SOCI 102 Social Problems

The general objective of this course is to give students a broad overview of contemporary problems both in America and around the world. This course will analyze social problems, both internationally and here in the United States, using various sociological perspectives. Students will use the tools of sociology - its analytical insights, its theoretical frameworks, and its methods - to ask questions about what constitutes a social problem, when does a social condition become problematic, who are advocating which strategies for solutions or social change. The course will focus on three general classes of social problems: problems of social inequality and conflict, problems arising within specific social institutions (family life, education, crime, and health care), and problems arising from social change (environmental crises, population growth, and social upheaval). In each case, students will study what is known: (1) about the problem and recent trends therein, (2) its causes and consequences, and (3) individual and societal responses to the phenomenon.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly