SOC220 Full Course Latest 2018 October

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 What is a social problem? Explain why it is important to keep the social context of the social problem in mind when analyzing the problem for a cause or correlation. Explain how research is used to describe the social context of a social problem.

DQ2 After completing the “Research Analysis Exercise”, explain how the article can be used to understand the social problems presented. Which part of the analysis did you struggle with the most? Why? Explain whether or not the journal article provided any contextual factors that have influenced the social problem the article was about.

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 Provide an example of institutional discrimination. Explain how this social problem became incorporated into social policies and practices. What are some possible solutions to alleviate or eliminate this social problem from policies and practices? Explain if you have seen the elimination of some institutional discrimination in your experience.

DQ2 Explain whether the Civil Rights Act or Affirmative Action eliminated racism in America. Why or why not? Explain a theory you have regarding the source of prejudice or discrimination in America. Provide a possible solution to alleviate this social problem.

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 Access and view the “GCU Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work” document. GCU believes that the Christian worldview offers the hope of restoration of families, communities, and societies. How would a sociologist with this worldview explain the influence and impact of social deviance on society? What would their possible solutions to social deviance be? What historical solutions to control criminal deviance have been applied? Evaluate the results: Have they been effective or not? Explain your answer.

DQ2 Explain if there is a biological explanation for criminal deviance. Provide an example of a biological explanation for criminal activity. Explain if psychological approaches are better used to explain criminal deviance. Provide a solution to social deviance on a macro level.

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 For the vulnerable population you had to research for the assignment, identify other social problems associated with teenagers. How do these social problems affect society on a macro level? How do these social problems affect an individual on a micro level?  What factors place this population in a position of vulnerability to discrimination or exploitation?

DQ2 For the vulnerable population you had to research for the assignment, describe historical solutions to social problems that have affected this population. Next, evaluate the effectiveness of these historical solutions: Have they worked? Why or why not? Finally, provide your own possible solution that might alleviate the social problem.

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 Explain the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives about the family institution. What are some of the similarities? Which perspective do you identify with and why? Does this perspective best explain the family institution overall? Explain your answer.

DQ2 After reviewing the data in the 2010 and 2016 “Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups” reports, describe one trend about these racial/ethnic groups that stood out to you. Explain if this trend surprises you or not. Compare and contrast the trend data in the “Student Behaviors” section of the reports: What data categories were similar? Which categories were different or additional between the reports? How can this data be used to alleviate social problems in this population?

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 What are characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of capitalist economies? Socialist economies? Mixed economies? Explain how economic conditions contribute to class stratification.

DQ2 What are the differences between the power elite model and the pluralist models? What does research suggest about these models? Provide a possible strategies to reduce power inequalities on a national or global scale.

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 Based on your reading of Scott Campbell’s classic paper, “Green Cities, Growing Cities, Just Cities,” describe the three main goals city planners must consider to support a sustainable city. Do you think conflicting interests can be reconciled, and if so, how? How do these problems compare with problems occurring in other urban areas, both nationally and internationally? How does the impact of urban development extend to rural communities? Are their benefits to the expansion? Why or why not?

DQ2 What is one type of collective violence? How extensive and widespread is this type of violence? What historical and contemporary factors contribute to this type of violence? What are some of the consequences of war and terrorism socially? How has our current involvement in war affected individuals on a micro level?

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 1 Assignment

Research Analysis Exercise

It is important for students of sociology to understand the importance of research as well as the value. To fully comprehend research, sociologists must know how to analyze and evaluate research. To learn this skill, complete the following assignment:

Access and use the “Journal Article Review Analysis Worksheet” to analyze the journal article:

https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsbl&AN=RN142320330&site=eds-live&scope=site

While GCU style is not required for the body of this assessment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a scoring guide. Please review the scoring guide prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic 1.

SOC-220 Journal Article Review Analysis

Instructions: Please read the article below and complete each section of the analytic review table. Be sure to include a response for each checked item in the “areas of review/analysis.”

What is a scholarly source?

Scholarly books and articles are written by researchers and field-based experts. The article may be empirical (research-based), theoretical (conceptual) or a combination of both research and theory.Research studies typically use one of three different main research study designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, nonexperimental), and may use different methods to collect data (e.g., administer a survey, conduct an interview or focus group, use a standardized measurement tool, use formal or informal observation techniques). Research studies may collect and analyze two different data types: quantitative data (numeric data) and qualitative data (non-numeric data).

Peer-reviewed journals contain articles generally written by a scholar associated with a university, research institute, government agency, or reputable nonprofit human service agency. To be accepted into a peer-reviewed journal, the paper goes through a rigorous review process, where other scholars and the journal editorial staff evaluate the merits of the paper prior to publication.

A high quality weekly magazines or on-line journal may publish an investigative report. This type of reporting is not research-based in scope or content, but rather is based on an in-depth analysis of a controversial social issue, generally focusing on historical and/or current events and “case” studies. One drawback to this kind of reporting is that it generally does not include citations in the body of the report or include a list of references. It is also not reviewed by professional or academic peers, although the editor typically requires the piece to be consistent with high standards of investigative reporting.

Why read scholarly articles?

A good journal article presents you with new, research-based information and/or explores new concepts and ideas to help you expand and deepen your thinking about social issues and problems. A scholarly article helps you to distinguish between opinion and rigorous analysis of a social phenomenon. A single research study does not offer conclusive “proof,” but it can add to a cumulative body of evidence to support or negate ideas about how the world works.

What are the main sections of a research study?

Abstract—Gives you a summary of information contained in the article.

Introduction—Introduces you to the purpose, scope, and context of the study.

Background—Summarizes relevant “literature” or other studies focusing on the topic.

Methods—Describes the study design and methods used to collect and analyze data.

Results—Delineates specific outcomes related to the investigative question(s).

Discussion/Conclusions—Contains the author’s observations about the results.

References/Footnotes—Documents sources used in the investigative analysis.

What are good strategies to read a scholarly article?

Be sure to set aside enough time to read the article and truly understand what the author is saying. Clearly, it will take longer to read a scholarly article than a short opinion piece found on social media! Give yourself enough time to engage with the material. Sometimes, you may need to read and reread a passage. As you read, ask yourself the following questions:

What is the author saying? What methods did the author use to better understand a social issue? What is compelling about the author’s arguments and where does the author fall short?Grappling with these questions will expand your own critical thinking capacity.

A good strategy is to first, read the abstract and then skim through the entire paper. This will give you an overview of the topic and investigative approach. Then, go back and work through the main sections of the paper. Highlight key passages, and write (or type) your own notes or questions in the margins of the paper.Suspend judgement or forming an opinion until you feel you have a good grasp of what the author is trying to communicate. See if you can briefly summarize the overall meaning in your own words. Try to connect ideas or findings contained in this article with other core ideas, theories, or facts with which you are already familiar.

Many research articles report statistical findings. Even if you don’t understand this material, you can still get a basic understanding by reading the narrative explanation of the results. How does the author “make sense” of the investigative process and the newly acquired knowledge? Ask yourself: what is the underlying logic of the report? What practical implications do the study findings have in terms of better understanding a social issue?

Recommended Video: How to Read a Scholarly Journal Article (Kishwaukee College Library)

(Or similar content developed by GCU)

SOC-220 Journal Article Review Analysis

Analytic Review Table: Scholarly Source

To complete this assignment, read the following journal article and then use it for the analysis below.

“An Exploration of Alienation and Replacement Theories of Social Support in Homelessness,” by Eyrich, fromSocial Work Research(2003).

https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsbl&AN=RN142320330&site=eds-live&scope=site    

Article Citation

Cite the full article in GCU Style format:

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Publication Type

How would you classify the publication source of this article?

Peer-reviewed journal?

Scholarly book?

Weekly magazine/investigative report?               

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Dates

What is the date of article publication?

If a study was conducted, when was the investigation conducted?

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Key terms

What are three to six key terms of importance to understanding article content?

Provide definitions of each term (as noted by the author(s) or using some other standard definition).   

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Main topic or focus of the paper

What is the main topic of interest?

What social problems) that can be better understood by reading this article?     

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Article type

Categorize the article by type* (study types are listed below). Briefly explain how this article is consistent with the type you selected. (50-75 words)

Study Types:

*Is this a research study where the researchers collect primary data?

*Is this a conceptual paper, where the author(s) develop and/or expand theoretical concepts?

*Is this a systematic review, where the authors review and critique studies conducted by other researchers?

*Is this an essay using investigative reporting on a controversial issue? 

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Guiding questions and key topics of interest

What were the main investigative question, questions, and/or areas of interest explored by the author(s)? (40-50 words)

Describe other studies and research, discussed in the introduction or in the literature review section, that support this research study. (50-75 words)   

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Narrative description of results/findings/conclusions

Looking at the narrative sections of the article (e.g. discussion section, conclusions), what are the main findings/conclusions reported by the author(s)? (50-75 words)

What importance and/or relevance do these findings/conclusions have in terms of better understanding the social problem identified in this article? (50-75 words)

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

References

Identify two sources included in the list of references you think might be interesting to read. What can these articles potentially contribute to better understanding a specific social problem? (50-75 words)

Areas of Review/Analysis             Analytic Responses

Critique

Did this article challenge any preexisting ideas or biases you may have had about the social problem explored by the author(s)? Briefly explain. (50-75 words)

What do you think are the three most important “take away” ideas expressed in this article? (75-100 words)

 

               

 

 

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 3 Assignment

Social Problem Analytic Framework: Human Trafficking Essay

In this assignment, you will access the “Social Problem Analytic Framework: Human Trafficking” worksheet to assist you in completing the essay.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.  

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic 3.

SOC-220: Social Problem Analytic Framework:

Human Trafficking

In sociology, it is important to understand how to analyze a social problem using the micro and macro analytic perspectives. This assignment will help you learn this skill. In an essay (1,000-1,500 words) you will analyze the problem of human trafficking.

Use the following analytic framework to construct your essay. Required: a minimum of three scholarly sources to support the analysis (your text can be one source).Be sure this is an integrated, fully developed essay (e.g., do not simply provide a response in each category of the analytic framework below).As with all analytic essays, you should have a well-formulated introduction and conclusion.

1.            Problem Statement about Human Trafficking

What is the social problem?

In this section of the essay, encapsulate the essence of the social problem of Human Trafficking:

What is the extent, scope, and severity of this problem? (Use your text or other scholarly sources to support your description of the problem.) Briefly summarize the negative consequences of this problem to society as a whole and/or to specific groups of people. Why is it important to understand and address this social problem? Why change the status quo?

2.            Vision of Change and Goal Clarification

What is the envisioned change as it relates to the social problem of Human Trafficking?

In this section of the essay, briefly describe what things would “look like” if the social problem were effectively addressed, minimized, eliminated, or if prevention steps were taken to alleviate undesirable consequences of the problem. What are specific goals to achieve the desired change (e.g., test and implement local programs to address and reduce the problem). Who stands to gain or lose if the envisioned change is realized?

3.            Historical Background and Current Conditions

What contextual factors influence this social problem?

In this section of the essay, briefly describe two contextual factors that have influenced this social problem (e.g., historical, economic, cultural, structural, or technological factors). (Use the text or other scholarly sources to support your discussion of contextual factors influencing the problem).

Select oneof the sociological theories (functionalist theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionist theory) to briefly explain this social problem, given the contextual conditions you have identified.

4.            Possible Directions to Achieve Desired Change

What is needed to achieve the vision of change and address the identified social problem?

In this section of the essay, briefly summarize and provide a rationale for adopting one possible approach to achieve the desired change. Approaches to consider using to address this problem includeprevention, intervention, social reform, and reconstruction. (Refer to Chapter 1 Section 1.4 Future Prospects: Solving Social Problems in Introduction to Social Problems).

How might stakeholders (those who might support or oppose the desired social change) be considered in planning an approach to social change?

5.            Future Prospects: Suggested Strategies to Alleviate the Problem

Finally, in this section of the essay, propose two to three practical steps or strategies to move forward with the selected approach to change. Make sure your suggestions are aligned with the approach you proposed above (e.g., prevention, intervention) What are the strengths/limitations of your proposed strategies?

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

 

 

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 4 Assignment

Solutions for Vulnerable Populations Presentation

For this assignment, imagine you are assigned the task of presenting  to a local community center recommendations to alleviate the following social problem:

Criminal behavior among teens in the neighborhood.

Prepare a PowerPoint presentation, citing two to four sources in addition to the textbook, that addresses the following:

Explain how the selected social problem affects an individual on a micro level. Next, explain how society, policies, and practices influence and affect this population. Finally, provide recommendations to alleviate the selected social problem that involve community stakeholders:

Local police – How can local police help alleviate this community problem?

Local businesses – What can local businesses do to help alleviate this problem?

Local schools – How can local schools get involved?

Local churches/clergy – What can local churches or clergy do to help alleviate the problem?

The PowerPoint presentation should consist of 10-15 slides, not including the title slide and reference slide for APA citations. Images may be included in the presentation, but be sure to keep all image sizes small file sizes for this presentation.

Refer to the resource, “Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations,” located in the Student Success Center, for additional guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style.

While GCU style is not required for the body of this assessment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Submit the completed assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic 4.

 

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 5 Assignment

In this assignment, you will access the “Social Problem Analytic Framework: Equity in Education” worksheet to assist you in completing the essay.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. 

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic 5.

SOC-220:Social Problem Analytic Framework:

Equity in Education

In sociology, it is important to understand how to analyze a social problem using the micro and macro analytic perspectives. This assignment will help you learn this skill. In an essay (1,000-1,500 words) you will analyzethe problem of equity in education.

Use the following analytic framework to construct your essay. Required: a minimum of three scholarly sources to support the analysis (your text can be one source).Be sure this is an integrated, fully developed essay (e.g., do not simply provide a response in each category of the analytic framework below).As with all analytic essays, you should have a well-formulated introduction and conclusion.

1.            Problem Statement about Equity in Education

What is the social problem?

In this section of the essay, describe the social problem of Equity in Education.Clearly describe the social problem of inequity and inequality in education. What is the extent, scope and severity of this problem? (Use your text or other scholarly sources to support your description of the problem.) Briefly summarize the negative consequences of this problem to society as a whole and/or to specific groups of people. Why is it important to understand and address this social problem? Why change the status quo?

2.            Vision of Change and Goal Clarification

What is the envisioned change as it relates to the social problem of Equity in Education?

This section of the essay, briefly describe what things would “look like” if the social problem were effectively addressed, minimized, eliminated, or if prevention steps were taken to alleviate undesirable consequences of the problem. What are specific goals to achieve the desired change (e.g., test and implement local programs to address and reduce the problem). Who stands to gain or lose if the envisioned change is realized?

3.            Historical Background and Current Conditions

What contextual factors influence this social problem?

This section of the essay, briefly describe two contextual factors that have influenced this social problem (e.g., historical, economic, cultural, technological factors). Explain the purpose of public education as a social institution. Use the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives to explain the importance of this social institution.

Select one of thesociological theories (functionalist theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionist theory) to briefly explain this social problem, given the contextual conditions you have identified.

4.            Possible Directions to Achieve Desired Change

What is needed to achieve the vision of change and address the identified social problem?

This section of the essay, briefly summarize and provide a rationale for adopting one possible direction to achieve the desired change (e.g., prevention, intervention, social reform, and reconstruction), alleviating consequences. (Refer to Chapter 1 Section 1.4 Future Prospects: Solving Social Problems in Introduction to Social Problems).

5.            Future Prospects: Suggested Strategies to Alleviate the Problem (200-300 words)

Finally, in this section of the essay, propose two to three practical steps or strategies to address the social problem. What are the strengths/limitations of your proposed strategies?

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 7 Assignment

Benchmark – Social Problem Analytic Framework: Urbanization Essay

In this assignment, you will access the “Social Problem Analytic Framework: Urbanization” worksheet to assist you in completing the essay.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.  

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Submit the assignment to your instructor by the end of Topic 7.

This assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies: 1.3: Analyze a social phenomenon from both the macro and micro perspectives.

SOC-220:Social Problem Analytic Framework: Urbanization

In sociology, it is important to understand how to analyze a social problem using the micro and macro analytic perspectives. This assignment will help you learn this skill. In an essay (1,500-2,000 words) you will analyzethe problem of urbanization.

Use the following analytic framework to construct your essay. Required: a minimum of three scholarly sources to support the analysis (your text can be one source).Be sure this is an integrated, fully developed essay (e.g., do not simply provide a response in each category of the analytic framework below).As with all analytic essays, you should have a well-formulated introduction and conclusion.

1.            Problem Statement about Urbanization

What is the social problem?

In this section of the essay, encapsulate the essence of a social problem associated with urbanization (e.g. urban renewal and “top down” city planning, air & water quality, housing)

 Clearly describe a specific problem associated with urbanization. What is the extent, scope and severity of this problem? (Use your text or other scholarly sources to support your description of the problem.) Briefly summarize the negative consequences of this problem to society as a whole and/or to specific groups of people. Why is it important to understand and address this social problem? Why change the status quo?

2.            Vision of Change and Goal Clarification

What is the envisioned change as it relates to the social problem of Urbanization?

In this section of the essay, briefly describe what things would “look like” if the Urbanization were effectively addressed, minimized, eliminated, or if prevention steps were taken to alleviate undesirable consequences of the problem. What are specific goals to achieve the desired change (e.g., test and implement local programs to address and reduce the problem). Who stands to gain or lose if the envisioned change is realized?

3.            Historical Background and Current Conditions

What contextual factors influence this social problem?

In this section of the essay, briefly describe two contextual factors that have influenced this social problem (e.g., historical, economic, cultural, structural, or technological factors). (Use the text or other scholarly sources to support your discussion of contextual factors influencing the problem).

Select TWOof the sociological theories (functionalist theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionist theory) to briefly explain this social problem, given the contextual conditions you have identified. Use one theory associated with MACRO analysis, and one theory associated with MICRO analysis to explain the problem.

4.            Possible Directions to Achieve Desired Change

What is needed to achieve the vision of change and address the identified social problem?

In this section of the essay, briefly summarize and provide a rationale for adopting one possible approach to achieve the desired change. Approaches to consider using to address this problem include prevention, intervention, social reform, and reconstruction. (Refer to Chapter 1 Section 1.4 Future Prospects: Solving Social Problems in Introduction to Social Problems).

How might stakeholders (those who might support or oppose the desired social change) be considered in planning an approach to