This course spplies sociological concepts and methods to analysis of current social problems such as delinquency and crime, mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual behavior, population crisis, race relations, family and community disorganization, poverty, automation, war, and disarmament. This course also investigates the various theories of the causes of social problems in contemporary America.

Entry Level Competencies: There are no prerequisites for this course, however, the following skills are highly recommended for the successful completion of this course.

• Ability to read, comprehend and to write college level English.
• Proficiency in using computer, and able to use Blackboard learning and teaching platform.
• Proficiency in using e-mail to communicate with the instructor.
• Self motivation and self-discipline to be able to handle all scheduled course tasks.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the analytic concepts and thinking skills needed to respond to real life social problems that the student will encounter as citizens, workers, victims, family members, friends, etc., by being able to discuss each of the major theories.
2. Discuss the various major contemporary social problems found in modern American society.

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least several exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

There are two (2) online proctored exams in this course.

Last Updated: July 29, 2013