SS123A - SOCIAL PROBLEMS – 3 Credits
Iowa Lakes Community College

PREREQUISITES: None

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course surveys and explores a number of current social problems. In each case the problem is defined, its causes and consequences are discussed, and possible responses are analyzed.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

     1) describe an integrated theoretical background for understanding social problems;
     2) give evidence for the development of a sociological imagination and sociological mindfulness;
     3) demonstrate a global perspective of social problems;
     4)  assess personal beliefs and attitudes about social problems;
     5) identify political, economic, and cultural issues that contribute to social problems, and
         possible ways to address those problems;
     6) understand the necessity for prosocial action.
 
COURSE OUTLINE:
1 – Thinking about Social Problems

Part One – Problems of Well-Being
2 – Illness and the Health Care Crisis
3 – Alcohol and Other Drugs
4 – Crime and Violence
5 – Family Problems

Part Two – Problems of Human Diversity
6 – The Young and the Old
7 – Gender Inequality
8 – Race and Ethnic Relations
9 – Sexual Orientation

Part Three – Problems of Inequality and Power
10 – The Haves and the Have-Nots
11 – Work and Unemployment
12 – Problems in Education
13 – Cities in Crisis

Part Four – Problems of Modernization
14 – Science and Technology
15 – Population and Environmental Problems
16 – Conflict around the World