Social Services and Social Problems ((3))

Catalog description

In this course we will sociologically explore social problems addressed by social and human services agencies. Attention will be given to human service activities, the values underling these activities, and how sociology can contribute to the practice of human services. Specifically, there will be an examination of the social philosophies and histories of applied sociology and human services as fields that addresses people's needs within society and directs society's attention to the context and impact of social problems. Throughout the course, we will focus on how sociology enables us to understand the way in which personal troubles are connected to larger social issues. Topics for this course include poverty and homelessness, work, social identities, families, education, the environment, crime, health care, and community life. Finally, this course requires students participate in a Service Learning Project [SLP] that offers them an opportunity not only to analyze social problems in the field, but also to participate in efforts to address social problems themselves. While service learning projects do not present complete solutions to social problems, this course equips students with the sociological theories and concepts to understand and evaluate problems, as well as the ways in which people struggle to change them.