SOC 206 Social Problems

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Applies the sociological perspective to the causes and consequences of social problems and examines the ways in which problems are constructed and defined. Covers inequalities based on race, ethnicity, gender, and age as well as problems such as crime, urbanization, population change, poverty, health, and the environment. Explores public policy and sociologically-informed solutions.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Analyze social problems by employing the sociological perspective.
Differentiate between person-blame and system-blame approaches to understanding social problems.
Discuss how sociologists conceptualize race and ethnicity, gender and sex, sexual identity, and age.
Examine the relationships between race, gender, and the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and privilege.
Examine how institutional arrangements and public policy contribute to social problems and norm violating behavior.
Examine the ways in which social problems are constructed and defined.
Evaluate sociologically-informed solutions to social problems.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior.
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.

Cultural Literacy Outcomes:

Identify and analyze complex practices, values, and beliefs and the culturally and historically defined meanings of difference.

Content Outline

Introduction to Sociology and the Study of Social Problems
Social Construction of Social Problems
Political Economy
Racial and Ethnic Inequality
Gender Inequality
Age, Aging and Ageism
Crime and Criminal Justice
Poverty
Health Care
The Environment, Population, and Place
Social Policy and Possible Solutions to Social Problems