Soc. 651 Deviance and Social Problems

Professor Alex Vitale

Fall 2005

Wednesday, 3:30-5:10 PM

Objectives

·        To become familiar with social theories relating to social problems and apply them to real world situations.

·        To explore different ways of responding to social problems.

·        To understand the connection between individual problems and social forces.

·        To communicate ideas effectively in class.

·        To learn to read newspaper articles critically.

·        To improve writing skills through short essays and longer papers.

Books

·        Reinarman, Craig and Harry Levine eds. 1997. Crack in America: Demon Drugs and Social Justice. Berkely, CA: University of California Press.

·        Gans, Herbert. 1995. The War Against the Poor: The Underclass and Antipoverty Policy. New York: Basic Books

Requirements

·        Class Participation 10%: Students are expected to be in class on time and well prepared. This means reading the assignment, considering the study questions, and participating in classroom discussions. You should be prepared to be called upon to answer questions at any time.

·        Short Essays 25%: You will be expected to write a 1-2 page reaction essay to at least one of the reading for each week. They should be emailed or faxed in by noon each Wednesday. F:718-951-4639.

·        Midterm Paper 25%: There will be a midterm paper of 4-5 pages that uses materials from the Reinarman and Levine book to analyze the current controversy involving Methamphetamines. A detailed assignment sheet will be given out in class.

·        Final Paper 40%: The final paper will be 8-10 page research paper. Students must investigate some current social problem and integrate concepts developed during the class into the paper. A detailed assignment sheet will be given out in class.

Ground Rules

·        If you miss class, contact the instructor by email before the next class to receive any missed assignments, handouts, etc.

·        Please do not disturb class with cell phones, side conversations, or excessive eating in class.

·        Plagiarism (writing someone else’s words as your own), sharing your work with another student, or copying another student’s work will result in an F in the course and dismissal form the progam.

·        If you feel you are not doing as well as you would like in the course you should come and see me in my office or after class. Grades can not be adjusted after an assignment is completed or once the semester is over.

·        Course details can be viewed at http://home.earthlink.net/~alvgc/workhttp://home.earthlink.net/~alvgc/work

Course Schedule

Wed. 8/31        Reinarman and Levine. Ch. 1 and 2.

Wed. 12/14      Review session

Wed. 12/21      Final Paper Due