SOC 115 - Social Problems

1. Assess social problems from a sociological perspective.
   1. Explain the major sociological and theoretical perspectives associated with current social problems.
   2. Compare the objective and subjective elements of diverse current social problems.
   3. Analyze sociological concepts, the sociological perspective, and the sociological imagination as they relate to current social problems, including those illustrated in everyday life.
2. Evaluate various research methods used in studying social problems.
   1. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative methodology.
   2. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses associated with researching social problems.
3. Evaluate existing social problems
   1. Analyze current social problems, including (but not limited to) health, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, addiction, crime and deviance, inequality, environment and population, politics, education, family, war and terrorism, science and technology, media, and economy.
   2. Discuss the myths associated with various current social problems.
   3. Identify the factors that can complicate problem identification, definition, consequences and possible solutions associated with social problems.
   4. Examine the interplay between social, economic, political, and cultural factors in contemporary society relating to each of the social problem listed above.
4. Critique various resolutions to social problems.
   1. Appraise proposed micro, meso, and macro solutions to social problems.
   2. Describe the factors that can complicate problem resolution.
5. Evaluate the role that power relationships play in the identification, definition, and resolution of social problems.
   1. Compare power relationships between dominant and subordinate groups.
   2. Explain how dominant groups can resist the resolution of a social problem.
   3. Describe ways subordinated groups can influence social change to resolve a social problem.
6. Demonstrate mastery and effective communication skills through writing, or other qualitative means, about a selection of the above concepts.