Social Problems

SYG2010 - Summer 2009

COURSE  SYLLABUS

  CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Dr. Moleon-Mathews
Office

R-248-D (Main Campus)

Phone

(772) 462-7791

Office Hours Posted Online.
Email See WebCT Private Mail
   
  COURSE INFORMATION
Required Text

D. Stanley Eitzen & M. Baca Zinn.  Social Problems, 11th Ed, Pearson Education, Inc, 2006.  ISBN 0-205-44969-7.

Course Description

The primary goal of this class is to increase students’ awareness of contemporary social problems.  The focus will be on crime, poverty, drug abuse, terrorism as well as the problems associated with health care, education, and the growth of corporate America.

 

 

Course Objectives

The course is designed to promote a better understanding of contemporary society by applying different sociological perspectives to society’s problems.  This process will help the students to:

a) understand the sources of contemporary social problems

b) analyze the social conditions and factors that are likely to contribute to the persistence of these problems. 

c) come up with possible solutions to these problems.

   
  COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1-Tests (60%).

There will be three (3) units of work and, an objective exam will follow each of these units (there will be no comprehensive exams)  Each exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions.  Exam questions will be taken from the assigned weekly readings and study questions will be provided to help you study for your exams.

Exams will be available for a two (2) day period.  You can take your exam anytime during the scheduled period at one of IRSC's testing sites (Main Campus, St Lucie West, Okeechobee, Mueller or Chastain).  Be sure to arrive  at least two (2) hours before closing time give yourself time to complete the exam (bring a photo identification with you).

Exams are to be taken without using notes, textbooks or any other assistance.

Examinations Schedule
  • Exam 1: May 18-19.                    Chapters 1, 2, & 3.
  • Exam 2: Jun 1-2.                          Chapters 5, 7 & 8.
  • Final Exam: June 18 & 22nd.       Chapters 9, 10, 13 & 16.
   
2- Writing Assignment (20%).

The writing assignment will constitute 20% of your final grade. See the Assignments section of the course homepage for more information.

   
3- Quizzes (10%).

The goal of the quizzes is to help keep up with the weekly readings.  You will have to complete ten (10) online quizzes throughout the semester.  There will be no makeup quizzes.  Make sure you complete the quizzes on the scheduled dates.  Failure to do so will result in a grade zero for the quiz or quizzes missed.

Quizzes will consist of multiple-choice or true/false questions. Each quiz will be available for a week, do not wait for the last minute to complete the quiz.  Quizzes CAN be completed at home however, you cannot use notes, the textbook or any other assistance.

Detailed information about dates and chapters that the quizzes will cover can be found in the Examinations Schedule section of the course's homepage page.

   
4- Class Discussion(10%). Students are expected to complete the assigned readings and share their ideas with their classmates online.  Class discussion will be used to assess attendance and is worth 10% of the final grade.  Since discussion questions will be available for a whole week there will be no make up for missed discussions.
   
  GRADING
Grades

Tests                           60%

Writing Assignment      20%

Quizzes                       10%

Class Discussion         10%

__________________________

Final Grade                  100%

Grading Scale

90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; 59 and below =F

   
  CLASS POLICIES
Attendance I routinely use the number of times students access the class, send me e-mails, and post contributions to the weekly discussion questions as an indication of class attendance.
   
Plagiarism A student who turns in a plagiarized paper will receive an “F” in the course.  Plagiarism includes purchasing papers written by others, cutting and pasting from websites, AND cutting and pasting while changing a few words.
   
Make-up Policy There will be no make up for the quizzes. To make up exam 1 or 2 you will have to come on Main Campus (bring scantron and pencil).  If you missed the final exam, your grade for that exam will be ZERO, no exceptions. 
   
Withdrawal Policy If you encounter any difficulties, or if you are considering withdrawing from the course for any reason, please contact your instructor without delay.  The college has many resources to help students succeed in their courses, and your instructor may be able to help you obtain the assistance that will allow you to complete the course successfully. 
   
Withdrawal Deadline The last day to Withdraw from this class with a "W" is June 8, 2009 Instructor withdrawals will NOT be given for poor academic performance.
   
 Disabilities If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please notify Student Disability Services.
   
FYI

This syllabus is subject to change.  Any change made will be announced in class.  It is the student's responsibility to note changes as they occur.