Course Description

See Reviews of Instructor Bonnie Gonzalez

What is the role of the individual in society, and how does society affect individual lives? This course introduces students to the field of sociology and social psychology through a study of both the classical studies of groups, culture, politics and economics to recent topics such as, prosocial behavior, attitudes, conflict theory, crime, racial inequalities, social classes, freedom of speech and ageism. We will examine common sense assumptions about psychology, culture and government and also look at the scientific studies into these fields. Finally, this class will emphasize critical thinking skills, through class discussions, outside reading, and writing. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in some of their own research into a topic of interest. This course will fully prepare the student to take the CLEP exam in Sociology. This course fulfills a social science credit for high school.

Course Structure

Each Monday students will receive an email introducing them to the topics which we will cover for the week. This email will also contain links to any additional reading or videos which are required. Study tips and writing suggestions will also be included in this communication. All of this information along with ‘paper lectures’ on the material can also be found on the website under the module for the week.

There will be one two-hour live session each week. The first hour will be a lecture time. In the second hour, we will visit videos and websites which present the material we are studying and then, as a class, we will discuss the topics.

Weekly discussion board posts are required. There will be biweekly quizzes on the material. Two larger writing assignments are requirements for this class: the first is a critical thinking paper and the second is a research study into a topic of interest for the student.

Who should enroll?

9th – 12th grade students.

Technology Requirements:

High speed, broadband Internet

Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)

Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

Grades are based on participation in class discussions, quizzes, discussion board posts and the completion of the two larger writing assignments. Work will be graded within the week it is posted. Since this is a class that focuses on both learning and critical evaluation of concepts students will be graded on both their knowledge of the material and the ability to critically think about a piece of research.

Communication

Students and parents will be contacted as soon as registration is complete. I will send a syllabus along with this initial communication. Parents are copied on all communication with the students, therefore they will also receive the weekly emails. If there are ever any questions about the course parents can always feel free to email me. I am prompt with my responses to any email communication.