SOCIAL PROBLEMS
SOC 403/503

 

COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2007

 

SOC 403 Syllabus:  Printer Friendly Version

SOC 503 Syllabus:  Printer Friendly Version
 

 

Readings Course
Objectives
SOC 403 Learning Opportunities SOC 503 Learning Opportunities Policies and
Expectations
Course
Outline
Student Engagement
& Success

Text in blue are hyperlinks


Messages:
 



 

 

Course Information:

 

Meeting Place:  Broom 171

Meeting Times:  Mondays, 6:00–9:00 pm


Instructor Information:

 

Instructor: Dr. Alan Barton

Office: 37 Ward Hall

Telephone: (662) 846-4097

E-mail: abarton@deltastate.edu

Webpage:  http://ntweb.deltastate.edu/vp_academic/abarton/

Office Hours:
 

The instructor holds regular office hours at the following times:

 

    Monday 2:00 – 6:00 pm

    Tuesday 2:00 – 6:00 pm

    Wednesday 10:00 – 11:00 am; 1:00 – 2:00 pm
 

If you cannot make one of these times, contact the professor to set up an appointment.
 

Course Webpage:

 

Additional materials and updated course information can be found on the course webpage:

    http://ntweb.deltastate.edu/vp_academic/abarton/SOC403SP07/SOC403Syllabus.htm

Course Overview:

 

This course provides an overview of how sociologists conceptualize and analyze a variety of social problems. 

Prerequisites:  SOC 101 or permission of instructor.

Readings:


The Course Outline below lists the reading assignments for each class meeting; you should do the assigned reading BEFORE the class meeting for which it is assigned.


Click here for tips on studying the readings for this course.


Required Textbook:

The required textbook is available at the
DSU Bookstore.  You should purchase this book or otherwise arrange to complete the reading assignments.

James M. Henslin. 2006. Social Problems, 7th Edition. Allyn & Bacon, Boston, MA. ISBN 10: 0131930826; ISBN 13: 9780131930827.


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Course Objectives:


Once you successfully complete this course, you will be able to:

 

(1)  Define a social problem and provide examples of social problems.

 

(2)  Describe 5 sociological concepts and how they apply to social problems.


(3)  Analyze social problems from 3 distinct sociological perspectives.
 

(4)  Apply a sociological perspective to understanding current social problems.

 

These objectives contribute to overall course goals:

 

(1)  Developing critical thinking skills.  The class discussions, readings, writing assignments and exams are designed to encourage you to develop and use higher-order thinking skills, including analytical, synthetic and applied thinking.  Click here for more information on thinking critically.

(2)  Understanding the social structures and processes that condition our lives.  A basic goal of all sociology courses is to help you understand the nature and workings of these social structures, and how they open opportunities and impose constraints on individuals operating within these structures.  C. Wright Mills called this using your "sociological imagination;" activities in this course are designed to encourage you to use your sociological imagination. 
Click here for more information on the sociological imagination.


Course Organization and Approach:

 

This course uses a participatory, learner-centered, adult education approach.  An adult education approach recognizes that you are responsible for your own learning.  The professor can only provide opportunities to learn, but cannot force you to learn.  You are expected to work hard in this course, meaning that for every hour of class time, you should spend two to three hours outside of class preparing by doing readings, assignments, studying for quizzes and exams, and thinking about the course material.

 

You are expected to take responsibility for the success of the course, that is, you should take an active interest not just in the course material, but in the course itself, making it a success for all participants.  Factors such as interest, motivation, creativity, and initiative are important elements in evaluating your performance and assigning a grade.

 

Learning Opportunities, SOC 403: 

 

All students taking the course for undergraduate (SOC 403) credit must complete the following assignments:

 

(1) Attendance (15 points)

• You are expected to attend all class sessions
• Because this course meets only once per week, each absence is equivalent to three absences in a MWF course

• See the course policy on absences (no. 3 below)


(2) Participation in
Class Discussions (15 points)

• You are expected to do all of the assigned readings and come to class prepared to discuss them

• You are expected to engage in classroom discussions, reflecting on the topic and readings

• The quality of contributions to class discussions is more important than the quantity of contributions; however, you should make an effort to participate in all discussions

• Participation in class discussions is not graded based on whether it is “right” or “wrong;” rather, you are expected to engage the material critically, and demonstrate an understanding and ability to apply the course material in productive ways


   Additional Information:

   • Click here for tips on studying the readings for this course.
 

(3) Social Problems in the News (30 points)

• Twice during the semester, you will lead a class discussion on the weekly topic
• You will identify a newspaper article related to the topic, photocopy the article and bring enough copies for the other students in the course
• You will lead a discussion lasting 1/2 hour on the topic, relating the course material to the information in the article
• Your discussion should focus on sociological concepts, and should advance the students' understanding of these concepts

• You should have a set of discussion questions that lead to a critical discussion
 

Additional Information:

•
Click here for a list of the Social Problems in the News discussion leaders
• Click here for more information on leading an effective discussion

 

(4) Midterm Exam (20 points)

• The midterm exam will be given on Monday, March 5, at 6:00 pm

• The midterm consists of twenty multiple choice questions, worth 1/2 point each, five short answer questions worth 1 point each, and one essay worth 5 points

• The midterm exam covers all of the material from the first half of the course, including information from the text, lecture, class discussions and other readings

• The midterm will take approximately one hour to complete


(5) Final Exam (20 points)

• The final exam will be given on Monday, May 7 at 6 pm

• The final exam follows the same format at the midterm, but covers material during the second half of the course (after the midterm exam)

• The final exam will take approximately one hour to complete

 

(6) Critical Engagement (±10 points)

   • The instructor will evaluate your performance based on factors such as the motivation, interest, and improvement you demonstrate in the course

 

Grading, SOC 403:

There are a total of 100 points available for the semester.  Your final score is simply the sum of all points earned over the semester.  If you accumulate 90 or more points over the course of the semester, you will get an “A” in the course.  If you accumulate 80 to 89 points, you will get a “B,” for 70 to 79 points you will get a “C,” and for 60 to 69 points will get a “D.”  If you get less than 60 points, your final grade will be an “F.”  Note that you start with zero and earn points; you do not start with 100 and lose points.

 

If you comply with all course requirements and submit all of the assignments satisfactorily and on time, you can expect a “C” in this course.  To receive a higher grade, you must demonstrate a superior grasp of course material and an ability to apply the material in productive ways.  It is also helpful to show an interest in the course material and in learning, and an achievement-based orientation.

 

 
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Learning Opportunities, SOC 503: 

 

All students taking the course for graduate (SOC 503) credit must complete the following assignments:

 

(1) Attendance (10 points)

• You are expected to attend all class sessions
• Because this course meets only once per week, each absence is equivalent to three absences in a MWF course

• See the course policy on absences (no. 3 below)


(2) Participation in
Class Discussions (10 points)

• You are expected to do all of the assigned readings and come to class prepared to discuss them

• You are expected to engage in classroom discussions, reflecting on the topic and readings

• The quality of contributions to class discussions is more important than the quantity of contributions; however, you should make an effort to participate in all discussions

• Participation in class discussions is not graded based on whether it is “right” or “wrong;” rather, you are expected to engage the material critically, and demonstrate an understanding and ability to apply the course material in productive ways

  

(3) Social Problems Research Paper (40 points)

• You will identify a social problem, develop a specific research question pertaining to this problem, that takes a particular sociological perspective, then conduct research on this problem using articles from peer reviewed journals
• You will prepare a 15-page research paper in which you discuss your perspective, concepts and problem
• Your paper should focus on sociological concepts, and should advance your understanding of these concepts

• The paper is due at the beginning of class on Monday, April 30
 

(4) Midterm Exam (20 points)

• The midterm exam will be given on Monday, March 5, at 6:00 pm

• The midterm consists of two essay questions, worth 10 points each

• The midterm exam covers all of the material from the first half of the course, including information from the text, lecture, class discussions and other readings

• The midterm will take approximately one hour to complete


(5) Final Exam (20 points)

• The final exam will be given on Monday, May 7 at 6 pm

• The final exam follows the same format at the midterm, but covers material during the second half of the course (after the midterm exam)

• The final exam will take approximately one hour to complete

 

(6) Critical Engagement (±10 points)

   • The instructor will evaluate your performance based on factors such as the motivation, interest, and improvement you demonstrate in the course

 

Grading, SOC 503:

There are a total of 100 points available for the semester.  Your final score is simply the sum of all points earned over the semester.  If you accumulate 92 or more points over the course of the semester, you will get an “A” in the course.  If you accumulate 84 to 91 points, you will get a “B,” for 76 to 83 points you will get a “C,” and for 68 to 75 points will get a “D.”  If you get less than 68 points, your final grade will be an “F.”  Note that you start with zero and earn points; you do not start with 100 and lose points.


Policies and Expectations:

 

(1) YOU are responsible for learning the course material and for your progress in the course

    • You are expected to attend class regularly.  An attendance sheet will be passed around at every class session.  Make sure you sign the attendance sheet at each class meeting – this will serve as the official record of attendance, and if your name is not on the sheet, you will not receive credit for attending on that date.

    • You are expected to complete all of the assignments and know all material presented during class sessions, whether you attended the class or not.  If you miss a class session, you should check with another student to see what you missed.

    • “I didn’t know” is NEVER a valid excuse.  If you don’t know something, it is your job to find out.

 

(2) Missed assignments CANNOT be made up

    • It is assumed that if you miss class or an assignment, you are making a choice that prioritizes other activities above the class.  For this reason, none of the assignments or coursework can be made up.

    • Assignments are due at the time specified; no late assignments will be accepted.

    • If you miss an exam or writing assignment, you will receive a grade of zero for that assignment. 

    • If you must miss a presentation or other in-class activity, it is up to you to arrange to trade with another student before the event.  Please notify the instructor of such changes.  Points will be deducted from your grade if you simply do not show up for a presentation.

 

(3) Illnesses and emergencies MUST be documented

    • If you must miss a class due to illness or another personal emergency, notify the instructor BEFORE the missed class period either by e-mail or telephone.

    • If you cannot notify the instructor in advance, bring a note from a doctor or other professional to the next class meeting.

    • Illnesses and emergencies pertain only to the student, not to the student’s family, friends or others.

    • If you must miss class for an official university activity, you should make arrangements with the instructor BEFORE the missed class.  Appropriate documentation is required.

    • Notified absences (i.e. you notify the instructor before the event) count as one-half absence.  Excused absences (i.e. you bring a note from a doctor or other professional) will not count against you for the first two; after that, each excused absence counts as one-half absence.
 • Unexcused absences will be scored on a sliding scale, as shown
here.

    • You are responsible for all material presented in the class, even during an excused absence.  You should get class notes from another student for all class sessions you miss.

    • It is in your interest to provide the instructor with written notification (e.g. note or e-mail) or documentation for any missed class.  It is risky to simply tell the instructor and expect him to remember.

 

(4) Class discussion is an important element in this course

    • The purpose of the discussion is to provide you with an opportunity to practice thinking skills in a safe environment.

    • In discussions, you are encouraged to explore ideas presented in the readings and lectures, to think about and apply concepts, and to develop arguments and evaluate evidence.

    • You must demonstrate appropriate respect the opinions and ideas of other students.  If you repeatedly show disrespect for other students, you will be asked to leave the classroom.

    • Class discussions are NOT a time to chat with other students about topics not related to the course.  Talking privately with other students while the rest of the class is trying to carry on a discussion is disruptive, bothersome, and disrespectful to other students and to the professor.  If you repeatedly talk out of turn, you will be asked to leave the classroom.

    • It is acceptable (and encouraged) to disagree with the perspectives of other students, but you should phrase this to show disagreement with the idea or opinion, not with the person presenting the idea or opinion.

    • Please make sure that all pagers, cell phones, etc. are turned off during class time.  If your phone or pager repeatedly interrupts class, you will be asked to leave the classroom.

    • Any work missed by a student that was asked to leave the classroom cannot be made up under any circumstances.

 

(5) You are expected to comply with all academic standards and ethics as defined in the DSU Bulletin and Handbook

    • You are expected to do their own work in this course.  Plagiarism and other forms of cheating will NOT be tolerated.

    • Click here if you are unsure what constitutes plagiarism.  The DSU Library's "Plagiarism Prevention: A Guide for Students" is also a good resource.  If it is still unclear, see the instructor.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UNDERSTAND THESE GUIDELINES.  If at some point in the semester you are suspected of committing plagiarism, pleas of “I didn’t know what plagiarism was” will not be accepted.

    • The sanctions for plagiarism are outlined on the web page linked above.  Make sure you are aware of these BEFORE you submit any work in this class.

 

(6)  DO NOT bring cell phones or other portable communication devices to class during quizzes, exams, or in-class assignments.  If the instructor sees a cell phone or other device during a quiz, exam or in-class assignment, your work will be collected immediately and you will be asked to leave the classroom.

 

(7) Appropriate accommodations will be made for students with medical problems or diagnosed disabilities.  Have Dr. Richard Houston at the Reily Health Center (846-4690) contact the course instructor to make arrangements.

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Course Outline:
 

Day/Date

Topic

Readings

Week 1:  Course Introduction

Monday
Jan. 8

Review Syllabus;
Course Policies
View Slides
The Sociological Perspective  
Social Problems in the News  

Week 2:  Holiday

Monday
Jan. 15

MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY
Class will not meet

Week 3:  The Social Construction of Reality

Monday
Jan. 22

Abortion as a Social Problem

Text, Chapter 1
View Slides

Social Problems in the News

 

 

Day/Date

Topic

Readings

Week 4:  Interpreting Social Problems

Monday
Jan. 29

Aging as a Social Problem

Text, Chapter 2
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

Week 5:  Objectivity and Subjectivity

Monday
Feb. 5

Homosexuality, Prostitution and Pornography Text, Chapter 3
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

Week 6:  Theory and Social Problems

Monday
Feb. 12

Alcohol and Drugs Text, Chapter 4
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

 

Day/Date

Topic

Readings

Week 7:  Research in Social Problems

Monday
Feb. 19

Deviance, Crime
and Criminal Justice
Text, Chapter 6
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

Week 8:  Social Inequality

Monday

Feb. 26

Wealth and Poverty
as Social Problems
Text, Chapter 7
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

Week 9:  Midterm Exam

Monday

Mar. 5

MIDTERM EXAM
6:00 pm
Broom 171

 

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Day/Date

Topic

Readings

Monday

Mar. 12

SPRING BREAK

Week 10:  Dominant and Minority Groups

Monday
Mar. 19

Stratification by
Race and Ethnicity
Text, Chapter 8
View Slides
Social Problems in the News

Week 11:  Prejudice and Discrimination

Monday
Mar. 26

Stratification by Gender Text, Chapter 9
View Slides
Social Problems in the News

 

Day/Date

Topic

 

Readings

Week 12:  Rights and Priveleges

Monday
Apr. 2

Health Care as a Social Problem Text, Chapter 10
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

Week 13:  Demography

Monday
Apr. 9

Population Growth and Food Security Text, Chapter 13
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

Week 14:  The Costs of Global Social Change I

Monday
Apr. 16

Environment and Natural Resources Text, Chapter 14
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  

 

Day/Date

Topic

Readings

Week 15:  The Costs of Global Social Change II
Monday
Apr. 23
Globalization, War and Terrorism Text, Chapter 15
View Slides
Social Problems in the News  
Week 16:  Dead Week
Monday
Apr. 30
Review for Final Exam Grad student paper due
Course Evaluation  
Final Exam Week
Monday
May 7
FINAL EXAM
6:00 pm
Broom 171

 

Student Engagement and Success:

 

The faculty and administration at Delta State University are committed to assisting all students achieve success while at DSU and in their future careers.  In addition to faculty office hours and periodic workshops and seminars, the following resources are always available to students to help them prepare for college-level work, and to improve their study habits and skills.  We encourage you to take full advantage of these resources.

Roberts-LaForge Library

Writing Center in 211 Bailey

Academic Support Lab

Academic Success Workshops

Technology Learning Center

 

PREPARATION and PERSEVERANCE are the KEYS to SUCCESS

Be prepared; don’t give up

See what others have to say about preparation

See what others have to say about perseverance

 

Readings Course
Objectives
Learning
Opportunities
Policies and
Expectations
Course
Outline

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