Minu Mathur, Ph.D.
..Contemporary Issues in Society Soci 105
 
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Course Description

This course in contemporary social issues uses the methodology and paradigms of sociology to examine the nature and type of social problems. Both macro and micro level social problems will be addressed. Some topics elaborated upon are: the nature and definition of social problems, theory and research in social problems, problems of race, social inequality, gender, population growth, urbanization, deviance, world economy, family etc. Thus this course contains theoretical and descriptive studies of selected social problems that affect the quality of life in contemporary America.

 

 

Syllabus

Contemporary Issues in Society 105

 

Office hours: Variable

 

 

Prerequisites and competency level required:

Eligibility for ENGL 800;. Credit/No Credit, or letter grade option.

In this class you're expected to build skills in three areas. These are:
  • A comprehensive, substantive examination of contemporary social problems in the US
  • Grounding of this discussion in sociological theories
  • Application of these terms and theories in the "real" world outside the classroom.

It is required that you:

  • Hand in all work on time, or receive less or no credit.
  • Take all exams at scheduled exam time. Make up exams given only in emergency situations.

 

Materials

Text: Social Problems for the Twenty First Century, by J. John Palen. Published by McGraw Hill Higher Education, First Edition.

Study Guide (optional)

Scantron forms( #882)

Writing paper

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Resources

Check out my Useful Links page

 

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Grading Information

There will be four exams for this course, two tests and two comprehensive exams. The first test is scheduled for the third week of the semester, followed by a comprehensive mid-term, to be held during the 7th week. Third test will follow during the 11th week. Final exam (comprehensive to the material covered since the midterm) will be held during the scheduled final exam time. These four exams are worth 80% of the grade. All tests and exams will contain multiple choice as well as essay questions.Several class room exercises will be assigned. These will be worth 5% of the grade. Additionally, the students will be writing a journal in the classroom on a variety of social problems, worth 10% of the grade. And the last 5% of the grade will be determined through the class presentation of a news article. The breakdown of points is as follows:

  • Total Points: 240
  • Two tests: 36X2= 72
  • Two Exams: 60X2= 120
  • Class Exercises: 12
  • Article presentation: 12
  • Journal Writing: 24

Grading Scale:

  • 90%-100% A 216-240 points
  • 80%-89%...B 192-215 points
  • 70%-79%.. C 168-191 points
  • 60%-69%.. D 144-167 points

A Class Evaluation Summary:

Tests, exams, article presentation, journal writing, in-class group exercises.

Attendance:

Class attendance is the responsibility of every student. Attendance will be taken every class session. In cases of excessive absences, students will be dropped automatically. In cases of complete attendance, three bonus points will be added to the student's score.

General Class policies:

The class will abide by the add/drop policies of the College of San Mateo. Students are expected to be familiar with college policies covered in the college catalog.

Course Outline:

We will follow the chapter topics in the text. Here is a rough guide to chapters covered:

Beginning of semester- first test: Chapters 1-3

Mid-term exam: Chapters 1-6

Second test: Chapters: 7-9

Final exam: Chapters 7-12

 
 

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