Course Syllabus

Introduction to Sociology
Mrs. Sullivan
Fall 2020

Dear Scholars,

             Hello and welcome to Introduction to Sociology. The 2020-2021 school year obviously looks different than any other school year. Traditionally we have roughly 60 hours together inside a physical classroom multiple times a week. When you need extra help there are many points built into the day to informally receive that help (7:30 period, the lab, lunch, after school, during off periods, passing in the hallway, swinging by room in between periods). When learning new, and difficult content, you have the opportunity to hear and engage with your classmates in order to unpack the content and support you in moving forward in your understanding. You also have the ability to read and interpret my (and others) body language, tone, reactions, and emotions.

           Traditionally is not a word to describe 2020. This year we will have roughly 30 hours together both in a physical classroom and online. Of those roughly 30 hours, we will meet as a full class once a week and only online for roughly 3 hours. You will not be able to engage in traditional group work, discussions will include an electronic component, and you will not be able to have the organic side conversations with your peers while I am teaching. Human interaction is what allows individuals to process and understand new content and now that human interaction is limited.

         This context is our new reality. It is one that we must acknowledge and internalize because we can not change this reality. However, we can work within the constraints that are placed on us and continue to challenge our learning and thinking. I am outlining this context in our syllabus because it is this reality that is the foundational reasoning behind how I constructed this course. This reality has driven the curriculum I have chosen, the way I have organized it, the way I will present it, and the way that I will assess your learning in this class.

          Words can not describe how excited I am to teach Sociology in 2020. We are currently in an election year, the nation is grappling with our racial identity, citizens are exercising many of their Constitutional rights, and questioning the government. Our expectations and norms as an American society have been turned upside down. What we knew as “normal” on March 12th looked entirely different by March 25th. My hope for you this semester is that you discover different ways to view the world in which you decide to surround yourself with.

                                                                                                                                                                              With Gratitude,

                                                                                                                                                                               Mrs. Sullivan

Course Description

This sociology course is designed to introduce scholars to the sociological study of society. Sociology focuses on the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. My goal in this class is to expose you to college-level materials and discussions that teach you how to understand how and why different opinions and beliefs exist among humans and societies.

Please Note: This course deals with controversial, difficult, and sometimes upsetting topics. We will also be watching films and discussing readings that contain adult language and content. If you have any particular sensitivities or triggers, please see me as soon as possible.

Expectations

We are embarking on an experience neither of us has ever been asked to navigate, remote, and hybrid learning. I will be learning how to shift my practice to align most appropriately with the course in real-time. While you will be learning new content that will allow you to view the world around you with a new lens. With this as our foundational understanding, I ask the following expectations when present in our class:

• We are treating each other with grace and patience as we navigate this new world of learning.
• You attempt to find a space where you feel comfortable sharing your video. This will help facilitate class discussions and student participation.
• You are an active participant and not a passive member.
• Be positive! Embrace others’ opinions and share your thoughts and feelings!
• Be curious! Ask questions, grapple with difficult issues, change your opinions, and seek a greater understanding!

Resources Needed:

• Charged Computer (Due to desk placement you may not have the ability to charge your computer during class)
• Computer Charger
• Headphones
• Notebook (either digitally or hard copy. You are seniors you decide how to organize yourself)

Canvas

All class materials, zoom links, Powerpoints, and announcements will be posted and accessed on Canvas. In addition, all of your assignments will be uploaded to Canvas. As seniors, it is my assumption that you know how to navigate Canvas. I will not explicitly teach Canvas. If you are unsure how to navigate, upload, or access Canvas it is your responsibility to reach out to me so we can work together.

Values that must be adopted in order to study Sociology effectively:

• Diversity: We value our differences as they allow us to see the world through varied perspectives.
• Kindness: We treat one another with patience, respect, and empathy. We hold each other to high standards while actively supporting one another’s efforts to grow.
• Integrity: The work and ideas we present are our own. We give credit to the scholars who help us shape our understanding. We support one another in developing our own ideas while respecting our ability to think and succeed as individuals.
• Resilience: We lean into challenges and persevere when we face something new or difficult. We build strategies that help us be successful when we struggle.
• Humility: We celebrate our strengths and we openly reflect in order to recognize and improve upon our weaknesses.

Grading System

You will have two categories for this course Assignments and TED Talk. The total amount of points you can receive for Assignments is 150 points. The TED talk everyone must do. This assignment is out of 100 points. 

Your grade will be determined using a total point system. For the semester you can earn a total of 150 points for assignments. You choose which assignments you would like to complete in order to reach the number you desire. This category is a combination of the quality plus the quantity of work you choose to do.

Your final grade will be  TED Talk + Assignment Points= ______/250. 

Point System

A+ 143                         B+ 134-129                     C+ 119-114
A 142 -140                B 128-125                        C 113-110
A- 139-135                B- 124-120                      C- 109-106

*If by the midway point of the semester you are below a 106 we will schedule an appointment with the necessary stakeholders to help implement necessary supports that will allow you to improve the grade.

** If you are below 106 by the end of the term you will receive an Incomplete for the course. If you are unable to complete the work that is necessary to satisfy the incomplete you will not receive credit for the course.