SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
SYLLABUS
FALL2014
Sociology 102 (2) — CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Schedule # 23154
Class times: Wednesday 4-6:40 pm
Classroom: WC 230
Instructor: David Gauss
Office Hours: W 3:00-3:35 pm
Office: NH 210
Voice Mail:(619)594-5522
Email: dgauss@mail.sdsu.edu
TEXT: Mooney, Linda, David Knox, and Caroline Schacht: Understanding Social
Problems. (ANY EDITION)
Belmont, California: Thompson Publishing. ISBN 0-495-09158-8
NOTE: The text provides a Website for supplemental information, study guides,
and practice tests.
A copy of the text is on reserve in the library.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
As described in the 2006-07 SDSU General Catalog:
Prerequisite: Sociology 101.
“Contemporary social problems. Topics may include poverty, inequality,
unemployment, crime and deviance, population and ecological problems,
health, family issues, and the role of ideology and interest groups in the
definition of social problems.”
The emphasis in this course will be on applying sociological perspectives,
theory, and research to real-life situations and to considering potential remediation.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Familiarity with the sociological perspective and major theoretical orientations.
• Knowledge of basic social structure and processes and their influence on society.
Awareness of the connection between “private troubles” and ”public problems.”
• Refinement of comprehension, composition, and critical thinking skills.
• Awareness of community agencies and resources.
EXPECTED CLASSROOM
BEHAVIOR
Each student’s behavior influences the learning environment. Students are
expected to behave in a responsible, courteous, and scholarly manner.
Students are expected to be in compliance with university policy as set
forth in the SDSU General Catalog.
Tardiness is disruptive to the class and is not acceptable.
Regular attendance is expected.
Administrative Issues:
It is the students’ responsibility to officially withdraw from the course it they wish
to do so. It will not be done automatically.
Make-up Exams. An exam can be made up only with an excused absence.
Arrangements are to be made with the instructor.
Syllabus Change. Any modification of this syllabus will be announced in class.
DSS. The DSS (Disabled Student Services) office at SDSU is described on
page 15 of the SDSU 2006-07 General Catalog. Please check in with that
office right away if you will need special test-taking accommodation.
And speak with me about this matter during the first two weeks of classes,
so we’ll both be aware of and prepared for whatever option might be needed.
Plagiarism involves the use of others’ material without giving them
Proper credit, is a serious academic violation that will result in a grade of F
for the assignment. Repeat violations will result in an F for the course.
Other forms of cheating will also result in an F.
Administration will be informed when this occurs.
Blackboard will be utilized for communication between the students and the
instructor and the Teaching Assistant. Students should regularly review Blackboard
for important messages.
Graded papers are returned to the students and these should be retained to avoid
any errors. If a student has questions about their grade they may discuss this
during office hours.
ASSIGNMENTS
Total points
possible
Exams. There will be two exams worth 100 points each. The questions
will be objective multiple-choice questions based on the text and
everything that takes place in class. .............................................. 200
Writing Assignments. There will be four take-home writing assignments.
See descriptions and possible points listed below.
Research Journal Review: In two typewritten pages, students will
summarize an article from a social science peer-review journal. Instruction
will be provided. Proper citation is required. ................................... 20
Personal Application Essay: In five typewritten pages, students will
analyze a social problem they have personally experienced. Sociological
perspective will be applied in providing greater understanding of the issue.
References are expected…………………………………………………………………………….50
Position Paper: In five typewritten pages, students will state and
defend their position concerning a social issue. Sociological perspective
and research will be utilized. ........................................... …….
50
Book Analysis: In five typewritten pages, students will analyze and
critique a non-fiction book related to social problems. Sociological
concepts and terminology should be utilized. Choices should be approved.
Reaction Papers. There will be various unannounced short assignments
in class—questionnaires, video reviews, response paragraphs, opinion
statements and such—points for which will vary. These assignments
cannot be made up………………………………………. 1–10
RESEARCH
REVIEW
A=20
B =10
C =5
D= 20
ESSAY
EXAM
REACTION PAPERS
A = 50
B =40
C = 30
D = 70
A=100
B= 90
C= 80
10 total
Grades are based on a curve with the median being a “C”. Note that the
exams are worth twice the essays.
Grading Criteria: A = Outstanding
B = Above Average
C = Average
D= Below Average
Late assignments are not accepted except with a valid medical excuse
Assignments are not accepted via e-mail.
READING CHECKLIST/COURSE OUTLINE
CLASS MEETING
READING
DISCUSSION
.........................................................................
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Week 1.
8/27
Chapter 1.
The Sociological Perspective
Week 2.
9/3
The Nature of Social Problems
Week 3.
9/10
Evaluating Information
RESEARCH REVIEW due 9/10
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Week 4.

9/17
Week 5.
 
Chapter 2
Physical Health

9/24Mental Health
Week 6.
10/1
Alcohol and Other Drugs
APPLICATION ANALYSIS due 10/1
Week 7.
10/8
Week 8.
10/15
Week 9.
10/22
Week 10.
10/29
Chapter 3
Alternative responses
EXAM #10/15
Chapter 4
Crime
A Broken System?
POSITION PAPER due 10/29
Week 11.
11/5
Family Problems
Week 12.
11/12
Chapter 5
Remediations
Week 13.
11/19
Chapter 6
Poverty
BOOK ANALYSIS due 11/19
Week 14.
11/26
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Week 15.
12/3
Chapter 7
Week 16.
12/10
Week 17.
12/17
Inequality
Summing up
FINAL EXAM WED. 4:00 pm
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