WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY. SOC 2020-Social Problems - Fall 2011; Section 007 Friday, 9:35 a.m. - 12:20 p.m State Hall

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1 WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY SOC 2020-Social Problems - Fall 2011; Section 007 Friday, 9:35 a.m. - 12:20 p.m State Hall Instructor: Jacqueline Steingold, ACSW. LMSW SteingoldjltVsbcglobal.et; COURSE DESCRIPTION The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the critical analysis of contemporary social dilemmas. The course will include an investigation into the causes and consequences of contemporary social problems, including: crime, drug use, education, health and health care, ethnicity, gender issues, the media, poverty, and race. Students will be introduced to sociological theory to guide the understanding of contemporary social problems in the United States and the global community. Students will be expected to develop critical analytical techniques to examine the social problems beyond the level of description. The class will explore social problems in an historical context; consider related governmental policies and proposed solutions. COURSE GOALS 1. To focus the student's attention on selected social problems and provide a basis for thinking scientifically about those problems; 2. To provide a framework in which students will perceive social problems as an integral part of society and not as elements separate form society 3. To present data, knowledge, and opinions as accurately and fairly as possible 4. To encourage students to think about significant policy and social implications 5. To understand that "solutions" to social problems often involve contradictions and trade-offs;

2 6. To learn that social problems are not necessarily the consequence of social disorganization and/or breakdown. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the course students should: 1 Be familiar with basic tenninology, including various theories used in sociological perspectives on social problems; 2 Understand the historical framework to the study of social problems; * Develop an understanding of the factors that influence the development of social problems * Be familiar with social policy issues, both governmental and nongovernmental that relate to social problems; * Recognize the interrelationship among social problems and how this contributes to their resolution; * Be able to distinguish current attitudes, opinions and legislation related to social problems. REQUIRED TEXT: Social Problems, 12th edition, 2012, D. Stanley Eitzen, Maxine Baca Zinn and Kelly Eitzen Smith, Pearson!AB Longman PERFORMANCE CRITERIA/GRADES A student's grade should reflect a total view of one's performance in the course. The following outline will be used to determine grades: 1. Class attendance and participation 15% 2. Quizzes 2 10% each 3. Written papers: 3 65% a. One-page paper first week 10% b. Research paper (six to eight pages) 25% c. Two current event articles Two pages each 15% each Grade Scale: = A = B = C = D Advance notification to the instructor is expected when a quiz will be missed or a written assignment will be late. Points will be deducted for late

3 assignments. Make-up quizzes will be considered; however, it is the student's responsibility to discuss this with the instructor. Students are to officially withdraw from the course if they do not expect to be able to complete the course. An Incomplete grade must be requested and a detailed reason given in writing; the instructor makes the fmal decision on an incomplete grade. Students are expected to attend class regularly and participate in discussions during class. Cell phones and au electronic devices are to be turned off during class. Please do not text message in class. Course material is to be read IN ADVANCE of the class. Students are expected to be prepared to discuss major themes, issues and concerns related to the course. GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN PAPER Each student is to select a social problem area and narrow the focus of the paper; this is a research paper; sources should include books and professional jouruals; fj1ms, interviews with individuals are acceptable. This is an academic paper and must include: an introduction, clear presentation of ideas and conclusions based on both your research and your own opinions; citations and a Works Cited page (not included in number of pages) must be included. Use the APA system of citations; six to eight pages (double-spaced) in length. Plagiarism is submitting another's work as your own. This is not acceptable. Your research paper is a collaboration between you and your sources. To be fair and ethical, you must acknowledge your sources. Three different acts are considered plagiarism: 1) failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas; 2) failing to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks, and 3) failing to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words. Please see instructor if you have any questions about this assignment. Submit your topic in writing by September 16,2011. Paper due no later than December 9, GUIDELINES FOR CURRENT EVENT Articles Ajournal article is to be a minimum of two typed pages, double-spaced. This assignment is an opportunity to reflect on material relevant to course

4 content that is found in magazines, work-related seminars or workshops, and your own involvement in community and volunteer activities. Utilize news magazines, sociologicaljoumals, television reports, etc. Include a citation of the source in APA style, a brief summary of the current event source and you r own observations, opinions, issues, whether you agree or disagree, etc. Due September 23 and October 21, Quizzes will cover material presented in class, assigned readings, videos, class discussions and any handouts distributed in class. Lectures may include material NOT covered in assigned readings; students are responsible for all required readings regardless of whether they are covered in class. COURSE OUTLINE - Schedule may be modified by Instructor DATE DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT September 2 Introduction to the course Read Chapters I &2 Paper assigned on social problem September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 Sociological Approach Social Problems Wealth and Power Threats to Environment Research paper topic due Demographic Changes in the U.S. pt current event due Problems ofplace Quiz 1 (Chapters 1-6) Read Chapter 4 Read Chapter 5 Read Chapter 6 Read Chapter 7 October 7 Poverty Read Chapter 8 October 14 Racial and Ethnic Inequality Read Chapter 9 October 21 Gender Inequality Read Chapter 10 2 nd current event paper due October 28 Sexual Orientation Read Chapter 11 November 4 Disability and Ableism Read Chapter 12

5 November 11 Crime and Justice Read Chapter 14 Quiz 2 (Chapters 8-12) November 18 The Economy and Wark November 25 NO CLASS Read Chapters 15 and 16 December 2 Families and Education Read Chapter 17 December 9 The Health Care System Read Chapter 18 December 16 National Security in the 21 st Century Evaluations & Wrap-Up