SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Summer 2000
Instructor: Scott M. Lynch Course Information
Office: Soc-Psych 142 SOC 011
Office Hours: after class and by appointment M-F 9:30-10:45
Phone: @Duke: 660-5603/@Home: (919)304-5279 Soc-Psych 127
Email: slync@soc.duke.edu
Kornblum, W. & J. Julian. (1999). Social Problems (9th ed.). Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice Hall.
The objective of this course is to introduce you to the study of social problems. This course is designed to be one step beyond an introductory sociology course, so I expect that you will have had introduction to sociology prior to taking the course. Introduction to sociology is geared to teaching basic theories and concepts in sociology; social problems is geared to teaching how to apply these theories and concepts to recognizing and understanding social problems. In this class we will discuss a number of social problems, including work and economic problems, racial inequality and discrimination, crime and violence, family and education problems, health and aging-related problems, and others. By the end of the course, I expect that you will understand social problems as stemming from social causes and likely requiring social (policy) solutions.
Summaries of problems and potential solutions 150 (or 30% of your grade)
Midterm 150 (or 30% of your grade)
Final 200 (or 40% of your grade)
You will have a summary to write for 5 of the 13 chapters on problems (not including chapter 1) that we cover. These summaries will be at least 2 pages (but no longer than 4), typed, double-spaced, and will discuss a) what the social problem is and why it exists and b) what some well-though potential solutions might be.
I expect you to come to class. Everything you need to know for the course will be presented in class, so it behooves you to attend.
Given that the class is expected to be small, the class will be mostly discussion. In order for this to occur, you must read the chapters PRIOR to attending class.
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated—it will result in your failing the course.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF MATERIAL TO BE COVERED
May 18 Introduction; review of basic sociological concepts and perspectives
May 19 Chapter 1: Defining social problems
May 22 Chapter 1 continued
May 23 Chapter 14: Work and the Economy
May 24 Chapter 14 continued
May 25 Chapter 8: Poverty and Affluence
May 26 Chapter 8 continued
May 29 Chapter 12: Family
May 30 Chapter 12 continued
May 31 Chapter 13: Education
June 1 Chapter 13 continued
June 2 Chapter 2: Health
June 5 Chapter 2 continued
June 6 Mid-Term Exam
June 7 Chapter 3: Mental Illness
June 8 Chapter 6: Crime
June 9 Chapter 6 continued
June 12 Chapter 7: Violence
June 13 Chapter 11: Aging
June 14 Chapter 11 continued
June 15 Chapter 17: Technology and the Environment
June 16 Chapter 17 continued
June 19 Chapter 9: Prejudice and Discrmination
June 20 Chapter 9 continued
June 21 Chapter 10: Sex and Inequality
June 22 Chapter 10 continued
June 23 Chapter 4: Sex-related social problems
June 26 Chapter 4 continued
June 29 Final Exam 9-12