EXAMPLE
Saddleback College
Social Problems: Soc 2 Hybrid
Professor April Cubbage
Required Text: Mooney, Linda, David Knox and Caroline Schacht. 2011.
Understanding Social Problems, 8th ed. Cengage:Belmont, CA. ISBN: 10-1-11183786-4 (earlier editions are acceptable).
Course Description: This course will explore contemporary social problems from a
sociological perspective. We will consider a myriad of pressing social issues, with
particular attention to the underlying forces behind social problems. This course will have
an interactive approach and will utilize the textbook and lecture, along with media and
current events to apply sociological concepts.
Catalog Description: Emphasis on the extent, causes, and consequences of a number of
social problems including: poverty, juvenile delinquency, family disorganization,
gender inequality, and race relations. Course includes a Service Learning requirement.
Course Modality: This is a hybrid course; this means that there is a 9 hour online
instructional component to this face to face class. It is essential that you log onto
blackboard this week and take your virtual attendance, read through the orientation and
be prepared to participate in 9 hours of discussion boards and instruction online in
addition to the regular requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify how social location, race-class-gender-sexuality-nationality, affects social
problems.
2. Compare and contrast various social problem programs and/or treatments in terms
of their effectiveness.
3. Apply the three main social theories to various social problems in society.
4. Critically evaluate the proposed ways to alleviate the major social problems
facing society today.
5. Identify whether a specific social problem is being evaluated from a micro or
macro perspective.
Course Expectations: Students are expected to attend each lecture and have the
assigned readings completed prior to class meetings, bring their book to class and be
prepared to discuss the readings and topics in class. Random, short quizzes or
assignments based solely on the readings will be given on occasion, so staying on top of
the assigned readings is crucial. In addition, although the book supplements my lectures,
I do not lecture “off the book”. Therefore, your attendance and careful lecture notes are
very important.
Moreover, your participation is also critical to your success in this class and for your
intellectual exploration and growth. I believe that collaborative learning is the best way
to enhance your academic success in this class and understanding of the course objectives
and outcomes. This course requires active and engaged learning. The good news about
this is you will have the unique opportunity to determine some of the topics covered in
class through small group learning modules. In these modules, you will get to know your
group members well and work weekly with one another in various peer lead facilitations
and in-class group assignments.
If you feel this course is in conflict with your schedule and you will not be able to devote
the time needed each week, or you decide the course is not for you, it is your
responsibility to drop this course. I do however reserve the right to drop you,
if you have missed 4 consecutive classes with no communication with
me. If you are consistently late for class I reserve the right to ask you to leave class,
issue a warning, and/or drop you from the course.
Course Etiquette: You are required and expected to be on time, courteous and respectful
of both the instructor’s and your fellow student’s opinions- ideas and contributions.
Excessive talking, texting, performing work that is not related to the class will not be
tolerated and you will be asked once to cease the disruptive/rude behavior. After that,
you will be asked to leave the class and arrange a meeting with me before returning.
Laptops are permitted but I reserve the right to ask you to close your laptop at anytime
and for any reason. If you need to text or take a phone call, simply exit the classroom.
Disruptive texting (when I see it) will be called out. If you have repeated disruptions
from laptops, phones, notes to one another, eye rolling, talking, etc. I will ask you to
leave the class for the day, so don’t be surprised. This is not to be “hard” but to be
conducive to an environment of teaching for me and learning for everyone else.
Cheating: Plagiarism and/or cheating will not be tolerated in this course and appropriate
actions will be taken according to campus policy. If you are unclear of this policy, please
refer to the Saddleback handbook at http://www.saddleback.edu/media/pdf/handbook.pdf
If I catch you cheating in any form, you will automatically receive an F for the
assignment and will be asked to meet with me to discuss further action before being
allowed back in the class. All of your written papers are submitted through turnitin and
this system checks student papers from around the country and all websites for similarity.
I get a detailed report for each paper; please don’t think about plagiarizing or cheating as
it will be caught.
Extra Credit:
I MAY FROM TIME TO TIME FEEL THERE IS AN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY ON CAMPUS
SUCH AS A GUEST SPEAKER THAT IS APPLICABLE TO OUR COURSE CONTENT AND TO THE
ENRICHEMENT OF YOUR LEARNING AND OFFER EXTRA CREDIT. I RESERVE THE RIGHT
TO GIVE EXTRA CREDIT AND DO NOT DO SO TO BUMP GRADES BUT FOR YOUR
EDUCATIONAL GROWTH. EXTRA CREDIT IS NOT NEGOTIABLE AND IS AT MY
DISCRETION.
Blackboard Attendance (Course Website): Your virtual attendance and participation is
also required as part of a hybrid course. A minimum of nine hours of coursework will be
completed online through blackboard. This system will be used to further enhance
student learning. It will be used to increase interaction among students and faculty,
encourage active learning, facilitate prompt feedback, and be used as a tool to emphasize
the important concepts and issues relating to the course. The system includes such
features as: e-mail, discussion board (required), grades, announcements, study terms, and
quizzes (required). Your username is your Saddleback College e-mail address given to
you at registration (first initial of your first name and your last name plus a number; DO
NOT INCLUDE “@saddleback.edu”) and your password is your Saddleback College email password (usually the last four digits of your social security number plus two zeros
OR your pin number plus two zeros). http://socccd.blackboard.com
Technical Difficulties:
If a student is experiencing difficulties with the website, which extends beyond a few
hours, as the website could be temporarily down, you must immediately contact me.
Questions regarding navigating the website usually can be found by reading the
Blackboard instructions found through the campus website:
http://www.saddleback.edu/itc/user/blackboardfaq.html
For Blackboard or Mysite login problems go to the student distance education help
site at http://www.saddleback.edu/oe/student-resources/StudentHelpDirectory.html
or you can call (949) 582-4357 (HELP)
Online Etiquette:
It is essential that each student be polite and respectful at all times. When posting on the
discussion board, responding to other students’ postings, throughout written assignments,
and via e-mail, courtesy and respect must be maintained. A good thing to keep in mind
is, “would I say this to the person’s face?” or “would I say this to my grandma?” Also
note that offensive language will not be tolerated. If a student is found to be disrespectful
and/or providing a negative learning environment for others he or she will receive a
warning or immediately dropped from the course according to the instructor’s discretion.
Please go to the following websites for information on “Netiquette”:
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/
http://www.chirpingbird.com/netpets/html/computer/emoticon.html
Point Distribution
Discussion Board
3 Exams
Application paper
Service Learning
Poster
In-Class Work
Attendance
50 points
225 points
75 points
75 points
50 points
75 points
50 points
TOTAL
600 points
Grading Scale
539-600
A
479-538
B
419-478
C
359- 418
D
358 or below F
Discussion Board 50 Points: It is required that each student participate on our
course discussion board (there will be 5 discussion boards worth 10 points each). This is
not only a requirement of our hybrid course but also acts as one of your written
assessments. Each student must answer the required discussion board questions (check
course schedule for specific discussion board requirements) as well as discuss the topic
with other students. On particular weeks in which there is a discussion board assignment
you will be required to discuss the given topic throughout the assigned days of that
particular discussion board forum. You will “start a new thread” at the beginning of the
discussion. When you are adding to the discussion or responding to a specific student
you will “reply.” It is required that you engage in a discussion with your fellow students
on each topic, therefore, you should be probing them with additional questions and
offering comments that go beyond a basic statement such as “good job” or “interesting.”
You should be adding to what others have responded and discussing the topic with your
fellow students as well as asking your fellow students additional questions. Please note:
grammar and spelling (the discussion board has spell-check) as well as comprehensive
coverage of the topic will be taken into consideration for grading the discussion board
assignments. Please use black font as well as the default font size for your responses and
replies as it can be difficult to read otherwise.
Some of the discussion board questions require that you incorporate application from
class and some require additional research (in this instance the student is required to cite
the source or sources of the data used). All of the discussion boards will be evaluated for
their depth and writing quality. Please make sure you read the specific discussion board
requirements each week. Note that there will be due dates for each student’s main post,
always due on a Wednesday, as well as a subsequent deadline for responses to other
students (always due by Saturday).
Paper Assignment 75 Points: You will be required to complete a reflection paper
about your service learning experience and how it relates to a social problem and the
course material. Specific paper instructions will be available via our Blackboard website
at least two week prior to the due date. The grading for this assignment is based on
comprehensive coverage of the issue(s), your ability to incorporate application from class
as well as sociological analysis to the issue your service learning addresses, and grammar
and spelling. Papers must be SUBMITTED online via Blackboard only (see specific
paper instructions for submission requirements). All papers must also be uploaded to the
Turnitin link on our class Blackboard website.
Important: You will NOT be allowed to submit a paper without completing your service
learning hours. A large part of your paper is based on your service experience and is
impossible to complete without the volunteer hours.
In-Class Work/Participation Requirements 75 points: Throughout the
semester you will be given in-class group activities, take home assignments, small
writing vignettes, debates and/or other activities. They require you 1) being present 2)
being prepared and 3) being engaged. Simply being in class is not enough. These
activities and assignments are part of your graded work and should be treated as such.
Due to the nature of these assignments, they can not be made up and no exceptions will
be given.
Attendance 50 Points: This is a positive attendance class, meaning admissions and
records require that I turn in attendance hours in order for final grades to be submitted.
You may miss two classes without being penalized. Each absence after your first two
you will lose 5 points, regardless of the reason.
Exams 225 Points: You will be given three exams worth 75 points each based on
your readings, lectures, current event discussion boards and films. The exams are
written, comprised of short-answer/essay questions. A study guide and details about each
exam will be available one week before each exam.
Service Learning Hours 75 Points: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world, indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”—
Margaret Mead
A requirement to pass Soc 2 at Saddleback College is a service learning component. You
will be required to do 12-15 hours of approved community service/volunteer work
(extensive details on service learning, requirements, opportunities and contracts will be
discussed in-depth and you can find the service learning link on our blackboard site).
Your service learning is worth 75 points and must be completed to finish your paper and
poster (worth 125 points combined).
Service Learning Poster 50 Points: You will be required to create a poster of the
social problem you are addressing and about your service learning. We will have a poster
session in class and you will be required to present on your poster briefly and be prepared
to answer questions.
Makeup Examinations/Late Paper Policy: The instructor is under no obligation to
accept late papers or give makeup examinations and will only be considered 1) if
discussed with me in advance (on or prior to the due date or examination date) AND 2)
in the instance of a medical emergency. In either instance written proof of the absence
will be required in order to be considered for approval of a makeup exam or turning in a
late paper. Approved late papers and makeup examinations must be turned in or
completed in a timely manner and will result in a deduction of total possible points (10%
will be deducted for each day past the due date or assigned examination date).
Tentative Course Readings and Outline
(I reserve the right to modify/alter this schedule)
Week 1 (2/12): Introduction to Social Problems
Readings: Chapter 1
Week 2 (2/19): Globalization and Poverty
2/19 Globalization and Global Inequality
Readings: Chapter 6 p. 169-176 and Chapter 7 p. 199-204
2/21 Poverty and Inequality and Film: Camden
Readings: Chapter 6 p. 176-195 and Chapter 7 p. 204-209
Discussion Board #1 Due by 11:59 p.m.
Week 3 (2/26): Human Trafficking
2/26 Guest Speaker in SSC 212
2/28 Human Trafficking lecture
Readings: Chapter 6 p. 209-213
Readings: Chapter 2
Week 4 (3/5): Health Care
3/5 Global Health
3/7 Physical and Mental Health in the U.S.- lecture and Class Debate
Readings: Ch. 2
Week 5 (3/12): Racism and Prejudice
3/12 Exam I
3/14 Racism and Prejudice Lecture and small group discussions
Readings: Chapter 9 p. 265-273 and 281-301
Service Learning Contract Due 3/14
Discussion Board #2 Due by 11:59 p.m.
Week 6 (3/26): Immigration
3/26 Film: Deportation
3/38 Lecture and student debate
Readings: Chapter 9 p. 272-281
Discussion Board #3 Due 3/28 by 11:59 p.m.
Week 7 (4/2): Sexual Inequality
4/2 Film: Tying the Knot
Readings: Chapter 11 and Chapter 5 p. 146-156 ONLY (in 8th edition)
Week 8 (4/9): Social Activism and Change
4/9 Social Activism Conference SSC 212
4/11 Student Poster Session
Readings: TBA
Discussion Board #4 Due 4/10 by 11:59 p.m.
Week 9 (4/16): Gender Inequality
4/16 Lecture and small group discussions
4/18 Lecture
Ch. 10
Week 10 (4/23): Education
4/23 Exam II
4/25 Lecture and student panel
Readings: Chapter 8
Week 11 (4/30): Family Problems
4/30 Lecture
5/2 Guest Speaker
Readings: Chapter 5
Week 12 (5/7): Crime and Criminal Justice
Readings: Chapter 4
*Service learning must be completed, signed-off and submitted to instructor no later
than Thursday, 5/9 in class
Discussion Board #5 Due by 5/9 by 11:59 p.m.
Week 13 (5/14): Alcohol and Drugs
5/14 Lecture
5/16 Student debate, wrap-up and review
Readings: Chapter 3
*Service learning paper due Thursday, 5/16 by 11:59 p.m. via turnitin
Final Exam: Thursday 12:45-2:45
Additional Information:
Tutoring:
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is available for tutoring and can help you with
writing assistance for this course. Please call or visit the LRC department.
(949)582-4519 or Library, room 212
www.saddleback.edu/library/
Special Services
If you should require any specialized assistance in this course, please feel free to talk to
me so we can make arrangements or contact Student Services at
www.saddleback.edu/serv/couns/dsps/ or at SSC113 at (949) 582-4249. If you have
already made arrangements with Student Services, please discuss this with me at the
beginning of the course so I may get the appropriate paperwork.
Computer Lab Information:
Computer labs are located in IMC Lab inBGS248, LAP/ICC in VIL8-06 (in the Village),
VIL3 (in the Village), and SM207 or go to: http://www.saddleback.edu/oe/studentresources/Labs.html to see the various hours and locations
Final Notes: 1)The chapters listed are for the 8th edition. If you have earlier editions,
follow the weekly topic to find you chapters. 2) Each student MUST make sure he or she
keeps up with the course. Once a student is behind in an online course it is almost
impossible for the student to catch up. STAY ORGANIZED AND DO NOT
PROCRASTINATE! 3) Also, most answers to basic course questions can be found in
this syllabus or the website. Please refer to these sources.