Course Description
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Course Name
Social Problems
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Host University
The American College of Greece
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Location
Athens, Greece
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Area of Study
Sociology
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Course Level Recommendations
Lower
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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US Credits
3 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4
Hours & Credits
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Overview
DESCRIPTION:
Poverty, racism, drugs, unemployment, homelessness, family violence, mental illness, anti-social behavior, terrorism and collective violence. Why are these problems social? How are they given meaning and what are the implications of such meaning? What are their social causes? Conflicts between sociological perspectives. What are the implications of social problems for social policy?RATIONALE:
An examination of social problems, their definition, meaning and actions to alleviate them, sensitizes students to the ways they make sense of themselves and those around them in a global environment.LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of taking this course, student should be able to:
1. Identify a social problem and define what is social about it
2. Distinguish between common sense and sociological approaches to social problems
3. Demonstrate understanding of the social construction of social problems and how certain social constructions become dominant
4. List examples of changes in the world as a result of the way we think about it.
5. Apply different theoretical perspectives to explain social problems and propose possible solutions or steps towards mitigating these problems.METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Classes consist of lectures, discussions of selected issues, showing of video documentaries and in-class illustrations of various issues.
- Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their lecturer, where they can address issues and ask questions pertinent to the course material.
- Use of a blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignment instructions, timely announcements, as well as additional resources.