SOC G185: Analysis of Social Problems
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 11/19/2024 |
| 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 |
| Open Entry/Open Exit | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| Diversity Requirement (GCD) | Yes |
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
This course provides 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)
- Course Outcomes
- Examine the role of power and ideology in the construction, consequences, and solutions of social problems.
- Apply sociological theories to analyze the causes, consequences, and solutions to social problems.
- Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data as it relates to examining social problems.
- Evaluate how globalization shapes the nature and consequences of social problems.
Course Objectives
- 1. Explain how social problems are socially constructed, shaped by cultural norms, social institutions, and power structures.
- 2. Apply major sociological theories such as conflict theory, functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and queer theory to analyze various social problems.
- 3. Examine the role of power and ideology in the identification and definition of social problems.
- 4. Identify and analyze inequality and stratification across dimensions of class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.
- 5. Evaluate the causes and consequences of poverty and economic injustice, distinguishing between structural and individual factors.
- 6. Examine the social construction of criminal behavior by applying sociological explanations of crime, societal responses, and policy interventions.
- 7. Analyze health and healthcare disparities by exploring how social factors such as race, class, and gender affect health outcomes.
- 8. Assess environmental issues through a sociological lens by exploring reciprocal impact between society and the environment as it relates to policy and regulations.
- 9. Evaluate transnational social issues such as neocolonialism and global inequality.
- 10. Examine the role of media, technology, and social movements in addressing social problems.
Lecture Content
Introduction to Social Problems and Theoretical Perspectives Defining social problems Social construction of problems Culture, social institutions, and structures Causes and consequences of social problems Power and ideology Conflict Theory, Functionalism, and Symbolic Interactionism Research methods Inequality and Stratification Class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality Theories of intersectionality Poverty and Economic Injustice Causes and consequences of poverty Structural and individual Policies and interventions Crime and Deviance Social construction of criminal behavior Explanations of crimes Societal responses Policies and interventions Gender Inequalities Gender, sexuality, and queer theories Violence Health disparities Environmental Issues Societal impact on the environment Environmental impact on society Policies and regulations to address environmental issues Globalization and Social Change Economic, cultural, and social impacts of globalization Transnational social issues and challenges Neocolonialism, global order, global conflict, poverty Family and Intimate Relationships Evolution of family structures and roles Social, economic, and political challenges Violence towards and within families Education and Educational Inequality Education and social mobility Disparities based on race, class, gender, etc. Policies and interventions Media, Technology, and Social Problems Influence of technology on social problems and perceptions of problems Portrayal of marginalized groups and social issues Role of media and technology in social activism Social Movements and Collective Action Role of social movements in addressing social problems Strategies and tactics of social movements Solutions
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Reading Assignments
Textbooks: students may explore foundational theories and concepts in social problems, providing a framework for analyzing and interpreting additional course material. Qualitative and quantitative studies: by examining statistical data and in-depth interviews or observations, students may evaluate the complexities of social problems, enabling them to apply sociological theory to a variety of lived experiences. Case studies: students may analyze real-life scenarios to understand how sociological theories apply to various social problems. Online content and social media posts: students may engage with contemporary online content and critically evaluate popular discourses on social problems, applying sociological perspectives to understand societal attitudes and trends.
Writing Assignments
Research paper: students may conduct independent research on a selected topic as it relates to social problems, synthesizing theoretical concepts with empirical evidence. Exam essays and short responses: students may demonstrate their understanding and application of sociological theory to analyze and interpret various scenarios and case studies. Discussion boards: students may engage in online dialogue with peers, discussing course topics, sharing insights, and applying sociological theory to analyze social problems.
Out-of-class Assignments
Preparatory readings: students may engage with assigned readings to prepare for in-class discussions and assessments. Reflection assignments: through reflective written, oral, or visual communication, students may connect their lived experiences or community observations to course content and theories. Research paper: students may produce a research paper on a selected topic, applying theoretical frameworks to analyze empirical data and prepare for in-class presentations.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking may be assessed through a variety of assignments and engagement with course materials that allow students to analyze and interpret complex social problems from a sociological perspective. In-class discussion, informed by preparatory readings, allow students to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios, fostering critical analysis and debate. Out-of-class assignments, such as reflection papers and research projects, prompt students to connect sociological theories to their lived experiences and conduct independent inquiries into contemporary issues. Exam essays and online discussion boards serve as platforms for students to articulate and defend their perspectives and analysis, engage in dialogue with peers, and critically evaluate different viewpoints.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students may engage in essays that serve as a platform for them to critically analyze and synthesize course materials, applying sociological theories to real-world scenarios and contemporary issues as it relates to social problems. Visual and oral assessments provide opportunities for students to creatively express their understanding and problem-solving skills through presentations, multimedia projects, or debates, showcasing their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Multiple choice assessments evaluate students' comprehension of foundational concepts and their ability to apply sociological theories to different contexts, requiring them to demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills.
Eligible Disciplines
Sociology: Master's degree in sociology OR bachelor's degree in sociology AND master's degree in anthropology, any ethnic studies, social work, or psychology OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Eitzen, D.S., Zinn, M.B. Social Problems, 15 ed. Pearson, 2024 2. Required Henslin, J.M. Social Problems: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 13 ed. Pearson, 2021 3. Required Macionis, J.J. Social Problems, 9 ed. Pearson, 2024
Other Resources
1. Continuity and Change, OER