Spring 2010

SOC 308 • Contemporary US Social Problems

Course Description

This course will provide students with the opportunity to examine the myriad of contemporary social issues confronting the United States today. Students will employ sociological concepts and perspectives to analyze our nation's moÀst pressing social problems, ranging from various forms of social inequality, to crime, terrorism and war, and environmental degradation. Students will gain an understanding of how social institutions, such as education, the economy, and family shape individual and group behavior and can both exacerbate and ameliorate social problems. Finally, students will be challenged to examine policy solutions to these pressing social issues.

Grading Policy

4 exams 20% each
In class assignments 20%

Texts

Macionis, John, Social Problems, 3rd Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008

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