Mar 29, 2024  
2014-2015 Saint Joseph’s College Online 
    
2014-2015 Saint Joseph’s College Online [Archived Catalog]

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

SO 301 - Social Problems


This class will scope the definitions, explanations, and solutions of social problems in our society today. We will describe when a public issue becomes a social problem. Issues important to most people in America are homelessness, loss of income, health care access and coverage, marriage and family violence, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and neglect, prostitution, racial inequalities, substance abuse, and population and urban growth. We will look at the three theoretical foundations of sociology-functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interaction-and how we can apply the three theories to the scope of social problems. Awareness of social problems can enhance our understanding of what is going on in our social structure today so that we can minimize them.

Assignment Overview
  • Assignments: 5 Units
  • Interactivity: Discussion Board
  • Final Assessment: Final Paper


Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to do the following: 

  1. Examine and apply sociological concepts and sociological theories to the study of social problems.
  2. Analyze the ways social inequality shapes the social problems faced by groups within society.
  3. Understand and examine a number of specific social problems within society.
  4. Examine and assess the role of social problems facing various social institutions in society.


Credits: 3



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)