Course Outline for Sociology 2
Social Problems

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 12/21/2016
Catalog Description:

SOCI 2 - Social Problems

3.00 Units

This course is an introduction and analysis of contemporary social problems from a sociological perspective. Major social problems will be analyzed by recognizing the role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems, their causes and consequences, evaluations of proposed solutions, and methods of intervention. Focus on modern American society.
Strongly Recommended: SOCI 1.
2208.00 - Sociology
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. explain C.W. Mills' distinction between personal troubles and societal issues;
  2. identify the major sociological theoretical perspectives used to explain social problems;
  3. identify specific major social problems;
  4. identify factors which transform a condition into a social problem;
  5. identify and explain causes and consequences of specific social problems;
  6. demonstrate an understanding of how social structures facilitate and contribute to the perpetuation of social problems;
  7. explain how opinions and ideologies shape the definition of a social problem and society's solution;
  8. discuss structural explanations associated with specific social problems;
  9. describe the characteristics of specific social problems;
  10. propose viable sociological remedies to address social problems.
Course Content:
  1. The sociological approach to social problems
    1. The social construction of social problems and the role of power and ideology
    2. Causes and consequences of social problem
    3. Methods of research and analysis
  2. Major theoretical perspectives as they apply to social problems
    1. Structural functionalism
    2. Conflict perspective
    3. Symbolic Interactionist perspective
  3. Topics may vary, and may include
    1. Poverty
      1. Measurement and extent of poverty
      2. Consequences of poverty
      3. Proposed solutions
    2. Racial and Ethnic Inequality
      1. Meaning of Race and Ethnicity
      2. Forms of prejudice and discrimination
      3. Reducing Inequality
    3. Gender Inequality
      1. Gender socialization
      2. Forms of discrimination
      3. Reducing Inequality
    4. Ageism
      1. Theoretical perspectives on aging
      2. Problems facing older Americans
      3. Reducing Ageism
    5. Crime
      1. Theoretical perspectives on crime
      2. Types of crimes
      3. Reducing crime
    6. Education System
      1. Theoretical perspectives on education
      2. Issues and problems in the education system
      3. Improving schools and education
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Audio-visual aids
  2. Group Activities
  3. Guest speakers
  4. Lecture/Discussion
  5. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Essays: 1) How is the conflict perspective on white collar crime different from the functionalist perspective? Explain how each perspective perceives this social problem and what solutions each perspectives would propose. 2) Explain how multinational corporations contribute to global stratification.
  2. Group project: 1) Divide into groups. In groups, design public policy to reduce poverty in the United States. Present proposals to the class for critiquing. 2) Over a two-week period, collect articles from the local newspapers on poverty and the poor. In groups organize the articles, conduct a content analysis and present findings to the class.
  3. Exercises: 1) Interview a staff person from an organization that works with victims of domestic violence. Write a summary of the interview which should include the purpose of organization, population served, current statistics about the local community, extent of the problem, projected needs for the community.
  4. Paper and Presentation: 1) Investigate/research the causes and consequences of a social problem, 2) Research possible solutions, 3) Write findings and analysis in a formal paper, 4) Present findings to the class/audience.
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Class Participation
  4. Final Examination
  5. Group Projects
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Explain the sociological perspective (C. Wright Mills) that there are no personal troubles, but rather social forces affecting the individual.
  2. Explain how each of the major theoretical perspectives would examine/explain historical and contemporary social problems.
  3. Identify and analyze the major social problems in the United States.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Barkan, Steven E. (2016). Social Problems: Continuity and Change University of Minnesota Open Textbook library.
  2. Trevino, A. Javier (2021). Investigating Social Problems (3rd). Sage.
  3. Eitzen, D. Stanley, Baca Zinn, Maxine, Eitzen Smith, Kelley (2018). Social Problems (14th). Pearson Publishers.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction and analysis of contemporary social problems from a sociological perspective. Focus on modern American society.
Strongly Recommended: SOCI 1.
Discipline:
Sociology*