**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Soc 1B: Introduction to Social Problems – Fall 2010
Meeting time: Tu/Th 11:20 AM – 12:40 PM
Location: PB 8
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Instructor: Dr. Robin Kreider
Email:
Phone: 848 - 4862
Website: http://hhh.gavilan.edu/rkreider/
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Office: MA 108 (near math lab and MESA)
Office Hours: Mon: 11:30am – 12:30pm; Tues 1-3pm; Wed: 2:30-3:30pm and by appointment
"I try to be objective. I do not claim to be detached." C. Wright Mills
Course Description: This course is designed to provide an overview of how sociologists understand, identify, and address social problems. The social problems examined in this course are only a selection of the many topics that could be covered and it serves as an introduction to the variety of problems that are addressed by sociologists. We will examine such issues as economic globalization, immigration, poverty, inequalities in educational and employment opportunities, race and gender inequality, and the decline in social connections. We will critically examine these social issues, their presence in our lives, and the extent to which they can be defined as social problems. Through interactive methods in the classroom, video, service-learning projects in the community, and the reading of highly engaging texts, we will explore the root causes of these social problems. We will also search for potential solutions.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course, however this course is a transfer-level course and I have the same expectations of students in this class that I would have of students at a CSU or UC. There is a respectable amount of reading and writing in this course as well as a high level of critical and analytical thinking and writing expected. This course will not require you to ‘memorize’ things, but to engage with the material, analysis it, and critically reflect on yourself, society, and others.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
· Describe and analyze what constitutes a social problem
· Explain and analyze what particular social problems exist in terms of one or more useful social theories
· Employ the scientific method to analyze competitive cause and effect explanations for any given social problem
· Evaluate practical alternatives for ameliorating social problems through the use of sociological methodology
· Examine, analyze, and address social problems in surrounding communities
· Enter, participate in, and exit a community with respect and integrity
· Demonstrate reciprocity and responsiveness in service work with surrounding communities
Required Texts and Materials: The following books are available at the campus store (*be sure to get the correct edition if you buy on the Internet – check the ISBN #*).
· Annual Editions Sociology 09/10 ISBN # 978-0-07-8127722-4
· The Working Poor by David Shipler ISBN # 978-0-375-70821-3
· Additional readings on reserve at the library or available online (CR)
· Composition book for journal writing (since you will carry this to every class meeting, I suggest getting a hard cover composition book)
Readings: Readings are assigned to prepare you for the upcoming lectures and discussion section. It is your responsibility to do the assigned readings on your own BEFORE class so you are familiar with the topics and issues being discussed. All lectures and in-class activities will be based on the assumption that students have completed the readings assigned up to that date.
Course Requirements: All detailed directions for assignments will be passed out in class. **You must complete ALL of the following assignments to pass the class**
· Service Learning Project (300 points 30% of grade): Over the course of the semester you will have the opportunity to learn about the diversity and needs of the communities surrounding Gavilan first hand. You will engage in a service learning project, whereby you actively apply the knowledge you have gained in the classroom by providing your time and services to address real community needs. This class will work with several community organizations to actively address social issues in our community. I will hand out a detailed assignment during the second week of class. The requirements for this project are:
1. 20 hours of service over the semester
2. Service Learning Research Paper
3. 5 minute class presentation during the last week of classes
· Guided Journal (300 points 30% of grade): You will keep a guided journal where you respond to questions or problems presented to you in class. You will be asked to do journal writing both in class and out of class. The journal writing will be graded on quality and not quantity. I will collect the journals several times over the semester (unannounced) for grading and evaluation.
· Exams (300 points 30% of grade): Two take-home essay exams will be assigned over the semester.
· Leading Class Discussion (100 points 10% of grade): Once during the semester you will lead a discussion of one or more readings assigned for the week. This discussion should include a creative, interactive, and engaging response to the reading(s) and two discussion questions for the class to consider. You will be graded on comprehension and creativity. You will be provided with a sign up sheet for the week of your choice at the beginning of the semester.
Grading Scale: I do not grade on a curve. I am happy to give everyone an A if everyone does A-quality work.
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
A: 100- 95.0%
A-: 94.9 – 90%
B+: 89.9 – 88.0%
B: 87.9% - 84%
B-: 83.9% - 80%
C: 79.9 – 78.0%
B: 77.9% - 74%
B-: 73.9% - 70%
D+: 69.9 – 68.0%
D: 67.9% - 60%
F: 59.9% and below…
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
Policy on Due Dates:
· Assignments are due IN THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF CLASS on the date indicated in the syllabus or on the assignment handout. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of these dates.
· All exams and term paper assignments must be turned in at Turnitin.com.
o For each calendar day an assignment/paper is late the student will lose one full letter grade from the grade assigned to the student’s work. No late assignments/papers will be accepted after three days.
o No make-up exams allowed.
Important Dates to Know:
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**Syllabus is Subject to Change**
· September 7: Last day to ADD a class
· September 14th: Last day to DROP a class with a refund
· September 30th : NRS deadline
· November 12: Holiday - Veterans' Day
· November 25-28th: Thanksgiving Instructional Break
· November 19th : Last day to drop with a “W”
· December 12-18th: Final Exams
Student Responsibilities:
· Course Etiquette: The success of a large class depends on everyone’s cooperation. Actions such as arriving late, leaving class early, talking to friends, making/receiving phone calls, and reading newspapers or other non-course materials are disruptive, distracting, and unacceptable. Do not shuffle papers or pack up your things until I have dismissed the class – it is extremely rude and will not be tolerated. Students should let the instructor know if they are having difficulties reaching class on time or if they need to leave class early. Cell phones, pda’s, iPod’s and other electronic equipment are not allowed in class at any time. Course grades will be affected if students persist in disruptive activities without an explanation. Students will be asked to leave the classroom if their behavior disturbs others.
o NOTE: Students will be required to leave class under the following circumstances: Arriving late, talking on or texting on cell phones, sleeping, or doing homework for other classes.
· Attendance and Participation: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” - Woody Allen
o While attendance will not count for 80% of your grade, it will be difficult to be successful in this class without regular attendance and participation. Attendance will be taken at each class meeting and engaged participation is expected during all class meetings. This class requires a high level of interaction and engagement with me, your fellow students, and members of your community. Opinions and class debates are encouraged, but I ask that students provide well informed arguments preferably related to class materials (by doing this we avoid getting into debates based solely on emotion).As a participant in the course, you are expected to respect the ideas and opinions of others even if you do not agree with them. Some of the lectures, readings, and discussions in this class may challenge your own beliefs and ideas. Therefore, you should be prepared to have an open, engaged mind.
· If you are absent it is your responsibility to contact the instructor for any missed assignments or announcements.
*I reserve the right (but not obligation) to drop students with more than four consecutive or six cumulative unexcused absences or incidents of tardiness.* However, if you decide to drop the course it YOUR responsibility to take the necessary actions to drop the course.
· Academic Integrity: You are responsible for your own work. If you are questioning whether you have documented or cited your sources properly, it is your responsibility to see me about these issues prior to submitting an assignment. If you find yourself thinking about submitting work that is not your own due to pressure, frustration, or any other reason, please talk with me. I am here to help you resolve these issues before they could negatively affect your academic career. Misrepresenting your work will not be tolerated in this class. Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in an F for the assignment and further disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.
· Additional Needs: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, and the Disabled Student Services Office. If you have any temporary or long-term special needs (academic, physical, personal) please contact me during my office hours or after class. Do not wait till the last minute to inform me of a problem, as it will be more difficult personal situation occurs let me know as soon as possible. I am supportive and understanding of most situations (I respect your right to privacy, so details are not a requirement to find a way to work it out.)
Course Schedule
DATE / TOPIC / READINGS DUE / ASSIGNMENT DUEWeek One
9/2 / Introductions: Looking at social problems
Week Two
9/7 / Sociological Imagination: Personal Troubles & Social Issues / Mills, C Wright Sociological Imagination
http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/~wood/207socimagination.htm
9/9 / Defining Social Problems / Glassner, Barry The Culture of Fear: Why
American are Afraid of the Wrong Things, Introduction (CR) / Copies of SL Application & SL Best Practices
Week Three
9/14 / Are we moral? / Annual Editions Reading #2 Denial of Virtue
Annual Editions Reading #6 Dubious Value of Value Neutrality
9/16 / Creating Social Change: Social Justice Vs Charity / Mosle, Sara The Vanity of Volunteerism
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980DE2DC1230F931A35754C0A9669C8B63&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/V/Volunteers
Week Four
9/21 / Creating Social Change: Social Justice Vs Charity / Singer, Peter What should a billionaire give and what should you
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/17/magazine/17charity.t.html?_r=1
9/23 / Creating Social Change: Individuals or Communities? / Annual Editions Reading # 8 Worth Every Penny
Stoecker, Randy Community Organizing and Social Change (CR) / Copies of Signed Service Learning Plan & Gavilan Agreement Form
Week Five
9/28 / American Culture: What do we really value? / The New Politics of Consumption, Juliet Schor
http://bostonreview.net/BR24.3/schor.html
9/30 / Does Money Make Us Happy? / Annual Editions Reading #32 Reversal of Fortune
Week Six
10/5 / Alienation: Are we disconnected? / Ritzer, George The McDonaldization of Society (CR)
10/7 / The Decline of Social Capital?
Film: Becoming American / Annual Editions Reading #3 The Atrophy of Social Life
Week Seven
10/12 / The New Poor: Poverty at Work / Annual Editions Reading #4 The Myth of the “Culture of Poverty”
Shipler, David Working Poor Introduction
10/14 / What happened to the American Dream? / Annual Editions Reading #20 Goodbye Horatio Alger
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 1
Week Eight
10/19 / Growing Economy and Growing Poverty / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 2 / Midterm
10/21 / Film: Not Just a Paycheck / Annual Editions Reading #33 The Future of Outsourcing
Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 3
Week Nine
10/26 / The Intersection of Poverty and Race / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 4 / Research Paper Summary
10/28 / Annual Editions Reading # 39 Putting a Stop to Slave Labor
Week Ten
11/2 / Work no one wants to do… / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 5
11/4 / Annual Editions Reading #11 The Prison Boom and the Decline of American Citizenship
Annual Editions Reading #22 Work in Progress
Week Eleven
11/9 / Family: creating poverty or secret economy? / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 6
Annual Editions Reading #13 Can Marriage be saved?
11/11 / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 7
Week Twelve
11/16 / Health, Inequality and Poverty / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 8
11/18 / Film: Unnatural Causes
Week Thirteen
11/23 / Are our communities healthy? Film: When the Bough Breaks / Sapolsky, Robert Why Zebras Don’t get Ulcers Chp 17 (CR)
11/25 / Thanksgiving Break
Week Fourteen
11/30 / Education and Social Mobility / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 9
Annual Editions Reading #34 Can the Center Hold / Student Activity and Time Log & Student Performance Evaluation (submitted by agency)
12/2 / Making Work Work / Shipler, David Working Poor Chp 10 & 11
Week Fifteen
12/7 / Creating Social Change in Our Community / Student Presentations
Final Papers
12/9 / Creating Social Change in Our Community / Student Presentations
Final Papers
Journals Due
Week Sixteen
Final Exam @ / Final Exam
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