Kennesaw State UniversitySocial Issues – Perspectives in SociologySOCI 2105 Maymester 2010Classroom: SSB 2023 Instructor: Gail MarkleClass Hours: MTWRF 12:00 – 3:45 Office: SSB 4005Office Hours: MTWRF 11:25 – 11:55 Dept Phone: 770-423-6739 Or by appointment E-mail: [email protected] Description: This condensed two week course provides an introduction to sociology through the study of a set of critical global issues along the dimensions of inequality, conflict, and sustainability. We will apply a series of core sociological concepts and theories to a diverse sample of social issues in order to explore their underlying factors, consequences and interpretations. Using a sociological perspective, we will examine the ways in which social structure and culture interact to influence the way people define and solve their problems. Course Goals:- Develop an understanding of key sociological concepts and theories- Understand how social issues become created- Understand how social scientists study social issues- Be able to identify the social and environmental forces underlying various social issues- Become aware of alternative explanations and interpretations of various social issues- Examine and discuss social change- Cultivate the ability to think critically- Improve analytical reading and writing skillsTextbook: Sernau, Scott. 2009. Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace, and Sustainability, 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn and Bacon. (ISBN:978-0-205-57884-9). Required Article (available on eReserve): Pascale, Celine-Marie. 2007. “Routine Matters: Racialization in Everyday Life.” Pp. 23- 49 in Making Sense of Race, Class, and Gender. New York: Routledge.Class Format: Class meetings will include a mixture of lectures, films, and discussions. Expectations: Maymester is set up to encourage intensive immersion in a topic. This class meets every weekday for a total of ten classes. Each class is equivalent to one week of instruction. Expect a significant reading load. Please turn off your cell phones, Blackberries, iPods, and other electronic devices. NO LAPTOPS unless you have a documented disability. Students are expected to read assignments prior to the class period, to listen to class presentations, and to participate in class discussions. You are under no obligation to agree with the authors or the instructor. Rather, your obligation is to demonstrate comprehension and thoughtful consideration. Critical thinking, a willingness to explore the ideas of others, and respect for other students are essential.2Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance in class is required. If you must be absent please be aware that you are responsible for all announcements, assignments, and material covered during class time. Your attendance will affect your grade. You are allowed one absence without penalty. For perfect attendance 2 points will be added to your final grade. Beginning with the 2ndabsence 2 points will be deducted from your final grade. For each successive absence an additional point will be deducted from your final grade. You must be present for the whole class period to receive credit. Absence for KSU business, religious holidays and mandatory court appearances may be excused with proper documentation.Class Requirements and Grading:Reading Responses (5) 20% Critical Movie Review 30%Exams (2 @ 25%) 50%Reading Responses: Each student is required to turn in a one page typed response to five of the readings. You must prepare a response to the Pascale article, but the other four may be of your choosing. In this response you should briefly summarize the main points of the chapter or article and suggest one or two well thought out questions that could be used to stimulate a discussion regarding the material. If one of your questions is chosen for use in class you will receive an additional point added to your grade. These papers will help you prepare for the exams. The reading responses must be turned in at the beginning of class on the day of the assigned readings.Critical Movie Review: Due on the last day of class May 21. Choose a commercial movie and write a 4 to 6 page double spaced paper in which you critically review its sociological content. You must use course content, drawing on what we have read and discussed in class to support your critique. Your paper should include:- A brief summary of the movie - A thorough description of the social problem illustrated by the movie- An analysis which relates the movie to the sociological concepts and theories discussed in class. According to the movie, what are the causes and consequences of the social problem? What individuals, groups, organizations or institutions are involved? What values, beliefs and ideologies are depicted? What solutions are proposed? What conclusions might be drawn about the problem as a result of viewing this movie? - Your personal reaction to the movie.Some possible suggestions include: American History X, Blood Diamond, Boys Don’t Cry, Buffalo 66, The Cider House Rules, The Constant Gardener, Crossing Over, Do the Right Thing,Enough, Falling Down, Freedom Writers, Girl Interrupted, Gran Torino, Hotel Rwanda, Husbands and Wives, John Q, Judgment at Nuremberg, The Killing Fields, Leaving Las Vegas, The Life of David Gale, Lions for Lambs, Lord of War, Menace II Society, Milk, Monster, NaturalBorn Killers, North Country, Philadelphia, Real Women Have Curves, Rendition, Requiem for aDream, The Savages, Slumdog Millionaire, Syrianna, The Thin Blue Line, Thirteen, Traffic, Twelve Angry Men, Wall Street, The Woodsman. You may not e-mail me your papers. A hard copy must be turned in to me on the last day of class.3Exams: Exams will consist of multiple choice and short essay questions. They will cover lectures, videos, discussions, and reading assignments. Exams will be given on Friday May 14th and Friday May 21. Due to the condensed format of the class make-up exams will not be given.Grading Scale: 100-90 = A; 89-80 = B; 79-70 = C; 69-60 = D; 59 and below = FEarning Grades: Grades are “earned” and are not arbitrarily “granted” in this class. Thus, unless I make an error in calculation, I will not change your grade at the end of the semester for HOPE eligibility,