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Class: Introduction to Social Problems
SOCI 1160-E01
Information about the Instructor
Name: Viviene H. Wood
Office Number: Pafford 209 B
Times when student may contact you: Pre Arranged
Office phone number or alternate 678-839-6556
Email address: vwood@westga.edu
Short introductory and personal background: I have been teaching at UWG for the past 15
years, both in Criminology and Sociology. I have been teaching this class for over 4 years
on a face-to-face and on-line for three years. I have been accused of being very passionate
regarding this particular topic, and I confess, I am.
My virtual office hours are M-F from 8-10 a.m. But I will often be online more frequently
than that. I will answer your emails within 48 hours. CourseDen and D2L are your friends.
I will receive emails at both D2L as well as my vwood@westga.edu address (although I
prefer the westga.edu email).
Course Information
Heading: UWG
Sociology Introduction to Social Problems (SOCI 1160-E01)
Course Title – Social Problems
*Times and locations: This class will demand about 2-3 hours per day of work.
Social Problems in a Diverse Society; Diana Kendall; 6th Edition; Pearson Publishers,
2013. ISBN: 13:978-0-205-15290-2 ( I use an old text to save you $$)
I suggest on-line (Amazon etc.) as there are lots of used copies of this text out there.
Required texts –
This course serves as an introduction to the study of the current Social Problems facing our society. In
this course, the class will not simply “study” disadvantaged groups, but interacts with them in an effort
to understand the processes that foster social inequality and the psychological consequences that result
from (them) , all in the effort to better inform human struggle. Not only will this course define social
problems, but will examine arguments versus opinions, personal troubles versus public issues along the
lines of experiential learning and service learning
*The University’s Bookstore’s Website URL -- http://www.bookstore.westga.edu/
Updated December 9, 2014
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Course Description
*Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
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The student will examine some of the social problems currently arising in our present society.
Students will investigate how others have performed service learning assignments or become
civically engaged with campus and community groups; worked with faculty conducting
community-based research projects; worked with organizations using the tools of social science
research to improve the living conditions of citizens.
Students will scrutinize how they can best apply what others have done to address social
problems to social problems they have observed.
The student will identify specific, realistic steps for implementation of positive resolution.
The courses-learning objectives are related to the following Introduction of Social Problems Learning
Outcomes:
1. Students will be able to communicate (orally and in writing) how the current social problems
facing our society operates describing both strengths and weaknesses of present day
resolution options.
2. Students will be able to understand the roots of as well as the restraints of current social
problems.
3. Students will be able to articulate present day social problem resolution process and detail
their ability to apply this process
4. The student will be able to not only know some of the major social problems but how to
positively address them and impact the living and working conditions of a specific society.
Attendance Policy (in a an online environment this means required: 3 with the discussion forum and
dropbox entries per day)
*Online Support - Where and how to receive help within CourseDen or any other problems
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Online Student Help http://uwgonline.westga.edu/students.php
Online Student Guide http://uwgonline.westga.edu/online-student-guide.php
UWG|Online Helpdesk
○ email: online@westga.edu
○ Call 678-839-6248 or 1855-933-UWGO (8946)
24-Hour Help: 1-855-772-0423 or search http://D2Lhelp.view.usg.edu
*Link to the Library’s DL services http://www.westga.edu/library/
*Course Prerequisites – including software, plug-ins, and hardware above the basics
*Link to UWG|Online Connection website (includes link to Orientation, basic software/hardware
requirements, Online Student Guide, and all student services)
http://uwgonline.westga.edu/students.php
Updated December 9, 2014
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Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements – A clear statement of hardware, software, and information technology
skills, expected of students to participate in the course. Just as for any other course, it is important
that the instructor is explicit about expectations for students in the course description and in the
syllabus. This includes not only what type of equipment students will need or what type of Internet
connection, but also the instructor’s expectations regarding student expertise in software applications.
Along with other requirements, students need to know if they will need to use the Internet or certain
software applications as part of course assignments.
Supported Internet Browsers
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Mozilla Firefox
○ Click on the download button; the website can tell whether you're on Windows
or Mac and will download the appropriate version.
Safari (Mac)
Google Chrome
○ Click on the download button; the website can tell whether you're on Windows
or Mac and will download the appropriate version.
Java Plug-In
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Java Update
○ Click on the download button; the website can tell whether you're on Windows
or Mac and will download the appropriate version.
Other Recommended Software
● RealPlayer Cloud
● Adobe Acrobat Reader
● Adobe Flash Player
● Apple Quicktime
● Any Video Converter
● Audacity
For a list of software available through the University for your instructional needs,
please see the Service Catalog over at Information Technology Services.
Class Schedule Information
Begin Date
week
End Date of
week
Jan 11
Jan. 17
Topic
Chapter 1 Module 1
Assignment Due
Date
Discussion forum
due no later than
Thurs midnight Drop Box- Sunday
midnight
Updated December 9, 2014
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Jan 18
Jan 24
Chapter 2 Module 2 Wealth and Poverty
Forum no later than
Thurs. midnight –
Drop Box –Sun.
midnight
Jan 25
Jan 31
Chapter 3 Module 3 Racial and Ethnical Inequality
Forum due no later
than Thurs.
midnightDropbox due Sun.
midnight
Feb. 1
Feb. 7
Chapter 4 Module 4 Gender Inequality –
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Quiz 1 over chapters 1-4
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Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Feb. 14
Chapter 5- Inequality Based on Age
Feb. 15
Feb. 21
Chapter 6 or Module 6 Sexual Orientation
Inequality
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Feb. 22
Feb. 28
Chapter 7 or Module 7 Prostitution, Pornography
and the Sex Industry
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Feb 29
March 6
Chapter 8 or Module 8 Alcohol and other Drugs
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Quiz over chapters 5,6,7,8
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March 6
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March 7
March 13
Chapter 9 Module 9 Crime and the Criminal
Justice System
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March 14
March 27
Chapter 10 or Module 10 – Health Care – both
physical and mental
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March 28
April 3
Chapter 11 or Module 11 Family
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April 4
April 10
Chapter 12 - Education
“ “
Quiz 3 – over chapters 9.10, 11, 12
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April 10
April 11
April 17
Chapter 13 Politics and Global economy
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April 18
April 24
Chapter 14 Media
April 24-29
Chapter 15 and 18 NOTE WE ARE NOT DOING
CHAPTER 16 AND 17
Finals
week April
24-29
QUIZ 4 - over chapters 13,14,15,18
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Include:
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Disclaimer stating that dates may change
Dates of “no-show” withdrawal
Dates of mid-point withdrawal deadline
Dates of major assignments, papers, projects, etc. will be announced in the “News” or in the
weekly videos, along with on your calendar. Your pre-scheduled assignments are: weekly
forums due by midnight of each Thursday, dropbox submissions by Sunday mid-nightly and
quizzes every four chapters/modules.
Dates of Quizzes are with the modules and will be open from Sunday 1 a.m.-Sunday.
midnight.
Date and time of final exam: your final exam will be your fourth quiz. Look at syllabus.
Course requirements: exams, quizzes, “classroom participation”, and papers, including the percentage
each counts toward the final grade and how each is to be submitted are all listed under “Grading
Information”. Also, look in D2L, under “Grades” on your headers. Class participation involves the
daily assignments.
Policies on missed exams and late work is as follows: No make up quizzes. No extensions for forum
and drop boxes.
Grading scale and standards (or rubrics) Quizzes are a total of 60 pts (each quiz is work 15 pts) with
your discussion forums and dropboxes totallying 40 pts (14 submissions for forum at 1 pt each x 14
submissions= 14 pts( there will be no submissions on days with quizzes which there are 4 of). Drop
box 14 submission with 1.857 x 14 days = 26 pt. for a total of 40 pts. (Again, there will be not
submissions of any homework for the days we are having quizzes.
Grading Information
Grading is as you see stated above. Items will be graded within 2 business days after posted due
date. Quiz grades go up automatically.
Plagiarism, and academic honesty statement are against UWG policy (see handbook site). Turnitin is
standard for all assignments. If your assignment is an alert, I will not accept this work, as this alert
indicates plagiarized work. plagiarism http://www.westga.edu/handbook/
Updated December 9, 2014
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Schedule of “class meetings”, including subject matter and topics to be covered as well as pre-class
readings and other assignments are all in the syllabus.
A link to UWG’s Network Usage Policies at http://www.westga.edu/policy/index_3706.php
A link to the Student Handbook, detailing instructions to visit the Rights and Responsibilities section,
including the Honor Core and all Appendices available http://www.westga.edu/handbook/
I recommend that students should make at least electronic copies of everything submitted
“Nonattendance” are explained as not logging in for the first of the semester and no “log-in”s for the
first four days. Thus possible grounds for removal from class or reduction of grade
Academic Support
Center for Academic Success
The new Center for Academic Success (CAS) provides services, programs, and opportunities to help all
undergraduate students succeed academically. The CAS offers free appointment-based peer tutoring
in core courses, as well as supplemental instruction (SI)—which is peer-facilitated collaborative
learning—in a variety of disciplines. Students seeking help with study skills and strategies can attend
workshops though the Academic Success Workshop series, or work individually with either a staff or
peer Academic Coach. Beginning Fall 2014, the CAS will also offer “Back on Track,” a voluntary
academic recovery program designed for students who want to improve their grades and academic
standing.
The Center for Academic Success is located in UCC 200, and can be reached at 678-839-6280. Our
email address is cas@westga.edu. Beth Spencer serves as the Director of the Center for Academic
Success, and Christie Williams serves as the Associate Director. Kim Parris coordinates outreach to
at-risk first-year students, and Carrie Ziglar coordinates the peer learning programs. A new
coordinator for second-year at-risk students will be in place by the end of Fall semester.
If you have any questions or concerns about Smarthinking, please contact the DDEC's
UWG|Online Help Desk, and your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate representative:
online@westga.edu or 678-839-6248.
American with Disabilities Act Statement
Students with a documented disability may work with UWG Accessibility Services to receive
essential services specific to their disability. All entitlements to accommodations are based
on documentation and USG Board of Regents standards. All students are provided with
equal access to classes and materials, regardless of special needs, temporary or permanent
disability, special needs related to pregnancy, etc. For more information, please contact
Disability Services at the University of West
Georgia:http://www.westga.edu/studentDev/index_8884.php.
If you are a student whom is disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act
and requires assistance or support services, please notify me prior to attempting any
activities or assessments in this course.
Updated December 9, 2014
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UWG Accessibility Services
http://www.westga.edu/counseling/4486.php
Brightspace by D2L
http://www.brightspace.com/about/accessibility/
https://documentation.desire2learn.com/en/Using%20assistive%20technology%20in%20Desi
re2Learn
Blackboard Collaborate
http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Collaborate/Products/Blackboard-Collaborate/WebConferencing/Accessibility.aspx
YouTube
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/189278?hl=en
Academic Honesty Statement/Plagiarism Software
Each faculty member will use the Academic Honesty Statement and policies developed by
his/her discipline unit.
University of West Georgia Student Code of Conduct 2014-2015
The content of this handbook was the most up-to-date information available at the time of printing.
However, polices and procedure updates may happen during an academic year. Please refer to the
University of West Georgia website for the most current version of these policies, processes, and
procedure. This handbook is published by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
For questions or more information, please call 678-839-6423.
2.00 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY All forms of academic dishonesty, including, but not limited
to cheating*, fabrication*, plagiarism*, and facilitating or allowing academic dishonesty in any
academic exercise.
.01 Cheating: Cheating means using, attempting to use or aiding others in using
unauthorized materials, information or study aids. It also means gaining unauthorized
access to unauthorized materials.
.02 Fabrication: Fabrication means falsification or unauthorized invention of any
information or citation.
.03 Plagiarism: Plagiarism means representing the words or ideas of another as one’s
own. Direct quotations must be indicated and ideas of another must be appropriately
acknowledged.
Retrieved December 5, 2014 http://www.westga.edu/assetsSA/handbook/Student_Code_of_Conduct_Final_20142015_(Aug_22).pdf
See the Honor Code for additional examples of academic dishonesty.
Updated December 9, 2014
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It is also good practice to include a statement notifying students of any plagiarism software (such as
Turnitin) being used in the course and the consequences of plagiarism if detected.
Privacy Policies
Online Privacy
This course may require you to work with other sites and entities beyond UWG and
CourseDen (Brightspace D2L) where some personal information (e.g. your name, affiliation
with UWG, or current employment) may be displayed. You have the right to regulate the
displaying of information pertaining to yourself on the Internet. If you are uncomfortable
displaying information you deem overly personal, you may take steps (such as posting
online your first name and last initial only or other pseudonym) to post more anonymously.
You also agree to respect other people’s wishes to remain anonymous.
Links to and from Third-Party Sites
There may be links established between this course and other entities and sites on the
World Wide Web, Internet or other areas that are not under the control of, nor maintained
by your professor(s) or the University of West Georgia (UWG). These links do not
necessarily constitute an endorsement by your professor(s) or UWG, and UWG has no
obligation to monitor such sites, and user agrees that neither your professor(s) nor UWG is
responsible for the content of such sites, or any technical or other problems associated with
any such third-party site, links, or usage.
Desire2Learn
http://www.brightspace.com/legal/privacy/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/static?template=privacy_guidelines
Wimba
http://www.wimba.com/legal/privacy/
Blackboard Collaborate
http://www.blackboard.com/Footer/Privacy-Policy.aspx
Turnitin
http://turnitin.com/en_us/about-us/privacy-center/privacy-pledge
CoursEval
http://www.connectedu.com/courseval/helpcenter/Policies/CoursEvalPrivacyPolicy.htm
UWG Email Policy
University of West Georgia students are provided a MyUWG e-mail account. The University
Updated December 9, 2014
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considers this account to be an official means of communication between the University and
the student. The purpose of the official use of the student e-mail account is to provide an
effective means of communicating important university related information to UWG students
in a timely manner. It is the student’s responsibility to check his or her email (University of
West Georgia Student Code of Conduct).
Equal Opportunity Statement
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or
disability, be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or
otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by UWG.
Affirmative Action Statement
The University of West Georgia adheres to affirmative action policies to promote diversity
and equal opportunity for all faculty and students.
Updated December 9, 2014