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Welcome to Sociology!
Welcome to Sociology!
This class is a very fun and engaging look at what makes culture and society work and how they form the individual person. Through vibrant discussions about current topics we will explore what it means to be an individual in society and what the different elements of society are.
In this class we will talk about current events and issues that may bring up emotions for some students. Whether we are discussing the gender pay gap, racism, the evolution of the American political system, or the victims of an infamous crime it is my expectation that students behave in a manner that displays respect towards each other as well as the ideas and people being discussed. I will not tolerate students who are disrespectful of each other or to the people/topics we cover. All of the topics we cover are part of the Sociology Standards set out by the American Sociological Association. By agreeing to take this class, students and parents understand that a variety of topics will be discussed and that student participation in the learning process is essential.
In addition to our core curriculum, we will also be reading The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins and Just Mercy By Bryan Stevenson.
In addition to our core curriculum, we will also be reading The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins and Just Mercy By Bryan Stevenson.
Each term students will have a long term project. Term 1 will be an interview project. Term 2 will be a reflective piece showcasing all the student(s) have learned throughout the course. These are fabulous projects, the student led interview in particular will be a piece your family will treasure.
What is sociology?
What is sociology?
How did the field of sociology develop? How does sociological research happen?
What is Culture?
What is Culture?
What makes up a culture or a person's values? What are American values and have they changed over time? In this unit we explore the base elements of what makes up a culture and examine American culture and cultures around the world.
Social Structures
Social Structures
How is a society divided? How do we interact with each other within a society. In this unit we examine our status and role in society and who decides what those are.
The Individual
The Individual
In this unit we examine how society influences our personality and personal development. We examine how we perceive ourselves and how we believe others perceive us.
Social Control, Deviance, and Crime
Social Control, Deviance, and Crime
If society has rules and norms, what happens when someone breaks them? From clothes and tattoos to eating habits, we're all a little deviant. In this unit we examine what causes deviance and how deviance can lead to crime. We will examine some infamous criminals and their crimes and see what societal elements contributed to their acts. We will also examine the state of the criminal justice system and where reforms may be needed.
Social Stratification and Inequalities
Social Stratification and Inequalities
For the first half of term 2 we will examine the major "isms" in society. We will look at what inequalities look like in terms of class, race and ethnicity, gender, age and disability, and healthcare. We will discuss things like the societal expectations placed on boys and girls, voting rights, housing segregation, health insurance, access to quality health care, immigration, and adolescent health.
Social Institutions
Social Institutions
After deviance and crime, this is our favorite unit. We spend the remainder of our time in sociology examining the major social institutions and the role they play in our lives. The family, the economy, politics, the educational system, religion, sports, and mass media are all major topics we will investigate. We examine things like how the family has been portrayed on tv over time, what the value of an ivy league education is, title ix, and examine the school lunch menu to see if it is as healthy as it claims and whether dietary restrictions are taken into account. Students really love how applicable our discussions are, especially when we dive into things like NCAA unionization, the quality of school lunches and the college admissions scandal.
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