WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
SOC 2020-Social Problems - Fall 2011; Section 007
Friday, 9:35 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. 0128 State Hall
Instructor: Jacqueline Steingold, ACSW. LMSW
email: SteingoldjltVsbcglobal.et; 313-838-6152
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the critical analysis of
contemporary social dilemmas. The course will include an investigation into
the causes and consequences of contemporary social problems, including:
crime, drug use, education, health and health care, ethnicity, gender issues, the
media, poverty, and race.
Students will be introduced to sociological theory to guide the understanding of
contemporary social problems in the United States and the global community.
Students will be expected to develop critical analytical techniques to examine
the social problems beyond the level of description. The class will explore
social problems in an historical context; consider related governmental policies
and proposed solutions.
COURSE GOALS
1. To focus the student's attention on selected social problems and provide
a basis for thinking scientifically about those problems;
2. To provide a framework in which students will perceive social problems
as an integral part of society and not as elements separate form society
3. To present data, knowledge, and opinions as accurately and fairly as
possible
4. To encourage students to think about significant policy and social
implications
5. To understand that "solutions" to social problems often involve
contradictions and trade-offs;
6. To learn that social problems are not necessarily the consequence of
social disorganization and/or breakdown.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the course students should:
1 Be familiar with basic tenninology, including various theories used in
sociological perspectives on social problems;
2 Understand the historical framework to the study of social problems;
* Develop an understanding of the factors that influence the
development of social problems
* Be familiar with social policy issues, both governmental and non­
governmental that relate to social problems;
* Recognize the interrelationship among social problems and how
this contributes to their resolution;
* Be able to distinguish current attitudes, opinions and legislation
related to social problems.
REQUIRED TEXT: Social Problems, 12th edition, 2012, D. Stanley Eitzen,
Maxine Baca Zinn and Kelly Eitzen Smith, Pearson!AB Longman
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA/GRADES
A student's grade should reflect a total view of one's performance in the course.
The following outline will be used to determine grades:
1. Class attendance and participation
2. Quizzes 2
3. Written papers: 3
a. One-page paper fIrst week
b. Research paper (six to eight pages)
c. Two current event articles
Two pages each
Grade Scale: 100-90 = A
89-80
15%
10% each
65%
10%
25%
15% each
= B 79-70 = C 69-60 = D
Advance notifIcation to the instructor is expected when a quiz will be missed or
a written assignment will be late. Points will be deducted for late
assignments. Make-up quizzes will be considered; however, it is the student's
responsibility to discuss this with the instructor. Students are to officially
withdraw from the course if they do not expect to be able to complete the
course.
An Incomplete grade must be requested and a detailed reason given in writing;
the instructor makes the fmal decision on an incomplete grade. Students are
expected to attend class regularly and participate in discussions during class.
Cell phones and aU electronic devices are to be turned off during class.
Please do not text message in class. Course material is to be read IN
ADVANCE of the class. Students are expected to be prepared to discuss major
themes, issues and concerns related to the course.
GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN PAPER
Each student is to select a social problem area and narrow the focus of the
paper; this is a research paper; sources should include books and professional
jouruals; fJ1ms, interviews with individuals are acceptable. This is an academic
paper and must include: an introduction, clear presentation of ideas and
conclusions based on both your research and your own opinions; citations
and a Works Cited page (not included in number of pages) must be
included. Use the APA system of citations; six to eight pages (double-spaced)
in length.
Plagiarism is submitting another's work as your own. This is not acceptable.
Your research paper is a collaboration between you and your sources. To be
fair and ethical, you must acknowledge your sources. Three different acts are
considered plagiarism: 1) failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas; 2)
failing to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks, and 3) failing to put
summaries and paraphrases in your own words.
Please see instructor if you have any questions about this assignment. Submit
your topic in writing by September 16,2011. Paper due no later than
December 9, 2011.
GUIDELINES FOR CURRENT EVENT Articles
Ajournal article is to be a minimum of two typed pages, double-spaced.
This assignment is an opportunity to reflect on material relevant to course
content that is found in magazines, work-related seminars or workshops, and
your own involvement in community and volunteer activities. Utilize news
magazines, sociologicaljoumals, television reports, etc. Include a citation of
the source in APA style, a brief summary of the current event source and you r
own observations, opinions, issues, whether you agree or disagree, etc. Due
September 23 and October 21, 2011.
Quizzes will cover material presented in class, assigned readings, videos, class
discussions and any handouts distributed in class. Lectures may include
material NOT covered in assigned readings; students are responsible for all
required readings regardless of whether they are covered in class.
COURSE OUTLINE - Schedule may be modified by Instructor
DATE
September 2
DISCUSSION
Introduction to the course
Paper assigned on social problem
ASSIGNMENT
Read Chapters I &2
September 9
Sociological Approach Social
Problems Wealth and Power
Read Chapter 4
September 16
Threats to Environment
Research paper topic due
Read Chapter 5
September 23
Demographic Changes in the U.S.
pt current event due
Read Chapter 6
September 30
Problems of Place
Read Chapter 7
Quiz 1 (Chapters 1-6)
October 7
Poverty
Read Chapter 8
October 14
Racial and Ethnic Inequality
Read Chapter 9
October 21
Read Chapter 10
October 28
Gender Inequality
2nd current event paper due
Sexual Orientation
Read Chapter 11
November 4
Disability and Ableism
Read Chapter 12
November 11
November 18
November 25
Crime and Justice
Quiz 2 (Chapters 8-12)
The Economy and Wark
NO CLASS
Read Chapters 15 and 16
December 2
Families and Education
Read Chapter 17
December 9
The Health Care System
Read Chapter 18
December 16
National Security in the 21 st Century
Evaluations & Wrap-Up
Read Chapter 14