Sociology (SOC)

Overview

The Sociology (SOC) curriculum for grades 5-12 fosters understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and human behavior through inquiry-based, project-oriented learning, preparing students for careers in sociology, social work, or policy analysis. Aligned with NCSS standards, it emphasizes critical analysis, empathy, and leadership in addressing societal issues. Inclusive adaptations like visual data displays and accessible case studies ensure equitable participation, promoting social awareness and civic engagement.

Curriculum Description

The SOC curriculum progresses from foundational concepts in grades 5-6 to analytical explorations in grades 7-8, and advanced research and advocacy in grades 9-12. The three components—Social Structures and Institutions, Cultural Identity and Diversity, and Social Issues and Change—integrate sociological perspectives through projects like community surveys, cultural studies, and policy proposals. Supported by Mark Twain Media Understanding the U.S. Constitution: Understanding the U.S. Constitution Workbook Grade 5-12 for social institutions, the curriculum fosters collaboration and ethical problem-solving.

Social Structures and Institutions

  • Key Topics:
    • Family and community (e.g., roles, dynamics).
    • Social institutions (e.g., education, government, religion).
    • Social stratification (e.g., class, power).
  • Progression:
    • Grades 5-6: Explore family and community roles, using Mark Twain Media Understanding the U.S. Constitution: Understanding the U.S. Constitution Workbook Grade 5-12. Activities include mapping community networks and discussing school roles, supported by Mark Twain Media Democracy and Justice: Democracy, Law, and Justice Resource Book Grade 5-8. Projects involve a community role poster, with peer feedback.
    • Grades 7-8: Analyze institutions (e.g., education systems) and stratification, using Mark Twain Media U.S. History: People and Events 1607-1865 Resource Book Grade 6-8. Projects include a presentation on social class impacts, supported by Mark Twain Media World Civilizations: World Civilizations and Cultures Resource Book Grade 5-8.
    • Grades 9-12: Lead research on institutional inequalities, using Mark Twain Media U.S. History: People and Events 1865-Present Resource Book Grade 6-12. Projects include a policy proposal on education equity, with rubrics assessing research and advocacy.

Cultural Identity and Diversity

  • Key Topics:
    • Cultural norms (e.g., traditions, values).
    • Diversity (e.g., ethnicity, gender, religion).
    • Intercultural interactions (e.g., globalization, cultural exchange).
  • Progression:
    • Grades 5-6: Study cultural norms and diversity, using Mark Twain Media Music of Many Cultures: Music of Many Cultures Resource Book Grade 5-8. Projects involve a cultural heritage display, supported by Mark Twain Media World Geography: World Geography Resource Book Grade 6-12.
    • Grades 7-8: Analyze diversity impacts (e.g., immigration), using Mark Twain Media Migration & Immigration: Migration & Immigration History Activities Workbook Grade 5-8. Projects include a cultural exchange presentation, supported by Mark Twain Media Exploring Africa: Exploring Africa Resource Book Grade 5-8.
    • Grades 9-12: Lead intercultural studies, using Mark Twain Media World Governments: World Governments Workbook Grade 5-12. Projects include a diversity awareness campaign, with rubrics assessing cultural sensitivity.

Social Issues and Change

  • Key Topics:
    • Social challenges (e.g., poverty, inequality).
    • Social movements (e.g., civil rights, environmentalism).
    • Advocacy and reform (e.g., policy solutions, community action).
  • Progression:
    • Grades 5-6: Explore basic social issues (e.g., bullying), using Mark Twain Media Black History: Black History Activities Workbook Grade 5-8. Projects involve a community kindness campaign, supported by Mark Twain Media Women in History: Women in American History Activities Workbook Grade 5-8.
    • Grades 7-8: Analyze social movements (e.g., civil rights), using Mark Twain Media Roaring 20s: The Roaring 20s and the Great Depression Workbook Grade 5-12. Projects include a social issue case study, supported by Mark Twain Media Holocaust: Holocaust Workbook Grade 6-12.
    • Grades 9-12: Lead advocacy for social change (e.g., environmental policies), using Mark Twain Media U.S. History: People and Events 1865-Present. Projects include a community reform proposal, with rubrics assessing impact and leadership.

Summary of Topics Learned

  • Grades 5-7: Foundational social structures, cultural norms, and basic issues through projects like community posters and kindness campaigns.
  • Grades 8-9: Analytical explorations of institutions, diversity, and social movements through presentations and case studies.
  • Grades 10-12: Advanced research and advocacy for social change through policy proposals and diversity campaigns.

Educational Impact

Aligned with NCSS standards, SOC fosters social awareness and critical thinking, preparing students for sociology, social work, or policy careers with inclusive, impactful projects promoting empathy and civic responsibility.

Resources

  • Hands-on: Community surveys, cultural artifacts.
  • Texts: Sociology texts, historical resources.
  • Digital: iCivics, https://curriculumthatmatters.com/.
  • Workbooks:
    • Mark Twain Media Understanding the U.S. Constitution: Understanding the U.S. Constitution Workbook Grade 5-12 (ISBN: 9781622237005)
    • Mark Twain Media Democracy and Justice: Democracy, Law, and Justice Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236985)
    • Mark Twain Media U.S. History: People and Events 1607-1865 Resource Book Grade 6-8 (ISBN: 9781622237081)
    • Mark Twain Media U.S. History: People and Events 1865-Present Resource Book Grade 6-12 (ISBN: 9781622237067)
    • Mark Twain Media World Civilizations: World Civilizations and Cultures Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236954)
    • Mark Twain Media Migration & Immigration: Migration & Immigration History Activities Workbook Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622237685)
    • Mark Twain Media Black History: Black History Activities Workbook Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236565)
    • Mark Twain Media Women in History: Women in American History Activities Workbook Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236572)
    • Mark Twain Media Roaring 20s: The Roaring 20s and the Great Depression Workbook Grade 5-12 (ISBN: 9781622236688)
    • Mark Twain Media Holocaust: Holocaust Workbook Grade 6-12 (ISBN: 9781622236695)
    • Mark Twain Media World Governments: World Governments Workbook Grade 5-12 (ISBN: 9781622236978)
    • Mark Twain Media World Geography: World Geography Resource Book Grade 6-12 (ISBN: 9781622236855)
    • Mark Twain Media Exploring Africa: Exploring Africa Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236985)
    • Mark Twain Media Music of Many Cultures: Music of Many Cultures Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236459)

Assessment Methods

  • Formative: Case study analyses, peer discussions, reflective journals.
  • Summative: Portfolios (e.g., research papers, campaign plans), projects (e.g., reform proposals), rubrics (1-4 scale for analysis, empathy, advocacy).

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