SOC 110 - Social Problems

Number of Credits: 3
Social Problems examines various causes of societal concern both globally and in the United States. Problems explained and addressed include poverty, economic and political inequality; ageism, racism, sexism; prostitution, pornography and crime; physical, mental health and substance abuse; the changing nature of intimate relationships and the family; and, population growth, international immigration and environmental degradation Three hours lecture. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Diversity: Meets Diversity Requirement.
GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explain what constitutes a social problem, the social context that sociologists use to understand social problems and the major social theories used to analyze social problems. (GE 1,2; PG 1,2,4)
Research and explain the various ways of defining poverty, the extent of poverty in the United States and in other countries, and develop possible solutions to poverty. (GE 1,2,4,6; PG 1,3,4)
Participate in class discussions analyzing how age, gender, race/ethnicity and social class contribute to a number of social problems in the U.S. and in other societies, maintaining a cooperative and respectful approach during these discussions. (GE 1,2,6,7; PG 1,2,4)
Use the sociological perspective on deviance to analyze and explain social problems such as crime, prostitution and pornography, and drug abuse. (GE 1,2; PG 1)
Explain physical and mental health care as a social problem, the current crisis of health care in the U.S and develop well reasoned solutions to this problem. (GE 1,2,4,7; PG 1,2,3,4)
Describe changes in family structure in the U.S. and problems related to family instability and domestic violence. (GE 1; PG 1,4) 7. Describe current patterns of population growth and international migration in the world; explain why such growth and migration has occurred, and the interrelationship with environmental degradation. (GE 1,2,6,7; PG 1,2,4)
Describe current patterns of population growth and international migration in the world; explain why such growth and migration has occurred, and the interrelationship with environmental degradation. (GE 1,2,6,7; PG 1,2,4)