Course code: SOC 3402 Course title: The Sociology of Social Problems Class hours/credits: 3 class hours, 3 credits Prerequisite: SOC 1101, ENG 1101 Pathways: Individual and Society NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY The City University of New York School of Arts & Sciences Department of Social Science Course Outline Catalog Description: A sociological inquiry into the interrelationships among social issues and problems. The emphasis is on resolution and prevention of contemporary intergroup problems in the United States of America. RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS * Title: Author: Publisher: Crisis in American Institutions, 14 th edition J. Scolnick and E. Currie Allyn and Bacon * The textbook used in a particular section will be chosen by the instructor. COURSE INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES/ ASSESSMENT METHODS LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction of facts and values in the definition of and debate over social problems. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the leading theoretical approaches in the field of social problems. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution that sociological imagination can make to the solution of social problems, notably through its cultivation of the ability to differentiate between 'private troubles' and 'public issues.' 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between social problems today and the capitalist nature of our socio-economic system. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of globalization for the problems facing American society. ASSESSMENT METHODS* short essay assignments, lectures, discussions of multimedia materials, in-class discussions, small
GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES/ ASSESSMENT METHODS LEARNING OUTCOMES KNOWLEDGE: Develop an introductory knowledge of the concepts and theories deployed by sociologists in their analysis of social problems. SKILLS: Develop and use the tools needed for communication, inquiry, analysis and productive work. INTEGRATION: Work productively within and across disciplines. VALUES, ETHICS, AND RELATIONSHIPS: Understand and apply values, ethics, and diverse perspectives in personal, civic, and cultural/global domains. SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENTS AND OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS* ASSESSMENT METHODS* Quizzes, exams, essays, class discussions, and oral presentations, in-class small group work. Combination of class discussions, oral presentations, in-class small group work, essays, and exams. Quizzes, exams, essays, class discussions, and in-class small group work that draws on various resources in sociology and other disciplines. Combination of class discussions, oral presentations, in-class small group work, and essays that engage directly with the questions about values, ethics, responsibility, and diversity. Quizzes; midterm and final exams including multiple-choice and short answer questions; essay assignments; participation in-class discussions; participation and contribution to small-group projects; oral presentations. Capstone Course Statement: This course fulfills the LAA/LAS Associate Capstone requirement, though it can also be taken for other requirements and electives. The City Tech LAA/LAS Associate Capstone is designed for students entering their second year in the program. LAA/LAS Associate Capstone courses are meant to prepare students to continue their studies in a bachelor's degree, third-year, or junior, level. In addition, Associate Capstone courses are meant to help students develop an awareness of the importance of knowledge, values and skills developed in general education courses; and to integrate this knowledge, these values and these skills into their advanced academic study and professional careers. Please ask the instructor if you have any questions about what the LAA/LAS Associate Capstone requirement entails. FINAL GRADE DISTRIBUTION - elements and weight of factors determining the students' grade* Midterm exam: 20% of the grade Final exam: 30% of the grade Quizzes: 20% of the grade Essay: 20% of the grade Attendance/Participation: 10% of the grade GRADING SCALE I A I 93-100 1 10-16.9 le
A- 90-92.9 B+ 87-89.9 B 83-86.9 B- 80-82.9 C+ 77-79.9 D 60-69.9 F 59.9 and below WU Unofficial Withdrawal WF Withdrew Failing ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. The complete text of the College policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the catalog. COLLEGE POLICY ON ABSENCE/LATENESS A student may be absent without penalty for 10 percent of the number of scheduled class meetings during the semester as follows: Class meets Allowable Absence 1 time/week 2 classes 2 times/week 3 classes 3 times/week 4 classes It is the responsibility of the instructor to keep accurate records of every student's attendance and to inform each class orally and in writing of the applicable attendance policy during the first two weeks of class meetings each semester. Excessive Absence If a student's class absences exceed the limit established for a given course or component, the instructor will alert the student that a grade of "WU" may be assigned. If a student remains officially registered for a course and never attends that course, a final grade of "*WN" will be assigned. If the student withdraws officially from the course, he/she will be assigned a grade in accordance with the existing withdrawal policy of the College. Appeals A student wishing to appeal the excessive absence status and the impending grade should request a meeting with the chai rp erson of the department in which the course is offered. The chai rp erson will consult with the instructor to render a decision. A student wishing to appeal a "WU" grade may do so through the Committee on Course and Standards. Lateness It is the responsibility of the instructor to keep a record of lateness and to inform each class orally and in writing of the lateness policy during the first two weeks of class meetings of each semester. SAMPLE SEQUENCE OF TOPICS AND TIME ALLOCATIONS (number of hours)*
Weekl I. A Conceptual Tool Kit Values vs Facts Objective vs Subjective Analysis of Social Problems Facts vs Theories Macro vs Micro Theoretical Approaches Social Constructionism Functionism Conflict theory Symbolic Interactionism Sociological Imagination Private troubles vs Public Issues Week2-3 II. Power, Capitalism and Globalization Capitalism Laissez-faire and neo-liberalism Adam Smith and the 'invisible hand' Globalization Comparative advantage and the argument for free trade International Financial Institutions and the Debate over them International Monetary Fund World Bank World Trade Organization Relative vs. Absolute Poverty Poverty rates and the debate over the determination of the poverty line in the U.S. The Culture of Poverty controversy The debate over welfare reform Corporate welfare Week 4-5 III. Race and Etlmicity The difference between race and ethnicity The Social Construction of race and ethnicity Individual vs. Institutional Racism Prejudice Discrimination Nativism and the Struggle for Immi gr ant Rights
Assimilation and the Melting Pot vs. Multiculturalism The 'Model Minority' Myth and its Ideological Function Week6-7 IV. Gender and Sexuality Sex vs Gender Gender Socialization and the social construction of masculinity and femininity Patriarchy Sexism The Gender wage gap The feminization of poverty Gender discrimination and the existence of glass ceilings Sexual Orientation Homophobia Hate Crimes The Struggle for Gay Rights Week 8-9 V. Family Myths of the Family Sociological Perspectives on the Family Problems in the American Family Divorce Violence and Neglect Intimate Partner Violence Child Abuse and Neglect Elder Abuse and Neglect Teen Pregnancies and Newborn Abandonment Problems of Time and Money Family Policy, Advocacy, and Innovation Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 Community Responses to Domestic Violence and Neglect Week 10-11 VI. Education The New Educational Standard Sociological Perspectives on Education Problems and Challenges in American Education The Problem of Basic Literacy Inequality in Educational Access and Achievement
Educational Policy, Advocacy, and Innovation Educate America Act of 1994 No Child Left Behind Act of2001 Head Start Affirmative Action Antiviolence Programs in Schools Week 12-13 VII. Crime Theoretical Perspectives on Crime Sources of Crime Statistics Types of Crime Violent Crime Property Crime Juvenile Delinquency White-Collar Crime The Inequalities of Crime - Offenders and Victims Our Current Response to Crime The Police Prisons The Death Penalty Crime Policy, Advocacy, and Innovation U.S. Department of Justice Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Programs The New American Prison Community Approaches to Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention Prison Advocacy and Death Penalty Reform Week 14-15 VIII. The Enviromnent Sociological Perspectives on Environmental Problems Social Problems and the Environment Air quality Hazardous Waste Sites Water quality Land Conservation and Wilderness Protection Global warming Ecological Sustainability and the 'Limits to Growth' debate Environmental Policy, Advocacy and Innovation
Federal Responses Environmental Interest groups Radical Environmentalists Enviro-capitalists Eco-socialists Eco-feminists Grassroots movements Reviewed/revised by Diana Mincyte, Ph.D. Date: December, 2015