Sociology 2202: Social Problems Text: John J. Macionis. Social Problems. Pearson. Course Description: This course examines how various conditions within society come to be defined as social problems. Individual, social, cultural, economic and political causes and consequences of such problems are analyzed with contemporary social science research (i.e., studies in the fields of anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology). Possible intervention strategies are also assessed. Problems covered include health and well being; social and interpersonal violence; conformity and deviance; social and economic inequality associated with poverty, minority status, aging and sex roles; institutional change; and future issues and trends. Course Objectives 1. Understand how a social problem is constructed/defined 2. Understand different sociological perspectives used to explain particular problems 3. To recognize and be able to differentiate the interrelation of most social problems, approaching them from several points of view 4. Develop the ability to evaluate arguments concerning the impact of social problems and the policies that address social problems 5. Understand how who defines a social problem often determines policy Class Requirements: 1. In-class assignments (50 pts): Throughout the quarter we will have in-class discussions, group work sessions, and short in-class papers that you will be required to complete. There will be approximately 6 of these in-class assignments. 2. Exams (200 pts.): There will be a mid-term and final exam in this class. Each will be worth 100 points, for a total of 200 points. Both exams will consist of true/false, multiple choice, and a few short essay questions. 3. Food Access Research Project( 150 pts., 10-12 pages, plus data collection sheets): Food is a basic human need, yet it is theorized that there are disparities in food choice, quality, and distribution based on where a person lives. These disparities are believed to influence problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. In this paper, you will conduct field research at grocery stores in different neighborhoods in the Columbus metropolitan area to explore whether there might be disparities in food choice, quality, and distribution. (more information about this paper will be provided) 4. Quizzes (5 @ 20 points each, 100 points): Questions will consist of T/F, Multiple Choice, and Short Essay questions. GRADING: Course Requirements % Points In-class assignments 10% 50 1 mid-term exam 20% 100
1 Final exam 20% 100 Food Inequality Paper 30% 150 Quizzes 20% 100 Total Points Available 100% 500 Course Schedule Week Reading Subject Week 1 (8/21-8/23) Macionis, Chapters 1 Introduction to the course, studying social problems Week 2 (8/26-8/30) Macionis, Chapter 2 Poverty and Wealth Week 3 (9/2-9/6) Macionis, Chapter 3 Racial and Ethnic Inequality NO CLASS: Monday, September 2 Macionis, Chapter 4 Gender and Gender Inequality Week 4 (9/9-9/13) HAND OUT FOOD ACCESS PROJECT Learn how to collect and use data Week 5 (9/16-9/20) Macionis, Chapter 5 Aging and Inequality Week 6 (9/23-9/7) Macionis, Chapter 6 Crime and Deviance Week 7 (9/30-10/4) Macionis, Chapter 7 Sexuality Week 8 (10/7-10/11) Macionis, Chapter 8 Alcohol and Other Drugs Midterm Exam NO CLASS: Friday, October 11 (Columbus Day) Week 9 (10/14-10/18) Macionis, Chapter 9 Physical and Mental Health Week 10 (10/21-10/25) Macionis, Chapter 10 Economy and Politics Week 11 (10/28-11/1) Macionis, Chapter 11 Work and the Workplace Week 12 (11/4-11/8) Macionis, Chapter 12 Family Life DUE: Food Access Project Macionis, Chapter 13 Education Week 13(11/11-11/15) NO CLASS: Monday, November 11 (Veteran's Day) Week 14 (11/18-11/22) Macionis, Chapter 14 Urban Problems Week 15 (11/25-11/29) Macionis, Chapter 15 Population and Globalization DUE: Food Access Discussion NO CLASS: Friday, November 29 (Thanksgiving Holiday) Week 16 (12/2) WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4th FINAL EXAM 10-11:50 a.m. Grade Scale Points A 90-100% (450-500) B 80-89% (400-449) C 70-79% (350-399) D 60-69% (300-349) E 59% or less (299 and below) CSCC and Classroom Policies Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of representing directly or indirectly another person s work as your own. It can involve presenting someone s speech, wholly or partially, as yours, quoting without acknowledging the true source of the quoted material, copying and handing in another person s work with your name on it, and similar infractions. Even indirect quotations, paraphrasing, etc., can be considered plagiarism unless sources are properly cited. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. More information can be found at: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml Students who engage in academic misconduct will fail the assignment and be reported to the appropriate college officials for disciplinary action. General Education Outcomes General Education comprises the measurable knowledge and skills that serve as the foundation for success in society and in one s discipline, vocation, and life. Columbus State Community College s General Education Outcomes are an integral part of the curriculum and central to the mission of the College. The faculty at Columbus State Community College has determined that these outcomes include the following competencies: 1. Critical Thinking 2. Effective Communication 3. Community and Civic Responsibility 4. Quantitative Literacy 5. Scientific and Technological Effectiveness 6. Information Literacy Assessment Columbus State Community College is committed to assessment (measurement) of student achievement of academic outcomes. The process addresses the issues of what you need to learn in your program of study and if you are learning what you need to learn. The assessment program at Columbus State has four specific and interrelated purposes: 1 Improve student academic achievement 2 Improve teaching strategies 3 Document successes and identify opportunity for program improvement 4 Provide evidence for institutional effectiveness Weather Emergency Students who miss class due to living in a Level III weather emergency area, the need to care for children when school systems are closed, or other plausible weather related emergencies are considered to have an excused absence and be given appropriate opportunities to make-up assignments. Time Commitment The Ohio Board of Regents (our governing body) classifies class and laboratory credit according to the preparation time required by students. In classes
where one credit hour is equal to one class hour (lecture style classes) the expectation is that for each credit hour the student receives he/she will spend one hour per week in class and two hours per week outside class in preparation. Financial Aid Recipients/Veterans Alert-Attendance If you are a financial aid recipient, attendance is monitored by your instructor and reported by him/her. Failure to attend may result in being academically withdrawn from this class. Please refer to your Standards of Satisfactory Progress or call Financial Aid if you have questions (287-2648). Disability Services It is College policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students. If you would like to request such accommodations because of a physical, mental, or learning disability, please contact the Department of Disabilities Services (228 Franklin Hall) at (614) 287-2570 (Voice/TTY) and your instructor within the first two weeks of class. No Children The Dean of Arts and Sciences has asked that children not be brought to class or left unattended for any reason. Adding and Dropping the Course It is the policy of the Department of the Social and Behavioral Sciences to not add anyone after the 14 th day of the quarter. Please remember when your instructor signs you in or re-signs you in (if you have been dropped) that the form is good for only one business day. See the course schedule for the last day to drop the course. Students who decide to drop the course must do so in accordance with college policies. It is the student s responsibility to be aware of policies that may affect financial aid status, athletic or academic standing. Retroactive withdrawals are not given to students who decide to disappear in the middle of the quarter and are unable to make contact with me until the following quarter. Appropriate Classroom Etiquette Timeliness: Students are expected to come to class on time and remain for the duration of the period. In the rare event that a student must leave early, please tell the instructor at the beginning of the class period. Please do not just get up and walk out in the middle of class without letting the instructor know ahead of time. Attentiveness: Students who work on other material (i.e., write letters, schedule for classes, balance a check book, sleep, etc.) can be dismissed from class with no possibility of making up any material missed. Respect: Students should treat the instructor and fellow students with respect. This course covers some very controversial issues. Students will not always agree with others comments. Please maintain respect of others. If respect breaks down, then the learning process will not be able to flourish. 1. Classroom discussion is designed to promote a better understanding of social problems through communication with others
2. Developing communication skills as they relate to social problems is important because it helps students see the world from different perspectives and ultimately gain a better understanding about the world in which they live. 3. This is an important life skill that students will carry with them long after leaving Columbus State Community College. 4. Remember, no one has yet solved these problems or they would have been eradicated years ago. Miscellaneous Classroom Rules 1. Headphones, computers and cell phones are not to be used in class. 2. Smokeless tobacco is prohibited. 3. Visitors are welcome with my permission. 4. Dictionaries, thesauruses, translators or other aides are not permitted to be used during exams or quizzes. Students will be required to use blackboard (Web Based Program) Some assignments and instructions will be posted on blackboard. Blackboard is designed to enhance student access to course material. For those without computer access in the home, there is wide availability in the computer pit on the first floor of the Center for Technology and Learning (TL). The course schedule is tentative and subject to change It is the students responsibility to have lecture notes, handouts and any announced changes in the course schedule. Students are responsible for any test dates that are modified during the course of the quarter. Absences Generally, students who miss 3 or more classes per quarter find themselves struggling to keep up with course material. Students are expected to stay current with course material (notes, handouts, exercises). Some material can be found on blackboard. There are in class exercises that can not be made up. Students should contact the instructor immediately concerning any absences and have one week to resolve issues concerning assignments or exams.