Hill College
112 Lamar Drive
Hillsboro, TX 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Prefix and Number
SOCI 1306
Section:
Course Title
Semester:
Social Problems
Instructor:
Contact: Phone:
E-mail:
ACGM Description:
SOCI 1306 Social Problems
Application of sociological principles to the major problems of contemporary society such as
inequality, crime and violence, substance abuse, deviance, or family problems.
Catalog Description:
Using sociological analysis, the course covers a number of contemporary social problems related
to America. The analysis of the social problems includes descriptive content, causes and
solutions
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Semester Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: NONE
Introduction and Purpose:
In this course, we will examine the ways in which society shapes family life and the family, in turn,
shapes society. What is a family? What do families look like today? How is this different from the
past? How do race, class, and gender differences play out in family life? How do changes in
economic times affect the family? How does your family background influence the kind of life you
are likely to lead? What is singlehood? How is sexuality important and relevant to daily life and
social life? What factors influence dating and marriage? What are the causes and consequences
of divorce? What are the advantages/disadvantages of parenthood versus childlessness? How
do power dynamics and family violence shape the family? How does the family system affect
schools, churches, politics and the legal system? These and many other questions will be
addressed in this course.
Instructional Materials:
Textbooks:
Macionis, J. (2015). Social Problems, 6th Ed. Pearson Publications.
Supplies & Materials:
Pens, paper, and other basic school supplies; computing technology with internet access and
document-writing s, including MS Office or other basic software (as per instructor); Hill College
Email and Blackboard access
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Describe how the sociological imagination can be used to explain the emergence and
implications of contemporary social problems.
2. Explain the nature of social problems from at least one sociological perspective, e.g.
critical, functional, interpretive, etc.
3. Identify multidimensional aspects of social problems including the global, political,
economic, and cultural dimensions of social problems.
4. Discuss how solutions to social problems are often contentious due to diverse values in
society.
5. Describe how the proposed solutions to a social problem, including social policies, may
bring rise to other social problems.
Source: Texas Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual, Spring 2015.
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described, in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Methods of Evaluation.”
An Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s)
Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account
global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will
develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in
their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the assistance of the Undergraduate Education
Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42 semester credit hour core
curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a statement of purpose, six core
objectives, and common component areas.
Statement of Purpose
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human
cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social
responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are
essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically evaluates the objectives included in the
Foundational Component Area of Behavioral Science.
Table: State of Texas Required Objectives for SOCI 1306: Social Problems
Core Objective
College SLO
Critical
Thinking Skills
CT1: Generate and
communicate ideas by
combining, changing or
reapplying existing
information
Communication
Skills
Use Any
CS1: Develop, interpret,
and express ideas
through written
communication
Communication
Skills
Use Any
Communication
Skills
Use Any
CS2: Develop, interpret,
and express ideas
through oral
communication
CS3: Develop, interpret,
and express ideas
through visual
communication
Course
SLO
General Learning Activities
Assessment
1,2,3,4,5
Students will develop a clearly
defined statement regarding a social
problem, identify its many
dimensions, examine solutions, and
evaluate the impact of policy and
revise as needed.
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
1,2,3,4,5
Students will apply concepts and
theories relevant to social problems
through written work.
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
1,2,3,4,5
Students will apply concepts and
theories relevant to social problems
through oral communication.
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
1,2,3,4,5
Students will apply concepts and
theories relevant to social problems
through visual communication.
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Empirical and
Quantitative
Skills
EQS2: Manipulate and
analyze observable
facts and arrive at an
informed conclusion
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR1: Demonstrate
intercultural competence
1,2,3,4,5
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR2: Identify civic
responsibility
1,2,3,4,5
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR3: Engage in
regional, national and
global communities
1,2,3,4,5
1,2,3,4,5
Students will examine public opinion,
class standing, and other social
statistics, draw conclusions regarding
public need and policy impact, and
project future trends.
Students will identify social problems
at the global level, interpret the
potential contributors to problems,
and examine the potential impact of
solutions within various societies.
Students will define social problems
at the local, state, and national levels,
identify ways in which personal,
corporate, and governmental
responsibility shapes problems and
solutions.
Students will define social problems
at the local, state, and national levels,
identify ways in which individual
involvement shapes problems and
solutions, and examine barriers to
personal involvement.
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
Rubric, exam
or embedded
assessment
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Method of Evaluation”.
Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Methods of Instruction:
This course will be taught face-to-face and/or by various distance learning delivery methods.
Audio-visual materials and computer-based technology will be used when appropriate.
Students will be shown how to use a calculator where appropriate.
Methods of Evaluation:
Grades in this course will be approximately 50% exams. The remaining 50% will come from
assignments and other required, non-test items assigned by the instructor and specified in the
class-specific schedule or course syllabus.
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
A
B
C
D
F
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
Course Outline:
Class policies: Regular attendance at all class meetings (online or in person) is expected.
Disruptions in class or inappropriate postings will not be tolerated.
Topic Outline:
I. SOCIOLOGY’S BASIC APPROACH
A. Sociology: Studying Social Problems
II. PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY
A. Poverty and Wealth
B. Racial and Ethnic Inequality
C. Gender Inequality
D. Aging and Inequality
III. PROBLEMS OF DEVIANCE, CONFORMITY, AND WELL-BEING
A. Crime, Violence, and Criminal Justice
B. Sexuality
C. Alcohol and Other Drugs
D. Physical and Mental Health
IV. PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
A. Economy and Politics
B. Work and the Workplace
C. Family Life
D. Education
E. Urban Life
V. GLOBAL PROBLEMS
A. Population and Global Inequality
B. Technology and the Environment
C. War and Terrorism
Disabilities/ADA
Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504
coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to
comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which
incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended:
Name:
Dr. Heather Kissack
Position:
Executive Director of Human Resources
Address:
112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Telephone:
(254) 659-7731
Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will
enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students
should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details at:
254.659.7650 for Hillsboro, 817.760.5650 for Cleburne, or 817.295.7392 for Burleson.
EEO Statement
Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The
college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in the administration of its
educational programs, activities, or employment policies.
Instructor’s Class Content:
See next page for specific instructor requirements and information.