CSULB
Sociology 142
Office Hours: T & TH (2-3pm)
Welcome to Sociology 142 (Social Problems)
Topics By Week:
Topic #1: Introduction to Social Problems
Topic #8:
Topic #2: Power and Political Inequality
Topic #9:
Topic #3: Economic Change, Work & Globalization Topic
#10:
Topic #4: Wealth, Poverty, and Social Welfare Topic #11:
Topic #5: Ethnic and Racial Inequality
Topic #12:
Topic #6: Problems of Families, Gender & Sexuality Topic
#13:
Topic #7: Population Trends & Urban Problems I
Population Trends & Urban
Problems II
International Migration & Its
Discontents
Environmental Problems and
Justice
Aging, Disease & Health
Problems
Problems of K-12 & Higher
Education
Problem of Illicit/Criminal
Behavior, The
Criminal Justice System &
Terrorism
Class Requirements:
3 In-Class Exams (25% Each)……………..…………… 75%
Short Research Paper (3-Pages, Single-Space)......... 20%
Class Attendance & Participation……………….……… 05%
Extra Credit Film Critique…………………….…………..5 Points (Maximum)
Note on Extra-Credit:
You may earn up to 5 extra credit points toward your final exam by completing a film analysis on a
contemporary social problem. A list of suggested films and documentaries will be posted on
Beachboard by the second week of classes. More details, including instructions, about the extra
credit will be provided in a separate handout.
Note on Course Examinations and Short Research Paper:
Students will be tested via three in-class exams. Each exam will include essay questions, term
identification questions, and multiple choice questions. Questions will come from course readings
and lecture material. The third examination will be completed the day of the final exam. In addition,
each student will complete a 3-page (single-space) paper on a contemporary social problem of
his/her choice. The paper will rely on news media sources for data. Students can choose to focus
on a local, statewide, national, or global social problem. More details about the short analytical
paper will be provided in a separate handout.
Required Textbooks and Readings:
Thomas Sullivan (2012). Introduction to Social Problems (9 th Edition). Pearson Publishing.
Robert B. Reich (2012). Aftershock: The Next Economy and America’s Future (Updated Edition).
New York: Vintage.