CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

COURSE EXPECTATIONS & ACADEMIC SYLLABUS

Mr. Stone
Joshua.Stone@mps.k12.al.us
http://stoneshistorystuff.weebly.com

Class Behavior Expectations: What I expect from you!

This is a Safe Classroomand therefore certain types of behavior are encouraged and others
discouraged. It is my hope that all students will feel welcomed and included and be free from
harassment based upon ethnicity, religion, gender ,or sexual orientation. I encourage you to take risks,
share ideas and stories appropriate to the class. Respect for the ideas and opinions of other students is a
must. To that end, I expect all of us to avoid put-downs as well as derogatory comments or
gestures.This is a college-prep course and you will be treated as responsible adults, not children.

We will observe three fundamental rules:

1.

All students have the right to express their own ideas, and

2.

All students' ideas are to be heard and treated respectfully.

3.

All students will come to class prepared to engage and learn.

Introduction:
Greetings! I am Mr. Stone, your teacher for this course. I have taught in Montgomery Public
Schools for ten years. I have taught Civics, Geography, Ancient World History, Modern World History,
United States History from Colonization through 1877, Advanced Placement United States History, and
Contemporary Issues. I earned my undergraduate degree in history and my graduate degree in education
from Troy University. I have been married for 13 years and have two children.
Contemporary Issues is an elective, one-semester course designed to acquaint students with
current events of local, state, national, and international interest. Knowledge about and analysis of current
events are vital elements in students educational development as they prepare for their roles as active
citizens. This course allows students to acquire knowledge of key contemporary personalities and events
that impact their lives. Daily and weekly news sources serve as primary references for organization of the
content of this course.

Course Content

100-91 = A

Units Covered
1.

Politics

2.

Culture

3.

Security

4.

Religion in Society

5.

Families and Relationships

Grading Scale:

The grade you earn will be based upon the number of points
within the context of the following weights.

Projects and Tests = 65%

Classwork and Homework = 35%

90-81 = B
80-71 = C
70-60 = D

Final ExamYes, we have one.

59 and below = F

The final examination will be comprehensive (cover the

entire course).

Procedures
Materials: bring daily loose-leaf (binder or notebook) paper, notebook, pens/pencils
You will also need two tri-fold poster boards for projects assigned during the two nine-week periods of this
course.

Attendance:

Please make note of the Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School Attendance Policy. Everyone is
expected to be in class. This is a participation and experience-based class and although class notes can
assist in making up information, nothing can totally replace the experience of being in class.

Late Fees (for homework and other assignments)

Work that is turned in late without an approved excuse will be penalized 11 points per day that the
assignment is late.
Participation:

I strongly encourage you to participate in class discussions and activities. Students assist in creating
the atmosphere and mood of the class. Please become actively involved when appropriate.
Participation in a class such as Sociology where we will be doing many demonstrations and activities
will enhance your interest in class and learning.

You are also encouraged to bring into class any materials, ideas, news, articles, artifacts

Positive class participation is expected. It includes: paying attention; asking questions about the
material you've read; bringing in cartoons, magazine, newspaper and journal articles related to the
topics studied; being willing to summarize the content for the class; and debating with me and your

classmates on the basis of evidence/logic.

Topics We Will Examine

Abortion
The Death Penalty
Energy Resources and Consumption
Physicians Assisted Suicide/Right to Die Movement
Global Warming/Climate Change
Gun Control
Healthcare
Homeland Security/Privacy
Immigration Policy
Religion and its Role in Government and Society
Same Sex Marriage
The Global War on Terror
Race Relations in America
American Politics
Drug Legalization
Breaking News As It Occurs
Conservative vs. Liberal Political Ideologies
Gender Issues

Readings
1.

You are expected to read all assignments given in this class ( handouts, additional readings)

Academic Integrity and Ethical Standards

Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material that
demonstrates their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades. Such standards are founded
on the basic concepts of honesty and integrity. An Academic Integrity Policy is an important part of your
academic life. You are responsible for knowing, understanding, and following that policy. Should any
questions arise regarding the policy and your activities, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.

------------------------------------------------------------cut here------------------------------------------------------Please sign below and return to the instructor.

I acknowledge my reading of the course syllabus and the demands and responsibilities and consequences that will be
required for the Sociology Course. Extra help is always availableset up an appointment for before or after school.
Student Name (print):

Student Signature

Parent Name (print)

Parent Signature: