PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL CHANGE SOC 1020
Class Hours: 3.0								Credit Hours: 3.0
Laboratory Hours: 0.0								Revised: Fall 2008
Catalog Course Description:
		Increasingly acute and intense problems such as alcoholism, violence, crime, inequality, lifestyle preferences, and environmental abuse within the context of social change.  Assessment of control and strategies.
Entry Level Standards:
		Must be able to read and write at the college level.
Prerequisites:
		None
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
		Linda Mooney, David Knox, and Caroline Schacht, Understanding Social Problems. Sixth Edition, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2009.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
		Week					Topic
		1					Chapter 1:   Thinking About Social Problems
		2					Chapter 2:   Problems of Illness and Health Care
		3					Chapter 3:   Alcohol and Other Drugs
		4					Chapter 4 :   Crime and Social Control
		5					Chapter 5:   Family Problems
		6					EXAM #1    Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Chapter 6:   Poverty and Economic Inequality
		7					Chapter 7:   Work and Unemployment
		8					Chapter 8:   Problems in Education Chapter 9 :   Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration
		19					EXAM #2    Chapters 6, 7, 8, & 9 Chapter 10:  Gender Inequality
		10					Chapter 11:   Issues in Sexual Orientation Chapter 12:   Problems of Youth and Aging
		11					Chapter 13:   Population Growth and Urbanization EXAM # 3    Chapters 10, 11, 12, & 13
		12					Chapter 14:    Environmental Problems Chapter 15:    Science and Technology
		13					Chapter 16:   Conflict, War, and Terrorism
		14					Class oral presentation of research papers
		15					FINAL EXAM:    Chapters 14, 15, & 16
II. Course Objectives*:
		A.			Demonstrate an understanding of the varied social structural factors that facilitate and help perpetuate social problems. III
		B.			Understand and apply sociological perspectives to social problems. III
		C.			Understand a scientific approach and applied research in the analysis of social problems and their solutions.  III,IV
		D.			Gain insight into problems and their solutions by studying them in societies and cultures that is different from our own (global perspective). II, III
		E.			Discuss the role of technology in society. IV
		F.			Discuss policy issues in connection to contemporary debates on social problems. III
		G.			Analyze, interpret, and articulate facts and ideas.  I, III, IV
		H.			Understand the dynamics of social change and how these processes have shaped and continue to influence society.  III, IV
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference TBRs general education goals.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
		1.				Research and write a report on a specific sociological issue. Communication Outcome, Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome,
		2.				Research the Internet to find current information. Locate information in the library. Technological Literacy Outcome
		3.				Use oral presentation skills to present findings from research. Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
		4.				Participate as a volunteer with an agency to learn more about career opportunities and to provide community service. Transitional Strategies, Active Learning Strategies
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBRs goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
		1.			Understand the sociological approach to all social institutions, structures, processes, and analyze the relationship among these institutions. B
		2.			Understand the meaning and implications of different economic, political, and cultural systems and explain how they impact individuals and society at large. A, B, H
		3.			Understand how culture, personality, and cynicism can affect social change.  D
		4.			Be able to compare different aspects of socialization (family, school, mass media, etc) in terms of their effects on an individual’s socialization experiences. A, B, D,
		5.			Be able to distinguish and understand various theoretical perspectives and be capable of applying each perspective to current social issues. B, C, H
		6.			Be familiar with contemporary sociological research and their impact on society. C
		7.			Discuss "policy issues" in connection to contemporary debates on social problems and research applications. F
		8.			Understand the steps in the scientific method used by social scientists. C,
		9.			Understand how sociologists view the world and its people, and determine why the scientific method plays an important role in obtaining valid information about the social world. C
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
		A. Testing Procedures: 80% of grade
				There will be four exams worth 100 points each.  The exams will cover lectures, the textbook, assigned readings, films, and other material covered in class.  The exam questions will consist of short answer questions and essay questions.  The four exams will constitute 80% of your final grade.
		B. Laboratory Expectations:
			N/A
		C. Research Paper:  20% of grade
			Individual research paper and class presentation will determine the remaining 20% of your final grade.
		D. Other Evaluation Methods:
			N/A
		E. Grading Scale:
			92-100    = A 89-91      = B+ 82-88      = B 79-81      = C+ 72-78      = C 65-71      = D Below 65     F
VI. Policies:
		A. Attendance Policy:
			Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.  Students will be expected to come to class prepared to discuss the assigned reading material.  Attendance and participation are crucial to your success.  Students walking in 30 minutes late will be counted absent.  Should you come in less than 30 minutes late, be sure to let the instructor know at the end of the class period.  Below is a table presenting a summary of absences permitted before automatically failing the course: Class Meeting Schedule  Number of allowed absences Three days a week (MWF)    12 Two days a week (TR)     8 Once a week (evenings)     4
		B. Academic Dishonesty:
			Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.
	C. Accommodations for disabilities:
			If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.
		D. Late Assignment Policy:
			The instructor will allow you ample time to complete your assignments. However, in the event of tardiness, the following policy will be applied.  1-2 days late = 75% of the original credit.  3-4 days late = 50% of the original credit.  5 days late = 25% of the original credit.  Note:   Instructor will not accept assignments after five days.