
  • All late work received will be reduced 50% of points earned.  See BAHS Student Handbook for further clarification.
  • This course will rely heavily on student participation. Participation points will be given out daily.  Taking notes, staying focused, and adding to classroom discussion will be vital to your grade.
  • Grades will be updated at least once a week. Parents and students can monitor their grades via Powerschool.

Class Policies and Procedures

  • Attendance is important in Sociology, as most of the concepts are new and are much easier to understand through classroom demonstrations, discussions, etc. Course concepts will be delivered through classroom discussions and lectures and being in attendance the day it is delivered is vital.
  • With that said, if a student must be absent, it is up to the student to take care of any missing or late homework, obtain missing notes from a classmate, and to monitor his/her grades on a routine basis.
  • Please arrive to class on time and be ready to learn when the bell rings.  Tardy students will not be appreciated.  Tardies will be dealt with on an individual basis and excessive tardiness will result in parent contact, loss of participation points, and/or detention.
  • Please follow these simple rules:
    • All Braham Area High School formal school rules, policies, and procedures apply.
    • All encounters are based upon the foundation of respect.  All students are to respect their peers, teachers/guest speakers, classroom environment, as well as themselves.  
    • Raise your hand to speak.  When someone is talking, you are not…be an active listener.
    • Work hard and individually.  Do not cheat or plagiarize.
    • Arrive on time and prepared to learn.  Be sure to bring your notebook, folder, pen/pencil, assignments, and an active mind ready to participate each day.
    • No food or drink, with the exception of water, is permitted in the classroom.
    • Do not leave trash in the room.
    • Submit all assignments at the time they are due (or earlier).
    • Think positively and try your best at all times!

Chromebooks/Phones 

Please bring your charged Chromebook with you to class each day.  Having an electronic device will benefit the work/learning we do in this course.  With all students having access to Chromebooks, I expect all phones to remain turned off and stored during class time.

Teacher Contact

I look forward to and encourage communication.  Please feel free to contact me with any concerns and/or questions you may have.  I have posted all of my contact information below.  

I look forward to teaching this course and getting to know you as students.

Mrs. Johnson

Room F113

(320) 396-5234

[email protected]