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:
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: Pens, paper, and other basic school supplies; computing technology with internet
access, 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.
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
1. Sociology: Studying Social Problems
II. PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY
2. Poverty and Wealth
3. Racial and Ethnic Inequality
4. Gender Inequality
5. Aging and Inequality
III. PROBLEMS OF DEVIANCE, CONFORMITY, AND WELL-BEING
6. Crime, Violence, and Criminal Justice
7. Sexuality
8. Alcohol and Other Drugs
9. Physical and Mental Health
IV. PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
10. Economy and Politics
11. Work and the Workplace
12. Family Life
13. Education
14. Urban Life
V. GLOBAL PROBLEMS
15. Population and Global Inequality
16. Technology and the Environment
17. 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: