SOC A185: Analysis of Social Problems
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 12/09/2020 |
| Top Code | 220800 - Sociology |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S) |
| Associate Arts Local General Education (GE) |
|
| Associate Science Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
An analysis of contemporary social problems. Topics include global ecology, political economy, sexual behavior, drug use, racism, sexism, ageism, education, environment, health issues, crime, and violence. Enrollment Limitation: SOC A185H; students who complete SOC A185 may not enroll in or receive credit for SOC A185H. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: SOCI 115.C-ID: SOCI 115.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Use one of the three main sociological perspectives to explain the development of a social problem.
- Propose and defend a solution to a social problem.
Course Objectives
- 1. Demonstrate understanding of major social problems concerning the U.S.
- 2. Place local, regional, and national social problems in global context
- 3. Identify, and distinguish between, causes and consequences of social problems
- 4. Analyze social problems using sociological approaches and concepts
- 5. Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative information about social problems
- 6. Identify and evaluate policies that address social problems and assess the policies impact on society
Lecture Content
Foundations The social construction and consequences of social problems The role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems. The causes of social problems Evaluation and consideration of proposed solutions to social problems. Methods of research and analysis Personal vs. social problems Theoretical perspectives Functionalist perspective Conflict theory Symbolic interactionist perspective Problems of social inequality Poverty and wealth Racial Gender Aging Education Work Families Problems of deviance, conformity, and well-being Crime and violence Sexuality Alcohol and drugs Health care Global problems Population and global inequality Environment
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
1. Lectures 2. Facilitation of student group work 3. Class discussion 4. Media evaluation
Reading Assignments
Students will spend a minimum of three hours per week reading from assigned textbook(s) and newspaper/magazine articles selected for specific topics.
Writing Assignments
May include: Objective exams Written assignments Application exercises Research project Field Journal Oral Presentations Reflection and discussion Small group activities Out-of-class activities
Out-of-class Assignments
Three hours of homework per week spent on some or all of the following: May include: Written assignments Application exercises Research project Field Journal Oral Presentations Reflection and discussion Small group activities Out-of-class activities
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
May include: A position paper on a current social problem. Written report on volunteer work. Oral report on a social problem of the students choice. Reaction papers on lectures, speakers, videos Midterm examination. Final examination. Short Quizzes Discussion boards
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
May include: Objective exams Written assignments Application exercises Research project Field Journal Oral Presentations Reflection and discussion Small group activities Out-of-class activities
Eligible Disciplines
Sociology: Masters degree in sociology OR bachelors degree in sociology AND masters degree in anthropology, any ethnic studies, social work, or psychology OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Heiner, R.. Social Problems:An Introduction to Critical Constructionism, 4th ed. Oxford University Press, 2012 2. Required Eitzen, D.S., BacaZinn, M. Eitzen Smith, K. Social Problems, 13th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson, 2013 Rationale: Text needed to support student learning 3. Required Henslin, J. Social Problems: A Down to Earth Approach, 11th ed. New York: Pearson, 2013 4. Required John Macionis. Social Problems, 7th ed. Pearson, 2018
Other Resources
1. Library Reserve Desk: This will vary with the semester. Current materials owned by the OCC Library as well as materials from the instructors personal library. This can be selected by the individual instructor by his/her choice. 2. Handouts by Instructor: This will vary with the semester. Current information from magazines and newspapers.