Duncan MacMillan High SchoolSocial Studies Department 481 Church Point Road, Sheet Harbour, NS (902) 885-2777 Teacher: Mr. J. Cumminger The discipline of sociology provides several significant benefits to students as they complete their public school education. First and foremost, the scientific study of human behaviour promotes a greater understanding of self, expanding students’ perspectives on their development to this point in their lives. Sociology provides students with key insights into the factors that have shaped their growth as members of society from birth to the point where they stand on the verge of entering society as young adults. Students have been influenced daily by their relationships and interactions with others.
Sociology also promotes a greater understanding of the behaviours of others, not just in our own community, region, and society, but also around the globe. We live in a complex and rapidly changing world, one in which the actions of others near and far shape our daily lives. Sociology’s systematic, scientific analysis helps students make sense of the society and world in which they live. Its perspective also promotes a greater acceptance of those who are “different” than us at a local, regional, and global level. The discipline also provides students with strategies and skills they can use to understand the behaviour of the people with whom they interact daily. Furthermore, students benefit from the development of interpersonal skills promoted by the study of sociology. Its efforts to understand the behaviour of others provides students with strategies that are useful in daily life. Many students who select sociology as a field of study are interested in careers in which they will work with others either as co-workers or clients for various services. Developing a greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance of others’ behaviour is a valuable asset for students pursuing a career in any field in which they will work directly with other members of society.
Course Outcomes: Sociology 12 is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of human society and interaction. The course is built around five units that provide a broad overview of the field of study: Unit 1 – Sociology: A Social Science Unit 2 – Culture: A Shared Human Experience Unit 3 – Socialization: The Shaping of Human Behaviour Unit 4 – Social Organization: Living Together as Humans Unit 5 – Social Control: Deviant and Conformist Behaviour
The central focus is on providing students with a deeper understanding of the social groups and society in which humans live, with a particular focus on a Canadian context. The course provides students with an enhanced understanding of human behaviour – their own and the others with whom they interact on a daily basis – as well as a firm foundation for pursuit of further studies in behavioural sciences at the post-secondary level. Classroom Expectations Demonstrate maturity in daily interactions with the instructor, peers and guests to our classroom Be punctual and attend class regularly Demonstrate respect and safe practice for the technical equipment, resources and school property Complete all assignments, test, quizzes and projects by the assigned date Be prepared for class at all times, ie have pen and binder, textbook etc.
Class Requirements: Students will be expected to have the following with them for each class: 3-Ring Binder and Loose-leaf Pens and Pencils Colored Pencils/Markers Password for school computer network Student Assessment and Evaluation: This course will involve multiple modes of instruction and assessment. To ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and attain the above outcomes students will be will be provided with various learning and assessment alternatives throughout the semester. Total Semester Course Work will be given a mark out of 100%, which equals 80% of the final mark. The final exam will be given a mark out of 100%, which equals 20% of the final mark. An Interim mark out of 100% will be given approximately half way through the semester to indicate the student’s achievement to date.
Students will receive a mark based on the following criteria: Assessment and Evaluation:Percentage Value Unit 1 20% Unit 220% Unit 320% Unit 410% Unit 5 10% Final Exam 10% TOTAL:100%
COURSE EVALUATION:Formative Assessment is to show growth over time, determine student needs, plan next step in instruction, and provide students with descriptive feedback. Summative Assessment is to determine the extent to which learning has occurred in students. Guiding Principles of Fair Assessment: The fundamental assessment principles endorsed by the Department of Education and Culture are as follows: Assessment methods should be appropriate for and compatible with the purpose and context of the assessment.Students should be provided with sufficient opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours being assessed.Procedures for judging or scoring student performance should be appropriate for the assessment method used and be consistently applied and monitored.Procedures for summarizing and interpreting assessment results should yield accurate and informative representations of a student’s performance in relation to the curriculum outcomes for the reporting period.Assessment reports should be clear, accurate and of practical value to the audience for whom they are intended.Assessment practices should be such that the best interests of the student are paramountAssessment should inform teaching and promote learning.Assessment is an integral and ongoing part of the assessment process and clearly related to the learning outcomes.Assessment must be fair and equitable for all students and involve multiple sources of information. Evaluation: Evaluation involves teachers and others in analysing and reflecting upon information gathered in a variety of ways about student learning. This process requires: developing clear criteria and guidelines for assigning marks or grades to student worksynthesizing information for a variety of sourcesweighing and balancing all information availableusing a high level of professional judgement in making decisions based on the information availableMany times, students can show mastery of subject material in a variety of ways. I will do my level best to provide each student with opportunities and assessments that suit their strengths.
Communication I will communicate with parents throughout their child’s learning process and parents have a variety of ways for which to reach out. The methods of communication include, but are not limited to, the following: PowerSchoolEmailsCommunication logsParent teacher and curriculum eventsTeacher’s websiteReport cardsPhone Calls More specifically, I can be reached at Jonathan Cumminger
Duncan MacMillan High School
(902) 885-2777 ext.1228
[email protected] Web site: www.jcumminger.weebly.com I can be reached during school hours until 4pm. Please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I can be reached by email after school hours.