Discipline: Sociology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Sociology 2


COURSE DESCRIPTION
2 American Social Problems Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Identification and analysis of major social problems confronting contemporary 20th century America; emphasizing, among other topics, urban and rural transformations, family life, minorities, criminal and delinquent behavior. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Identification and analysis of major social problems.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Demonstrate a recognition and knowledge of important social problems
      confronting contemporary U.S.

2.   Demonstrate the ability to apply sociological principles to the problems
      noted above.

3.   Demonstrate the ability to describe and explain that the manner in which
      societal processes.

4.   Produce conforming and organized behavior is the same manner in which
      those processes produce deviant behavior and social disorganization.

5.   Demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary theoretical frameworks and
      social research findings dedicated to the resolution and/or solution of social
      problems.

6.   Demonstrate the ability to apply principles of critical thinking and critical
      analysis to the study of social problems.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

Lectures, discussions, and assignments will offer the approximate content below:

1.   An introduction to the sociological method for the study of social 
      problems, to include theoretical foundations and research methods.
2.   An introductory and critical analysis of the following social problems, to
      include their societal origins, evolutionary processes, current status, and
      possible remediation:
      a.   vested interests and pressure groups
      b.   crime and delinquency
      c.   family disorganization
      d.   religious problems
      e.   population issues
      f.    inequalities of social class, race and ethnic relations, gender and age.
      g.   Urban and rural dynamics
      h.   Issues of education and health care
      i.    Mass communication
      j.    Civil liberties
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture
  • Classroom discussion
  • Audio-visual aids, to include on-line and internet strategies
  • Small-group activities
  • Out-of-class projects, reading, and writing assignments
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written and/or oral examination, both objective and subjective methods.
  • Small group activities.
  • Library, on-line, and internet research assignments
  • Oral presentations
  • Course papers

 
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Feagin, Joe R. and David V. Baker . Social Problems: A Critical Power Conflict Perspective. any: Prentice Hall Publishers, 2005.
  • Charon, Joel M. . Social Problems. any: Wadsworth Publishers, 2005.
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