Course Description

This course presents an introductory sociological analysis of causes, changes in, and attempts to effectively treat some of the major problems in contemporary American society. These include: hunger, environmental problems, poverty, crime and delinquency, family problems, and homelessness. Service Learning projects are encouraged. Group 1 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

3

Lecture Hours

3

Recommended Prerequisites or Skills Competencies

Placement into ENG 111/11

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Communications - Direct, Critical Thinking - Direct

Other college designations supported by this course

Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div, Infused: Writing Intensive

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Describe basic social theories.
• Relate course contextual information to trends in cultural, political, and economic life.
• Discuss the varying perspectives of sociology and the corresponding analyses of modern social problems.

Application:

• Apply concepts, research skills, and theoretical perspectives to analyzing and solving modern social problems.
• Analyze personal and social life.

Integration:

• Explore patterns of social and economic forces like globalization, technological change, social change and institutional problems as they relate to modern social problems.
• Conduct studies of social problems across the world including social-scientific and ethnographic studies.

Human Dimension:

• Identify personal and institutional biases, prejudices and assumptions that encapsulate diverse social groups social problems.

Caring - Civic Learning:

• Investigate the importance of social and civic engagement in solving challenges facing contemporary American society.
• Apply empathy to perceive the diverse patterns associated with varied life chances people experience.

Learning How to Learn:

• Practice metacognition in their reflective journal writings.