SOCIOLOGY 102: Introduction to Social Problems
Fall, 2014: T/TH 12:00-1:15 P.M., Schedule 60139
Syllabus
Instructor: Professor-Ernie L. Zuniga, MSW
Office:
East Faculty Building #106 (760) 768-5526
Email:
ezunigamsw@att.net
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:15 P.M. to 2:15 P.M., or by
appointment
Course Description: This course examines the major social problems
confronting society today: inequality, race and immigration, gender, aging, media
and technology, economic and political change, as well as problems associated
with education, health, drug abuse, sexuality, crime, marriage, urbanization,
globalization, population, and war and terrorism. It discusses causes, effects,
possible solutions, and future trends. Students will examine the interrelationship
of social problems and their roots in fundamental social institutions.
Text: Carl, John. 2013. Think Social Problems, 2nd Edition. Pearson (ISBN
020512562x/9780205125623; copyright year 2013).
Manner in which class will be conducted
 In addition to material covered during class, students will do research and
report on social problems that impact the local community.
 Students will work individually and in small groups and they will be
responsible for the following:
 Reading assignments
 Analyzing issues and concepts
 Discussing topics
 Preparing summaries
 Presenting summaries in class
 Doing community research
 Complete a written report and class presentation
 It is important that all students have the opportunity to participate.
Discussing issues in small groups makes this participation possible, even
in large classes.
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Method of Evaluation
Tests (4) .......................................................................................... 60
Make-up exams will be given only at the discretion of the instructor and
only for those students who have a legitimate excuse.
25% off your score will be deducted for not taking the test on the
scheduled date.
Written Report/Class Presentation ………………………………………………… 20
In small groups students will be responsible for conducting community
research, followed by a 6-7 page report on a local social issue/problem.
The report must be completed following APA format and should include a
face sheet and reference page. The report will include a detailed
description of the social issue/problem (data, stats., etc.), how the issue
impacts Imperial County, local agencies that deal with the issues (services
provided), pro-con arguments, and students' personal evaluation of the
issue. The students will then provide a class presentation on the
issue/problem.
Editorial Letter ………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Students will write a editorial piece (letter) on a local social issue following
the I.V. Press "Voice of the People" Policy (policy will be provided). The
letter should be between 325-350 words and include a face sheet. Letters
that are submitted and published by I.V. Press (optional) will receive extra
credit.
Participation………………………………………………………………………………… 10
Attendance and class participation are essential to the learning process.
(Students will be graded on team effort and ATTITUDE.)
* Extra credit work may be assigned at the discretion of the professor.
* Guest speakers and videos will be arranged to augment the weekly
lectures.
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Disability Services: If you are a student with a disability and believe you will
need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to contact Norma
Aguilar and Student Affairs (Norma: 760 768-5637; Student Affairs: 760 7685502). To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should
contact Norma Aguilar and Student Affairs as soon as possible. Please note that
accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon
disability cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an
accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is
appreciated.
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CLASS SCHEDULE FALL 2014
WEEK 1:
8/26 - Class Introduction - Sign-up for written report/Class presentation
8/28 - Continued
WEEK 2:
9/2 - Ch. #1: Intro. The Study of Social Problems
9/4 - Continued
WEEK 3:
9/9 - Ch. #2: Inequality: Poverty and Wealth
9/11 - Continued
WEEK 4:
9/16 - Ch. #3: Race and Immigration
9/18 - Continued
WEEK 5:
9/23 - EXAM #1 (Ch. #1, 2, 3)
9/25 - Ch. #4: Gender
WEEK 6:
9/30 - Gender Continued
10/2 - Ch. #5: Aging - Social Problems of Growing Old
WEEK 7:
10/7 - Aging continued
10/9 - Ch. #9: Problems in Education
WEEK 8:
10/14 - Problems in Education Continued
10/16 - EXAM #2 (Ch. 4, 5, 9)
WEEK 9:
10/21 - Ch. #10: Physical/Mental Health Care
10/23 - Continued
WEEK 10:
10/28 - Ch. #11: Drug/Alcohol Abuse
10/30 - Continued
*Editorial letter due
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WEEK 11:
11/4 - Ch. #12: Sex/Social Problems Related to Sexuality
11/6 - Continued
WEEK 12:
11/11 - Holiday (Veteran's Day)
11/13 - EXAM #3 (Ch. 10, 11, 12)
WEEK 13:
11/18 - Ch. #13: Crime
11/20 - Crime Continued
WEEK 14:
11/25 - Ch. #15: Social Problems of Marriage/Family
11/27 - Holiday (Thanksgiving)
WEEK 15:
12/2 - Student Presentations
12/4 - Student Presentations
WEEK 16:
12/9 - Student Presentations
12/11 - FINAL EXAM (Ch. #13 and 15)
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