Instructor: Frances Beech
Email: [email protected]
Office: MTEC Bldg.
Phone: 251-405-7145
Textbook: Henslin, James, M.,Social Problems. Prentice Hall, 2006, Seventh Edition.
*Please note that if you register for SOC210--Social Problems and do not meet the prerequisite requirements by the first day of classes, you will be administratively removed from the course.
This course is a study of the social and cultural aspects, influences, incidence, and characteristics of current social problems in light of sociological theory and research.
This course deals with social problems in the world today. By social problems we refer to conditions that have a detrimental impact on individual and social well-being as determined by scientific, sociological analysis. While an American perspective will govern the discussion of social problems, the analysis can be applied to other societies.
Problems that will be covered include problems of social institutions (education, family, religion, economy, politics, health and medicine); problems of human and physical resources, the urban community, poverty, race, ethnicity, gender, aging, population and physical environment, and problems of deviant behavior (mental illness, crime, justice, violence, variant sexuality, and substance abuse.)
Potential and attempted solutions to social problems, as well as the potential and actual success of those solutions will be analyzed.
Desired outcomes of this course are that each student gains a better understanding of the nature of the problems of contemporary society, as well as how social problem changes over time. It is also desired that each student be aware of personal choices that determine the extent to which a person will be victimized by those problems. In many cases, avoidance of, and salvation from social problems depend on personal choices made by individuals. Each person must develop strategies to cope with those problems from which there is presently no escape. The success with which we chart our future will be affected by how well we cope with social problems of contemporary society.
This course will be a stepping stone for those who plan to do further work in the social and behavioral sciences.
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to do the following:
a) demonstrate an understanding of social problems as sociologically defined (Chapters 1, 2),
b) demonstrate an understanding of the causes, nature and consequences of deviant behavior (Chapters 3, 4, 5),
c) demonstrate an understanding of the causes, nature and consequences of social problems that arise from individual and cultural biases (Chapters 8, 9),
d) demonstrate an understanding of the causes, nature and consequences of the problems of social institutions (Chapters 6, 7, 10, 11, 15),
e) demonstrate an understanding of the causes, nature and consequences of the problems involving humans and their environments (Chapters 12, 13, 14)
f) demonstrate a knowledge of, and the ability to evaluate the proposed and attempted solutions to social problems (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), and
g) demonstrate and understanding of effective strategies for preventing and avoiding social problems (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15).
Tests and quizzes will be used to evaluate your success of meeting these objectives.
Classroom activities will include the following:
Your final grade for the class will take into account your scores on the midterm
exam (10%), the final exam (15%), chapter tests (55%), homework assignments
(15%), and the quality of your class participation (5%). Additionally, you may
be evaluated by means of class presentations or special projects. You will be
given handouts containing detailed instructions for course assignments. Tests
are worth 100 points each. In addition to the assignments above, there will
be 20 points worth of extra credit work that will be assigned from chapters
not covered in class. The 20 points will be added to your next lowest test score
of the semester. Key term assignments must be turned in by the dates given by
the instructor. You will be given advance notice of all exam dates as well as
the due dates of all other assignments.
Course requirements may be amended by the instructor and students will be given notice of any changes to the syllabus. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are present for all classes, turn in all assignments by the due date, and are present for all exams. Since class participation depends upon your knowledge of the material being covered, it is important that you read the chapters prior to the class in which they will be discussed. From time to time there may be open-book, pop-tests given at the beginning of class by the instructor; therefore, it is very important that you always be on time for class and always have your textbook.
Tests must be completed during the first 50 minutes of class. Open-bood
pop-tests may have shorter time periods and will be announced
by the instructor, but will be given at the beginning of class meetings.
Scantron Forms will be used for chapter tests; therefore you should
plan to have a couple of #2 pencils for all class meetings.
Your final grade for the course will take into account scores on tests, quizzes,
projects, homework, your class attendance, and your general performance in the
course.
IMPORTANT: Make-up tests will NOT be given FOR ANY REASON.
If you miss a test, you will receive a grade of ZERO for that test. If you will
have to miss an exam, you MUST let me know in ADVANCE to take the test early.
There will be no extra work for extra credit other than that stated in the syllabus.
Since make-up tests are not given, you will be allowed to drop your lowest test
grade.
If you are a late registrant, you must complete ALL missed work within seven (7) days of enrolling in the course (counting the day your class schedule is stamped by the business office).
Grading Scale:
0 – 59 = F
60 – 69 = D
70 – 79 = C
80 – 89 = B
90 – 100 = A
- Attendance is very important. Be consistent in attendance and be on time. Not only is a part of your grade, if you miss class or come in late, you miss important information and you may miss quizzes or homework assignments. As well, coming in late is disruptive for the instructor and fellow classmates.
- This class meets regularly; therefore, you should NOT schedule appointments that will interfere with class attendance.
- While class is in session, you are expected to work only on assignments for this course. Please do not work on assignments for other classes during this class.
- Please do not bring children to class with you.
- Please turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices before you enter the class. The noise is disruptive to the learning process.
- You are required to bring your textbook to every class meeting; the importance of doing so is stated in the Standards for Student Conduct in the College Catalog. As well as the importance stated in the College Catalog, you may need your book for open-book, pop-tests.
Please adhere to the standards for dress and conduct outlined in the College Catalog.
Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures:Grievance and disciplinary procedures are outlined in the College Catalog. Please be advised that the grievance procedure requires that complaints be put in writing.
Students who are caught cheating in any way (submitting work completed by others, plagiarizing from materials developed by others, copying from others on assignments and/or tests) will be given a grade of "0" on the assignment/test in question. In addition, if an instructor has documented evidence that cheating has occurred, the student may be given a grade of "F" for the course and will be immediately denied access to the course material. In either case, the instructor must provide to the Academic Dean or the Technical Dean the student's name and copies of the materials where cheating has occurred. This documentation will be placed with the student's record.
I will be available before class, after class, or by appointment to assist in matters related to the course.
1. Pay attention in class
2. Take notes
3. Ask questions & participate in discussions
4. Read the chapters
5. Complete study worksheets and practice tests in your workbook or online
6. If you are having difficulties, please talk to me about it as soon as possible
If you are having difficulties in the course, please do not wait to ask for
help. Come by my office during office hours or make an appointment to talk with
me about any problems you may be having. If you have any general questions,
I encourage you to utilize the convenience of the Internet and email me. In
this way, I will be able to answer your questions without you having to rearrange
your schedule to be on campus during my office hours.
I understand that some students may register for a course and subsequently find
that they are unable to remain in the course for a variety of reasons. While
I understand that these circumstances arise, you must officially drop
the course through the Admissions Office; otherwise, all I will know
is that you no longer show up for class. Please note that if you quit coming
to class and do not complete tests or other assignments, you will receive a
failing grade for this course, unless you officially drop the course.
Students with documented disabilities should contact A. F. Trotter in the Disabled
Student Services Office. Mr. Trotter’s office is located in the Caldwell
Building, or he can be reached by telephone at 251-405-7028.