Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
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),  Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)	CL Option 1 Social Sciences (CD1)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)	Cal-GETC 4 Social & Behavioral Sciences (4)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)	IGETC 4 Social&Behavioral Sci (4)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)	CSU D Soc Politic Econ Inst (D)

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. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: SOCI 115.C-ID: SOCI 115.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Compare and contrast how contemporary issues affect various social groups and institutions.
2. Apply social theory in assessing the causes of and solutions to social problems.
3. Formulate and critically analyze past and current policy proposals.

Course Objectives

• 1. Apply sociological principles and basic theory in assessing social problems.
• 2. Describe the historical, political, and cultural context of inequality in the US.
• 3. Analyze how various economic structures shape social problems.
• 4. Theorize on how different political regimes influence social progress.
• 5. Explain the role of technology in shaping social change and group conflict.
• 6. Examine the role of the media in framing social problems.
• 7. Assess the security problems faced by the US and describe how the US responds to these pressures.
• 8. Compare and contrast the US healthcare system with other industrialized countries and describe the various problems associated with the different plans.
• 9. Explain the role of education in perpetuating inequality and the current issues the US educational system faces.
• 10. Discribe environmental problems and debate on the difficulties of addressing the borderless nature of environmental issues.
• 11. Examine the pros and cons of how societies react to social problems.

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Lecture Content

Introduction: Sociology and Social Problems Functionalist, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactionism and how the perspectives view social problems. C. Wright Mills “sociological imagination” and the division between private and public sphere. The role of cultural and historical relativism in evaluating social problems. Inequality The American social class system and measuring/defining social class. Intersection between social class, race, and gender. Historical and social patterns of inequality. Technology Technological determinist arguments regarding social change Social networking, relationships, and privacy. Technology and mass destruction Media Commercialization of childhood and happiness. Centralization of the media Politics and the media Corporatization of the news Media and violence National and Terrorism Terrorism and state response Religion and fundamentalism Regional concerns for the United States Health and Healthcare Health care systems, costs, and quality of care Obesity in the US and developing nations Compare and contrast health care concerns in developing and developed nations. Education Education inequality in terms of gender, race, and social class. Tracking and vocational schooling The debate regarding the over-education of society Privatization of educational institutions. Environmental problems Climate change Consumerism, waste, and pollution Deforestation Growth of world population and resources

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include, but are not limited to, lecture, discussion, and small group activities. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by PowerPoint presentations, electronic resources and technologies, guest speakers and field trips.

Reading Assignments

Students will complete reading assignments from the textbook as well as any supplemental reading based upon course readers, handouts, internet resources, and assignments from the Coastline Library.

Writing Assignments

Writing assignments may consist of discussion forums, journal entries, and critical thinking essays.  In addition, students will also complete a substantial term paper.  At least 35% of the class grade will be comprised of writing assignments.

Out-of-class Assignments

Outside of the classroom students will do the required reading, study for quizzes and exams, and conduct research, where applicable, to prepare papers and essays.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will demonstrate critical thinking through written work such as essays and papers, oral reports, and active participation in class discussions.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will be required to complete one or more essays as a component of the midterm and/or final exams and at least one additional paper demonstrating research skills.

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 Mooney, Linda, A.,Knox, David, Schacht, Caroline. Understanding Social Problems, 11th ed. Cengage, 2022 Rationale: - Legacy Textbook Transfer Data: Legacy text

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library