Office Location: LOCATION: BS 217 COURSE REFERENCE NUMBER: 93000

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1 Faculty: Office Location: OFFICE HOURS: CLASS TIMES: SOC 102 Social Problems Baseemah Bashir MA, MBTI, SPHR LA Bldg (West Windsor Campus), Room and- Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00-8:45A Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00-10:15A LOCATION: BS 217 COURSE REFERENCE NUMBER: Course Description: This course will focus on sociological principles and methods as they are applied to an analysis of selected problems in contemporary American society. It emphasizes world overpopulation, poverty, crime and violence, social inequality, alcohol and drug abuse, the economy, and environmental pollution. Course Text: Social Problems in a Diverse Society, by Kendall, Diana, 5 th ed., 2010, Pearson Custom Publishing, ISBN# CLASS POLICIES Decorum/Respect: In this class, I encourage students to participate and share their experiences as it relates to the topic. As a result, you may hear things that you do not agree with intellectually or morally, however, you must respect me and your fellow classmates. As students of diversity education, these discussions are necessary for critical thinking and creating an open dialogue for a deeper understanding of the issues. Neither hostile nor disrespectful behavior will be tolerated, in my classes. Anyone who persists on behaving in such a manner will be removed from the class. NOTE: At no time will any slur regarding race, ethnicity, gender/gender expression, sexual orientation, or religion be tolerated. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory! You are allowed only 2 unexcused absences. Any absences beyond this limit must be accompanied by documented proof of reason for absence. This may include, but is not limited to, a doctor s note, employer s note, funeral home certification, etc. All documentation will be verified. Unexcused absences in excess of 2 will result in a lowering of your final grade. Readings: Attending class is not a substitute for completing the reading or writing assignments! All assigned readings are required.

2 NOTE: We will not cover all of concepts found in the text in class. However, you are still responsible for them. It is your job to ask questions in class if there are concepts in the text that you do not understand. Class participation is vital. Speaking Assignments: Students will present research individually or in groups using current technology to support the presentation (e.g., PowerPoint presentation). Students will participate in discussions and debates related to the topics in the lessons. Discussions may also focus on cross-cultural and legal ethical dilemmas, as they relate to the course content. Lectures: This format will include question and answer sessions to provide interactivity between students and the instructor. Videos: Related topics will provide impetus for discussion. Submitting Assignments and Papers: All take-home assignments and papers must be type-written and submitted in-class on the due date. In rare cases and only with my permission, you may submit take-home assignments and papers via as an attached Word or WordPerfect document. Grading: Quizzes = 150 points = 30% Exams = 200 points = 40% Homework = 100 points = 20% Writing Assignments = 50 points = 10% Total points = 500 points =100% Quizzes: In-Class quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class, each worth 10 points. Exams: There will be 4 exams (including the Mid-Term and Final), each worth 50 points. Make-up exams and retesting will not be offered, unless extreme circumstances are presented. Homework: From the course textbook (print & hand in your work by Thursday each week): (1) Read the Chapter assigned for the week. Come prepared to answer the Thinking Sociologically (beginning of each chapter) & Critical Thinking (end of each chapter) questions. (2) Assignments will be distributed weekly. For every assignment, please be sure to transcribe the entire question stem/assignment and your selected answer only. Print out your assignment & hand in your hardcopy on the assigned due date.

3 Tip: Create flashcards to help you recall and utilize key terms discussed throughout the course. Writing Assignments: There will be 5 short research/writing assignments distributed throughout the semester. Students will research the topic, locate primary bibliographic sources, provide a written analysis and present your work in APA format. Each submission must include a PPT slide that provides an overview of your work. Tips For Demonstrating Your Competence/Performing Successfully: Enter into class discussions. Offer questions or comments during class. Attend class regularly. (Very important!) Listen attentively during class. Recognize the influence of diverse cultural perspectives on human thought and behavior Describe and give examples of norms and values and discuss their impact on individuals and groups In writing summaries, be sure to: identify the key points. include only relevant and necessary details. be concise without being sketchy. evidence correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. (Very important!) A Great Assignment Submission will: Evaluate the consequences of prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory actions, when appropriate and relevant, Include each main idea & use supporting material Compare & contrast (critique) in a well-organized way. Give examples of key issues in group dynamics, conformity, obedience & group-think, and Apply functionalist, conflict and/or symbolic interactionist theories to your own experience. Optional/Extra Credit Assignments by Chapter:

4 Using the course textbook, write a comprehensive sociological reaction to the Weekly Course topic. To maximize and confirm that you ll receive extra credit for your work, please: (1) include key terms, sociological theorist and/or theories, (2) create a connection to today s times and/or current events. (3) Write a full 1-page paper, spell & grammar check your work. (4) Make it edu-taining. your work to me, at bashirb@mccc.edu or baseemah.bashir@gmail.com, each week, by Saturday evening at 11:59 p.m. EST. Be sure to include your reference pages at the end of your response/reaction paper. You can ONLY complete an Extra Credit Assignment for the chapter(s) reviewed during your submission week. In your heading, include your full name, date, course code (i.e. SOC 102), and a title for your work: Extra Credit Assignment, Week of Month/Date. Class Conduct: Attendance/Lateness: Students, you must come to class on time. Anyone who arrives more than 10 minutes late to class will be penalized. 3 late attendances = 1 absence. Cell phone usage: Please remember to silence your cell phones prior to the start of each class! This does not mean having the phone on vibrate. Please feel welcome to see me if you have a special circumstance. Text-Messaging: Anyone caught text messaging in class will be asked to leave and will be marked absent for that day. Personal Conduct & Participation: All students must be respectful of each other, since there will be a range of beliefs and opinions shared in class. Any Concerns: If you have a question or concern throughout the class, please feel welcome to come and see me during office hours or after class to discuss. Be prepared: Bring your text to every class. Course Syllabus: You are responsible for keeping track of all deadlines and exam dates. Last Day to Withdraw From This Class: April 8 th, WEEKLY READINGS

5 Week #1: Page(s) January 25-27, 2011 Reflections from SOC 101: Intro to Sociology xiv-xx What s To Come SOC 102: Social Problems Week #2: February 1-3, 2011 Ch 1 - Studying Social Problems in the 21 st Century 1-23 Ch 2 Wealth & Poverty: US & Global Economic Inequalities Week #3: February 8-10, 2011 Ch 3 Racial & Ethnic Inequality Week #4: February 15-17, 2011 Ch 4 Gender Inequality Week #5: February 22-24, 2011 Ch 5 Inequality Based on Age Week #6: March 1-3, 2011 Ch 12 Problems in Education Week #7: March 8-10, 2011 Ch 13 Problems in Politics & the Global Economy Thursday, March 10 th Midterm Exam Date Week #8: March 15-17, 2011 Spring Break No Class This Week Enjoy! Week #9: March 22-24, 2011 Ch 16 Urban Problems Week #10: March 29-31, 2011 Ch 9 Crime and Criminal Justice Week #11: April 5-7, 2011 Ch 10 Healthcare: Problems of Physical & Mental Illness Week #12: April 12-14, 2011 Ch 14 The Changing Family Week #13: April 19-21, 2011 Ch 8 Alcohol and Other Drugs Week #14: April 26-28, 2011 Ch 14 - Problems in the Media Week #15: May 3-5, 2011 Ch 18 Can Social Problems Be Solved? Week #16:

6 May 10-12, 2011 Thursday, May 12 th SOC 102 Social Problems Final Exam Review: Key Concepts Final Exam Date, Last Day of Class Have a GREAT Break! Academic Integrity Statement: Mercer County Community College is committed to academic integrity the honest, fair and continuing pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception. Students should never: o Knowingly represent the work of others as their own o Knowingly represent previously completed academic work as current o Fabricate data to support academic work o Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in the execution of any academic work o Give fraudulent assistance to other students, or o Unethically use technological means to gain academic advantages. COLLEGE POLICIES: The current college catalog and student handbook are important documents for understanding your rights and responsibilities as a student in the MCCC classroom. Please read your catalog and handbook as they supplement this syllabus, particularly for information regarding: Academic Integrity Code Student Conduct Code Student Grade Appeal Process Important Dates: Writing Assignments WA 1: Thursday, 02/03 WA 2: Tuesday, 03/08 WA 3: Thursday, 03/31 WA 4: Tuesday, 04/19 WA 5: Thursday, 05/05 Exams Midterm & Final Exams - 1 Thursday, 02/10 Thursday, March 10 th 2 Midterm: Thursday, March 10 th Thursday, May 12 th 3 Tuesday, 04/12 4 Final: Thursday, May 12 th