Sociology 2018-2019

Ms. Leitshuh april.leitshuh@adams12.org 720-972-2656

Course Description:
In this class we will explore the basic concepts and theories concerning the relation between individuals and
society. This class emphasizes the influence of culture, social structure, and institutions in explaining human
activity. We will learn about social groups, socialization, class, power, and deviance, among other substantive
issues.

Course Outline: Each Unit is approximately 3 weeks in length

Unit 1: What is sociology?
Unit 2: Socialization and the creation of identity
Unit 3: Social structure and social institutions
Unit 4: Deviance and social control
Unit 5: Social inequality

American Sociological Association Content Standards Addressed in this Course:

I. Students will learn how to apply the sociological perspective to their experiences.
II. Students will understand classical and contemporary social thought.
III. Students will understand how sociologists conduct and evaluate empirical research.
IV. Students will understand the causes, consequences, and forms of social inequality.
V. Students will understand the interdependence of individuals, groups, and societies.
VI. Students will understand the interrelationship of social structure and social actor.
VII. Students will understand how individuals are influenced by cultural expectations and group dynamics
through an analysis of the socialization process.
VIII. Students will understand the significance of a global perspective in examining social phenomena.
IX. Students will understand the causes and consequences of social and cultural change.
X. Students will understand the causes, consequences, and societal responses to conformity and non-conformity.

Adaptability
You WILL be asked to know everyone in the class, be ready to work with anyone I sit you with, be ready to mix
up at any time and you need to be prepared for lots of different exercises and activities that might possibly take
you out of your comfort zone. If you think that you will not be able to meet this requirement, you might
consider another class.

Acceptable:
- Making a meaningful contribution to class discussion
- Having on task discussions with your group members
- Helping another student with their work

Not Acceptable:
- Bullying, name calling, making people feel uncomfortable
- Cheating
- Not working to the best of your ability

Policies
Food and Drink: You can’t leave class to buy food, nor can your friends deliver you food.

Leaving class: You are allowed to leave class only with a pass. Trips to the restroom and water fountain should
be made before coming to class, you will not be allowed to go to the restroom during class.

Absences: You are responsible for getting make up work. Check in with me after class, during my plan, before
school, or lunch, not during or right before class. Adams 12 Five Star Schools has revised its student attendance
policy (Policy 5113, paragraph 7.1) to allow make-up work only for excused absences. You will NOT be
allowed to make up absences from unexcused. Excused absences get the number of days plus one to make up
work.

Late Work: You lose 10% each day the assignment is turned in late. Assignments are due at the beginning of
class.

Cell Phones and Electronics:

We will use cell phones frequently in this class. Cell phones are expected to be in provided space on your desk face down at all times,
unless instructed by me.
1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Hand it over, it will be sent to SR, you can pick it up at the end of the day

Notebooks- I grade notebooks randomly, so you will need one that is just for this class and you’ll need to bring
it or leave it here every day. If you miss a notebook check, you can’t make it up (unless you had an excused
absence for the day I check them).

Grading Policy/Assessment
Grades are based on essays, seminars, student presentations/projects and tests. Assessments and grading
standards are applied consistently to students of similarly demonstrated ability. Extra credit is in form of cell
phone cubbies and podcasts on my website. Extra credit is only accepted if there are no missing assignments in
the gradebook.

Grading Scale Grade Percentages

A 90-100/B 80-89/C 70-79/D 60-69/F 59 or below
*Weekly progress grades are posted at https://ic.adams12.org/campus/portal/adams12.isp D

✔+ 100 ✔ 80 ✔- 60 - 0

Plagiarism/Cheating: Will result in a zero for the assignment.

Group Projects On group projects, students will receive a grade for individual work and a group grade.

Sociology Permission Forms

Student name (please print):____________________________________________________

Sociology is the study of social interactions and the study of humans within society. Class discussions and class
content is intended for mature students. During the course of this class, students will study a wide range of
topics, including but not limited to, religion, culture, deviance, gender, family roles, ethnicity, stereotypes, etc.
Name-calling, racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other displays of intolerance will not be tolerated with will
be addressed swiftly. In taking this class, you agree that you will accept the idea that people might think
differently than you, and that you can respect other people’s opinions and have an open-dialogue about
those differences. .

Student signature:______________________________ Date:___________

We have read the syllabus agree to the stipulations. Syllabus can be found on my website at
leitshuh.weebly.com under Sociology. If you require a paper copy please let me know

Student signature:______________________________ Date:___________

Parent signature:______________________________ Date:___________

This year, Sociology classes will be viewing several films during the course. These films are used to illustrate
valid principles and points relating to Sociology. Some are R rated and include language and situations
associated with that rating. According to district film policy, these films have been approved and this letter
serves as parental acceptance and notification for their use. Any student who may wish an alternative
assignment needs only to speak with the teacher.

Parent signature:______________________________ Date:___________

Self Assessments

As we explore different areas of sociology, students will have the opportunity to complete a variety of informal
self-assessment instruments. The purpose of these is to help students better understand sociological theories.
The results belong to the student and all results are considered confidential. Results will not be shared without
student permission. Students always have the option of not taking any of these instruments.
I understand the purpose of including self-assessment inventories in sociology and consent to
participation.

Student signature:______________________________ Date:___________