Arkansas State University-Newport’s mission is to provide an accessible, affordable, quality education that transforms
the lives of our students, enriches our communities, and strengthens the regional economy.
SOC 2223 Social Problems
SOCI 2013
The application of sociological principles to the investigation of major social problems currently faced by
societies.
Course Type: Lecture
Instructor Name: Mrs. Emily Renee Carroll, M.A., S.C.C.T.
Email: [email protected]
Department Information
Course Department: Social Sciences
Academic Department: General Education
Dean: Joe Campbell
Dean contact number: 870-680-8725
Dean Email: [email protected]
Materials: Required and Optional
Required Text(s): The text required for this course is Social Problems and the Quality of Life by Robert H.
Lauer and Jeanette C. Lauer. The ISBN number is 978-0-07-802686-7
Required Materials: Computer with Microsoft Word or comparable word processing software and Adobe
Reader, Flash drive, Internet access, paper, pens, pencils and a folder for collecting materials.
Institutional Learning Outcomes
Upon graduating from ASU-Newport with any Associate Degree, a student will be proficient in the following:
Institutional Learning Outcomes
ILO1: Communication
Goal: Students will express ideas, knowledge, and concepts in a clear and concise manner.
a) Written
b) Verbal
c) Interpersonal
ILO2: Reasoning
Goal: Students will apply reasoning skills in a variety of environments, which demonstrates problem-solving and applied
knowledge.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Explore
Locate
Interpret
Evaluate
Apply
ILO3: Responsibility
Goal: Students will participate in service activities that instill in them a sense of social responsibility.
a) Civic
b) Academic
c) Financial
Course Learning Outcomes
The learning experience in this class is designed for you, the student. The textbook is only a supplement in this
class because it is important to learn something that you can use both inside and outside the classroom. While
you are taking this course, you will be exposed to different learning experiences that I hope you will find both
interesting and exciting. Hopefully these experiences can help you use what you learn in life situations and in
different learning environments. It is also my hope that what you learn in this course will provide you with
common sense knowledge about social problems that are relative to and useful in your everyday life so you can
use what you have learned in your everyday life. After you complete this course hopefully you will have the
ability and opportunity to make more informed life choices because of what you learned. Finally, it is my hope
that you are able to recognize: (1) different types of social problems and how they affect society, (2) the benefits
and harms relative to social problems in your society that stem from individual and collective life choices, and
(3) the differences in social problems in cultures around the world and how these differences affect your life.
Institutional Grading Scale
Grading Scale:
 A: 90-100
 B: 80-89
 C: 70-79
 D: 60-69
 F: 0-59
 S: Satisfactory
 U: Unsatisfactory
Assignments
Your grade in this class will be based on 1 syllabus quiz, 3 exams, 13 online discussions, 1 reaction
paper, and online attendance credit. All tests will be comprised of multiple choice and true/false questions
based on the text and other sources we use in this class. Tests will not be timed, but you will only have one
opportunity to complete tests. The final exam WILL NOT be comprehensive. The following table outlines the
assignments for this course:
Type of Assignment
Syllabus Quiz
(IL02C, IL03B)
Tests (IL01A,
IL02D)
Online Discussions
(IL01A, IL01C,
IL02C, IL02E)
Reaction Paper
(IL01A, IL02A,
IL02B, IL02C,
IL02E)
Attendance (IL03B)
Points Possible per Assignment
40 points each x 1 quiz
Total Points Possible
40 points
100 points each x 3 tests
300 points
20 points each x 13 discussions
260 points
150 points x 1 paper
150 points
75 points
Total Points
75 points
825 points
Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism is my pet peeve, so please pay attention to ASUN’s Academic Honesty Policy (highlighted
below). I do not tolerate plagiarism or academic dishonesty, and neither does ASUN. To be absolutely clear,
do not type word for word, copy/paste word for word, cut/paste word for word, any source or information that
was not authored by you. It is considered stealing. It doesn't matter if another teacher at another school allowed
you to do it - it is still plagiarism, ASUN does not allow it, and neither do I. I have access to a program that
scans every paper that is submitted, so if you decide to try it, you will not get away with it.
The ASUN policy for Academic Dishonesty can be found in the ASU—Newport Catalog (The Student
Handbook Section). Cases of cheating and plagiarism can result in failing an assignment, failing the course, the
student being reported to the Dean of General Education and/or a report of the event being placed in a student’s
record.
•
Plagiarism detection software will be used to aid in maintaining academic honesty and integrity.
•
Academic dishonesty and plagiarism will not be tolerated.
•
The first offense will result in a 0 grade for the assignment.
•
The second offense will result in a failing (F) grade for the course and the reporting of the incident to the
Dean of General Education.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
In order to obtain appropriate disability related accommodations and services to which they are entitled,
students with documented disabilities should voluntarily and confidentially provide the Office of Disability
Services (870-358-8636 or [email protected] ) with appropriate medical documentation regarding the
nature and extent of their disability, make their needs known to this Office and follow established procedures
for acquiring needed services and accommodations in the classroom or online.
Information Technology Services
If you experience any problems or issues with the Portal or other equipment, please contact ITS at 870-5127783 or [email protected].
ASU-Newport provides a number of different services to assist students in areas that directly impact their
academic success. The following direct websites will help you get in touch with those services that may be
needed during your time as an ASUN student.
Academic Support Center: https://portal.asun.edu/ICS/Academic_Support_and_Testing_Services/
Financial Aid: https://portal.asun.edu/ICS/Financial_Aid/
Career Pathways: https://portal.asun.edu/ICS/Career_Pathways/
University Police: https://portal.asun.edu/ICS/Campus_Police/
Information Technology Services: 512-7783 or [email protected]
Disability Services: http://www.asun.edu/disability_services
Admissions: https://portal.asun.edu/ICS/Admissions/
Course Policies and Procedures
The course will consist of online lecture PowerPoints (provided by the instructor for each chapter), videos,
online discussion groups, three exams and one reaction paper. Study guides will be posted two weeks
before exams to give you time to prepare. Note that we have a large text, so we will be covering a lot of
material during the semester. I will use my lecture PowerPoints to condense the information in the chapters as
much as possible so you will not be overloaded. This class is application based; what this means is I want you
to learn not only by reading, but by communicating with each other and applying sociological concepts to film
and other situations. The PowerPoints and group presentations will help you prepare your study guide for tests.
I will generally have your assignments and exams graded within a week. If I ever run late on my grading, I will
let you know.
Correspondence Policy
This class is completely online. What this means is that we will not be meeting in a classroom and most likely
will not meet in person during the course of the semester. However, we will communicate with each other on a
regular, almost daily, basis. If you do not have a computer with internet connection or access to a computer with
internet connection, you should not take this course. You must regularly check your ASUN e-mail account,
because other than the online classroom, this is the only method I have of communicating with you.
I know that online learning can be complicated, so if you have any questions or problems, please don’t hesitate
to contact me. Please allow me 24 hours to respond during the week; on the weekends, it may take longer
to respond. I will be online on a fairly regular basis on Monday through Friday; on the weekend, my time
spent online will be a little more sporadic. Please note that, according to FERPA, I can only discuss your
grade with you online if you e-mail me from your ASUN account. Otherwise, I have no way to verify who
is actually sending the email. Grades should be up to date on portal.
Late Assignment Policy
I understand that students sometimes are unable to meet due dates. Please contact me as soon as possible if this
is the case. Because discussion boards require you to engage in discussions with your classmates, you must
submit the required minimum discussion board postings during the timeframe indicated. Final discussion board
postings will not be accepted for credit after the deadline.
That being said, if assignments other than discussion board assignments are late due to a medical or family
emergency, and you DO contact me, as long as you provide some type of documentation for your
emergency, I consider the assignment to be an excused late assignment, and there is no penalty.
If an assignment is late and you DO NOT contact me beforehand and make arrangements with me, then I
consider the assignment to be an unexcused late assignment, and I will deduct one letter grade per week the
assignment is late. The full 10% late penalty applies regardless of the day of the week you submit your work.
Attendance IS Participation
Regularly participating in class discussions and activities is important to the learning process in an
online learning environment. For this reason, I use your participation in class activities as a gauge for your
attendance. In a 2000 level course that meets three times a week in a classroom, you are allowed six (6)
absences during the semester. I expect you to log on and participate in class discussion at least three times a
week. Anything less than three times a week will be counted as an absence. Participation in class discussion
involves posting replies to other classmates’ posts, starting a new discussion topic, or answering any discussion
questions I post. Simply replying to classmates “I agree,” “Yes,” or “No,” is not considered to be class
participation.
Online Behavior
This class centers on social problems, so we will be discussing some delicate issues. Additionally, since
social problems are not pretty, some of the things we see in this class may be very detailed or graphic, and
people’s reactions and beliefs about these issues may vary. You are expected to behave as respectful adults.
You will be expected to be respectful of other people’s opinions and ideas, even if they are very different from
yours. If you see any topics in the syllabus that you think might make you uncomfortable; if anything I say, do,
or show you in the course of this semester make you uncomfortable; or if you have any other concerns about the
course, please feel free to contact me and discuss your reservations.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, class cancelation is left to the discretion of the Chancellor. You will be
notified of class cancelation on the university website, through news media, and through REACH. Please make
any additional statements concerning your personal inclement weather policy.
Academic Calendar
August 24th
August 31st
September 8th
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September 14th
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September 21st
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September 28th
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Syllabus Discussion
Icebreaker Discussion
Syllabus Quiz
Due by midnight on Sunday, August 30th
Chapter 1: Thinking About Social Problems
Watch documentary The Bridge
Chapter 1 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, September 3rd
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, September 6th
No class September 7th – Labor Day
Chapter 2: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Watch documentary Crack House USA
Chapter 2 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, September 10th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, September
13th
Chapter 3: Crime and Delinquency
Watch the One for Ten short film series
Chapter 3 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, September 17th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, September
20th
Chapter 4: Violence
Watch documentary Culture of Calm
Chapter 4 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, September 24th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, September
27th
Test 1: Chapters 1-4
Due by midnight on Sunday, October 4th
Chapter 5: Sexual Deviance
Chapter 7: Gender and Sexual Orientation
Watch documentary Small Town Gay Bar
Chapter 5 and 7 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, October 2nd
October 5th
October 12th
October 19th
October 26th
November 1st
November 9th
November 16th
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Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, October 4th
Chapter 6: Poverty
Chapter 10: Work and the Economy
Watch documentary The Line
Chapter 6 and 10 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, October 8th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, October 11th
Chapter 8: Race, Ethnic Groups, and Racism
Watch documentary Prom Night in Mississippi
Chapter 8 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, October 15th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, October 18th
Test 2: Chapters 5-8, 10
Due by midnight on Sunday, October 25th
Chapter 9: Government and Politics
Watch documentary Outrage
Chapter 9 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, October 22nd
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, October 25th
Chapter 11: Education
Watch documentary The Lottery
Chapter 11 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, October 29th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, November 1st
Chapter 12: Family Problems
Watch documentary Bully
Chapter 12 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, November 5th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, November 8th
Chapter 13: Health Care and Illness: Physical and Mental
Watch documentary West 47th Street
Chapter 13 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, November 12th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, November
15th
EXTRA CREDIT REACTION PAPER DUE
Due by midnight on Sunday, November 22nd (No late papers
accepted!)
Chapter 14: War and Terrorism
Watch documentary Manhunt: The Search for Bin Laden
Chapter 14 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, November 19th
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, November
22nd
November 23rd
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NO CLASS – FALL BREAK
November 30th
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Chapter 15: The Environment
Watch documentary Saving Planet Earth
Chapter 15 Discussion
Initial post due by midnight on Thursday, December 3rd
Two response posts due by midnight on Sunday, December 6th
FINAL REACTION PAPER DUE
Due by midnight on Monday, December 7th
Test 3: Chapters 9, 11-15
Due by midnight on Friday, December 11th
December 7th
GUIDELINES FOR REACTION PAPERS
Your reaction paper is worth 150 points. This is the guideline you should use when writing your
reaction paper:
1. Purpose (6 Points)
a. What is the purpose or goal of the article?
2. Question at Issue (6 Points)
a. What is the main question or problem being addressed in the article?
3. Assumptions (21 Points)
a. What information is given in the article? What does the author take for granted?
4. Implications and Consequences (21 Points)
a. What are the costs and benefits related to the social problem as discussed in the article?
5. Information (21 Points)
a. What information is relevant in this article? What data/evidence/observation does the author
make or use to support his or her argument?
6. Concepts (36 Points)
a. What concepts related to social problems are used in this article? How does the social
problem(s) discussed in the article relate to what you have read/seen/heard in this class?
7. Conclusions, Interpretations (21 Points)
a. What can be concluded about the social problem discussed in the article? What interpretations
can you make about the social problem? What solutions to the problem can you offer or does the
author offer?
8. Point of View (18 Points)
a. What is the author’s point of view? What is your point of view?
Example of a Reaction Paper
Your name
Reaction paper # 1
Date
Reaction to Sicko by Michael Moore
1. Purpose (2 Points)
a. What is the purpose or goal of the article?
The purpose of the video is to show the public Michael Moore’s views on what is wrong
with our healthcare system in the United States, how healthcare is handled in other countries, and
ways in which Moore believes our system could be changed and improved upon.
2. Question at Issue (2 Points)
a. What is the main question or problem being addressed in the article?
In the video, Moore addresses the functionality of the United States’ healthcare system.
He is asking why the United States does not have socialized medical care.
3. Assumptions (7 Points)
a. What information is given in the article? What does the author take for granted?
The only information Moore provides in the video is examples of people that have had
bad experiences with the United States’ healthcare system and examples of people who have had
good experiences with the healthcare systems in other countries. He briefly mentions that
socialized healthcare systems are provided by the government through taxes, but he fails to
completely explain how either system works.
4. Implications and Consequences (7 Points)
a. What are the costs and benefits related to the social problem as discussed in the article?
There are many costs and benefits related to both sides of this issue. The current
healthcare system of the United States allows us to pay fewer taxes than other countries.
However, it also leaves those without insurance in a tough spot financially, should they have
major medical needs. With the socialized healthcare plan, everyone in the country has free access
to medical care, but they pay higher taxes. Also, from what I viewed in the video, their medical
facilities did not appear to be as advanced or as comfortable as those available in the United
States.
5. Information (7 Points)
a. What information is relevant in this article? What data/evidence/observation does the
author make or use to support his or her argument?
In the video, Moore interviews several people who have had bad experiences with their
insurance companies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical costs. Citizens of other countries, such as
France and Canada, are also interviewed about the healthcare systems of their own countries and
their feelings about socialized medicine. Moore chose specific cases, a widow and September
11th rescue workers for instance, to evoke feelings of sympathy and anger from the viewers.
6. Concepts (12 Points)
a. What concepts related to social problems are used in this article? How does the social
problem(s) discussed in the article relate to what you have read/seen/heard in this class?
By definition, a social problem is a social condition that a segment of society views as
harmful to members of society and in need of remedy. Structural functionalists view society as a
system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain balance and social equilibrium.
They believe that problems result from faulty elements of social structure or culture. Structural
functionalists see health care as a working body that exists to care for the human population.
This is the viewpoint that is presented in the video. Moore has a structural functionalist view of
the United States healthcare system and wants to see it changed to a system that he considers
more functional for our needs.
The Conflict Perspective is also shown in the video. Conflict perspective views society as
comprised of different groups and interests that compete for power and resources. This is how
the insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and medical facilities are portrayed in the
video. They all seem to be scrambling for more power and money without regard to the
customers that cannot afford the care and medicine they need.
7. Conclusions, Interpretations (7 Points)
a. What can be concluded about the social problem discussed in the article? What
interpretations can you make about the social problem? What solutions to the problem can
you offer or does the author offer?
It can be concluded from the video that many Americans see our healthcare system as a
failing system that needs to be corrected. People in other countries also disagree with the way
our private healthcare system. Moore suggests our problems could be corrected by allowing the
government to control the healthcare system and for the United States to adopt a socialized
healthcare system.
8. Point of View (6 Points)
a. What is the author’s point of view? What is your point of view?
While Moore suggests that all our medical worries would be corrected by a socialized
healthcare system, I disagree. Private healthcare does have its faults, but no system is going to be
perfect. Moore chose specific cases that had issues with their insurance coverage or had no
coverage at all. Not everyone gets turned away for not having insurance. There are many
hospitals in this country that operate at no cost to patients that cannot pay. St. Jude’s Children’s
Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee is one of them.
I disagree even with some of the examples he gave. One of the 9/11 volunteer “victims”
was a volunteer firefighter who did not have health insurance. She had developed breathing
problems after her work at Ground Zero. She was upset because the government would not pay
for her medical care. Why would a person take on a dangerous job such as that of a volunteer
firefighter without health insurance? That was a bad mistake on her part.. I feel that the United
States has too many citizens with a mentality of deserving more from our government than they
put into it. I do not believe it is fair to expect those of us that are working hard toward our goals
and trying hard to provide a good life for our families to be saddled with the needs and desires of
those that have no ambition or work ethic. There are people in our country with legitimate needs,
and I love to volunteer my time, money, and efforts to help those in need. However, I prefer to
be the judge of what and who is deserving of my money instead of the government making that
decision for me. I believe our current healthcare system, though it has its faults, is a better
system than that of socialized healthcare.