Social Problems Syllabus SOC 102 H

Course Information Organization Mercer County Community College Course Number SOC 102 Credits 3 Contact Hours 3 Instructor Dr. Gianna Durso-Finley E-mail Address [email protected] Course/Faculty mccc.edu/~finleyg/index.htm Website Office LA 119 Campus WWC Address 1200 Old Trenton Road City/State/Zip West Windsor, NJ 08550 Office Hours W 9-12 and 1:30-3:30 or by appointment Office Phone (609) 570-3301 Number of Weeks 15

Description This course is designed to give the student a background in the nature, causes, and possible solutions to the major social problems facing large, complex societies. Among the topics discussed are drug addiction, crime, health care, racial and minority group issues, population problems, alcoholism, mental illness, and environmental problems as a result of industrial technology.

Textbooks Diana M. Kendall. Social Problems: Custom text for MCCC. Allyn and Bacon. 2006. Edition: 2nd. Pages: 329 +. ISBN: 0-205-49658-X. Source: College Bookstore or any vendor.

And other Readings as assigned to be handed out in class General Education Outcomes A. A. Written and Oral Communication in English: Students will communicate effectively in speech and writing, and demonstrate proficiency in reading. B. B. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills in analyzing information. C. C. Ethical Decision-Making: Students will recognize, analyze and assess ethical issues and situations. D. D. Information Literacy: Students will recognize when information is needed and have the knowledge and skills to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information for college level work. E. E. Computer Literacy: Students will use computers to access, analyze or present information, solve problems, and communicate with others. F. F. Collaboration and Cooperation: Students will develop the interpersonal skills required for effective performance in group situations. G. G. Intra-Cultural and Inter-Cultural Responsibility: Students will demonstrate an awareness of the responsibilities of intelligent citizenship in a diverse and pluralistic society, and will demonstrate cultural, global, and environmental awareness. H. Goal 1. Written and Oral Communication in English: Students will communicate effectively in speech and writing, and demonstrate proficiency in reading. *USE CORE COMPETENCY A. I. Goal 5. Social Science: Students will critically evaluate behavioral or societal issues using theories and concepts from a social science. J. Goal 10. Diversity and Global Perspective: Students will analyze the importance of a global perspective and culturally diverse peoples.

Competencies 1. Identify the magnitude and impact of major social problems in the US and global context 2. Describe the Sociological Imagination as it applies to social problems - the links between and the differences between private troubles and social problems 3. Apply the three sociological perspectives (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems using the three analytic levels (micro, meso and macro) 4. Investigate a social problem of relevance to the student 5. Develop proposed solutions to the chosen social problem that reflect each of the three sociological perspectives and the three levels of sociological analysis 6. Evaluate their own understanding of social problems and sociology through metacognitive reflection of electronic portfolios

Grading Information Grading Rationale The learning goals of this course are designed to prepare you for future coursework in Sociology both at Mercer and at any other institution you may attend. Graded activities are opportunities for you and your professor to measure what you know and help you to further your own learning. It is not my policy to give pop quizzes or create questions on exams that will surprise or trick you. If you have been keeping up with the reading and actively participating in all class activites, your grade should be an accurate reflection of your level of knowledge of the course's key learning outcomes and your ability in key general education and social science skills as part of Mercer's General Education Policy.

Grading Scale 20% Exam 1 20% Exam 2 20% Exam 3 10% Class Activities and Assignments 30% Term Project

Guidelines for Success Caveat: The above policies and assignments are subject to change and can be superseded by oral or written changes by the professor.

Readings: All reading must be completed BEFORE the date of the class for which they are assigned. In other words, read Chapter One ASAP - BEFORE class meets again!

Students are expected to comply with Mercer's Academic Integrity Policy, as published in the Student Handbook. If you need a copy, please ask the professor.

Attendance is a crucial part of your learning experience in this class. Each absence beyond the first two will result in a reduction in your final course grade. This is in accordance with Mercer's attendance policy.

Students are expected to respect and welcome students of all backgrounds and experiences

Schedule Session Target Competencies Notes Week 1 Identify the magnitude and impact of Social Problems - Chapter 1 major social problems in the US and global context Describe the Sociological Imagination as it applies to social problems - the links between and the differences between private troubles and social problems Week 2 Describe the Sociological Imagination as Social Problems - Chapter 1 it applies to social problems - the links between and the differences between private troubles and social problems Apply the three sociological perspectives (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and Week 3 Apply the three sociological perspectives Wealth and Inequality - Chapter 2 (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems using the three analytic levels (micro, mezo and macro) Investigate a social problem of relevance to the state Week 4 Apply the three sociological perspectives Wealth and Inequality – Chapter 2 (conflict functional and symbolic) to Solutions - Chapter 18 understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems using the three analytic levels (micro, mezo and macro) Evaluate their own understanding of social problems Week 5 Identify the magnitude and impact of Solutions Chapter 18 major social problems in the US and Exam 1 global context Investigate a social problem of relevance to the student Week 6 Evaluate their own understanding of Race - Chapter 3 social problems and sociology through metacognitive reflection Week 7 Identify the magnitude and impact of Gender - Chapter 4 major social problems in the US and global context Apply the three sociological perspectives (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems Week 8 Identify the magnitude and impact of Sexual Orientation – Chapter 5 major social problems in the US and global context Apply the three sociological perspectives (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems Week 9 Identify the magnitude and impact of The Family – Chapter 11 major social problems in the US and global context Apply the three sociological perspectives (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems using the three perspectives and three levels of analysis Week 10 Investigate a social problem of relevance Exam 2 to the student Library Session

Week 11 Investigate a social problem of relevance Crime and Criminal Justice – Chapter 9 to the student Evaluate their own understanding of social problems and sociology through metacognitive reflection Week 12 Identify the magnitude and impact of Politics and the Global Economy – major social problems in the US and Chapter 13 global context Apply the three sociological perspectives (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems using the three perspectives and three levels of analysis Week 13 Identify the magnitude and impact of Term Projects due major social problems in the US and Class Presentations global context Apply the three sociological perspectives (conflict functional and symbolic) to understanding and developing possible solutions to social problems using the three perspectives and three levels of analysis Week 14 Develop proposed solutions to the Media – Chapter 14 and bring in your chosen social problem that reflect each own readings of the three sociological perspectives and the three levels of sociological analysis Evaluate their own understanding of social problems and sociology Week 15 Evaluate their own understanding of Exam 3 and revisions social problems and sociology through metacognitive reflection

Term Project Assignment

Pick a social problem you are interested in (choose one of the chapters we DON’T use from the full text, the one you did your library work on or any other social problem) and ANALYZE it following the sociological paradigm format. Then SOLVE the problem working from your analysis and using the three analytic levels.