1. Contemporary Social Problems Introduction to Sociology
Mr. Schramek
Ms. Helberg

2. Contemporary Social Problems
Overview : This is a discussion class where participation is
encouraged. Students will learn about social issues, current
events and evaluating different views within an argument.
There are both large and small group discussions and
reflection essays.
Grading Policy:
20%-Final Exam %-Participation / Current Events (6) Classwork
20%-Question Cards/Journals %-Writing assignments/ Essays / Projects
Class Procedures :
Question Card-Each day there will be a question on the board for the class to answer. Each card is worth 5 points. A tardy or U absence will result in a 0. To make up the points students can come after school.
2. Journal-Members are expected to keep a journal in a notebook. The journals will be graded every two-weeks.
3. Current Events-A few students will be assigned Current Events each day(see calendar). A summary sheet is provided for credit. CE are worth 10 points.
4. Assessments: Essays, projects and other methods of assessments will be assigned.

3. Units and Topics of Study
American Political and Social Issues
The Affordable Care Act
Poverty and Public Assistance
Same-Sex Marriage
Affirmative Action and Racism
Bullying and School Violence
Mental Health Issues
2. Sports as American Culture
The over-organization of youth sports
Student-athlete privilege
Performance Enhancing Drugs/Cheating
The integration of Sports
Title IX
Drugs/Alcohol and Gambling in Sport
Domestic Violence in the NFL and sport.
Concussion and Sport Safety
1980 Winter Olympics

4. 3. Medication, Drugs and Decision Making
Drinking and the College life
Marijuana and its legalization
Date Rape and dating violence
Tobacco: Money vs. Health
Prescription Drugs and abuse
Cancer
4. Dating, Marriage, Divorce and Family
Dating in an online age
Teen sex and pregnancy
Abortion
Divorce and commitment
Dysfunctional Families
Parenting Philosophy

5. Course Overview for Introduction to sociology :
Sociology is the Study of Human Relationships
Concepts, Theory & Case Studies
Cross - Cultural & Historical sources
1. Homework and Class work = 35%
2. Quizzes and Unit Tests = 45%
3. Final Exam = 20%

6. Units of Study : Moral Dilemmas – Discover your moral compass !
Terrorism in Modern Times : An Analysis of our Global Society
Chapter 1 - The Sociological Point of View
Historical Foundations of Sociology
Sociological Perspectives on Education
Chapter 2 - Cultural Diversity
Cultural Diversity, Cultural Relativism, Universal Human Rights
Race – A biological fact or a social construct ?
Chapter 5 - Socializing the Individual
The Effects of Abuse on Social Development / Personality Development / Identity
Dissociative Identity Disorder ( DID )

7. Chapter 8 - Deviance and Social Control
Sociological Theories of Deviance and Social Controls
Chapter 10 - Racial and Ethnic Relations
Historical View on Prejudice
Majority Group Treatment of Minority Groups
Totalitarian ( Fascist ) Governments impact on Social Conformity
Stages of Genocide – Realist vs Anti-Realist Perspective & Behavioral Theories
Chapter 16 - Collective Behavior and Social Movements
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
Improving Society thru Social Awareness