Social Problems (Sociology 201)—Fall 2012



Social Problems (Sociology 201) — Fall 2017Instructor: Tim DunnOffice: Fulton Hall 270Office Hours: MWF 11:00-11:50, T/Th 11:00-12:15, & By Appointment Web Page (& class links): Phone & email & Mail Box: 410-543-6432; HYPERLINK "mailto:tjdunn@salisbury.edu" tjdunn@salisbury.edu ; 288 Fulton Hall Texts / Readings: 1. Mooney, Linda A., David Knox, and Caroline Schacht. 2015 Understanding Social Problems. (9th edition) Cenage.2. Rios, Victor. 2011 Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a Ph. D. (1st edition) Five Rivers Press. 3. & various other assigned readings linked on my web site. . Course Description – This course will introduce you to the study of a wide range of social problems and ways to resolve them. In doing so, we will use the “sociological imagination” to examine the relationship between individuals and the broader society, emphasizing the latter. Also, we will examine social problems comparatively-internationally at times. A critical perspective is used in this class – i.e., one generally critical of aspects of our society -- as we focus on key problems in our society, their causes, and how society might be improved. Workload expectations: 4 credit class = 6-8 hours /week of work outside of class + 2 ? hrs. class/week.In terms of format, the class will be a mix of lectures, student-led small group discussion, video clips, and guest speakers to create a structured yet interactive learning environment. I welcome the respectful expression of a diversity of views on class topics, though I ask you draw upon (and react to) concepts and research from course materials (i.e., assigned readings). You will also apply some of these to outside of class activities as well.A variety of class materials (web readings, class note outlines, etc.) will be available on a class web site, accessible through links my faculty web page (address: ). I do not use MyClasses, except to post grades starting by the middle of the term.II. Objectives – Salisbury University’s “highest purpose is to empower its students with the knowledge, skills, and core values that contribute to active citizenship, gainful employment, and life-long learning in a democratic society and inter-dependent world.” (SU Catalogue, 2016-2018: pg. 7). Moreover, the university’s values include “community” ” (caring, civility, learn through interaction), “diversity” (global, society, and individual differences and equal opportunity) and “civic engagement” (seek to improve the quality of life for area residents). This class reflects these principles by developing your ability to understand and discuss key social problems facing the US and much of the world (incorporating diversity and community), and by becoming involved in efforts to raise awareness and address social problems (civic engagement). This will involve expanding your critical thinking skills to look beyond surface appearances and "common sense" explanations to gain a deeper understanding of issues. The larger objective is that you develop intellectual tools to be an informed and engaged citizen who can take an active part in your community, and prepared for rewarding employment.III. Coursework Requirements (read carefully!)A. 2 Readings Discussion Papers (RDP’s) --- Write on the readings for 2 topics -- 1 in the first half of the semester& 1in the second half. No papers are allowed for the first topic (Intro) or last topic (War & Terrorism). Unless announced otherwise, the papers are due the last day for a topic.Format (Length 4-5 pages); 1. Main Ideas and Themes– Length 3-4 pages. Explain / describe several details or key ideas from at least 5 assigned readings for a topic, at least one of which must be textbook reading (1 chapter Mooney text=2 rdgs.; 1 web link rdg. & 1 Rios Chapter= 1 rdg). No introduction or conclusion is necessary; nor is a general overview or summary. Be selective and detailed; focus on explaining /detailing specific information & ideas in rdgs. that you find most interesting – not everything. Do not quote text extensively or frequently; use own words (paraphrase). You must provide at least 1 citation of a rdg./paragraph – list author and page #(s) in parentheses, e.g. “ (Mills, 27-28).” Two additional things you must do in Part 1:a. Draw at least 1 connection or link between 2 or more readings (e.g., by comparison or contrast) – 2 sentences. b. Provide 1 outside (non-rdgs.) example of some idea or issue from assigned rdgs.; from your life, the news, or can be hypothetical. 2. Critical Reflection – Length 1 page. Use a heading for this section. Tell me what you think about the readings and the issues raised in them that you’ve just discussed in part 1. You have a lot of freedom here. You can write in first person for this section.-- No RDP’s / papers may be written on the first or last topics (“Intro to Social Problems” and “War & Terrorism” – though I will consider it for last topic if you speak with me ahead of time). B. 8 Readings Note Sheets (FOR nearly all topics that you’re not writing an RDP): Length 1?-2 pgs. --Due on final day of topic. [There are 11 topics—you do 2 RDP’s, & 8 Rdgs. Note Sheets, & so you can skip writing on 1 topic, but do the readings.] You must at least touch on 2 assigned readings (each chapter =1 rdg., except each chapter in Mooney text= 2 rdgs.). These do not have to be cover everything you read, and the format can be quite informal (e.g., with abbreviations, not have complete sentences, etc.). You must have a page number and reading author(s) (citation) for each main point. Try to use your wording. This will aid group discussion and in test preparation. C. Small Group Discussion Leading & Class Participation. You will lead a small group discussion for part of 2 classes, on 2 different topics (on same days as papers & notes due), which should be on the same topics for which you write RDPs/papers. When not leading, I expect you to participate in group discussions, as well as be generally involved in the class. This presumes your attendance and familiarity with the readings. Attendance Policy: You are required to attend all classes. Failure to attend will negatively affect your grade. I won’t take attendance every class period, but many.D. Attend & Briefly Write about 2 Campus Cultural Events (e.g., lecture, performance, group meeting) or Volunteer Service activities (or 1 of each), OR 1 campus cultural event and 1 brief paper on reflecting on how some specific class materials may apply to your life. Paper Length 1-1? pgs., within 3 weeks after the event. At latest, 1st paper by October 27 & 2nd paper due Dec. 8. Briefly describe the content (summary & some details) of the event or service activity, and then briefly (1 short paragraph) relate it to something specific from class materials (esp. readings). The goal is to become a more involved university citizen and apply to class materials to campus life. E. Final Paper--Civic Engagement Or Research (5 pages): 1. Topic statement due November 1 (1 brief paragraph). Look at the broad topics on the class schedule and come up with a smaller, specific topic related to addressing some aspect of one (e.g., drug education, student mentoring, housing for the poor, health coverage for the uninsured, etc.). Also, briefly explain why you are interested it. 2. Get Involved in Organization OR Research Organization & Issue –Paper Length 5 pages: DUE December 11. (1) Do paper on volunteering at least 6-8 hours with an organization that works on some social problem and write about it, OR (2) research on an organization that works on some social problem (look up 3 articles) and create some way to promote awareness. Guidelines coming in Early-Mid-NovemberF. 3 Tests. There will be three exams, each covering roughly a third of the material for the term. The last exam will not be cumulative. The tests will be a combination of multiple-choice and essay questions.IV. Grade Calculation & Scale: 2 RDP’s @ 25 points each 50 points (20% of total points)8 Readings Note Sheets @ 3 pts. each & 1 pt. for all 825 points ( 10% of total points)Group Disc. Leading & Class Participation 25 points (10% of total points)2 Cultural Event papers @ 5 pts. each10 points ( 4% of total points)Civic Engagement Paper @ 25 pts. & Topic statement @ 2pts.27 points (11% of total points)3 tests (1st @ 37 pts. & 2nd @ 38 pts & 3rd @ 38 points) 113 points (45% of total points)Total 250 pointsA 90-100%225-250 pts.B 80-89%200-224 pts.C70-79%175-199 pts.D60-69%150-174 pts.F 59% & below149 pts. & belowV. MiscellaneousExtra Credit: You may do up to 1 extra cultural event / volunteer service activity papers for 5 points . Same format as above, III.D. Or you may do a 9th Rdgs Notes Sheet for 3 points, due when topic is covered. December 8 is last day to turn in. Make-up Policy: No make-ups or extensions for exams and papers, UNLESS you face extraordinary circumstances (illness, family problems, etc.) or have a previously scheduled university activity.Writing Help -- University Writing Center–Room 260 Guerrieri Academic Commons (GAC), 410-543-6332 (x36332) salisbury.edu/uwc . Studying Help and other assistance – Center for Student Achievement – Room 270 Guerrieri Academic Commons (GAC), 410-677-4865 (x74865) .Other Help—Student Counseling Center. Guerrieri University Center Room 263. (410) 543-6070 feel free to contact me outside of class. I am on campus in my office (FH 270) quite a bit beyond office hrs. You can call me or contact me via email. It may take me up to 24 hours to reply to emails, generally longer on weekends.Respectful Classroom -- I expect us all to treat each other with respect and civility in class; it is fine to disagree on issues, but not to be disagreeable / rude. Also, please silence your cell phones and keep texting, etc. to minimum.Schedule (Subject to Change)DatesTopicReadingsAug 30, Sept. 1 & 6Intro to Social Problems:Mooney et al.: Chapter 1 Rios: Chs. 1-9 (62 pgs., reads fast & easy!) Sept. 8, 11, 13Human Rights & DemocracyRios: Chs. 10-18 (52 pgs. reads fast & easy!)Web Rdgs.(8): Reich; United Nations; Gaudiano et al.; Aldhous & Turley; Savage et al.; Hiatt et al.; Corn et al.; Bacon and MurphySept. 15, 18, 20, 22Economic ProblemsMooney et al.: Chs. 6 & 7 Web Rdgs. (4): Duhigg et al.; Popper & Johnson; Piketty et al; Tankersley et al.;Sept. 25, 27, & 29Family Issues & ProblemsMooney et al.: Ch. 5Web Rdgs: Hays; Bergmann & Helburn Oct. 2Test 1Oct. 4, 6, 9, 11Health & Health Care ProblemsMooney et al.: Ch. 2 Web Rdgs (5): Russell; Brill; Aubrey et al.; Glenza et al.& 1 To Ben AnnouncedOct.13, 16, 18Education ProblemsMooney et al.: Ch. 8 Web Rdgs (6): Kozol; Grant; McKinney et al.; Falk et al.; Chen et al; Brown & Ravitch[Must have done 1st RDP on one of topics thus far. ]Oct. 20, 23, 25, & 27Gender & Sexual Orientation InequalityMooney et al.: Chs. 10 & 11Web Rdgs. (3) –Syrluga et al.; Lamohte et al.; Associated Press et al. [Nov. 1Civic Engagement Topic Statement Due]Oct. 30, Nov. 1, 3 Racial & Ethnic Inequality Mooney et al.: Ch. 9& ImmigrationWeb Rdgs (6): McIntosh; Farley & Squires; Araiza & Coates; Kaleem et al; Madden et al. & 1 TBANov. 6Test 2Nov. 8, 10, 13, 15Crime & DrugsMooney et al.: Chs. 3 & 4 Web Rdgs. (5): Keefe; Rooney; Cohn et al; Cassidy et al; Rector et al; Nov. 17, 20, 27, 29Environmental ProblemsMooney et al.: Ch. 13 Web Rdgs (6): Hawken; Miller; Wells et al.; Nace et al.; Cushman et al.; McKibben et al.Dec. 1, 4, 6War & TerrorismMooney et al.: Ch. 15 [Rdgs. Notes Only: NO RDP’s unless you see Dr. Dunn]Web Rdgs (6) : Parenti; Mitchell et al.; Pilkington et al.; Kentish et al.; Sanger et al.; Hussain et al. Dec. 8 All Cultural Event papers due; Misc.(catch up from schedule) & Civic Engagement Project Q&ADec. 11Civic Engagement Paper Due, & Wrap-up/Review10:00 Class-- Dec. 18, 10:45-1:15TEST 3 / Final 12:00 Class-- Dec. 19, 1:30-4:00 TEST 3 / Final ................
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