Block Day, 27 Sept.

[This post is geared mostly to first period because I will be gone most of the period]

Team Soc,

You are on your own today while I am away.

Start by breaking yourselves into groups of four groups of five. Do this. Fast.

Then open Drive (Soc shared folder) and read through the "Gold Watch Scenario" with your group. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the doc. Do what you can to arrive at group consensus.

After about fifteen minutes come back together as a class.

Miss G-- and Mr. Z--, would you be willing to lead discussion?

As a class talk about the following:
     What did you observe about this process of ordering the characters' morality?
     Did you notice anything strange in the familiar?
     What did everyone agree on?

PLEASE DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE THE ABOVE

Morality is one of those inescapable concepts in society. And inevitably sociology imports moral categories. When we observe society (macro or micro) we find that is is not whether we will evaluate society or individuals in society but from which framework will we do so. Again, morality is an inescapable concept. Thinking back on how you spoke of the "Gold Watch Scenario", can you see it? Yes, I asked you to evaluate, but you all... ah, I will not give it away; you observed it.

Next, get back together with your groups.

Look up the word "presupposition". Define it. Try your best to understand it.

Presuppositions are another inescapable concept. Individuals and groups share presuppositions about everything. Is is not whether we/they have presuppositions, but rather which presuppositions we have. Consequently, we need to become adept at seeing presuppositions. And this is a learned skill.

When you have defined and understood the basics of presuppositions, open up the Sociological Perspective Unit Exam Study Guide. Work together with your group members to be sure you understand all of the terms on the study guide.

You have the remainder of the class period to prepare for Monday's test.

If you have questions, please drop me an email.