Social
Problems
CSOC 103A
Fall 2002
McIntyre 204
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00-10:50
Professor Richard Anderson-Connolly
Office: McIntyre 213N
Phone: 879-3597
Office Hours: MWF 11-12
e-mail: raconnolly@ups.edu
Course Description
This course will provide an analysis of a variety of social problems: Economic inequality, racism, sex roles and sexism, crime and criminal justice, degradation of the environment, and international conflicts. The approach to the problems, however, likely will be more important than the facts you learn regarding these topics because the approach will be of general applicability. There is a distinctive sociological way to think about issues, and we will spend the first part of the semester learning how to think sociologically, something which does not come naturally to many of us.
After familiarizing ourselves with the major elements of sociological analysis in the abstract we will then employ these new intellectual skills on the selected social problems. For each of these problems the first objective will to gain a more accurate description of a social problem. For example, Who is on welfare? For how long? What impact does racism or sexism have in the workplace? Many of our opinions, perhaps formed through discussions with friends and family or through news accounts, are often based upon erroneous assumptions rather than careful studies of the facts. It is important to challenge our opinions with the best data we can find.
But we will not simply describe problems. We will also seek to understand their causes and the factors which prevent their solutions. This is an element of the sociological approach to studying social problems versus, say, a journalistic account. We will find that the solutions to social problems are sometimes blocked by disagreements over the facts, but they can also be prevented by conflicting interests and values. In particular, we will gain a better understanding of the disagreement between liberals and conservatives regarding these social problems.
This course satisfies a Society Core requirement.
Course Materials
The following 2 books are required and are available at the UPS Bookstore:
1. Berger, Peter Invitation to Sociology
2. Soroka, Michael and George Bryjak Social Problems: A World at Risk, 2nd Edition.
Assignments
|
|
Contribution to
Grade |
|
Exam 1 |
20% |
|
Exam 2 |
20% |
|
Term Paper |
25% |
|
Final Exam |
25% |
|
Attendance & Participation |
10% |
|
|
100% |
Exams
The exams will consist primarily of definitions and essay questions. More information regarding the types of questions will be provided in class and we will have an opportunity to review before each exam. The exams will be held on the following dates:
Exam
1: Friday, October 17, in class
Exam 2: Wednesday, November 6, in class
Final: Monday, December 16, 4:00-6:00
Term Paper
This paper should be 7-10 pages in length and address in greater detail some issue covered in the course. A list of topics will be provided and other topics can be covered with instructor’s approval. We will discuss the requirements in class. The essay is due on the last day of class, December 11.
Attendance and Participation
Participation in class discussion will also be factored into your grade. Attendance will be taken daily at the start of class. Arrival after roll has been taken will count as an absence (no excuses are acceptable including traffic jams, job interviews, illness, or death).
Important Note
Late assignments late will lose 1 grade per day. If you are going to miss an exam you must provide a valid reason before the exam.
Outline of Topics and Readings
|
|
|
1.
Sociological Thinking |
|
Readings: Peter Berger, Invitation to SociologyBegin Reading Entire Book |
|
2.
Defining Social Problems |
|
Readings: Finish Invitation to Sociology Soroka and Bryjak, Social Problems, Chap.
1 |
|
3.
Economic Inequality |
|
Readings: Soroka and Bryjak, Social Problems, Chaps. 5 & 6 |
|
4.
Sexism |
|
Readings: Soroka and Bryjak,
Social Problems, Chap. 8 |
|
5.
Racism |
|
Readings: Soroka and Bryjak,
Social Problems, Chap. 7 |
|
6.
Crime and Criminal Justice |
|
Readings: Soroka and Bryjak, Social Problems, Chaps. 3 & 9 |
|
7.
International Conflict |
|
Readings: Soroka and Bryjak, Social Problems, Chap. 12 |
|
8.
Environmental Degradation |
|
Readings: Soroka and Bryjak, Social Problems, Chap. 11 |
|
|