Description:

Selected social problems will be analyzed. Problems associated with race, gender, class, deviance, crime and ecology will be examined as perennial issues in contemporary society. In addition, other topics will be analyzed as they arise or as the instructor and students determine them to be significant. The history and development of each problem, as well as possible solutions, will be examined from a variety of perspectives. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain how social problems are created and defined from a sociological perspective.
2. Describe sociologically significant aspects of selected social problems.
3. Distinguish among the various approaches to analyzing social problems.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of selected social problems in an international context.
5. Analyze the ways in which the political, social, and economic context of social problems assists or inhibits their solution.
6. Demonstrate an ability to think critically about social problems.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Race and Ethnic Issues
   A. Define and discuss the concept "social construction of race."
   B. Articulate sociological thinking on the nature of racism and racial
oppression.
   C. Recognize the social dynamics of inter-ethnic/racial relations.
   D. Analyze race and ethnic issues in an international context.
   E. Critically analyze  solutions to identified racial and ethnic
issues.

II. Issues of Gender
   A. Define and discuss the concept "social construction of gender."
   B. Articulate sociological thinking on the nature of sexism
   C. Recognize aspects of gender liberation (feminism and men's
liberation).
   D. Analyze gender issues in an international context.
   E. Critically analyze  solutions to identified issues of gender.

III. Issues of Class and Caste
   A. Define and analyze the social class system.
   B. Distinguish between caste and class systems.
   C. Articulate sociological thinking on the nature and causes of
poverty.
   D. Analyze social class issues in an international context
   E. Critically analyze  solutions to identified issues of class and
caste.

III. Deviance and Crime
   A. Articulate sociological thinking on the nature of deviance. 
   B. Define and discuss sexual orientation.
   C. Define and discuss crime as a specific form of deviance.
   D. Analyze problems associated with crime and the criminal justice
system.
   E. Differentiate sociological perspectives on the nature and causes of
substance abuse.
   F. Critically analyze  solutions to identified issues of deviance and
crime

IV. Ecological Issues
   A. Analyze problems associated with urbanization.
   B. Identify social problems and ecological issues associated with
population growth.
   C. Examine problems associated with environmental degradation.
   D. Critically analyze  solutions to identified ecological issues.

V. Other social problems
   A. Identify issues as social problems by applying a sociological
definition.
   B. Analyze identified social problems using a sociological
perspective.
   C. Critically analyze  solutions to identified social problems.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. Between two and four exams stressing analytical and evaluative
approaches to course content.
2. From one to several research, topical, or responsive papers.

Caveats:

1. Each full-time faculty member individually selects her or his own required text(s).
2. Adjunct faculty members must choose one of the required texts used by full-time faculty members.
3. Individual instructors may select supplemental texts or materials to complement the principal text(s) in their assigned sections.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.