SOCY 210
SOCIAL PROBLEMS (GE)
Catalog Entry
SOCY 21O. Social Problems (GE)
Three hours lecture (3).
This course presents a sociological framework for understanding and engaging major
social problems in the United States and around the world. While we will investigate
a variety of areas where social problems occur (the economy, education, work, etc.),
we will also look at how these problems evolve and change.
Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
I. Orientation to the Study of Social Problems
A. Why Study Social Problems?
1. Definitions, fallacies, and attitudes toward social problems
2. Objectives
B. The Sociology of Social Problems
1. Frame of reference: social change, cultural relativity, and learned behavior
2. Approaches to the study of social problems: the social disorganization approach,
the personal deviation approach, the value-conflict approach, and the labeling perspective
C. The Analysis of Social Problems
1. The interpretation of data
II. Major Social Problems in the United States
A. Vested Interest and Pressure Groups
B. Crime and Delinquency
C. Problem Families and Family Problems
D. Religious Problems and Conflicts
E. Population Problems
F. Educational Problems
G. The Problem of Poverty
H. The Race Problem--Discrimination in American Life
I. Problems of Urban and Rural Communities
J. Problems of Class Differentiation
K. Mass Communication: Control, Content, Censorship
L. The Personal Pathologies and Deviations
M. Health and Medical Care Problems
N. Civil Liberties and Subversion
O. Environment and Social Policy
III. Conclusions and Future Prospects
A. The Sociological Approaches Reassessed
B. Some Difficulties of Solutions
C. Summary
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
A combination of lecture and informal discussion is used in this course. Both may focus upon the text(s) or other assigned readings, audio-visual presentations, or applicable materials drawn from media discussions of current events.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will:
1. examine/understand/demonstrate a knowledge of the major social problems;
2. be provided an appreciation for the complexity of social issues;
3. demonstrate why solutions to social problems are so elusive;
4. become better-informed citizens.
Assessment Measures
Students may be graded on the basis of in-class examinations, which may consist of a combination of objective and essay questions; quizzes; term papers, presentations, or projects; and class attendance and participation.
Other Course Information
Informal, ungraded in-class writings may be used to stimulate discussion.
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED
January, 2001 Reviewed Peggy A. Shifflett
May 2009
March 01, 2021