**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Soc 1B: Introduction to Social Problems – Spring 2010
Meeting time: Tu/Th 11:20 AM – 12:40 PM
Location: SS 205
Instructor: Dr. Robin Kreider
Phone: 848 - 4862
Email: rkreider@gavilan.edu
Website: http://hhh.gavilan.edu/rkreider/
Office: PH 108 (near math lab and MESA)
Office Hours: M/W 11am - 12:30 & Tu 1-2 pm or by appointment
"I try to be objective. I do not claim to be detached." C. Wright Mills
Course Description: This course is designed to provide an overview of how sociologists understand,
identify, and address social problems. The social problems examined in this course are only a selection of
the many topics that could be covered and it serves as an introduction to the variety of problems that are
addressed by sociologists. We will examine such issues as economic globalization, immigration, poverty,
inequalities in educational and employment opportunities, race and gender inequality, and the decline in
social connections. We will critically examine these social issues, their presence in our lives, and the
extent to which they can be defined as social problems. Through interactive methods in the classroom,
video, service-learning projects in the community, and the reading of highly engaging texts, we will
explore the root causes of these social problems. We will also search for potential solutions.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course, however this course is a transfer-level course
and I have the same expectations of students in this class that I would have of students at a CSU or UC.
There is a respectable amount of reading and writing in this course as well as a high level of critical and
analytical thinking and writing expected. This course will not require you to ‘memorize’ things, but to
engage with the material, analysis it, and critically reflect on yourself, society, and others.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
 Describe and analyze what constitutes a social problem
 Explain and analyze what particular social problems exist in terms of one or more useful social
theories
 Employ the scientific method to analyze competitive cause and effect explanations for any given
social problem
 Evaluate practical alternatives for ameliorating social problems through the use of sociological
methodology
 Examine, analyze, and address social problems in surrounding communities
 Enter, participate in, and exit a community with respect and integrity
 Demonstrate reciprocity and responsiveness in service work with surrounding communities
Required Texts and Materials: The following books are available at the campus store (*be sure to get
the correct edition if you buy on the Internet – check the ISBN #*).
 Annual Editions Sociology 09/10 ISBN # 978-0-07-8127722-4
 The Working Poor by David Shipler ISBN # 978-0-375-70821-3
 Additional readings on reserve at the library or available online (CR)
 Composition book for journal writing (since you will carry this to every class meeting, I suggest
getting a hard cover composition book)
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Readings: Readings are assigned to prepare you for the upcoming lectures and discussion section. It is
your responsibility to do the assigned readings on your own BEFORE class so you are familiar with
the topics and issues being discussed. All lectures and in-class activities will be based on the
assumption that students have completed the readings assigned up to that date.
Course Requirements: All detailed directions for assignments will be passed out in class. **You must
complete ALL of the following assignments to pass the class**

Service Learning Project (300 points 30% of grade): Over the course of the semester you will
have the opportunity to learn about the diversity and needs of the communities surrounding Gavilan
first hand. You will engage in a service learning project, whereby you actively apply the knowledge
you have gained in the classroom by providing your time and services to address real community
needs. This class will work with several community organizations to actively address social issues in
our community. I will hand out a detailed assignment during the second week of class. The
requirements for this project are:
1. 20 hours of service over the semester
2. Service Learning Research Paper
3. 5 minute class presentation during the last week of classes

Guided Journal (300 points 30% of grade): You will keep a guided journal where you respond to
questions or problems presented to you in class. You will be asked to do journal writing both in class
and out of class. The journal writing will be graded on quality and not quantity. I will collect the
journals several times over the semester (unannounced) for grading and evaluation.

Exams (300 points 30% of grade): Two take-home essay exams will be assigned over the
semester.

Leading Class Discussion (100 points 10% of grade): Once during the semester you will lead a
discussion of one or more readings assigned for the week. This discussion should include a creative,
interactive, and engaging response to the reading(s) and two discussion questions for the class to
consider. You will be graded on comprehension and creativity. You will be provided with a sign up
sheet for the week of your choice at the beginning of the semester.
Grading Scale: I do not grade on a curve. I am happy to give everyone an A if everyone does A-quality
work.
A: 100- 95.0%
A-: 94.9 – 90%
B+: 89.9 – 88.0%
B: 87.9% - 84%
B-: 83.9% - 80%
C: 79.9 – 78.0%
B: 77.9% - 74%
B-: 73.9% - 70%
D+: 69.9 – 68.0%
D: 67.9% - 60%
F: 59.9% and below…
Policy on Due Dates:
 Papers and assignments are due IN THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF CLASS on the date
indicated in the syllabus or on the assignment handout. It is the student’s responsibility to be
aware of these dates. For each calendar day an assignment/paper is late the student will lose
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
**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
one full letter grade from the grade assigned to the student’s work. No late assignments/papers
will be accepted after three days.
No make-ups exams allowed.
Important Dates to Know:
 Feb 9th Last day to ADD a class
 Feb 17th Last day to DROP a class with a
refund
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
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March 4th NRS deadline
April 28th Last day to drop with a “W”
May 24-28 Final Exams
Student Responsibilities:
 Course Etiquette: The success of a large class depends on everyone’s cooperation. Actions such
as arriving late, leaving class early, talking to friends, making/receiving phone calls, and reading
newspapers or other non-course materials are disruptive, distracting, and unacceptable. Do not
shuffle papers or pack up your things until I have dismissed the class – it is extremely rude and will
not be tolerated. Students should let the instructor know if they are having difficulties reaching class
on time or if they need to leave class early. Cell phones, pda’s, iPod’s and other electronic
equipment are not allowed in class at any time. Course grades will be affected if students persist in
disruptive activities without an explanation. Students will be asked to leave the classroom if their
behavior disturbs others.
o NOTE: Students will be required to leave class under the following circumstances:
Arriving late, talking on or texting on cell phones, sleeping, or doing homework for other
classes.

Attendance and Participation: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” - Woody Allen
o While attendance will not count for 80% of your grade, it will be difficult to be successful
in this class without regular attendance and participation. Attendance will be taken at each
class meeting and engaged participation is expected during all class meetings. This class
requires a high level of interaction and engagement with me, your fellow students, and
members of your community. Opinions and class debates are encouraged, but I ask that
students provide well informed arguments preferably related to class materials (by doing
this we avoid getting into debates based solely on emotion).As a participant in the course,
you are expected to respect the ideas and opinions of others even if you do not agree with
them. Some of the lectures, readings, and discussions in this class may challenge your own
beliefs and ideas. Therefore, you should be prepared to have an open, engaged mind.
 If you are absent it is your responsibility to contact the instructor for any missed
assignments or announcements.
*I reserve the right (but not obligation) to drop students with more than four consecutive or six
cumulative unexcused absences or incidents of tardiness.* However, if you decide to drop the course it
YOUR responsibility to take the necessary actions to drop the course.

Academic Integrity: You are responsible for your own work. If you are questioning whether you
have documented or cited your sources properly, it is your responsibility to see me about these issues
prior to submitting an assignment. If you find yourself thinking about submitting work that is not
your own due to pressure, frustration, or any other reason, please talk with me. I am here to help you
resolve these issues before they could negatively affect your academic career. Misrepresenting your
work will not be tolerated in this class. Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in an F for the assignment and further
disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.

Additional Needs: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual,
or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, and the Disabled Student Services
Office. If you have any temporary or long-term special needs (academic, physical, personal) please
contact me during my office hours or after class. Do not wait till the last minute to inform me of a
problem, as it will be more difficult personal situation occurs let me know as soon as possible. I am
supportive and understanding of most situations (I respect your right to privacy, so details are not a
requirement to find a way to work it out.)
Course Schedule
DATE
TOPIC
2/4
Introductions: Looking at
social problems
2/9
2/11
Sociological Imagination:
Personal Troubles &
Social Issues
Defining Social Problems
2/16
Are we moral?
READINGS DUE
Week One
Week Two
Mills, C Wright Sociological Imagination
http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/~wood/207socimagi
nation.htm
Glassner, Barry The Culture of Fear: Why
American are Afraid of the Wrong Things,
Introduction (CR)
Week Three
Annual Editions Reading #2 Denial of Virtue
ASSIGNMENT DUE
Copies of SL Application
& SL Best Practices
Annual Editions Reading #6 Dubious Value of Value
Neutrality
2/18
Creating Social Change:
Social Justice Vs Charity
2/23
Creating Social Change:
Social Justice Vs Charity
2/25
Creating Social Change:
Individuals or
Communities?
3/2
American Culture: What
do we really value?
3/4
Does Money Make Us
Happy?
3/9
Alienation: Are we
disconnected?
Mosle, Sara The Vanity of Volunteerism
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980
DE2DC1230F931A35754C0A9669C8B63&n=Top/
Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/V/Volunteers
Week Four
Singer, Peter What should a billionaire give and
what should you
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/17/magazine/17ch
arity.t.html?_r=1
Annual Editions Reading # 8 Worth Every Penny
Stoecker, Randy Community Organizing and Social
Change (CR)
Week Five
The New Politics of Consumption, Juliet Schor
http://bostonreview.net/BR24.3/schor.html
Copies of Signed Service
Learning Plan & Gavilan
Agreement Form
Annual Editions Reading #32 Reversal of Fortune
Week Six
Ritzer, George The McDonaldization of Society (CR)
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
3/11
The Decline of Social
Capital?
Annual Editions Reading #3 The Atrophy of Social
Life
Film: Becoming American
3/16
The New Poor: Poverty at
Work
Week Seven
Annual Editions Reading #4 The Myth of the
“Culture of Poverty”
3/18
What happened to the
American Dream?
Shipler, David Working Poor Introduction
Annual Editions Reading #20 Goodbye Horatio
Alger
3/23
3/25
3/30
Growing Economy and
Growing Poverty
Film: Not Just a Paycheck
The Intersection of
Poverty and Race
4/1
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 1
Week Eight
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 2
Midterm
Annual Editions Reading #33 The Future of
Outsourcing
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 3
Week Nine
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 4
Annual Editions Reading # 39 Putting a Stop to
Slave Labor
4/5-4/9 Spring Break
4/13
Work no one wants to
do…
4/15
4/20
4/29
Summary of SL Interview #1
Annual Editions Reading #11 The Prison Boom and
the Decline of American Citizenship
Family: creating poverty
or secret economy?
Annual Editions Reading #22 Work in Progress
Week Eleven
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 6
Annual Editions Reading #13 Can Marriage be
saved?
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 7
4/22
4/27
Week Ten
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 5
Health, Inequality and
Poverty
Film: Unnatural Causes
5/4
Are our communities
healthy?
5/6
Film: When the Bough
Breaks
5/11
Education and Social
Week Twelve
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 8
Week Thirteen
Sapolsky, Robert Why Zebras Don’t get Ulcers Chp
17 (CR)
Week Fourteen
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 9
Summary of SL Interview #2
Student Activity and Time
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Mobility
Annual Editions Reading #34 Can the Center Hold
5/13
Making Work Work
5/18
Creating Social Change in
Our Community
Creating Social Change in
Our Community
Log & Student Performance
Evaluation (submitted by
agency)
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 10 & 11
Week Fifteen
5/20
Student Presentations
Final Papers
Student Presentations
Final Papers
Journals Due
Week Sixteen
5/25
Final Exam @ 10:30 AM
Final Exam
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