SOC 102: Social Crises of Today Ticket #3410

Spring 2022 | February 22- June 15 

15 Weeks, Online Asynchronous Classes

Instructor: Vanuhi Vartanian

Office Hours Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of social life and focuses on the interaction between human groups and institutions and their influences on each other.
Sociology ranges from the study of relationships in family units in non-western cultures to the research of large bureaucratic institutions in major industrialized nations.
Among the specialties within sociology are race relations, cultural traditions, demography, family relations, social psychology, gerontology, criminology, social welfare, education, social status and social change.

 

What will this course be about?

SOC 102 | Social Crises of Today | 3.0 Units | Asynchronous

The course will cover identification & analysis of contemporary social problems including: 

SOC 102 covers identification and analysis of contemporary social problems including: (1) the role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems, (2) their causes and consequences, (3) evaluations of proposed solutions, and (4) methods of intervention. Topics vary.

1. Students will be able to identify the methods used to meet civic and social obligations in society.
2. Students will be able to identify crises inherent in the American economy and its social institutions.
3. Students will be able to compare and contrast the approaches taken by the three major sociological perspectives (i.e., functionalism, conflict theory, and interactionism) in their explanation of various social problems.
4. Students will be able to assess theories and trends in history as they relate to social change.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151. 

Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID SOCI 115)

 

What will I be learning during this course?

You will be learning how to: 

1. Demonstrate understanding of major social problems concerning the U.S.; 
2. Place local, regional, and national social problems in global context; 
3. Identify, and distinguish between causes and consequences of social problems; 
4. Analyze social problems using sociological approaches and concepts; 
5. Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative information about social problems; 
6. Identify and evaluate policies that address social problems and assess the policies’ impact on society.

 

What knowledge will I acquire at the end of this course?

You will know how to:

1. Identify the methods used to meet civic and social obligation in society; 
2. Identify crises inherent in the American economy and its social institutions; 
3. Compare and contrast the approaches taken by the three major sociological perspectives (i.e., functionalism, conflict theory, and interactionism) in their explanation of various social problems; 
4. Assess the theories and trends in history as they relate to social change.

 

Class Guidelines:

General Guidelines:

Be kind and respectful to each other.

This means that you are expected to:

• • actively listen to your instructors and your peers, 
  • that you will not use your phone or browse through other websites during class, 
  • you will make an honest attempt to keep your camera on and participate during class, 
  • you will read and prepare for your class to ensure you’ll be able to contribute to the conversation, 
  • and that you will be considerate when discussing or challenging

Take intellectual risks 

• • share your ideas, ask questions, offer constructive criticism, and attempt to learn new things from the text, from your TA, and especially, from your peers.

Brave and Safe Space

• • not only is our virtual classroom a safe space (meaning no students will be intentionally attacked or harassed for any reason), it is also a brave one.
    We encourage you to challenge the norm, challenge the texts you read, and challenge your peers, but you must do so respectfully, without blaming or shaming.

 

Required Textbook: 

OpenStax College. 2015. Social Problems, 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing

• • This textbook is virtual & free 
  • You can find it here: https://dx.doi.org/10.24926/8668.2301

 

Assignment Overview:

• • 1 reflection paper
  • 15 quizzes (2 lowest scores will be dropped & you will be allowed 2 attempts)
  • 15 discussion posts (2 lowest scores will be dropped)
    • Includes check-in assignment (Discussion Post #1) due on Thursday, February 24th 
      • Per California Community College requirements, if you do not complete this assignment on time, you will be dropped from this class 
  • 45 replies to discussion posts = 3 replies to peers per discussion post- (5 lowest scores will be dropped - individual replies, not for 5 full discussions)

 

Grading: 

Quizzes (13 graded)	130 points total (10 pts each)
Discussion Posts (13 graded)	130 pts total (10 pts each)
Replies to Discussion Posts (40 graded)	80 pts total (2 pts each)
Reflection Paper	(160 pts)

 

Total points: 500

________________________________________________________________

A– 89.5-100%............................................................................448-500 pts

B– 79.5-89.49%.........................................................................398-447 pts

C– 69.5-79.49%.........................................................................348-397 pts

D– 59.5-69.49%.........................................................................298-347 pts

F– 59.49-0%..................................................................................297-0 pts

_________________________________________________________________

 

Readings and Assignments: 

Topics for each class as well as due dates for assignments and quizzes will be listed next to the appropriate date.

All assignments are required for class discussion.

Please be prepared to share your ideas and note any questions you’d like to ask in your weekly discussion post, or in office hours. 

 

If you are using your computer, phone, or tablet to do the required readings (recommended), then take a minute to review the OpenStax tools and highlight/underline/flag anything that piques your interest or that you have questions about. 

 

T	2/22	Week 1	Check-In Welcome Week
Th	2/24		QUIZ #1
Th	2/24		Discussion Post #1 due
Sun	2/27		Comment replies x3 due
M	2/28	Week 2	Ch1: Understanding Social Problems
Th	3/3		QUIZ #2
Th	3/3		Discussion Post #2 due
Sun	3/6		Comment replies x3 due
M	3/7	Week 3	Ch2: Poverty
Th	3/10		QUIZ #3
Th	3/10		Discussion Post #3 due
Sun	3/13		Comment replies x3 due
M	3/14	Week 4	Ch 4: Gender Inequality
Th	3/17		QUIZ #4
Th	3/17		Discussion Post #4 due
Sun	3/20		Comment replies x3 due
M	3/21	Week 5	Ch 5: Sexual Orientation & Inequality  Ch 9: Sexual Behavior
Th	3/24		QUIZ #5
Th	3/24		Discussion Post #5 due
Sun	3/27		Comment replies x3 due
M	3/28	Week 6	Ch 3: Racial and Ethnic Inequality
Th	3/31		QUIZ #6
Th	3/31		Discussion Post #6 due
Sun	4/3		Comment replies x3 due
M	4/4	Week 7	Ch 6: Aging & Ageism
Th	4/7		QUIZ #7
Th	4/7		Discussion Post #7 due
Sun	4/10		Comment replies x3
M	4/11	Week 8	Ch 7: Alcohol & Other Drugs
Th	4/14		QUIZ #8
Th	4/14		Discussion Post #8 due
Sun	4/17		Comment replies x3 due
M	4/18 - 4/24	x	Spring Break
Sun	4/24	x	Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day
M	4/25	Week 9	Ch 8: Crime & Criminal Justice
Th	4/28		QUIZ #9
Th	4/28		Discussion Post #9 due
Sun	5/1		Comment replies x3 due
M	5/2	Week 10	Ch 10: The Changing Family
Th	5/5		QUIZ #10
Th	5/5		Discussion Post #10 due
Sun	5/8		Comment replies x3
Sun	5/8		Research Paper Due
M	5/9	Week 11	Ch 11: School & Education
Th	5/12		QUIZ #11
Th	5/12		Discussion Post #11 due
Sun	5/15		Comment replies x3
M	5/16	Week 12	Ch 12: Work & the Economy
Th	5/19		QUIZ #12
Th	5/19		Discussion Post #12 due
Sun	5/22		Comment replies x3
M	5/23	Week 13	Ch 13: Health & Healthcare
Th	5/26		QUIZ #13
Th	5/26		Discussion Post #13 due
Sun	5/29		Comment replies x3
M	5/30	x	Memorial Day - Campus Closed
T	5/31	Week 14	Ch 14: Urban & Rural Problems Ch 15: Population & the Environment
Th	6/2		QUIZ #14
Th	6/2		Discussion Post #14 due
Sun	6/5		Comment replies x3
M	6/6	Week 15	Ch 16: War & Terrorism
Th	6/9		QUIZ #15
Th	6/9		Discussion Post #15 due
Sun	6/12		Comment replies x3
Sun	6/12		Reflection Paper Due

Some Important Notes:

Office Hours:
I will have my Zoom open every Wednesday from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
No appointment necessary, just drop in. Bring a list of questions/concerns, or just come in to chat.
If you cannot attend at these hours but would still like to talk to me, please email me and we will set up an appointment so that we can address your questions/concerns as well.

How to prepare for class:
Schedule reading time: designate reading time in your weekly schedule so that you’re not stressed out, trying to finish the readings the minute before class.
The textbook is very well written and easy to read. The readings shouldn’t take you more than an hour.
There will not be any more than 50 pages to read per assignment, and the pages are short and filled with graphics.

Plan for success! Submit your work by the requested due date and time.
If you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact me by private message before the assignment is due to make alternate arrangements. You can do it!

Read smarter, not harder:
Don’t read class materials from the first word to last, like a novel.
Practice reading scholarly material efficiently.
Here’s a short video that offers some tips on reading quickly and efficiently:
​​5 Ways to Read Faster That ACTUALLY Work - College Info Geek

Annotate while reading:
By highlighting, circling, underlining, and annotating in the margins, you will retain what you are reading and comprehend what you are reading.
There are several apps that will allow you to annotate digitally, including the website that your textbook is on.
You can also print it if a printer is available to you (but try not to be wasteful if you have other options).

Help with Writing:
Download Grammarly for free! Add it to your Google Chrome as an extension to make sure all your writing is error-free.
You can also visit the writing center, or drop in to my office hours if you need my help. 

Keep track of deadlines:
Keep a calendar/planner and write down important dates and deadlines.
Set reminders for yourself, and always check for upcoming assignment due dates.

Turning papers in:
Headings (top right hand corner)-
Name, Last Name, Date
Soc 102: Social Crises of Today

 

Assignment Rubrics:
In order to understand what is expected of you for each assignment, please check out the rubric -- a table that details the "tips for success" of each assignment and the benchmarks for success -- attached to each Assignment/Discussion for the grading criteria.

Course & Assignment Grades and Feedback:
You can view your grades using the Grades button in the course navigation links.
Please check your grades regularly to make certain that I have received all your assignments.
If you have a question about a grade, email me through the Canvas Inbox (left-side of your screen).
Please do not post your personal concerns in a discussion forum.

I will be using the Canvas grading tool for your discussions and written assignments within 2 weeks of submitting your assignment.
You can see not only your grades, but also comments and feedback as well. If you want 10 points extra credit, email me a picture of the cutest animal you can find.

Information about Distance Education (DE): 

• DE Drop:
  A student must log into Canvas during the first week of an online/hybrid class and pass the Check-In Assignment by Thursday at 11:59 PM (4-8 week classes) and Sunday at 11:59 PM (10-16 week classes)  in order to remain in the class (this is a state requirement).
  See Refund/Payment Policy for more information regarding course drops.
  Any student that is added after the Thursday or Sunday deadline as a 'late add' student has until Census to complete the Check-In Assignment or be dropped. 
• DE Participation/Attendance:
  If a student misses more than the equivalent of two weeks’ worth of online assignments during a fall or spring semester, they may lose credit for, or be dropped from, the course.
  Students: Please refer to Student Rights in an Online and Hybrid Course if you have further questions regarding the expectations of your course and instructor.

 

Cheating and Plagiarism:
Cheating and plagiarism are violations of GCC policy and will result in appropriate disciplinary action and a grade of an “F.”

 

Incompletes:
Incompletes will only be given for verified medical or other emergency reasons.
Students need to notify the instructor as soon as possible regarding the need to receive an incomplete for this course. 

 

Late Assignments:
Assignments are due on the dates determined by the instructor.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the instructor is in receipt of assignments.
Students not submitting assignments on schedule will not receive full  credit if the assignment is accepted.
All late assignments will automatically be marked down 20% off the total possible points that can be earned, and points equivalent to 10% of the total possible points that can be earned will be deducted for every subsequent day thereafter excluding weekends.
Difficulties in understanding course content and course requirements are not grounds for excuse in turning in late assignments.
If a student is having difficulties in the class, they are responsible for asking for assistance before assignments are due. 

 

Assistance with the Research Paper:
Students are encouraged to consult with the instructor before the paper is due, not after.
The instructor will not read over or edit drafts. However,  feedback on a student’s outline can be arranged. 

 

Re-Writes:
Students will not be allowed to re-write any part of the socialization paper, so be sure to ask for assistance before the assignment is due. 

 

Students with disabilities:
All students with disabilities requiring accommodations are responsible for making arrangements in a timely manner through the Center for Students with Disabilities.
Please let me know right away if you will need accommodations so we can pre-plan together.
Please let me know if you have adaptive software and hardware to assist you with taking this course or if you have any specific needs of which I should be aware. 

You can find more information about Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) or call the office at 818-240-1000 x5905.

 

Student Technical Support:
If you are having problems go to the HELP button on the global navigation menu (in red).
You can check out the Canvas Knowledge Base or ask questions with the chat feature.
We also have GCC Canvas LIVE help during the weekdays. You can also check out the following resources: 

• • Student Canvas Guides
  • Student Distance Education Success Tips

• • Student Online Services

• • Free Online Tutoring, which can be accessed through the website or through Canvas.
  • GCC Library (Databases & Online Chat), which can be accessed through the website or through Canvas.

Additional services can be found on the GCC Student Services Webpage.