Spring 2020 Course Syllabus
Course: SOCI-1306- Section: 5C
Social Problems 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Lawanda Brown
E-mailbrownl1@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6185
Office
Location:Student Center - Room: 308
Hours:Class Day: Thursday, 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Department
Academic Advising
Chair:Dr. Michelle Davis
E-mail:davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6341

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
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 Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate comprehension of content-area reading material. measured by PSLO Alpha Pre & Post Test.
2.Describe how the sociological imagination can be used to explain the emergence and implications of contemporary social problems. ( PSLO 1, 2, 3) measured by: exams, assignments, video assignments and/or research/proposal assignment.
3. Explain the nature of social problems from at least one sociological perspective, e.g., critical, functional, interpretive, etc.( PSLO 1.2,3, 5 ) measured by: discussions, assignments, video assignments and/or research/proposal assignment.
4. Identify multidimensional aspects of social problems including the global, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of social problems.( PSLO 1,2,3,5 ) measured by discussions, assignments, video assignments and/or research/proposal assignment.
Core Objectives
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 one?s own culture in relation to others.
Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Understanding Social Problems (10th ed.), Mooney, Know, Schacht. (2017), Cengage Learning.
ISBN: 978-1-305-57651-3
Lecture Topics
Outline		 Module I: Sociology and the study of Social Problems
Chapter 1: Thinking about Social Problems

Quiz: 25pts: 2/20/2020    

Module II: Problems of Well-Being
Chapter 2: Physical and Mental Health and Health Care
Chapter 3: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Chapter 4: Crime and Social Control
Chapter 5: Family Problems

Exam I: 3/19/2020

Module III: Problems and Inequality

Chapter 6: Economic Inequality, Wealth, and Poverty
Chapter 7: Work and Unemployment
Chapter 8: Problems in Education

Exam II: 04/09/2020

Chapter 9: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration
Chapter 10: Gender Inequality
Chapter 11: Sexual Orientation and the Struggle for Equality

Exam III: 04/30/2020

Module IV: Problems of Globalization

Chapter 12: Population Growth and Aging
Chapter 13: Environmental Problems
Chapter 14: Science and Technology
Chapter 15: Conflict, War, and Terrorism

Final Exam IV: 05/13/2020
Major Assignments
Schedule		 Quiz: 25pts: 2/20/2020    
Exam I: 3/19/2020
Exam II: 04/09/2020
Exam III: 04/30/2020
Final Exam IV: 05/13/2020
Final Exam Date May 14, 2020 - 5:00 PM   Through  May 14, 2020 - 9:00 PM
Grading Scale 540 - 600 = A 480 - 539= B 420 - 479 = C 360 - 419 = D
Below 359 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 4- in class and/or homework assignments and/or pop quizzes (25pts each)
4- exams (including the final exam) (100pts each)
4- Module Assignments (25pts each)

67%, Exams
33%, Assignments and quizzes
Course Policies
Instructor Policies Have Fun!
Attendance Policy Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. A student with three absences may be dropped from class.
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
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  2. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  3. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
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
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.