Advanced Social Problems

Catalog description

This is the second course of a two-course service-learning sequence that explores contemporary social problems in society--their inception, consequences, and methods of modification and eradication. In comprehending the social and philosophical background concerning contemporary social problems, students will acquire an appreciation of the complexity involved in defining social problems and a greater understanding of the social structure itself. Students will strive to understand how social problems are identified and the social systems which are involved. Some of the issues we will address include-binge drinking, addiction, hate crimes, intimate partner violence, and “hooking up.” To obtain a full understanding of each issue, we will continually ask several questions: How was this identified as a social problem? What is the history of this issue? What are the structural causes of this problem? How can it be eradicated? Which social groups or institutions are affected by this problem? What groups benefit by the existence of this problem? What are the most popular arguments surrounding this issue? By answering these questions, we will develop a greater understanding of the social problems facing American society.