SALEM COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS

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1 SALEM COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS Course Code: SOC 102 Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0 Credits: 3 Course Description: This course provides a sociological analysis of deviant behavior and social disorganization in the United States. Topics include crime and the criminal justice system, mental illness, family dysfunctions, race relations, political systems, and domestic and foreign terrorism. Causal factors and solutions are considered. Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help the student gain an understanding of the problems facing society today-- both at a macro and micro level. You will learn to evaluate data and information, to form educated opinions and to present objective arguments supporting your views. Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 98, if required Place in College Curriculum: This course fulfills a requirement for majors in social science and may also serve as an elective for students in other areas.

2 Contemporary Social Problems / Page 2 Course Performance Objective #1 Demonstrate a clear understanding of how social problems are defined. 1. Name the four elements of a social problem. 2. Identify a current social problem and relate the four elements of a social problem to that particular issue. 3. Define and identify a moral panic. 4. Differentiate between a social problem and a moral panic. Course Performance Objective #2 Describe the role of the social scientist in defining and setting social policy in response to social problems. 1. Outline the steps involved in social research. 2. Be able to discuss four types of social research. 3. Identify four social problems and their manifest and latent effects on society. 4. Use the theory of sociological imagination to investigate the impact of a particular social problem on his/her own life. Course Performance Objective #3 Define and explain the major prevailing theories by which social scientists evaluate problems. 1. Name three major sociological theories. 2. Address a major social issue from each of those three perspectives. 3. Provide three media sources, which present a social issue from one of the three theories.

3 Contemporary Social Problems / Page 3 Course Performance Objective #4 Identify social issues which challenge individual well-being. 1. Participate in group discussions on the history of four individual challenges. 2. Identify and know the effects of five "street" drugs. 3. Identify four consequences of drug use. 4. Identify and discuss three types of drug intervention used in the U.S. 5. Identify and discuss one type of drug intervention used in a foreign country. 6. Identify three types of sexual expression that are recognized as social problems. 7. Compare the response to sexual issues in the U.S. to responses in other countries. 8. Differentiate in discussion the difference between juvenile and adult criminal behavior. 9. Identify the four "players" in the criminal justice system. 10. Identify four types of violence from a micro perspective. 11. Identify two types of violence from a macro perspective. Course Performance Objective #5 Explain what is meant by social inequality. 1. Identify four areas of social problems affecting social equality. 2. Name four specific areas affecting the elderly. 3. Refute four stereotypes of the elderly. 4. Give an example of institutionalized racism. 5. Identify and discuss the effects of poverty on four areas of society. 6. Explain the philosophical differences between a conservative solution to poverty and a liberal solution.

4 Contemporary Social Problems / Page 4 Course Performance Objective #6 Describe the effects of social problems on social institutions. 1. Show an awareness of the history of families, education, corporate America and medicine in the U.S. 2. Identify and discuss four social problems existing in each of those four areas. 3. Using sociological imagination, discuss how his/her own life has been affected by these problems. 4. Participate in group discussions on proposed resolutions. Course Performance Objective #7 Identify social responses to current social problems and demonstrate knowledge of how to garner information on proposed legislation, current programs and political responses. 1. Collect information on political votes in congress. 2. Collect media articles from different medial sources which show liberal and conservative bias. 3. Collect one article that represents a non-partisan viewpoint.

5 Contemporary Social Problems / Page 5 Expectations: Many of the problems discussed in this course are complicated and multi-faceted with no clear cut solutions; therefore, it is important to respect each individual's beliefs and preferences and to keep discussions at an intellectual rather than a personal level (However, personal experiences can be shared when they contribute to the understanding of a problem being discussed.) Also, while personal "feelings" will be respected, I ask that you support your position with factual data. While we try to stay within the stated assignments, course discussion can change without notice based on social issues arising during the semester. Be prepared. Try to watch the news every day, and read the newspaper daily, especially the editorial page. Course Schedule: Group projects will be due at the time the issue is discussed in class. In order to give the first groups to present an adequate time to prepare, topics not assigned for group study will be discussed in class first. Week #: 1 Chapter 1 Defining of Social Problems 2 2/3 Health and Mental Illness 3 4 Sexual Deviance 4 5 Alcohol and Other Drugs 5 6 Criminal Justice 6 7 Violence 7 8 Wealth & Poverty 8 9 Race Relations 9 Midterm 10 9 Gender Discrimination Interpreting Social Problems 12 11/12 Family and Aging Education 14 Economy War and Terrorism 15 15, 16, 17 Technology and Environment 16 Final

6 Contemporary Social Problems / Page 6 Social Problems Project Assignment Information Half of your grade (50) for the semester will come from your student project. The project is designed to help you acquire skills in social research, public presentation, and group dynamics. Projects will be graded in the following manner: Written Paper 20 % Oral Presentation 20 % Group Participation 10 % Written assignment requirements are four (4) typewritten, double spaced, 14 font pages on your group s assigned topic, with emphasis on your portion of the group presentation. Your paper must include citations, use at least three (3) professional references, and have a bibliography. Professional references include journal articles and books on presentations by professionals in the field. Use an APA format for your paper. You will be graded on the thoroughness of your research, a lack of bias unless showing a pro or composition and a demonstrated increase in personal knowledge of the subject. Presentation includes the ability to encourage class interaction and to keep the discussion on an issue level rather than a personality level. This means that you will maintain a respectful atmosphere among group members while allowing freedom of expression. You will also be expected to keep the group going in the direction you have indicated unless otherwise instructed. Closure means that you will be sure that all participants are satisfied with the discussion and with their role in the discussion. Evaluations will be given out at the end of your presentation so that your classmates will be able to give you constructive feedback. Partner evaluations will be given to each group participant for honest and constructive feedback on your willingness to do your share of the project, your willingness to help other group members and your overall support of the project. Evaluations are extremely important and require you to be honest in your assessment and to point out both the positive and negative aspects of the presentation and/or cooperation (depending on the evaluation) so that your fellow classmates can learn from them. Attendance is important to the learning process and is especially important to your group project. If you are unable to attend class on the date assigned for your group presentation, it is your responsibility to notify your group members and the group assigned for the next presentation, if possible. If the next group is willing and your group is willing to exchange dates, that is permissible. The instructor must be notified of any changes in scheduling. Failure to appear with your group will result in the loss of your points for participation.

7 Contemporary Social Problems / Page 7 Course Requirements and Means of Evaluation: Exams: Midterm Value 25 % Final Value 25 % Group Presentation: Research Paper Value 20 % Oral Presentation Value 20 % Group Participation Value 10 % Make up exams are the responsibility of the student and must be completed within 10 days of the original exam. The student is responsible for making an appointment with the tutoring lab to make up the exam. Academic Honesty is expected and plagiarism may result in a grade of F for the course, dismissal from the class, or expulsion from the school. (see Student Handbook) The following symbols and honors values are used to describe the work done by students: Letter Grade Numerical Value Grade Points A A B B B C C C D D F 59 0 FA 59 0 FA W P I R Failure due to attendance student has to fail the course and miss 30 percent or more of the course (effective Fall 2001). Official withdrawal before midterm deadline (no credit granted). Pass This grade is given upon the satisfactory meeting of requirements through such non-traditional learning methods as credit by examination and independent study as well as educational development, practicum, and co-op courses. Incomplete work a conditional grade given at the discretion of the faculty member when student emergencies allow for the completion of all course requirements within 30 class days of the following semester or term. If this condition is not met, the I will automatically become an F grade. Audit no credit Text: Kornblum, Social Problems, Prentice Hall, 10 th ed., 2001.