Patrick Henry Community College
Martinsville, Virginia

                                                                        Course Syllabus

                                                                             SOC 268

Course Title:  Sociology 268:  SOCIAL PROBLEMS

                         Prerequisite: Eng. 111 and SPD 110

Credits:           3 semester credits

Semester:       Spring 2005 

Instructors:     Bill Jamison    276 656-0291; E-mail: bjamison@ph.vccs.edu        

                           Tom Meyer     276 656-0283; E-mail: tmeyer@ph.vccs.edu         

                           Susan Shearer  276  656-0277; E-Mail: sshearer@ph.vccs.edu     

I.          Course Description and Overview:  Applies sociological concepts and methods to analysis of current social problems. Includes delinquency and crime, mental illness, drug addiction alcoholism, sexual behavior, population crisis, race relations, family and community disorganization, poverty, automation, wars and disarmament.

            In addition to the topics above this course will examine:

            This course will be team taught from a multi-disciplinary approach.  Besides teaching the concepts as outlined in the course objectives, emphasis will be placed on oral and written communication skills and the use of technology in these skills

II.                 Expected Course Outcomes at the end of the course the student will have had opportunities to meet the  following general education outcomes through the following activities.

A.     COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Reading of text and articles, engaging in class discussions, small group case studies, and group presentations

B.      ANALYTICAL SKILLS: Utilize problem solving, critical thinking, and math skills in case study

Applications and research analysis

C.      GROUP EFFECTIVENESS SKILLS: Will engage in group presentations requiring research,

       organization, and use of presentational software. 

D.  PERSONAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS: Required outside assignments due at designated times. Student expected to participate fully in topic discussions requiring preparation prior to class.  

III.      Learning  Objectives:  Upon completion of the course, the student will:

            A.        Apply the sociological perspective to social problems.

            B.         Explain the key differences in the 3 major theoretical views.

            C.         Critically evaluate research regarding social problems and issues associated with policy effectiveness.

            D.        Analyze the effectiveness of US and global policies associated with poverty, crime, violence, physical and mental health, families; inequalities associated with race, ethnicity, gender, and age.

            E.         Identify the key economic and social forces Associated with poverty in the US and globally. 

            F.         Describe US population trends in race, ethnicity, age, and gender; include other population demographics.

            G.         Identify social forces associated with crime, violence and sexual deviance today.

            H.        Explain the major concerns facing families today.

            I.          Consider the impact of globalization and technology on the workplace.

            J.          Appreciate the social and economic impact of war and terrorism.

            K.        Engage in group activities directed at analyzing social activities.

            L.         Demonstrate oral communication skills through group and individual presentations.

            M.        Demonstrate writing skills through critical essays regarding social issues.

            N.        Utilize a presentational software in doing group presentations.

Evaluation of General Outcomes and Specific Course objectives will be via a combination of cooperative group activities,outside class activities, written work and oral presentations. 

IV.       Methods of instruction:  Seminar approach to include:  Active and open discussion of current social issues; videos, field visits. This class is based on ACTIVE PARTICIPATION by the student.  Because student participation is critical, students will be expected to prepare for the topic prior to coming to class. Each topic will include a “preclass” assignment to ensure a scholarly discussion.  Thus students will be evaluated based on both the preparation prior to class and the scholarly contribution to the class discussion. 

V.      Text and Supplies:   John Macionis, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, 2^nd Ed., Prentice Hall

VI.    Evaluation:  A number of evaluation methods will be used to measure student mastery of general and student objectives listed earlier.  These methods include: group and or individual oral presentations, written wor, and class participation/preparation.

VII.      Other Instructor/Classroom Policies:

A.                 Regular class attendance is required of each student.  Each student is responsible for all
materials covered in class.   Students arriving late disrupt the class.  Please plan to arrive on time!

B.          Mutual Respect:  The philosophy of this course and the instructor is that everyone is entitled to

respect and courtesy.  Please listen to one another carefully, even if you do not agree.  Only in          creating an atmosphere of trust and respect will we be able to grow and learn from one another.

C.           Participation!  This class is based on cooperative and collaborative learning.  You serve a vital

            function within a group.  Your participation is critical!  You are important!

D.        It is the student’s responsibility to get assignments when absent!
            Students who are absent will not be allowed to make up class activities.

Academic honesty should take the highest priority to maximize learning and build a community of trust between educators and scholars.

E.         No cell phones on in class!                    

IX.               EMERGENCY INFORMATION: check with staff in your location for the nearest first aid kit.  Campus Security is in West Hall 135 EX 221 or 732-2406

SOC 268: EVALUATION FOR ESSAYS

Essay evaluation
There will be a total of three major essays worth 125 points each.  While the mechanics for each essay will be consistent and held to the criteria below, the content and structure may vary.  Essay structures may include:  compare and contrast a social problem issue, analyze a social problem research study, and the application of a social problem concept.

Students are expected to have completed ENG 111 and be knowledgeable in the basics of developing and writing a coherent essay.  Students should develop an outline with of  their essay topic including the resources used, prior to actually writing the essay.  It is strongly advised that students seek the help of the PHCC Writing Lab personnel if needed.

DOUBLE SPACE and TYPE your essay on plain white paper. The essay should be between 500 AND 1000 WORDS. Use 12 font with no more than 1 inch margins.

Remember to use APA (American Psychological Association) format to cite references within the text of the paper and for constructing RESOURCE (bibliography) page.  Each essay is worth 125 points and the following items will serve as evaluation criteria.  Possible points for each section are listed.

 

*LATE SUBMISSIONS: The grade will be dropped by one letter grade of each day the essay is late.

SOC 268: EVALUATION OF GROUP PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

SOC 268 CLASS SCHEDULE

Wed. 1:30 pm-4:20 pm