John Marshall High School

Title of Course

Sociology

Instructor

Dave Stutz
E-mail: dastutz@rochester.k12.mn.us
Class webpage: http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz

Prerequisite

None

Minnesota Graduation Standard

Institutions and Traditions in Society

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the tools and responsibilities of a sociologist and encourage students to use these skills to investigate and explain real problems through data collection and analysis. The student in this course will also seek to understand interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. Topics will include:

• Sociological research
• Human relationships
• Subcultures
• Economic stratification
• Socialization
• Cultures
• Racism
• Deviance

Materials

• JM Student Planner
• Textbook Sociology: Understanding Society, Third Edition
• A three ring binder, loose-leaf paper, and pen/pencil daily
• 2 floppy discs (PC formatted) and a plastic disc protector
• Additional resources and readings as supplied in class

Extra help opportunities

Mr. Stutz is always in the school until at least 4PM. This is the single best time to meet with him and get extra help. Make arrangements and stick around for a bit - during the school day it is virtually impossible to meet for extra help.

General Information about grades

Grades in the class are not weighted. Your grade is computed using points, and all points are worth the same ‘value,’ whether earned on a test, quiz, homework, or in-class assignment. Your final grade for each quarter is determined by adding all your points up and dividing by the total number possible. The resulting percentage determines your grade. Semester grades are computed as follows: 

Grading scale

• 90 – 100% A
• 80 – 89% B
• 70 – 79% C
• 60 – 69% D

As a general rule:

• In-class assignment 5-10 points
• Reading/Question set 10-20 points
• Test/Quiz 25-50 points
• Presentation/PowerPoint 25-50 points
• It is very important that all assignments are completed, as those points do add up. No student that has turned in all assignments has ever failed. This is not because of a mercy policy; it is because just doing all the work puts you into the best possible situation to do well.
• Extra credit is generally not given out, although some (unannounced) assignments may be graded as extra credit. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all work is turned in- it is of great benefit to your grade to do so!

Text and other readings

• You are expected to read all material by the beginning of the class for which that material is assigned. 
• I will occasionally and arbitrarily give quizzes to insure that you have done the required reading. 

Participation 

All students are expected to participate in class discussions, debates, and other activities which are part of the course curriculum.

All students will also be expected to be prepared to begin class immediately at the bell.

Attendance

• Every tardy will result in a 1% reduction in the quarter grade.
• Every unexcused absence will result in a 2% reduction in the quarter grade. 

Make up procedures

Students who have an excused absence will have 2 days for each day missed to turn work in ‘on time.’ Thereafter, the assignment will be not be accepted

"Late" work is not accepted.

It is the student's responsibility to check the class web page or approach Mr. Stutz to determine what work is missing and make arrangements to redo such assignments.

Make up tests take place ONLY before or after school. Do not ask to do them during class hours.

Classroom Procedures and Rules

You are juniors and seniors. You don’t need a list of petty rules to follow. I have several pet peeves that translate into firm classroom expectations of conduct:

• Arrive in class on time with paper, binder, writing utensil, and any previously designated materials
• Remain in your seat until Mr. Stutz has dismissed the class
• Do NOT bring cell phones, beepers, or CD/tape players into the room. If I see them, I will take them and a parent or guardian will have to retrieve them.
• Swearing and derogatory remarks have no place in the classroom and will not be tolerated
• Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable and will result in an automatic "0" on the assignment.
• Show those who are speaking (including teachers and students) the respect, courtesy, and quiet they deserve