Distance Learning Course Interaction Plan

 

 

Course Number and Title:  Social Problems     

 

Instructor:  Vanessa Martinez               

 

Telephone Number (if any):  413 687 7513      

 

Email Address:  vmartinez@hcc.edu     

 

Office Hours (if any):  TWR 11-12      

 

Online Hours: M 1-2                           

 

Communication Policy:                         

 

 

 

_X  Asynchronous Course                    ____ Synchronous Course

Asynchronous:              This kind of distance education is characterized by an emphasis on "learning on demand" or "as needed communication" between students and faculty from multiple locations at times convenient to participants.

 

Synchronous:                This form of distance education entails the use of live, two-way communication among and/or between students and faculty in a scheduled or "fixed" point(s) of time(s), much like classroom-based instruction.

 

 

Course Description:  A sociological examination of several major contemporary social problems with special emphasis placed upon the origins of social problems, manifestations of social problems and impacts of social problems on human social life.  Attention will be given to major sociological frameworks, theoretical explanations, and potential solutions. 

 

 

 

Required Textbook & Materials:          

Package:

• Package ISBN-10: 0205632319 / ISBN-13: 9780205632312

·        Kendall, D (2010).  Social Problems in a Diverse Society, 5^th edition, Allyn & Bacon

·        MYSOCKIT Student Access Code Card

·         Wise, T (2007/2008).  White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, Revised & Updated

 

 

 

Course Objectives:

Sociology enables us to make observations into and ask complex questions of our social world.  A glimpse at the headlines regarding our economic recession, poverty stricken world, and political turmoil’s worldwide (to name just a few), provide us with detailed evidence of the state of human interactions.  This course aims to develop a deeper understanding of the sociological imagination (perspective) in part by asking some difficult and multi-faceted questions.  Students will develop critical thinking skills and learn how to use sociological concepts to analyze social problems ranging from social inequalities (like race, class, gender etc) to the creation of war.  Asking questions of ourselves and the world around us will be integral to this course.  Sociological methodology & theory will also be explored in more detail.  In particular, students will leave the course with an understanding that social problems are socially constructed and that these constructions influence and constrain public policy options.

 

 

 

 

Methods of Instruction: Online

Students are required to engage in the following interaction(s) for successful completion of this course:  

 

 

 

 

This course may include, but not be restricted to, the following interactions:

1. in person meetings                                                    YES  X                                    NO                 

2. telephone interactions                                                            YES  X                                    NO                 

3. electronic interactions (email, internet...)                                YES  X                                    NO                 

If yes, dates, times, places are to be specified…

In person meetings may be asked for by student if they need individualized attention and assistance or by instructor when needing to address particular issues that online communications have not solved.  Students can also meet with me during my face-to-face office hours on HCC campus anytime. 

 

Telephone interactions may be asked for by student or instructor but will only be used rarely.

 

Electronic interactions through WebCt and HCC email will be the primary method of interactions for this course.  

 

 

Evaluation of Student’s Progress:  Students will be evaluated based on a number of criteria: 

Percentages:

Participation online~	Online participation weekly on discussion boards for course.	20 %
Analysis Paper~	One 5 page Analysis Paper using 3 scholarly sources	25 %
Chapter Discussion Worksheets~	Weekly tailored writing assignments to guide online class discussions including White Like Me	25%
Powerpoint Presentation	Powerpoint Presentation on a particular social problem of student’s choice	15 %
Photo Essay Journal Project~	This project will have a creative component and will allow students to explore their own community using photography as a methodology.	15 %