SOCIAL PROBLEMS (SOC 102)

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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to identify the nature and degree of social problems, examine the causes of the problems, and to evaluate the proposed solutions to such problems.

This course has four units. We will start with the sociological perspectives on social problems. Three dominant sociological theories and distinctive approaches to the study of social problems will be covered. In this unit, students will be taught using scientific methods to research on social problems. Then we will focus on relative individual behaviors, such as physical and mental problems, drug use, and crime. The social institutions and other factors that affect these behaviors are noted and described.

The third unit of this course will be devoted to social inequality, discrimination in discussing such topics as poverty, prejudice, sexism, and ageism. We will examine the effects of large-scale discrimination on individuals, as well as to deal with the concept of institutionalized inequalities. Next, we will focus on problems that are common to many societies and related to family life and work. Finally, we will focus on social problems of global significance.

TEXTBOOK:
Social Problems, latest edition, written by Kornblum and Julian and published by Prentice Hall

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
 Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

bulletdemonstrate understanding of the process, assumptions and limitations involved in the scientific methods.
bulletachieve understanding of the relationship of individuals and the social and cultural environment.
bulletanalyze alternative courses of action regarding particular societal problems on the basis of feasibility, acceptance by groups and accuracy.
bulletanalyze contemporary social events in the context of historical events.
bulletdemonstrate understanding of behavioral expectations in a variety of situations.
bulletidentify own strengths and weaknesses in-group situations.
bulletidentify the basic social institutions of a society in terms of structure, function, change and interrelationship.
bulletdescribe the basic social processes that affect societies’ and individuals’ behaviors.
bulletdemonstrate perception and knowledge of observable events in society.
bulletexpress ideas and opinions clearly in writing.
bulletdevelop the ability to access, evaluate, and use information effectively and critically.
bulletexperience and propose ways of responding to social problems through Service Learning

CLASS FORMAT AND POLICIES:

bulletClass meetings will be organized on a lecture/discussion basis, with questions, comments, and discussions encouraged during all the class meetings.
bulletCellular phones should be turned off during the class sessions.
bulletStudents are expected to have prepared the assigned readings before class meetings to ensure productive discussions.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

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Attendance:
Regular attendance is necessary for the successful completion of the course and it is worth 20 points of the semester grade. Students are requested to sign the attendance sheet before class starts. Those who are chronically late or leave before classes dismiss may result in the loss of the attendance points.

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Four Multiple -Choice Examinations:
Students are required to take four multiple - choice examinations.  The four exams each have 25 questions, with a total of 100 points. Make-up exams will not be given except in cases of personal or family emergencies. Exams are not cumulative; that is, each exam will cover only the material presented in the segment of the course immediately preceding it. 

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Research Paper:
Students are required to produce a 7-page research paper on a social problem of their interest. Students need to browser the Internet and visit the library to collect secondary sources about a social problem under study. Students must follow the paper criteria and format provided by the instructor and document sources using APA guidelines. Students need to present the paper in class. This research project is worth 60 points. Instead of research paper, students can participate in Service Learning program.  See the instructor for details.

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Group Discussions
Students are required to participate in in-group discussions.  A report on the assigned topic is due on the day of the discussion. Group discussions help students to identify and reinforce the course material and are worth 20 points of the semester grade.       

             Grading Policy

Four Tests 100 points
Research Paper on Social Problem or Service Learning 60 points

Class discussions

20 points
Attendance 20 points

Total

200 points

 Grading Scale

Final grades for the course are determined by the sum of all the points during the semester and are         based on grading scale listed below. A 200- point grading scale is used.

A = 180 - 200

B+ = 171 - 179

B = 160 - 170

C+ = 151 - 159

C = 140 - 150

D+ = 131 - 139

D = 120 - 130

F  = below 119

 

SCHEDULE OF EXAMS AND CLASS ACTIVITIES
UNIT I:          SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Date

Topics

Reading Assignments

Week 1


Sociological Perspectives on Social Problems  

Chapter 1

               

Research Methods
Video Show: “Sociological Thinking”

Chapter 1

Week 2

Problems on Physical Health

Chapter 2

 

 

Mental Illness

Chapter 3

Week 3

Review

 

                

TEST 1

Chapters 1,2,3

UNIT II:          ALCOHOL AND CRIME

Week 4 Alcohol and other Drugs Chapter 4

Week 5

Crime and Criminals

Chapter 5

 

Review

 

 

TEST 2

Chapters 4 -5

 UNIT III:       SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND DISCRIMINATION      

Week 6 - 7

Poverty and Affluence

Chapter 6

                

Prejudice and Discrimination
Video Show: The Law and Gay Rights in America

Chapter 7

Week 8

Sex Roles and Inequality
Video Show: The Status of Latina Women

Chapter 8

                

An Aging Society

Chapter 9

Week 9

Review

 

                

TEST 3

Chapters 6 - 9

UNIT IV:       SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS: SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Week 10

The Changing Family
Video Show: Family Violence: Breaking the Chain

Chapter 10

 

Problems of Education
Video Show: Mismanagement in Schools

Chapter 11

Week 11      

Problems of Work and Economy
Video Show: Working: The American Worker

Chapter 12 

 

Group discussion: Address the social problems that you observed in your community and society and propose ways of responding to the problems.
Review

 

 Week 12                     

TEST 4

Chapters 10-12

UNIT V:         WORK ON THE RESEARCH PAPER

Week 13

Lecture on the research process

Select the research topic and define the social problem

 

 

Review literature in the Internet and library

Collect secondary sources

 

 Week 14           

Formulate two hypotheses

           

Paper write

 Week 15         

Paper Presentation

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