SOC 102 Social Problems Yon, C.
Spring 2013-14
M/W/F 10:00-10:53 am
ACD #303
Instructor Information
Instructor: Carrie Yon, Instructor of Criminal Justice
Social Sciences Division
Office: A318
Office Hours: M/W/F
T
Th
11:00am-12:30pm
12:00-1:00pm by appt.
Email: carrie.yon@gogebic.edu
Telephone: 906-932-4231 ext. 291
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth study of social problems within our society and the world in general. Social concerns such as health care and illness, alcohol and drug use, crime and criminal behavior, family problems, poverty and economic inequality, gender inequality, stereotyping, racism, globalization problems, pollution, stereotyping, aging and death, education and work issues, local social problems, and others are analyzed. Through discussion and assignments, students are exposed to modern social problems.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:
•
Answer the question: “What is a social problem?”
•
Explain objective and subjective elements and reasons for variability in definitions of social problems within a society, between societies, and over time.
•
Examine specific issues and concerns of the current social problems in our country.
•
Recognize how structural and cultural factors contribute to social problems by reviewing personal stories of how social problems have affected individual lives.
•
Become aware of personal beliefs and attitudes regarding numerous social problems by participating in the “Self and Society” surveys.
•
Contrast different theoretical perspectives, explain the fundamental concepts of these perspectives, and use these concepts to help explain and solve social problems.
•
Identify local social problems within your community.

SOC 102 Social Problems Yon, C.
Required Book: Mooney, Knox and Schacht. Understanding Social Problems, Sixth
Edition. Thompson Wadsworth, 2009.
Grading Policy
The final grade for the course will be based on the student’s total accumulation of points from three exams, chapter open-book quizzes, and various chapter assignments throughout the semester. Grades are given as a ratio of total points earned to total points possible.
The final grade will be calculated as follows:
95-100%
90-94%
87-89%
A
A-
B+
84-86%
80-83%
77-79%
74-76%
B
B-
C+
C
70-73%
67-69%
64-66%
C-
D+
D
60-63% D-
59% or lower F
Attendance and Course Expectations

Attendance is mandatory; roll will be taken each class period. Your class attendance is imperative for overall success in this course.

Participation in classroom discussions and in-class assignments is very important and much of this work cannot be made up.

If you do miss class, e-mail or call me. If it is possible for work to be made up, I will assist you if the absence is due to serious illness or emergency.

It is the student’s responsibility to stay in tune with classroom announcements and reading assignments by checking with another student if it is necessary to miss a class. You are responsible for material covered in class and for all work assigned, regardless of your other responsibilities. Do not contact me for complete lecture material if you miss a class.

Students turning in late papers and assignments will be automatically docked 50% of the possible points.

SOC 102 Social Problems Yon, C.

You are required to take all three exams on the given exam day. If you notify me of your intended absence of the testing day in advance (PRIOR to taking the exam) you may then be scheduled for a make-up exam within 5 business days. Be aware that the make-up exam may include essay portions.

Make-up exams must be taken within 5 business days from the date of the scheduled exam. Exams taken after this time frame will be automatically docked
50% of the points.
Classroom Etiquette

Students are expected to be respectful and display courteous and proper conduct to the instructor and other students. Your behavior affects other student learning.
 Cell phones, texting and other electronics usage are prohibited during class time.
Cell phones must be put on silent mode while you are in the classroom.

Sleeping during class is considered inappropriate and disrespectful- if you must sleep during class, please do not attend.

Be on time for class. Advise me if you know you will be late for class or leave early, and try to do so with a minimum of disruption. Walking into the classroom once the class had started is disrespectful and disruptive.
 Many assignments in this class involve group work. When working with other students, be courteous and responsible It is important that you participate in the group assignments- do not sit back and let others do the work for you.

Do not bring children to class. Many of the topics we cover may involve issues that are inappropriate for children.
Dishonesty, Cheating
Dishonesty of any kind, including cheating on examinations or any assigned work, may be dealt with in any manner deemed suitable by the instructor, including the recording of a failing grade for the course. Cheating on examinations may also result in the student appearing before the Student Personnel Committee and possible suspension from school if circumstances warrant.
Academic Support/Advisement
Support is available for all students through the services provided in the campus Student
Services Center. Tutoring in most subjects is free through the college’s ACES Center:
Center for Academic Choices, Enrichment, and Success. Check with ACES staff to see if tutors are available for you. Tutorial times are posted at the beginning of each semester.

SOC 102 Social Problems Yon, C.
ADA Accommodation Statement for Students with Disabilities
If you believe that you need academic accommodations for a disability that qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact the Office of Disability Services, located in office T105E of the ACES
Center, call 906.932.4231 x 271, or e-mail daylej@gogebic.edu
to discuss your needs and the process for requesting accommodations. This office is responsible for coordinating disability-related academic accommodations and will issue students with verification letters as appropriate. Since accommodations may require early planning and generally are not provided retroactively, please contact the office as soon as possible.

SOC 102 Social Problems Yon, C.
CLASS SCHEDULE: Spring 2013-14
WEEK 1: 01/13-01/17 CH 1: Thinking About Social Problems
WEEK 2: 01/20-01/24 CH 2: Illness and the Health Care System
WEEK 3: 01/27-01/31 CH 3: Alcohol and Other Drugs
WEEK 4: 02/03-02/07 CH 3: Alcohol and Other Drugs
WEEK 5: 02/10-02/14 CH 4: Crime and Social Control
EXAM 1- Chapters 1-4_______________________________
WEEK 6: 02/17-02/21 CH 5: Family Problems
WEEK 7: 02/24-02/28 CH 5: Family Problems
CH 6: Poverty and Economic Inequality
WEEK 8: 03/03-03/07 CH 6: Poverty and Economic Inequality
SPRING BREAK 03/10 - 03/14
WEEK 9: 03/17-03/21 CH 7: Work and Unemployment
WEEK 10: 03/24-03/28 CH 8: Problems in Education
EXAM 2- Chapters 5-8________________________________
WEEK 11: 03/31-04/04 CH 9: Race, Ethnicity and Immigration
WEEK 12: 04/07-04/11 CH 10: Gender Inequality
WEEK 13: 04/14-04/16 CH 10: Gender Inequality
04/18 No Class--- GCC Closed
WEEK 14: 04/21 No Class--- GCC Closed
04/23-04/25 CH 11: Issues in Sexual Orientation
WEEK 15: 04/28-05/02 CH 12: Problems of Youth and Aging
FINALS WEEK: 05/05-05/07 EXAM 3- Chapters 9-12___________________
DATE AND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED