FLOYD COLLEGE

 

SOCIOLOGY 1160

Introduction to Social Problems

SPRING 2005

CRN# 20133

 

INSTRUCTOR:     Susan E. Claxton                     EMAIL: sclaxton@highlands.edu                 CLASS:   Thursday 5:00-7:30

 

OFFICE: 142a                                                           PHONE:                 (706) 368-7618  

 

PREREQUISITES :        SOCI 1101

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

This course is an introduction to the study of contemporary Social Problems in the United States.  The history and development of the problems as well as current and future solutions make up the composition of this course.  Among the problems which will be studied are family related problems, health and illness issues, poverty, race and ethnic relations, gender, age, and social inequality, crime and delinquency, substance abuse, education, population and environmental concerns, violence, war, terrorism and emerging

issues in science and technology.

 

TEXT

 

                Mooney, L., Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2005).  Understanding Social Problems

                Charon, J. (2004). Social Problems: Readings with Four Questions

 

OBJECTIVES

 

                After successfully completing this course students should:

 

1.                    Have a basic understanding of the range and scope of Social Problems in contemporary America

2.                    Have a basic understanding of the conditions which generate Social Problems

3.                    Have a good grasp of the problem solving programs and the human skills that are currently employed in response to Social Problems

4.                    Be able to evaluate and discuss the value conflicts which work for and against the current solutions to Social Problems

5.                    Be able to view Social Problems from the different Sociological perspectives.

 

Course Requirements

 

TEXTBOOK AND READING ASSIGNMENTS                                           

 

                It is the responsibility of the student to read and study all assigned material in the text.  Handouts from the class sessions should be studied thoroughly.                The assigned material in the text provides the background for informed participation in class sessions.  The student should be prepared for class by becoming thoroughly familiar with assigned material.

 

CLASS MEETINGS

 

  Students are expected to attend class regularly and participate in all class activities.  Full participation involves taking part in class discussions, involvement in group activities, and completion of in-class assignments.

 

                Since the instructor will be providing information to augment the text, if it is necessary for a student to be absent from class, the student should, immediately upon return to class, check with the instructor regarding work missed, obtain class notes from another student, and arrange to view audio-visual presentations.  Student’s will have a daily assignment and will receive a daily grade.  These grades may not be made up therefore absences will effect students final grade. 

 

 

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

 

                There will be issue papers/Internet assignments due during the semester.  Deadlines will be announced in class. 

 

SERVICE LEARNING

                Students may opt to complete a service learning project  instead of the comprehensive final exam.   Additional information will be presented in class.

EXAMS

 

                Two exams will be given – a midterm and a final.  Exams will be critical thinking in nature and will be in essay format.  Exams should be typed, double-spaced, and are to be returned on the due date.  No late exams will be accepted.

 

                The date of the final exam will be announced.

 

POLICIES ON STUDENT CONDUCT AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

 

                Academic honesty is expected at all times in this class.  Please refer to the Student Handbook for details concerning Floyd College’s academic honesty policy.  This can be access at the following URL: http://www.highlands.edu/subwebs/academicaffairs/academicintergritypolicy.htm

 

 

GRADING SYSTEM

 

Midterm………….…………………………...…………………………25%

Written Assignments...………………………………………………..25%

Final Examination or service learning… ……………………………..25%

Daily grades          ………………………. ………………………….....25%
 

                                                                                         Total………...100%

 

Students receiving a grade of            90-100 will receive an                           A

                                                                80-89                                                       B

                                                                70-79                                                       C

                                                                60-69                                                       D

                                                        Below  60                                                       F

 

Disability statement: “Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should make an appointment with the College Assess Center (706) 295-5003 to coordinate reasonable accommodations.  You are also welcome to contact me privately to discuss you specific needs

 

Financial Aid Message: This message applies only to students receiving financial aid.  Federal regulations state that if a student did not attend classes and received failing grades, then the grades were not earned and financial aid needs to be reduced accordingly.  Please be advised that any student receiving a 0.00 GPA will be required to prove that the 0.00 GPA was earned by attending classes or completing requirements for each class.  Students who have earned at least one passing grade for the semester will not be affected by this regulation.  If a student has properly withdrawn from all classes, the student's financial aid should be adjusted from the time they signed the withdrawal form.

 

Mid-Semester: Last Day to Withdraw to Receive a “W”  March 1. 2004.