SOCI 235 - Social Problems

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 Contact Hours:

This course focuses on the sociological approach to social problems including issues related to social inequality, social deviance, social institutions, global problems, and current events.
Semesters Offered: every semester

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1: Demonstrate comprehension of the approaches and issues related to the study of social problems.

Distinguish between sociological perspectives on social problems.
Apply sociological perspectives to the explanation of social problems.
Explain the role media plays in the construction of and response to social problems.

Goal 2: Demonstrate an understanding of issues related to social inequality.

Explain current issues regarding economic inequality.
Discuss current issues related to racial and ethnic inequality.
Articulate current issues related to gender inequality.

Goal 3: Demonstrate an understanding of different types of social deviance.

Explain current issues related to crime, violence, and the criminal justice system.
Discuss current issues related to sexuality.
Explain current issues related to the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
Articulate current issues related to physical and mental health.

Goal 4: Demonstrate and understanding of problems related to social institutions.

Describe current issues related to the economy and politics.
Explain current issues related to work and the workplace.
Describe current issues related to family life.
Articulate current issues related to urban life.

Goal 5: Demonstrate and understanding of global problems.

Explain current issues related to population and global inequality.
Describe current issues related to technology and the environment.

Goal 6: Demonstrate an ability to apply sociological concepts to current events.

Articulate a complex current social issue.
Explain the context and/or background of the social issue that is being described.