The bail system has become a major problem among people with low income because they may not be able to afford bail. The problem is so rampant that in January 2015, 730,000 people, most of whom were nonviolent offenders, were imprisoned for the simple fact that they couldn’t afford bail.
More than ever, Americans have their finger on the pulse of social issues - and they aren't shy about expressing it. Social media has become a forum, allowing more Americans than ever to openly express their opinions about current events. While polling has the economy in general as the most vital social issue in America, it's far from the only thing that has Americans paying attention. If op-eds, political talk shows, and topics trending on social media are any indication, Americans today care about an incredibly diverse range of topics. We now live in an age where anyone can have their voice heard with just a few clicks. This means previously overlooked sociological concerns are ripe for examination - and some healthy debate.
What popular social issues do you care most about? There are those issues that hit closest to home. Educational issues like student debt are a major concern. Civil rights, poverty, and access to affordable housing are current concerns that affect many in a direct, immediate fashion. Other societal problems represent larger - and often more existential - concerns. The environment, climate change, and the ethics of scientific research affect us all, but their implications are often felt in an indirect fashion. Nevertheless, you may still feel a passionate dedication to these types of causes. Here you will find examples of major social issues as well as names of types of different challenges society faces.
Where do you stand on the list of current social issues below? How do you think the United States, and the world in general, are doing at addressing them? Vote up the social issues that mean the most to you.
1Ineffective GovernmentAs of 2017, polls indicated public trust in the government was at all time lows. Should the government work to function more efficiently?
2Poverty More Americans are living in poverty than any time since the early '90s.
3slaft added EducationFrom public school curriculum to college tuition, are our children getting the educational opportunities they deserve?
4PollutionThe United States is second only to China when it comes to producing greenhouse gas. Should the country do more to lessen its carbon footprint?
5HomelessnessOver 500,000 people in the United States are homeless. What can be done to get people off the streets?
6Civil RightsAre there equal opportunities for people of all races in the United States? How far do stil we need to go to ensure equality?
7Affordable HousingIn the United States, more than 11 million households spend over half their monthly income on rent.
8Police BrutalityRoughly 23% of police misconduct reports involve the use of excessive force.
9ImmigrationFrom the Mexican border to Syrian refugees, what constitutes a fair and ethical United States immigration system?
10Health Care ReformDo enough Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare?
11Corporate InfluenceMany Americans feel corporations have too much sway in politics and the media. Should there be limits to corporate power?
12Student Loan DebtHalf of all people with a bachelor's degree and outstanding student loan debts say their degree was not worth the investment. Should we do more to lessen tuition costs?
13Climate Change
14Racism Some people think it's worse than ever, others think it's dead in America.
15Moral DeclineMany Americans think our morals as a country are worse than ever.
16TerrorismIs the United States at risk for at home terrorists attacks and should the country step up efforts to end terrorism worldwide?
17UnemploymentWhile employment rates are trending up overall nationwide, a good chunk of the country remains unemployed or underemployed.
18Green EnergyIs investing in solar panels and wind power a pricey waste of time, or something that could create jobs and protect the environment?
19Income InequalityThe top 1% of Americans make twice as much as the bottom 90% - should the United States be doing more to equalize income?
20AbortionShould women always have the right to choose or should access to abortion be limited, or even outright banned?
21BullyingIn public schools, colleges, and places of work, citizens remain concerned about various forms of bullying creating a hostile atmosphere.
22Animal RightsFrom ethical concerns over factory farms to issues of animal testing, many Americans feel we should do more to ensure the moral treatment of animals.
23VaccinesVaccines can help prevent dangerous diseases, but some fear routine shots can cause serious complications. Should vaccines be mandatory for everyone?
24Defense Spending
The US outspends every other country in the world on its military. Is it too much?
25Childhood ObesityThe rate of childhood obesity is nearly 20% and rising. Should the government be doing more to promote healthy eating and exercise?
Syllabus for Social Problems
Fall Semester 2019
Modesto Junior College
Professor Sawicki
MSocio 102-7594
Class meetings: Mondays 6:00PM-9:05PM
Aug. 26, 2019-Dec. 9, 2019
Semester hours: 3
Sierra Hall, B137, West Campus
Office hours: on campus TBA, and anytime, by appointment
Web pages: https://sites.google.com/site/mjcsocialproblems/home
for Intro Soc: https://sites.google.com/site/mjcintroductiontosociology/
For Ethnicity and Culture: https://sites.google.com/site/mjcethnicityandculture/home
Required Text :
Title: REVEL for Introduction to Social Problems, 10e
Author: Thomas J. Sullivan
ISBN: 13: 9780134019819
Please note, this is an ONLINE textbook, with required readings and quizzes online that are part of your grade.
It is available through the MJC Bookstore, or directly from the publisher at the same price. I will explain how to acquire the book in class and in an email.
(But the class is in-person!)
Revel reading and quizzes will be due before we cover the chapter in class.
Course Overview: Modern Social Problems is a survey-type course, in which we focus on the nature and definition of contemporary social problems, and if and how to seek solutions, in a social science framework. Because the nature and degree of social problems varies cross-culturally, we will examine not only mainstream American society, but sub-cultural, international, and global case studies to help shape our understanding. The scope of the course includes some or all of the following areas: family-related problems; health and illness; poverty; aging; ethnic relations; gender, sexual, and social inequality; crime and delinquency; drugs; sex trades; population growth; terrorism; and education. This class requires a high level of critical thinking!
Student learning outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Apply one of the three sociological perspectives to an interpretation of social problems.
Identify how the scientific method is used to analyze social problems.
Synthesize knowledge about current social problems and their micro-societal impact.
Instruction Methods: The nature of the subject requires in-class discussion and debate based on pre-reading of required text chapters and papers, articles, or news items assigned. Some portion of each class will be devoted to clearing up questions on the text, lectures emphasizing salient points, arguments, and if time permits, viewing short videos or films to stimulate discussion.
Requirements: YOU MUST READ THE ASSIGNED TEXTS BEFORE EACH CLASS! The reading assignments define the nature of the problems, provide the specialized vocabulary and background needed for class discussions. In addition, quizzes and writing assignments are based on the reading and class discussions. There is a peer-reviewed research paper assignment. A final essay exam is required. If you don't like to read and write, please don't take this class!!!!
Grades: You are the one who determines your final grade. It is based on the work YOU do, and the level of thinking that you apply to the issues. The points are earned cumulatively as follows:
Essays (8 @ 5 pts.) total possible 40
Quizzes online: total possible 30 points (your Revel percentage x 30)
Peer-reviewed research assignment: 10 points
Final exam essay, total possible 20
Total possible: 100
F= <60
D= 60-69
C=70-79
B=80-89
A=90+
Attendance: Each 3-hour class is equal to two classes. You cannot pass this class without attending regularly and on time. Students may miss up to two classes for extenuating circumstances (police, hospital, morgue). In-class quizzes, debates, and writing assignments cannot be made up. You cannot pass this class without regular attendance. After the third absence, please begin procedures to withdraw you from class as per MJC policy. If you do not plan on staying in this class, please remove yourself from the roll so others may be permitted to register!
Policies on cell phones, tablets, and computers: NO texting or IM-ing in class, phones out of sight. It is distracting to students around you, and disconcerting and rude to me. If you don't want to be in this class, please drop it! If you are in class, please give me and the rest of the class your attention. I reserve the right to ask you to close your computer if I believe you are using it for other than class work.
I understand that many of you have children or work obligations that require you to be available by phone. I have no problem with this in moderation, but do let your friends know you are busy at this time! Please change your phones to vibrate in class---no dopey song clips, please!
Policies on photos and recordings of any kind:
NO photos of me or my classroom, no videos or audio recordings are allowed without my express written permission. My lectures are my intellectual property, and I reserve the right to take legal action, civil and criminal, against any violation of this policy.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism means presenting someone else's work or words as your own. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that will result in your failing the assignment and even the class, possible expulsion from college, and rejection by other educational institutions. The College's policies and procedures for offenses will be followed, including filing official papers of academic dishonesty on your records. If you have any question about whether your work violates plagiarism standards, please ask in advance of submission.
For more information and assistance with citations check out the MJC library site: http://libguides.mjc.edu/CiteYourSources .
Students with disabilities: Please contact me and I will make arrangments to support and accommodate you.
MJC has a writing lab which can help you improve your writing skills. Please take advantage of this!
My goals for you in this course are to help prepare you to be better citizens of the world by understanding the scope of the social problems we face in the 21st century, and to challenge you to see beyond the clichés of common beliefs. A secondary goal, though no less important, is to improve the logical thinking, communications and formal writing skills that you will need in the rest of your college education as well as in your chosen career.
I hope you will enjoy the journey, and be surprised at where you are at its end!
Syllabus is subject to change. Revised August 17, 2019