SOCIAL PROBLEMS

SOCIOLOGY 3322
FALL 2005

INSTRUCTOR: MERYL G. NASON

OFFICE: GR 3.406
OFFICE HOURS: MWF 8:15 - 8:45 AM and by appointment
OFFICE PHONE: (972) 883-6436
E-MAIL: Mnason@UTDallas.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this course is to explore the causes of and possible solutions to selected
social problems. The course is designed to make students aware of major social
problems. Social problems are inter-related and are rooted in our social institutions. In
this course, we will explore various problems and investigate the costs or difficulties in
developing solutions to those problems. Topics include: health care, drug and alcohol
abuse, family problems, crime and violence, race and ethnicity, poverty, youth and aging,
work and unemployment, education, environmental problems, and conflict, war, and
terrorism.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the sociological perspective.

2. Demonstrate an awareness of the relativity of our social world.

3. Demonstrate an interdisciplinary knowledge of the definition(s) and impact of

social problems.

4. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the nature of contemporary

social problems.

5. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the various sociological

viewpoints taken on contemporary social problems.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

The major texts for the course will be: Linda A. Mooney, David Knox and Caroline
Schacht, Understanding Social Problems, Fourth Edition, Wadsworth, 2005.

Joel M. Charon and Lee Garth Vigilant, Social Problems: Readings with Four Questions,
Second Edition, Wadsworth, 2006.
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Amanda Konradi and Martha Schmidt, Reading Between the Lines: Toward an
Understanding of Current Social Problems, Third Edition, McGraw Hill, 2004.

Dana Dunn and David V. Waller, Analyzing Social Problems: Essays and Exercises,
Second Edition, Prentice Hall, 2000.

SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTS:

The following texts have been bundled with the Mooney text and are to help you in
fulfilling the requirements of the course.

Lori Ann Fowler, Study Guide for Mooney, Knox, and Schacht’s Understanding Social
Problems, Fourth Edition, Wadsworth, 2005.

D.R. Wilson, Researching Sociology on the Internet, Third Edition, Wadsworth, 2005.

Judy H. Schmidt, Michael K. Hooper, and Diane Kholos Wysocki, 6 Steps to Effective
Writing in Sociology, Wadsworth, 2003.

Michele Adams, Student Guide to Infotrac College Edition for Sociology, Wadsworth,
2002.

CLASSS FORMAT AND INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS:

The forma t will be lecture/discussion with the addition of visiting speakers and films. The
instructor of this course makes several assumptions about the students enrolled in this
course. As a student in this course, you will be expected to:

1. Attend class on a regular basis.

2. Be prepared for class (i.e., have a writing instrument and paper in your
possession; have read the assigned materials prior to class).

3. Participate in class. Students are expected to actively participate and will be

assigned a grade for participation (5% of final grade). If something is covered in lecture
or in the text which you do not understand, ASK A QUESTION (chances are at least one
or more of your colleagues will have the same or similar question). You will be held
responsible for the assigned materials on the examinations, so it is in your best interest to
ask questions.

4. Be present and prepared for all examinations. The term “prepared” in this context
means not only having studied the materials you are to be tested on and showing up at the
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appropriate time, but also having a BLUE BOOK, SCANTRON, and a Blue or Black Pen
in your possession on the day of the exam.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

Grades will be determined on the basis of the following point scale:

Three Exams Each worth 125 points 375 points

Research Project 125 points
Social Problems Exercises 100 points
Class Participation _25 points
TOTAL POSSIBLE 625 points

In addition, there will be a number of extra credit assignments throughout the semester.
These are optional and are available to help you improve your grade.

EXAMS:

There will be three examinations for the class, the first, the week of SEPTEMBER 19, the
second, the week of OCTOBER 24 and the third, the week of NOVEMBER 28(finals
week). Each exam will count 20% toward the final grade.

Exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, true/false and essays unless otherwise
instructed. They will cover only the material since the last exam (i.e. non-
comprehensive).
Exam material will come from lecture and assigned readings. Any handout materials
supplied by the instructor may also appear on that section’s exam.

Prior to the exam, a part of the class will be devoted to questions and answers as a
review.

MAKE-UP EXAMS:

The dates of exams and other assignments are indicated on the class schedule. Only
extreme and unusual physical or emotional circumstances will be considered as an excuse
for not taking an exam or completing assignments by the due date, or receiving an
Incomplete grade in the course. If you fail to take an exam or turn in a paper or
assignment without reasonable excuse, you will receive a “0” for that item. Late papers
will be penalized one letter grade per day. No make-up exams will be given except in rare
cases, with written documentation needed. Students requesting Incomplete grades must
do so in writing by the last regularly scheduled meeting of the class.
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SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY:

Cheating is defined as the willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized

manner during an examination, illicitly obtaining examination questions in advance,
using someone else’s work for assignments as if it were your own, or any other dishonest
means of attempting to fulfill the requirements of the course.

Plagiarism is defined as the use of an author’s work or ideas as if they were one’s own
without giving credit to the source, including but not limited to failure to properly
acknowledge a direct quote or paraphrase. Punishment for cheating and/or plagiarism is
outlined in the Scholastic Dishonesty section of the current Undergraduate catalogue.
Students are expected to read and understand their rights and responsibilities under the
Code.

Any student in this class accused of cheating or plagiarism will be given an automatic
grade of “0” (zero) on the test or assignment and will be turned over to the appropriate
college authorities for possible further disciplinary action (which could include
suspension or expulsion from the college). Cheating and plagiarism are very serious
offenses and will not be tolerated.

RESEARCH PROJECT:

Each student is required to complete a research project. Students will have the choice
between a term paper, a social problem analysis or volunteer work. The project is worth
20% of your final grade.

TERM PAPER:
Students are expected to do significant research applying sociological concepts to a social
problem of their own choosing (See list for possible topics). Topics must be confirmed
with the instructor by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.

Students should use reputable scholarly sources, not household magazines. Books and
academic journals should be used. Internet sites can be used but not as the only sources.
In general, your best bets will probably be such journals as Society, Social Problems,
Journal of Marriage and the Family, and Social Forces, but we have many specialized
journals on aging, health care, education, deviance and other fields. Please use the college
librarians as resources. They can help you find what UTD does have and can access
journals and other resources available at other schools. Each paper must contain at least
two articles from recognized sociology journals. If you are having problems finding
resources, please come see me immediately.

Reports are to be submitted in writing on or before WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23.

Papers should be typed with double spacing and should be 8-10 pages. Papers less than 8
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pages will be downgraded. Quotations and other references should be footnoted. Students
should consult Turabian, MLA, or other manuals for correct format for citations.
Remember you need to be consistent throughout the paper.

The mechanics of good written work are crucial to how well you perform. Organization,
logical arguments, clarity of expression and correct grammatical construction (including
spelling) all contribute to the overall level of expression of your thoughts. These factors
will be taken into account in grading. There is a writing lab for your use. Please use it if
you are having problems. It is here to help you. Please also use 6 Steps to Effective
Writing in Sociology as a reference.

SOCIAL PROBLEM ANALYSIS:

The student should find an article from a newspaper or news magazine (Time,
Newsweek, etc) that describes a social problem. Using the analytical framework
presented below, apply sociological concepts to the events in the article. Also use
relevant ideas from the text, lectures and discussion. Use an abbreviated reference format
for your sources (for example Time, July 11, 2005, p. 25). Your analysis should be 8-10
pages typed with double spacing. Attach a copy of the article to the analysis. The analysis
is due on or before WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23.

Analytical Framework:

1. What is the problem? (Brief statement: type, identify level and scope).

2. Analyze the problem by answering the following questions:

What is the history or background?

What are the effects or consequences of this problem?
What social factors (causes) are involved?
What individuals, groups, organizations, institutions are involved?
What values, beliefs, norms and issues are involved and by whom?
What stand and ideology are taken by whom?
What sociological assumption(s) fit this problem?
What theoretical perspectives are involved? Select at least two.
What solutions (s) are proposed and by whom?
What solution (s) has been tried already?
What additional problems do the solutions raise?

Use Text and course material to document and explain your ideas. Give citations to
lectures, text, readers, and discussions. You analysis must include at least two articles
from recognized sociological journals.
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3. Take a stand.
What conclusion(s) can you draw about the problem? What are your own reactions now
that you have analyzed it?

SOCIAL PROBLEMS--SUGGESTED RESEARCH TOPICS

Racism or Sexism in America Gender Socialization

Affirmative Action Sexism and the Changing Family
Drug Abuse Alcoholism
White Collar Crime Juvenile Delinquency
Computer Crime Population Problems
Ecology and Human Society Problems of the Aged
Euthanasia Civil Liberties
Civil Disobedience Problems of War and Peace
Prisons and Prison Reform Terrorism
Inflation Domestic Violence
Problems of Family Instability
Learning Disabilities and the Problems of Labeling
Nuclear Weapons and the War Machine
Violence in American Society
Television: Its Effect on Children
Child Abuse
Spousal Abuse
Mental Illness and Its Treatment
National Health Insurance: Pros and Cons
The Feminization of Poverty
Prayer in the Public Schools
Assault Weapons and Gun Control
Welfare Reform

This list is by no means comprehensive. Please feel free to discuss with me other areas of
interest. Please refer to your texts for additional topics as well.

VOLUNTEER WORK:

This project requires that you spend volunteer time amounting to at least 16 hours over
the semester. The volunteer time must be in an area related to social problems as covered
in this course. For example, students may want to work at a home for the elderly or with
the handicapped or with the police. Please consult with me for your area of interest.
Before beginning, the student must go through the proper authorities to get permission to
work with the individual(s) and to set up times for the visits. The “volunteer” hours must
be verified by having your supervisor or project coordinator sign against the dates, and
times you have volunteered.
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After completing the volunteer work, an 8-10 page typed double spaced report is to be
submitted with about 5 pages being a summary of the volunteer experience. The
remainder of the report must have details from two articles from a social science journal
that helped you to better understand your volunteer experience. The full reference for
your article must be given. The report should contain an evaluation of both your
volunteer work and the agency involved. The work and paper are due no later than
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23.

SOCIAL PROBLEMS EXERCISES:

In order to help you understand the true magnitude of social problems in our society, you
will be required to complete three exercises from the Dunn and Waller text: Analyzing
Social Problems: Essays and Exercises, Second Edition. Each exercise will be worth 5%
of your grade for a total of 15% of your grade. You will be able to choose which
exercises you want to do; however, you may not complete an exercise once its due date
has passed.

Exercise One--Dunn #5--Due, Wednesday, September 7

Exercise Two--Dunn #12, 13, or 15--Due Wednesday, September 19
Exercise Three--Dunn #1, 2, or 3--Due Monday, October 3
Exercise Four--Dunn #9--Due Monday, October 10
Exercise Five--Dunn #6--Due Monday, October 17
Exercise Six--Dunn #8 or 17--Due Monday, October 24
Exercise Seven--Dunn #20--Due Monday, November 7
Exercise Eight--Dunn #25--Due Monday, November 21

You may in addition complete up to two more exercises for extra credit. These will be
worth 20 points each and can not be handed in until you have completed your required
three. You may do a maximum of two extra credit assignments for a total of 40 points.
Freshman must complete at least one exercise before Freshman midterm grades are due.

CLASS SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

Week 1 Introduction
8/19

Week 2 Overview of the Course--Thinking About Social Problems

8/22-8/26 Mooney (M): Chapter 1
Charon (C): 1,2
Konradi (K): Chapter 1 and Chapter 2--Reading 2
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Week 3 Illness and the Health Care Crisis

8/29-9/2 M: Chapter 2
C: 42-45
K: 47,48 and 51

Week 4 Alcohol and Other Drugs

9/5-9/9 M: Chapter 3
C: 30
K: 49
NO CLASS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
EXERCISE #1 DUE--WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
PAPER TOPICS DUE--FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Week 5 Crime and Violence

9/12-9/16 M: Chapter 4
C: 27-29. 31
K: 41, 43-45

Week 6 EXAMINATION #1
9/19-9/23 Multiple Choice--Wednesday, September 21
Essay--Friday, September 23
EXERCISE #2 DUE--MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Week 7 Family Problems

9/26-9/30 M: Chapter 5
C: 24, 32-35
K: 31, 32

Week 8 Race and Ethnic Relations

10/3-10/7 M: Chapter 6
C: 17, 19, 20
K: 17, 18, 20
EXERCISE #3 DUE--MONDAY, OCTOBER 3
NO CLASS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

Week 9 Problems of Youth and Aging

10/10-10/14 M: Chapter 9
C: 36, 51
EXERCISE #4 DUE--MONDAY, OCTOBER 10
FRESHMAN MIDTERM GRADES DUE--THURSDAY, 10/13
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Week 10 Poverty
10/17-10/21 M: Chapter 10
C: 6, 7, 9, 10
K: 11, 13, 15
EXERCISE #5 DUE--MONDAY, OCTOBER 17

Week 11 EXAMINATION #2
10/24-10/28 Multiple Choice--Wednesday, October 26
Essay--Friday, October 28
EXERCISE #6 DUE--MONDAY, OCTOBER 24

Week 12 Work and Unemployment

10/31-11/4 M: Chapter 11
C: 12, 14, 15
K: 26-28

Week 13 Problems in Education

11/7-11/11 M: Chapter 12
C: 37, 39, 40
K: 37-39
EXERCISE #7 DUE--MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Week 14 Environmental Problems

11/14-11/18 M: Chapter 14
C: 53
K: 52,55

Week 15 Conflict, War, and Terrorism

11/21-11/25 M: Chapter 16
C: 48-50
K: 56, 57
EXERCISE #8 DUE--MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21
RESEARCH PROJECT DUE--WED. NOVEMBER 23
NO CLASS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Week 16 Terrorism (continued)

11/28 LAST CLASS

11/30-12/5 EXAMINATION #3
9-11AM, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

This schedule is tentative and will be modified as necessitated by class discussions and
outside speakers. This syllabus is the property of Meryl G. Nason and is not to be
reproduced without the consent of the author.