Sociology 1306.002 Social Problems Fall 2012 Instructor: Cori Holden, B.S. Graduate Assistant Teacher (GAT) Office Location: Ferguson Social Science Building 206 Class Time & Location: MWF 12PM-12:50PM @ SS 312 Office Hours: MWF 10AM-12PM; other times by appointment Office Phone: 903-886-5323 Office Fax: 903-886-5330 University Email Address: cholden3@leomail.tamu.edu COURSE INFORMATION Materials Textbooks, Readings, Supplementary Readings Textbook Required: 1] Henslin, James. 2010. Social Problems: A Down to Earth Approach. 10 th edition. Prentice Hall. 2] Reserve reading (which will be posted on ecollege and/or handed out in class) Course Description: A critical discussion of the sociological perspective on studying descriptions, causes, and prevention of social problems such as crime, mental illness, drug abuse, environmental degradation, poverty, terrorism, and declining quality of life in today s world. Student Learning Outcomes: 1] To enable students to learn about social problems by using the sociological imagination. That is, to facilitate students to understand that social problems are not simply a problem of individuals, but embedded within a larger social context and environment. 2] Students will explain and describe how social problems are complex, and there are many connected, intersecting problems undergirding any one issue (for example, high school dropout rates are related not just to school performance but to race, social class, gender, family circumstances, etc). So just as there are no simple problems, there are no simple solutions. 3] To understand that a student s social position influences and biases their view of a social problem. In this course, a student will view a social problem from a number of different perspectives that differ and challenge their own viewpoint. 4] Students will apply, write, and discuss sociological concepts and theories to analyze these problems rather than relying solely on personal opinions and values. Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 1
5] To discuss current strategies to combat social problems as well as alternative policy direction that may or may not be pursued. 6] Students will have an opportunity to, through discussing and sharing ideas, evaluate and critique existing problems and their solutions, as well as provide a linkage between the abstract theory of sociology and its real world, practical applications; thus demonstrating critical thinking skills. Course Format: The textbook will be used to provide definitions and descriptive background information of each topic discussed. Additional provided readings, lectures, discussions, videos, writing assignments, and other materials will be utilized for application and critical thinking. I highly recommend that students take notes on all reading assignments. This will help you prepare for class discussions and also keep the readings separate in your mind. The following questions will help to critically read each assignment: 1] What is the main idea, point, or argument of the reading? 2] List three important facts or sources of evidence to support the main idea 3] What concepts or ideas from class lecture are also discussed in this reading? 4] List any new terms or concepts introduced in the article with a brief definition. 5] Are there any problems or points I disagree with in the main point of the reading? That is, are there alternative explanations or theories that could also explain these phenomena? COURSE REQUIREMENTS Course Requirements: 1] Exams a. There will be FOUR exams during the semester. The format of each exam will be essay and short answer. All exams will be take-home. b. Each exam will be 100 points. c. The final exam will be Friday December 14 th from 8am-10am. The final will NOT be comprehensive. The format of the final exam will be similar to the three exam given earlier in the semester. It will also be take-home and due before 10am that day. d. Exams will be turned in at the beginning of class on the day that they are due. These can be turned in via ecollege or as a hard copy. Exams will NOT be accepted late for any reason. See Makeup Exams under the Course and University Procedures section. 2] Papers a. Over the course of the semester, students will take an active part in the class by applying lectures and discussions to the real world. A total of ONE major paper will be assigned throughout the semester. b. Papers will be turned in via ecollege. I will not accept any hard copies. Papers will be due before class begins on the day that they are due. I will not accept them without penalty after the class begins on the day they are due. NO assignments will be accepted more than two days late. The late penalty will be a deduction of 5% from the project s original value. Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 2
c. Students will not be allowed to do any extra paper for extra credit, nor will they be allowed to re-do any of the papers once handed in. d. The paper is worth 200 points. 3] Attendance and Participation a. Regular class attendance is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of materials covered during the semester. While you can borrow another student s notes, there is no way to gain all needed information without regular attendance. Therefore, attendance will be taken and recorded regularly. Points will be earned for each class attended. b. Attendance is worth up to 50 points of your grade. Note: Please come to class on time! If you arrive after attendance has been taken, it is your responsibility to come sign the attendance sheet. Lateness reflects a don t care attitude, and also is extremely disruptive. Repeated tardiness will not be tolerated and will show in your attendance grade. If you cannot come to the class on time, DROP THE COURSE! c. Participation in class discussions is not optional. Attention will be paid to those who speak as well as to those who do not. Points will be awarded on perceived effort, integration of theoretical ideas, and a clear sociological understanding of the issues discussed during lecture. Emotional responses are NOT sufficient nor are Just because nor I was raised to think. Responses should be thoughtful and coherent. Name calling or rudeness will NOT be tolerated! Participation throughout the semester will be worth up to 50 points in total. 4] Extra Credit a. Don t ask. There won t be any. There are two types of students who want to do extra credit: those who want an even higher A and those who are failing. In either case, extra credit makes no sense. Put in the time, energy, and effort on the regular work and you will not need any extra credit. 5] Grading: a. A total of 700 points are attainable in this course. The breakdown of points is as follows: Four tests @ 100 points each =400 points One major paper =200 points Attendance Participation = 50 points = 50 points 700 points This translates into the approximate point totals for each final grade: A 630+ points [90%-100%] B 560-629 points [80%-89%] C 490-559 points [70%-79%] D 420-489 points [60%-69%] F 419 and fewer points [59% and less] Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 3
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS This is primarily a face-to-face course. Course handouts, instruction, assignments, powerpoint lectures, and study guides will be posted on ecollege as a supplement rather than a requirement of the course. In order to access ecollege, students will need the following: o Internet Connections high speed recommended o Word processor (Microsoft Word 2003 and newer) All students should have access to email, as periodic announcements and reminders will be made using this format. ACCESS AND NAVIAGATION Ecollege technical concerns: Please contact the ecollege HelpDesk, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by sending an email directly to helpdesk@online.amuc.org. You may also reach the HelpDesk by calling 1-866-656-5511, or through online chat by clicking on the Live Support tab within your ecollege course. COMMUNICATION AND SUUPORT Interaction with Instructor Statement: The most effective way to communicate with the professor will be to come to class. I will be in my office during posted office hours and by appointment. Email is the best way to reach me outside of class as I check it daily. I expect each of you to be active and thoughtful participants within our classroom and learning community. You are to expect the same of me. This includes completing our readings related to the course topics, individual written assignments, and completion of exams. COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES/POLICIES I. Course Specific Procedures: a. Makeup Exams As the exams are take-home, there will be no tolerance for turning an exam in late. If an exam is not turned in for any reason, the student will then be required to take a makeup exam during finals week that will be comprehensive. Students can only miss one exam per semester. b. Academic Honesty Cheating and Plagiarism: It should go without saying that every student is expected to do his/her own work. Plagiarism (the use of other s words, phrases, and ideas in your own writing without giving credit to the original author) is a form of cheating and not only violates academic ethical standards, but it is against the law! Do not do it! At minimum any student found to be in violation of University rules will receive an F on the exam or assignment involved. ALL instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Department Head. This office may choose to pursue further disciplinary action through the University. Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 4
c. Grades of Incomplete I DO NOT ASSIGN GRADES OF INCOMPLETE IN THIS COURSE. All coursework must be handed in to me by December 7 th. Your grade will be assigned based on the points you have earned from all completed work at that time. It is your responsibility to finish assignments prior to their due dates or to make alternate arrangements for their completion. Do not assume I can or will extend due dates or course requirements for your individual needs or preferences. I DO NOT DROP STUDENTS FROM MY COURSES. If you feel Sociology 1306 is not the course for you, please take the necessary steps to remove yourself from the class. Simply not attending in hopes that I will remedy the situation for you will not happen. You are responsible for the consequences stemming from either coming to class or not coming to class. d. Extra Credit and Curving From this syllabus it is very clear as to the number of assignments and the possible points to be attained in the course. You begin earning points on day one. Do not rely on friends notes or on the professor to explain what the reading are about. It is your responsibility to READ, LISTEN, AND COMPREHEND the material. If you do not understand a concept or issue, please ask me to clarify, or stay after class for further elaboration. I will not curve the grades of a class to conform to an artificial bell curve, so requests to do so will fall on deaf ears. I will assist the class by means of lectures, discussions, study guides, and reviews, but I do not manipulate your test score, drop a test score, or inflate your test score so that it will be more to your liking. An improvement of grades will come from your studying efforts and not from your instructor s generous grading, so please do not expect or ask for more, or extra credit points in the course. e. Attendance If you are late, it is your responsibility to make sure you sign the attendance sheet. Do not sign in a friend as if they were present when they were not. I will consistently check signatures for consistency and there will be serious consequences if I discover this practice occurring. f. Decorum I ask that you choose to come to class, and that you give me your undivided attention for 50 minutes phone calls, texts, and gossip can certainly wait until after class. If you would rather participate in these activities instead of listen to lecture and participate in class discussion, please do not bother to come to class. All cellular phones, and other electronic devices should be turned off or set to silent (not vibrate) before entering the classroom. Also, DO NOT FALL ASLEEP IN MY CLASSROOM! This is not nap time Because we will be dealing with controversial contemporary social issues, an open mind and a mature attitude are important requirements for this course. Students are expected to be polite and courteous at all times. Disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 5
II. University Specific Procedures a. ADA Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact: Office of Student Disability Resources and Services Texas A&M University-Commerce Gee Library 132 Phone (903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835 Fax (903) 468-8148 StudentDisabilityServices@tamuc.edu b. Statement on Student Conduct All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenants of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. (See Code of Student Conduct from Student Guide Handbook). COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR I reserve the right to make changes to dates and/or assignments. Prior advance notice will be given in class. You are expected to read the assigned material prior to class! Day Date M 8/27/2012 Reading Assignment NONE--Opening Remarks/Welcome Topic What is expected? Assignment(s) W 8/29/2012 What is a social problem?/what is Chapter 1 the sociological imagination? F 8/31/2012 Role of Sociology M 9/3/2012 NO CLASS--LABOR DAY! W 9/5/2012 Theories Chapter 2 F 9/7/2012 Theories cont. Test 1 handed out M 9/10/2012 Chapter 3 Sexual Diversity and Perversity W 9/12/2012 Sexual Diversity and Perversity F 9/14/2012 Guest Speaker: Strippers M 9/17/2012 Social Problem of Drugs--Theory Chapter 4 W 9/19/2012 Drugs F 9/21/2012 Guest Speaker: Pot Growers in Texas M 9/24/2012 Chapter 5 Violence Test 1 (at beginning of class) Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 6
W 9/26/2012 Film in Class Tough Guise F 9/28/2012 Tough Guise M 10/1/2012 None Discussion of film W 10/3/2012 Crime and Criminal Justice Chapter 6 F 10/5/2012 Crime and Criminal Justice Test 2 handed out M 10/8/2012 Chapter 7 Poverty & Wealth W 10/10/2012 Poverty & Wealth cont. F 10/12/2012 Gans && Ehrenreich The Uses of Poverty && Nickel and Dimed (on ecollege) M 10/15/2012 Chapter 8 Race and Ethnicity W 10/17/2012 F 10/19/2012 M 10/22/2012 Chapter 8 && McIntosh NO CLASS- Instructor out of town NO CLASS- Instructor out of town Race and Ethnicity && "White Privilage: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" on ecollege Test 2 due (at beginning of class) W 10/24/2012 Gender and Sexual Orientation Chapter 9 F 10/26/2012 Gender and Sexual Orientation M 10/29/2012 Chapter 10 Medical Care W 10/31/2012 Film in Class Sicko F 11/2/2012 Film in Class Sicko Test 3 handed out M 11/5/2012 None Sicko Film Discussion: Possible Solutions W 11/7/2012 Chapter 11 Family F 11/9/2012 None What Marx might say about marriage M 11/12/2012 Chapter 12 Urbanization and Population W 11/14/2012 Urbanization and Population/Sex Education F 11/16/2012 Film in Class Bullying Stops Here M 11/19/2012 NO CLASS-- THANKSGIVING BREAK W 11/21/2012 NO CLASS-- THANKSGIVING BREAK F 11/22/2012 NO CLASS-- THANKSGIVING BREAK M 11/26/2012 Chapter 13 The Environmental Crisis Test 3 due (at beginning of class) Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 7
W 11/28/2012 The Environmental Crisis F 11/30/2012 Chapter 14 Terrorism M 12/3/2012 Guest Speaker: Terrorism W 12/5/2012 None F 12/7/2012 None F 12/14/2012 Final Exam Day Final Exam Day Discussion of current social problems and solutions Discussion of current social problems and solutions Final Paper due (at beginning of class) Final Exam Due (BEFORE 10am!) Sociology 1306.002 Syllabus Fall 2012 8