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Fall 2019 Course Syllabus
Course: SOCI-1306- Section: 2C Social Problems |
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| Instructor Information | |||||||||||
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| Instructor | Sonya Briscoe | ||||||||||
| briscoesy@lamarpa.edu | |||||||||||
| Phone | (409) 984-6364 | ||||||||||
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| Department |
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| Course Information | |||||||||||
| Description | Application of sociological principles and theoretical perspectives to major social problems in contemporary society such as inequality, crime and violence, substance abuse, environmental issues, deviance, or family problems. | ||||||||||
| Prerequisites | Competency in reading. | ||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes |
Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts. Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making. |
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| Core Objectives |
Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts. Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making. |
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| Program Student Learning Outcomes |
PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion. PSLO 2: Communication Skills Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication. Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task. PSLO3: Empirical and Quantitative Skills Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. Identifies mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; uses mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; analyzes how to use the principles; and applies problem-solving skills in mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task with correct informed conclusions. PSLO 5: Social Responsibility Skills - Expresses intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. Identifies cultural characteristics (including beliefs, values, perspectives and/or practices); demonstrates knowledge of civic responsibility; provides evidence of experience in civic- engagement activities; and describes what she/ he has learned as it relates to a reinforced and clarified sense of civic identity in local, regional, national, or global communities; and shows awareness of ones own culture in relation to others. |
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| Textbooks |
Understanding Social Problems (10th ed.), Mooney, Know, Schacht. (2017), Cengage Learning. ISBN: 978-1-305-57651-3 |
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| Lecture Topics Outline |
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| Major Assignments Schedule |
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (Subject to change with notice) Module 1 SOCIOLOGY AND THE STUDY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS Week 1 (Aug 27/29) Orientation, Introduction, Syllabus review Reading: Ch1 - Thinking about Social Problems Module 2 PROBLEMS OF WELL-BEING Week 2 (Sept 3/5) Reading: Ch2 - Physical and Mental Health and Health Care Assignment: Discussion 1 (D1) - Due Tues (Sep 10/Sep12) Week 3 (Sept 10/12) Reading: Ch3 Alcohol and Other Drugs Prepare for Discussion Replies Due Today: Submit D1 Assignment: Discussion 1 Reply - Due Tues (Sep 17/Sep19) Prepare for Exam 1 Week 4 (Sept 17/19) Reading: Ch4 Crime and Social Control Exam 1 (In-Class - Chap 1-3) Due Today: Submit Reply to D1 Week 5 (Sept 24/26) Reading: Ch5 Family Problems Assignment: Prepare for Exam 2 Module 3 PROBLEMS OF INEQUALITY Week 6 (Oct 1/3) Reading: Ch6 Economic Inequality, Wealth, and Poverty Exam 2 (Ch4-5) Assignment: Prepare for Midterm Essay/Group Presentation Week 7 (Oct 8/10) Reading: Ch7 Work and Unemployment Assignment: Prepare for Midterm Essay/Group Presentation Week 8 (Oct 15/17) Reading: Ch 8 Problems in Education Due Today: MIDTERM Group Project Group Presentations Submit Discussion Essay Assignment: Prepare for Exam 3 Week 9 (Oct 22/25) Reading: Ch9 Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration Exam 3 (Ch6-8) Week 10 (Oct 29/31) Reading: Ch10 Gender Inequality Assignment: Discussion 2 (D2) - Due Tues (Nov 5/Nov 7) Week 11 (Nov 5/7) Reading: Ch11 Sexual Orientation and the Struggle for Equality Due Today: Submit D2 Assignment: Discussion 2 Reply - Due Tues (Nov 12/Nov 14) Prepare for Exam 4 Module 4 PROBLEMS OF GLOBALIZATION Week 12 (Nov 12/14) Reading: Ch12 Population Growth and Aging Exam 4 (Ch9-11) Due Today: Submit Reply to D2 Assignment: Prepare for Final Essay/Group Presentation NOTE: LAST FOUR (4) WEEKS WILL CALL FOR A SPLIT IN SCHEDULE TUESDAY Week 13 (Nov 19) Reading: Ch13 Environmental Problems Assignment: Prepare for Final Essay/Group Presentation Week 14 (Nov26) Reading: Ch14 Science and Technology Reading: Ch15 Conflict, War, and Terrorism Assignment: Prepare for Final Essay/Group Presentation Week 15 (Dec 3) FINAL PRESENTATIONS Assignment: Prepare for Exam 5 Week 16 (Dec 10 Last Class Day) Exam 5 (Ch12-15) THURSDAY Week 13 (Nov 21) Reading: Ch13 Environmental Problems Ch14 Science and Technology Assignment: Prepare for Final Essay/Group Presentation Week 14 (Nov 28th No Class Thanksgiving) Reading: Ch15 Conflict, War, and Terrorism FINAL PRESENTATION Assignment: Prepare for Exam 5 Week 15 (Dec 5 Last Class Day) Exam 5 (Ch12-15) NOTE: Because the syllabus fully outlines the expectations and schedule for this term, there should be very little reason for needing to schedule makeup exams or assignments. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete the work that is due. Be mindful that the vast majority of your assignments will be electronically submitted, so be aware and always consider the possibility of technical difficulties. |
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| Final Exam Date | December 10, 2019 - 5:30 PM Through December 10, 2019 - 7:30 PM | ||||||||||
| Grading Scale |
Very straight forward
You have 1000 points to keep or lose. 900 - 1000 = A 800 - 890 = B 700 - 790 = C 600 - 690 = D 590 below = F |
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| Determination of Final Grade |
Two Discussions (2/100 pts ea.): 200 pts = 20% Five Exams (5/100 pts ea.): 500pts = 50% MidTerm Project (150 pts): 150pts = 15% Final Project (150 pts): 150pts = 15% NOTE: Class Participation (or the lack thereof) can affect your grade. Exams and discussions will include material discussed during in-class lectures. |
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| Course Policies | |||||||||||
| Instructor Policies |
Eating in class: No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Respectful behavior: Be respectful of instructors, fellow students and the academic environment. Instructors have NO obligation to tolerate disruptive behaviors of any kind. This includes excessive/disruptive talking. Problematic behavior may result in you being asked to exit the classroom and/or dismissal from the course. Stay seated There is no reason to move about or move in and outside of the classroom. Sleeping in class: Please be aware that attendance requires not just your presence but your attention. If you sleep in class you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day. NOTE: In accordance with the attendance policy, five (5) absences can result in administrative removal from the course. Please be mindful of students with disabilities: Some may be visible and others may not. Most of us are extremely considerate of disabilities we recognize, but less aware and thus less sensitive to those we cannot see. Invisible disabilities may include such conditions as (ADHD, asthmas, allergies, chronic pain, hearing impairments, migraines, seizures, vision impairments, and many more). Something as simple as body sprays and fragrances may affect/trigger asthma or migraines. Lighting or excessive noise can become problems for those with hearing disorders or epilepsy. Let us all keep these things in mind, and BE CONSIDERATE OF THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND US. |
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| Attendance Policy |
Absences, Tardiness, and Make-ups: Attendance and punctuality are expected. Your preparation, and participation are expected. The privilege of making up an assignment (including exams) should not be assumed. If possible, make arrangements in advance, for known scheduling problems/conflict. If you miss an exam or assignment because of an excused absence that was not prearranged, speak to the instructor as soon as possible regarding the missed work. |
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| Academic Honesty | Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty. | ||||||||||
| Facility Policies |
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| Important Information | |||||||||||
| ADA Considerations | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241. | ||||||||||
| MyLamarPA | Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA. | ||||||||||
| Other | Questions will be taken immediately following class. Special circumstances/considerations may require the aid and assistance of facility management and LSCPA administrators. | ||||||||||
| HB 2504 | This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504. | ||||||||||