This class will cover 8 chapters of the social science book "Power & Society".  

*Week 1:  class introduction, syllabus, homework, end of the class project, and preface will be covered. During our first class meeting in the first week, I will introduce myself and give background information about my hobbies and education.  I will read over the syllabus to the class.  The syllabus will be available to everyone in the class to read along with at the same time.  The syllabus is important for class because it states everything the Learner will need to know about the class.  This will include due dates and homework requirements.  The syllabus is a reference tool for the Learner throughout the course.  If there is a question or clarity is needed, I will clarify and give examples. This will include the class expectations, behavior standards, and assignments that will be given throughout the course. I will go over the homework section and the class project briefly during the syllabus but in more detail after the syllabus is covered.  Learners can ask questions anytime during the class.  Also during our first class, we will cover the Preface of this book.  It is important for each Learner to gain a general idea about what will be covered in the class.  The Preface is like an overview.  We will also discuss prior knowledge of social science. 

*Week 2:  Chapter 1; The Nature and Study of Power, homework.  During week 2, we will discuss chapter 1.  In this chapter, the Learner will gain knowledge of the definition of power, society, and social science.  We will discuss different types of power and who has power in society.   The Learner will be able to answer:  What role does power and ideology play in society?  Chapter 1 is all about "power".  

*Week 3:  Chapter 2: Social Sciences and the Scientific Method, homework.   During week 3, we will cover chapter 2.  This lesson is about: science and the scientific method.  Learners will be able to confidently define these to words and understand their meanings.  We will also discuss hypotheses and learning the meaning of this word as well as its significance to science. We will also learn about "theory" and be able to define and give examples of theory.  The Learner will gain knowledge of the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.  Finally, in this class, we will discuss experimental and control groups. The Learner will learn the difference between these two types of scientific methods. 

*Week 4: Power and Culture:  An Anthropologist's View, homework.  In week 4, we will study chapter 4.  This chapter will discuss power relationships in society, such as the family.  This chapter also includes culture and subculture.  The Learner will be able to state examples of these cultures as well as similarities and differences.  We will also discuss the different components of culture.  For example, values and norms.  The Learner will also learn a basic understanding of "functionalism".  Depending on the time remaining in class we will also discuss, idealism and cultural relativity. 

*Week 5:  Power and Sociology:  The Importance of Social Class, homework.  This lesson will come from chapter 5 of the book.  This week will include the study of the importance of social class.  The Learner will gain knowledge of what the social class is and be able to give examples.  Stratification is very important when discussing social class.  The Learner will gain a basic understanding of the role stratification plays in society.  This chapter will also cover three theories:  functional theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interaction theory.  I will not expect learners to become experts in these theories in one class meeting.  However, my goal is to expose Learners to the information as building blocks for future knowledge.  Social mobility will also be discussed in this chapter.  The Learner will understand what role social mobility plays in society.  

*Week 6:  Power and Psychology, homework.  This week will cover chapter 9 in the book.  During this lesson, we will discuss the personality.  The Learner will understand what "personality" means in society and the role psychology plays in the personality. We will discuss the difference between "nature" and "nurture".  The Learner will gain basic knowledge of the cognitive approach and its role in society.  We will discuss the social-learning theory.  We will discuss social psychology and I will give examples.  I will also compare behaviorism and the learning theory.   

*Week 7: Poverty and Powerlessness.  This class will come from chapter 11 of the book.  We have a class discussion about poverty and power in the United States. We will also discuss the "culture of poverty" in the United States.  The Learner will gain knowledge of the relationship between poverty and powerlessness.  The Learner will also gain knowledge of who are the poor and how is poverty defined.

*Week 8:  Power, Violence, and Crime, homework.   This class will come from chapter 12 of the book.  We will have a class discussion about power and freedom.  I encourage all Learners to participate in and give examples or share their opinions.  This lesson will cover crime and different types of crimes.  For example, serious and violent crimes. The student will be able to define:  "habeas corpus".  This chapter will also cover; a jury, the burden of proof, and double jeopardy.  The Learner will gain knowledge of these terms and their effect on society.  

*Week 9:  Course Wrap and project presentations.  This class will be a course wrap-up including any final questions or comments about social science.  This class time will also be devoted to reading and discussing each student's class project.  (more detail about the project below)  I will grade students on a pass/fail bases for their participation during the course, their homework, and their project.  This will take the entire class period to complete.

Before each class ends, I will discuss the homework assignment that will be due in the next class.  Do not fret, this will be simple assignments that will typically take less than thirty minutes.  Since our class only meets once a week, it is important to include a relative out of the class assignment.

Class project due on the last day of class:
Requirements:
-Learners will choose their own topic or I have a list of ideas below to chose from.
-A minimum of 1 page, typed, 12 point font, new times roman, double-spaced.  (maximum of 3 pages)
-I am not placing many writing restrictions on this assignment.  The goal is to expose you to a new topic or a topic that you may not know very much about and have you write about it.  The Learner will choose what to write about their topic.
-You may choose to answer these questions when writing your project: who, what, where, when, why, and how.  
-I will cover these requirements in-depth on the syllabus and in class on the first day.
-I am always available to answer questions.

Project Ideas: (remember you are welcome to choose your own topic as it relates to social science)
-Power 
-Culture
-Social Class
-Government Power
-The Court System
-Poverty
-Crime

The homework will be related to each Learner's topic.  I suggest every Learner have their topic chosen by the second class.  The first homework assignment will be to choose a topic.  The Learner will have their topics or any question about selecting their topic by class meeting #2.  The following homework assignments for each class will be for the Learner to work on their project paper.  It is advised but not required to start with an outline of ideas and then narrow down the topic for your project, followed by a rough draft, edit, and final draft.  The Learner is not required to have a reference page, however, if you site anyone's work you have to give them credit.  Please always ask if you have a question.



A playback video will be available if you are unable to attend a class or would like to start after class begins. 

This class will be structured as an instructor lecture with student interaction and discussion.   The success and learning of this class will be impacted by the amount of student interaction and discussion.  This class will be civil and polite and open and welcoming to everyone's opinions and comments.

My teaching style is a  learner-based style.  I include the students in the conversation and engage them from the very first class meeting until our last minute spent together.  It is my belief and my testimony that students learn better when they are involved in the class.  However, if the student is shy or uneasy about talking in class.  I will respect them and not embarrass them.  However, they will know by my tone and interaction that they are in a safe learning environment no matter their learning style.  It will be my hope that towards the end of the class the student will become outspoken and interactive.  

In addition to learning social science basics, it is important for the learner to become comfortable writing short paragraphs or papers.  I include this type of writing in my classes to give exposure to the importance of writing.  I will be looking for class participation, effort, and relevance while reading homework.  It is not to scare the learner or make them think they will fail if they are not comfortable writing.  My goal is to get the learner writing.  So, by the time they are in college, they will be more at ease with writing a paper or whatever their writing may be.