SYG2010 - Intro to Sociology - Fall 2015-1
Tuesdays 5:40 to 8:10 PM in room 3224
Syllabus
Instructor: Alejandro Angee, Ph.D.
Office: 3506-3 Phone: (305) 237 3180 Email: aangee@mdc.edu
Office Hours: Monday and Tuesday: 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Web: http://faculty.mdc.edu/aangee
Course Description
This course will focus on the nature, extent, causes, and policy implications in a variety of social problems.
Issues like poverty, homelessness, crime and violence, or racism and discrimination have become common
phenomena in the modern world. In this sense, the sociological examination of social problems can provide
many explanations regarding the existence and state of these and other contemporary issues. This examination
will be based on scientific analysis of social problems in contemporary societies using a variety of contexts such
as sociological theory, social research, the mass media and, your own experiences.
Class Policy for Lecture and Discussion
Class lectures will result from ideas and materials associated with textbook concepts and assigned readings.
These are intended to improve your understanding of the readings and topics covered in the class. A great deal
of classroom time will be dedicated to group discussion; consequently, students MUST KEEP UP WITH THE
WEEKLY READINGS and actively participate in class with questions and responses (this is vital to your
success in this course).
Course Objectives
The “world” of social problems is plagued with complex definitional, analytical and interpretational issues. At
the heart of the matter, is the notion that social problems are often embedded in political interpretations and
representations of the issues they entail; thus, making scientific generalizations difficult to assert. As a result this
course will set out to:
1. Provide students with the necessary analytical skills for understanding and evaluating social problems
and the social interactions from which they emerge.
2. Engage students with the theoretical approaches that seek to explain social problems and how they
relate to (a) sociology as a science, and (b) real world practicalities.
3. Familiarize the student with the role that research – as a scientific tool – has on the analysis and
understanding of social problems.
Required Textbook and Additional Resources
 Social Problems, by Kornblum and Julian, 14th Edition.
Grading Policy
There will be two Policy Papers during the semester. These will take the place of your midterm and your
final and will require some research and writing. These are 15 points each and together account for 30 percent of
your final grade.
A final project will consist of 20 percent of your grade. Students will have freedom in deciding what kind of
project they carry out during the semester, but it must be presented to the class at the end of the semester. The
objective of this assignment is to get you to practice sociology by going out into the “world” for a close view
and analysis of social problems affecting our community. Students will have the option of participating in the
college’s service learning program or of writing a research paper of a particular social problem discussed in the
course.
7/25/2016
During the semester, each student will have to write 8 current event articles from The New York Times,
Miami herald, Washington Post, or any renowned source on a social problem that corresponds to that week’s
topic. Discussion must include a description and analysis of the issue, and how it relates the course content. In
addition, students must sign up for to discuss their current events once during the semester. This part of your
assignment is worth 10 points.
Attendance to class is mandatory. Students have two excused/unexcused absences. Any additional absence
will result in the loss of a letter grade.
The breakdown of your final grade is as follows:
Item
Policy Paper 1
Policy paper 2
Final Project
Current Events 8X(5pts)
Current Event Discussions
Total
Points
15
15
20
40
10
100
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 59 and below
Course/Departmental Policies
 Semester deadlines and important dates can be found at: http://www.mdc.edu/main/about/academic_calendar.asp
 Students with Disabilities or Special Needs: Please let me know if you need any special accommodations.
 Academic Honesty: Students that are found responsible for academic misconduct, will be subject to the
Academic Misconduct Procedures and Sanctions outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities
Handbook: www.mdc.edu/policy/student_rights_and_responsibilities.pdf
 If You Miss a Class: Please do not email your professor to ask if you “missed something important” the day
you were absent! Surely you missed something important! Please follow your syllabus closely, download the
power points from the website, and call or ask a classmate if you need the notes for that day.
o Please note that I will not take any assignments through email. If you are not coming to class, you must
make arrangements to get the assignment into me, in paper.
 Cell Phone Policy: ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONE USE IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM. ANY
USE OF CELLPHONES OR TEXTING IN THE CLASS WILL RESULT IN THE AUTOMATIC LOSS
OF 5 POINTS FROM THE PARTICIPATION GRADE AND MAY RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM
THE CLASSROOM IF BEHAVIOR CONTINUES AFTER FAIR WARNING!!!!
Student Learning Outcomes at MDC
According to the Miami Dade College’s Learning Outcomes website, “Miami Dade College Learning Outcomes
are learning goals that emphasize the lifelong skills needed to be successful in work and life and to participate in
our society as a global citizen.” At MDC, these Learning Outcomes are developed and used across the spectrum
of educational and co-curricular activities that make up the students’ major courses of study (www.mdc.edu/learningoutcomes).
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
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Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities.
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.
2
Semester Schedule
Week 1
Week 2
Introduction to class: social Problems
 Review syllabus and class assignments
 Clarify expectations of class and instructor
Week 3
Social Perspectives on Social Problems
 Lecture and Discussion
Week 4
Problems of Health and Health Care
 Lecture and Discussion
Week 5
Problems of Mental Illness and Treatment
 Lecture and Discussion
Film: Fault lines
Alcohol and other Drugs
 Lecture and Discussion
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Crime and Violence
 Lecture and Discussion
 Film: Miami Mega Jail
Policy Paper due
Poverty Amid Influence
Lecture and Discussion
Racism, Prejudice and Discrimination
 Lecture and Discussion
Week 10
Gender and Sexuality
 Lecture and Discussion
Week 11
The Changing Family
 Lecture and Discussion
Week 12
Problems of Education
 Lecture and Discussion
Week 13
Week 14
Problems of Work and the Economy
 Lecture and Discussion
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Student Presentations
Week 15
Student Presentations
Week 16
Student Presentations
Week 17
Policy Paper 2
3
 Social Problems: chapter 1
 C. Wright Mills, The
Sociological Imagination
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 2
 Current Event 1
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 3
 Current Event 2
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 4
 Current Event 3
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 5
 Current Event 4
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 6
Current event 5
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 7
 Current event 6
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 8
 Current Event 7
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 10
 Current event 8
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 11
Current event 9
DUE
 Social Problems: chapter 12
Current event 10