Billings Senior High School

Mrs. Chris Ljunggren                      ljunggrenc@billings.k12.mt.us

 

COURSE CONTENT:

            Sociology is a one-semester course offered for credit to seniors as a social studies elective or to juniors as a general elective. Sociology is the systematic study of human social behavior and this course will look at a variety of human interactions, apply them to our own lives as well as interpret patterns of human behavior in order to understand societies as a whole.

            Specific units to be covered in this course will include; a definition of sociology, sociological theories, methodology, the nature of culture, conformity and deviance, social structure, social stratification, social institutions, the socialization process over a lifetime as well as a variety of social problems and issues.

            A variety of methods will be used to analyze and understand the concepts and principles of sociology. These will include reading, vocabulary activities, tests, and a variety of film media and both classroom and homework activities. Students will be expected to participate in all classroom activities as well as outside assignments. Students will be expected to interact with other students on a regular basis. Most work in this class will be done collaboratively, in groups or with a partner, but there will still be a fair amount of individual work as well.

 

GRADING:

            Every assignment is given a point value, from a few points to many points. A student’s grade will be based on the total number of points they have earned divided by the total number of points possible. The points will be cumulative over the course of the semester. Letter grades will be assigned to report cards based on a ten-point scale. 100-90% A, 89-80% B, 79-70% C, 69-60% D, 59 and below F. To receive credit for sociology a student must not exceed the ten-day attendance policy and receive a cumulative grade percentage of 60% or better.

            All assignments are expected to be complete and turned in on the day they are due. Make up will be allowed for those students who have excused absences. Make up work will be completed as soon as possible and no make up will be accepted after a six-week grading period has been completed. All tests will be made up the next day a student returns to class. No make up work will be allowed or credit given for work missed due to unexcused absences.

 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

            All rules and expectations outlined for all students at Senior High apply in this classroom in addition to the following:

1. Students will be expected to be their seats with all materials needed for class, paper, writing instrument and textbook, before the bell rings.

2. Students will practice tolerance, respect and safety at all times with all participants.

3.Students will participate in all class activities. Sleeping and working on other course work is rude and discourteous.

4. No electronic devices of any kind.

5. Students will not be allowed to leave class. Students will be expected to use their 8-minute passing time to take care of their personal needs.

6. Snacks and beverages are allowed in class and students will be expected to clean up after themselves.

7. Students will be expected to treat all property with care and are asked to keep personal items out of the way of others.

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:

            This is an upper division class and I expect there will be adult behavior practiced everyday, however, any behavior that interferes with my teaching or the learning of any student will not be tolerated. Students will be asked to change their behavior or will be removed from class and sent to the Dean’s office with the understanding they will not receive credit for that day’s activities as well as any other school consequences that could apply to the offensive behavior.