SOCI 1040 - Social Problems

3 sem hrs cr

The sociological perspective of the understanding of and solutions for some of the major current problems confronted in American society is examined. Included are such issues of social concern as poverty, social deviance, environment, energy, population, health, education, and medical care. Prerequisite: Exemption from or completion of ENGL 0810  and READ 0810  

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline. 

This course may include proctored exams which must be completed on campus or at an instructor approved proctoring center which may require additional costs to the student. Please consult your instructor for additional details.

  Formerly/Same As (Formerly SOC 1020, SOC 2120, SOCI 1020)

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

Students in this course will be able to…

• differentiate between and apply the sociological theories of Structural Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactionism to various social problems as a framework to understand their possible causes and solutions.
• explain the functions and dysfunctions of social problems.
• summarize the major contributions of sociology’s pioneers: Comte, Martineau, Spencer, Marx, Durkheim, and Weber.
• compare and contrast the various types of societies.
• describe the characteristics of the major racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
• describe the characteristics of each of the social classes in the United States and the most used approach.

OBJECTIVES

Students in this course will be able to…

• practice understanding and explaining various sociological point of views.
• analyze the objective and subjective components of social problems.
• practice identifying methods appropriate for solving problems.
• practice recognizing various ways social problems affect our lives today.
• practice thinking critically and creatively about social problems.