SOCI130 Contemporary Social Problems

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Sociology

  1. Course Number and Title

    SOCI130 Contemporary Social Problems

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    A systematic study of changing American social problems and controversies. Selected topics such as poverty, crime, drug abuse, problems of the family, problems of the aged, changing sex roles, and the abortion debate are examined.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. To expose students to a sociological view of social problems.
      2. To develop the ability to apply the scientific method in the study of social problems.
      3. To stimulate interest through topical discussion of social problems.
      4. To cultivate a sociological perspective of social problems.
      5. To cultivate an understanding of the complexities of American social problems and a sensitivity to the problems faced by individuals and groups in our society.
      6. To develop the ability to read critically and think analytically about society and social problems.
      7. To develop the ability to identify, define, and investigate social problems and propose ways of dealing with them.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. The sociology of social problems: functional and conflict perspectives.
      2. Power and inequality as critical factors: social class, race, gender and age.
      3. Family related problems: divorce, child abuse, single-parent families, the nuclear family.
      4. Private troubles: alcoholism, drug abuse, crime, deviance.
      5. Solutions to social problems.
      6. Additional topics and chapters may be chosen according to current events and the specialization of the instructor.

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Text and articles selected by individual instructors of each course section. Details are provided to the students by each instructor and included on the instructor’s course format distributed to students.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Lecture presentation, class discussion, and film. Additional methods, including computer aided material, at the instructor’s discretion.

Review/Approval Date - 2/99