SOCIOLOGY
3301
SOCIAL
PROBLEM
MAYMESTER
2005
Classtime:
May 16-27 6-9:30 p.m.
Sara
Horsfall, Ph.D.
243 Poly Methodist United
Church
Phone 817-531-4264
Email: shorsfall@txwes.edu
http://web.txwesleyan.edu/sociology
Office Hours: 5:00-6:00 PM
Course
Syllabus and other materials can be found on the following web page:
http://web.txwesleyan.edu/sociology/horsfall/socpbms.html
TEXT: Recreating the World in Our Image: An Advocate Group Approach to
the Study of Social Problems, by Sara Horsfall, 2004.
OBJECTIVES: This course introduces the
student to the study of social problems.
The student will become aware of the variety of social problems in the
U.S. today, the research and cumulative facts about them, the groups advocating
solutions along with their interpretation of the situations, and the debates
between advocate groups. The student will learn to analyze social problems
systematically, using the theory presented, and explore potential solutions.
Upon completion of the course, the student will have a better understanding of
their social environment and be better equipped to make a positive
contribution. The course will require diligent effort on the part of the
student - to keep up with the reading assignments and to participate in the
class discussion.
FORMAT: The course consists of
lecture, class discussion and student presentations. Students are expected to
come to class fully prepared for each day's topic.
ATTENDANCE: It is expected that
students will attend every class. There are only 10 sessions, so each class
period is equivalent to roughly a week and a half of regular classes. As a
result, absence from even one session is serious and can affect the final
grade. A student’s grade will undoubtedly be affected if they miss more than
one class, and they should not expect to pass the course if they miss three or
more classes. Students absent for whatever reason are responsible for all
material including announcements and handouts that they missed. Likewise,
students should not be late in arriving for class so as not to miss important
material for the day. Late arrivals and early departures could affect your
final grade.
GRADES: Problem Research Reports 20%
Midterm/Final 40%
Class Discussion 20%
Final Paper 20%
Anyone
caught cheating or found guilty of plagiarism on a test/assignment will receive
a grade of zero for that assignment.
The
final grade for this course will be based on the following scale -
A=90-100,
B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=59 and below. A final grade of A signifies that
the student has excelled in this course, going beyond the expected
requirements. A final grade of B signifies that the student has mastered all
the concepts, has a working knowledge of what it means to do sociological
research as demonstrated in tests, the team project and class discussions. A
final grade of C signifies that the student's understanding of the subject
matter is acceptable. A final grade of D signifies that the student is familiar
with the subject matter, but may not understand or recall some important ideas.
A final grade of F signifies that the student has not mastered the material of
this course.
Problem Research Reports: Once a particular problem
is introduced, students will report on Advocate Groups for the problem. Using
the material provided, students will 1) identify major advocate groups, 2)
understand each advocate group’s position and presentation of the facts, 3)
assess each advocate group’s presentation of the facts, 4) become familiar with
possible solutions, including those attempted in the past.
Each
student will share their findings with the rest of the class. Handouts can be
sent to students via email. Handouts should include the name of the advocate
group, their web address and a brief summary of their position and their
representation of the facts. Each student should keep a file of the handouts
and other information received during the course.
Tests: Tests will be given on
Fridays. Tests will cover the material in the book and material discussed and
presented in class. It is expected that students will be able to identify the
major advocate groups for each social problem, as well as understanding the
basic facts and history. Students will also be expected to know and be able to
use the theory of social problems as presented in the text. Format of the tests
is variable. Students missing class on the day of the test will need to write a
10 page term paper on the material covered, using the text book and additional
sources.
Discussion: Questions are encouraged
and discussion will be a major part of the course. A free flow of ideas is
essential to a college education. No student should hesitate to express
him/herself for fear of being wrong, etc. All ideas are valuable, and all
contributions are welcome. However, the discussion will not consist totally of
ad hoc opinions but should reflect the content of the reading. Discussion grade
is based on the following criteria: number of times the student contributes to
the discussion, informed content of the discussion, thoughtful analysis.
Discipline
in regard to class participation is important to the smooth exchange of views.
Respect is also an essential element of academic discussion and interaction -
between students and between instructor and students. Prejudice, resentment and
other hostilities are not a part of academic behavior. Disagreements can be
settled by clarification of the issues, reference to Texas Wesleyan University
guidelines, and amicable discussion between parties. Agreeing to disagree is an
acceptable academic resolution.
Final Paper: Each student will take one
social problem and research it in more depth. They will, in essence, become an
expert on that social problem. It should be one of the social problems that
they covered in their Problem Research Reports. The final paper should address
all the elements covered in the class: history of the problem, identification
of the advocate groups, discussion of any controversy, evaluation of advocate
group information, potential solutions. Papers are due on Wednesday June 1.
Please turn in hard copy in the Instructor’s mail box in the Poly United
Methodist Church. Students should use Times Roman 10 pt font, double spaced,
for all papers.
PROCEDURE: Students with questions or
complaints about anything having to do with the course are encouraged to make
an appointment with the instructor to discuss the situation. Misunderstanding
and inadvertent human error - on the part of students or on the part of the
instructor - can cause unnecessary problems. The easiest solution is informal
discussion. No concern is too small to be addressed.
Students
are urged to use common sense when approaching the course procedures and
grading. For instance, evaluation is based on expressed knowledge, including
definitions and indications of meanings. Instructors cannot presume you know
what you are talking about if you don't explain yourself. Similarly, a low
daily grade does not mean that you are going to fail the course. A low grade is
an indication that the student has not mastered the content, not an evaluation
of the student's ability to perform or an indication of the course grade.
Please refer to the syllabus for the weight that grade has in the over all
final grade.
Every attempt is
made to judge and grade all students fairly. Please note, however, that a
portion of the final grade rests on the subjective judgment of the instructor.
If you feel this assessment is in error, you may appeal to the instructor with
evidence to support your reasoning. Further grade appeals must go through the
procedure outlined in the University catalog.
Students
should read the current Texas Wesleyan Catalog and Student Handbook
to become familiar with University policies. This includes but is not limited
to grade appeal, sexual harrassment, student access to records, and others;
policies specified in the current catalog are applicable unless otherwise
stated in this syllabus.
Texas
Wesleyan University adheres to a disability policy which is in keeping with
relevant federal law. The University will provide appropriate accommodation.
Students must notify instructors of any permanent or temporary disabilities and
must provide documentation regarding those disabilities prior to the granting
of an accommodation. For assistance, students should consult with Dr. Michael
Ellison, Psychology Department.
Note:
Course syllabi are intended to provide students with basic information
concerning the course. The syllabus can be viewed as a 'blueprint' for the course;
changes in the syllabus can be made and students will be informed of any
substantive changes concerning examinations, the grading or attendance policies
and changes in project assignments.
CLASS
SCHEDULE
May 16
What is a Social Problem? Chapter 1
Understanding the Advocate Groups Chapter 2
Solutions to Social Problems Chapter
3
Individual Participation Chapter 4
May 17
Review of first four chapters
Culture Related Problems Chapter 7
May 18
Elderly Related Problems Chapter 8
May 19
Environmental Issues Chapter 9
May 20
Education Related Problems Chapter10
Mid-Term
May 23
Family/Gender Related Problems Chapter 11
May 24
Government Related Problems Chapter
12
May 25
Medical Issues Chapter 13
May 26
Youth Related Problems Chapter 14
May 27
Crime/Business Related Problems Chapters 5, 6
Final