Course Description
This course will focus on an analysis of major contemporary social problems, especially in the United States. Particular attention is given to the problems of poverty, racism, sexism, drug and alcohol abuse, and illiteracy, as well as their impact on the contemporary workplace. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
- SOC 101: Sociology
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Analyze a range of social problems in the United States and internationally, including poverty, racism, sexism, drug and alcohol abuse, and educational inequality.
- Assess alternative solutions and propose effective ways of solving social problems, both in the workplace and in the larger society.
- Analyze and appropriately apply sociological theories and concepts to social problems.
- Evaluate the arguments, supporting evidence, and rhetorical strategies of written and audio-visual discourse about social problems.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Critical Essays (Weeks 1-7) | 50% |
Problem-Solution Paper/Presentation (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Lauer, R., and Lauer, J. Social Problems and the Quality of Life. 15th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2023. ISBN-10: 1-265-78185-0 or ISBN-13: 978-1-265-78185-9 [Looseleaf version]
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,3,4 | Topic: Problems of Behavior Deviance, Part 1
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2 | 1,3,4 | Topic: Problems of Behavior Deviance, Part 2
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3 | 1,2,4 | Topic: Problems of Inequality, Part 1
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4 | 1,3,4 | Topic: Problems of Inequality, Part 2
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5 | 1,2,3,4 | Topic: Problems of Social Institutions, Part 1
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6 | 1,3 | Topic: Problems of Social Institutions, Part 2
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7 | 1,3,4 | Topic: Global Social Problems
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8 | 1,2,3,4 | Topics: Problem-Solution Paper and Presentation
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.