Kennesaw State UniversitySocial Issues – Perspectives in SociologySOCI 2105 02Fall 2009Classroom: EB 170 Instructor: Gail MarkleClass Hours: MW 3:30 – 4:45 Office: SO 4057Office Hours: MW 2:30 – 3:20 Dept Phone: 770-423-6739 Or by appointment E-mail: [email protected] Description: This course provides an introduction to sociology through the study of a setof critical global issues along the dimensions of inequality, conflict, and environmental 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 skillsPrincipal Text: Sernau, Scott. 2009. Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace, and Sustainability, Second Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn and Bacon. (ISBN:978-0-205-57884-9). There is one additional reading on eRes. Class Format: Class meetings will include a mixture of lectures, films, and discussions. Expectations: Please turn off your laptops cell phones, Blackberries, iPods, and other electronicdevices. 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. Attendance: 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 record will affect your grade. For perfect attendance 2 points will be added to your final grade. For 1-2 absences 1 point will be added to your grade. Beginning with the 4th absence 1 point will be deducted from your final grade. For each successive absence an additional point will be deducted from your final grade. For example,2five absences would result in a 2 point deduction from your final grade; six absences would result in a 3 point deduction, and so on. Absence for KSU business, religious holidays and mandatory court appearances may be excused with proper documentation.Class Requirements and Grading:Definition of a Social Problem 25% Critical Movie Review 25%Exams (2 @ 25%) 50%Definition of a Social Problem: Due at the beginning of class September 9. Write a 4 to 6 page double spaced paper in which you define a contemporary social problem. You must use course content as well as two additional scholarly resources which must be appropriately cited and referenced. Begin by describing a situation, condition, or phenomenon which is generally considered to be a social problem. Your paper should include the answers to the following questions:- How is the problem generally defined?- What are the generally accepted causes of the problem?- Are there alternative definitions and causes?- What is the magnitude and severity of the problem?- What is the history of the problem? Has its importance changed over time?- Who is affected by the problem? Are different groups affected differently?- What aspect of the social structure might contribute to the creation or perpetuation of the problem?- Who might benefit from the continued existence of the problem?- How might this social problem connect to other social problems?Critical Movie Review: Due at the beginning of class October 14. 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, Juno, The Killing Fields, Leaving Las Vegas, The Life of David Gale, Lions for Lambs, Lord of War, Menace II Society, Milk, Monster, Natural Born Killers, North Country, Philadelphia, Real Women Have Curves, Rendition, Requiem for a Dream, The Savages, Slumdog Millionaire, Syrianna, The Thin Blue Line, Thirteen, Traffic, Twelve Angry Men, Wall Street, The Woodsman.3Please do not e-mail me your papers. Late work will be penalized ten points per day (24 hour period) unless you have made prior arrangements with me.Exams: Exams will consist of multiple choice and short essay questions. They will cover lectures, videos, discussions, and reading assignments. Exams will be given on September 21 and October 26. Make-up exams will be given only for exceptional cases with appropriate documentation. 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