Online students, please note that all of this information and much more is available at the Blackboard site for this course. This is intended only to provide a preview of how the course is set up. All course activities take place through the Rio Hondo Virtual College site.

The cover of the Henslin Social Problems text.

Major Social Problems 102- Fall 2009

Rio Hondo College Social Science Department- Whittier, California

Ticket # 8137 (online) Late Start (10/5/09-12/12/09)

Instructor: Dr. Daniel Roddick

E-mail: DRoddick@riohondo.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an exploration of how the study of sociology can provide useful perspectives for the study of social problems. Students who have taken an introductory course in sociology should find this to be an opportunity to exercise and develop their sociological imagination. Those who are new to the study of sociology will be introduced to the discipline through the process of engagement with a series of very significant social issues.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

In his Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective, Peter Berger warns us that "the first wisdom of sociology" is that "things are not what they seem." That is the most interesting part of this course of study. Most of us come to the table thinking that we know quite a bit about the problems of society. These problems and issues are the grist of everyday life. It's not astrophysics. We all have a great deal of direct or indirect experience with the subject matter of this course.However, remember professor Berger's warning.Our certainty that we understand something can became an impediment to learning.

There are two main benefits that may be derived from taking this course. One is quite practical. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the nature of current social problems including how they have developed, how they affect the way we live and how these situations may be changed. This is valuable information for the pursuit of many different professions. The second benefit is somewhat less practical, but perhaps more valuable. The course will also provide an opportunity to improve our process of thinking. This benefit is the product of grappling with the very challenge that Berger promises.It is not easy to see beyond our own, well- established views. In learning to do this creative questioning of the taken-for-granted, we develop a very valuable intellectual skill.

There are five specific educational goals for the students in this class:

1. To achieve an understanding of social theory as not only an abstract interpretation of social processes, but as a useful tool for collective and individual decision-making.

2. To achieve an understanding of the sociological perspective which will be a useful tool in the interpretation of each student's own social experiences.

3. To achieve an understanding of the difference between personal troubles and social problems.

4. To achieve an understanding of current social problems through the use of the sociological perspective.

5. To achieve an understanding of social change and its impact on us as individual participants in a changing society.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Preparation and Participation:

Students are expected to fulfill and submit all course assignments as scheduled.

Academic Integrity:

It is expected that all work submitted for grading is original and that the student receiving the grade has indeed done the work being graded. Deviation from these standards will result in a failing grade and may result in expulsion from the class or the college.

Accommodation:

Rio Hondo College is committed to providing access to education for students with disabilities. If a student has a disability or medical condition that requires accommodation, he or she should inform the instructor as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:

1. Participation in class discussion and activities- This includes such things as keeping on pace with the course and practice quizzes. (200 points)

2. Midterm Essay- Tests for chapters 1-9 must be completed. (175 points*)

3. Chapters 1-17 Tests- Multiple Choice and T/F (25 points each, 425 total*)

4. Final Essay- All chapter tests must be completed. (200 points*)

5. Total points available are 1000 with final grade based on total points earned by each student during the course.

* Make-up work or other submissions after due dates will be possible only in exceptional situations, and must be arranged with the instructor. Point deductions will be made for all late work regardless of circumstance.

CLASS MATERIALS:

Textbook:

Henslin, James M. 2008. Social Problems, 8th edition, Allyn and Bacon.

Additional Resources:

Internet support for the textbook is available through on-line services.

Other study aides, information on careers in sociology, a sociology Jeopardy game and links to other sociology sites are available at: http://www.abacon.com/socsite/

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