Introduction to Sociology
Ms. Helberg
Room 257
What is Sociology ?
Sociology is :
o the study of social life / social interactions
o social change / social phenomenon
o social causes & consequences of human behavior
o the study of how our social environment shapes
us
“Neither the life of an
individual nor the history
of a society can be
understood without
understanding both.”
~ ~ C. Wright Mills
General Information
o Credit : 1 Term, . 5 Social Studies Elective Credit
o Instructor : Ms. Helberg Room 257
o Contact information :
[email protected]
o Office : 250 B Phone : 248. 693. 5420 ext. 6051
o Textbook : Sociology by Holt, Rinehart &
Winston
o Outside resources
Focus Topics / Units of Study
o Moral Dilemmas – Discover your moral compass !
o Analysis of our Global Society :
Terrorism in Modern Times
o Historical Foundations of Sociology
o Sociological Perspectives on Education
o Cultural Diversity, Cultural Relativism, Universal Human
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Rights
Race – A biological fact or a social construct ?
The Effects of Abuse on Social Development / Personality
Development / Identity
Dissociative Identity Disorder ( DID )
Sociological Theories of Deviance and Social Controls
Focus Topics / Units of Study
o Social Stratifications and the effects of inequality
o Historical View on Prejudice
o Majority Group Treatment of Minority Groups
o Totalitarian ( Fascist ) Governments impact on Social Conformity
o Stages of Genocide – Realist vs Anti-Realist Perspective &
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Behavioral Theories
Theories of Collective Behavior and Social Movements
Dynamics of the Vietnam War Protest Movement
Civil Rights Movement – The Freedom Riders
Social Change – Cooperation vs Competition
Changing Society thru Awareness
Class Design
o students are an integral part of the learning
process
o Classroom conversations, debates & discussions
will play an important role
o A variety of strategies will be implemented - not
a “read the textbook only” style of class
Late Work
 All assignments are expected to be turned in on the
DUE DATE. No late assignments accepted for full
credit
 Time management and organization skills are a top
priority and all effort should be put forth to turn
assignments in on time
Grading Policy
o There are 3 assessment categories that are graded and
weighted as follows :
1. Homework and Class work = 35%
2. Quizzes and Unit Tests = 45%
3. Final Exam = 20%
o Zeroes are Place Holders !
o Students are encouraged to set up Power School
accounts & check their progress on a consistent basis
Moodle Account
o Please access my Moodle account & use it
as a tool to prepare for quizzes, tests & the
final exam
o Moodle is an especially effective tool for
students who are absent & miss the
instructor’s lectures
Absence Policy
o Class attendance and course grade are demonstrably &
positively related !
o YOU are responsible for all class work. It is your
responsibility to secure any missing work
o If you are absent on a TEST or QUIZ DAY, make – up
tests & quizzes are taken before or after school - no
tests or quizzes will be made – up during class time
Personal Goal Statement
o Personal Goal Statement is required to earn
your ten points !
o Signed Syllabus due tomorrow