Syllabus

Dr. Frank Elwell 
Office Hours: TBA 
email: felwell at rsu.edu 
Office: 202-B Prep Hall 
Phone: 918.343.7851
Class Room: PH 310
MW 2:00-3:15
Pin #1527

Required Readings:

Elwell, Frank W., 1999, Industrializing America*, Connecticut: Praeger Press.

Tiemann, Kathleen A.,  2001, Crossroads: Readings in Social Problems, Pearson Custom Publishing.

Schlosser, Eric, 2002, Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, Harper-Collins Publishers.

Elwell, Frank W., 1996, Glossary of Sociology, Adobe Acrobat Version.
 

Bulletin Description: An inquiry into the origin and development of current social problems with specific reference to social action taken to address these problems.  Students will investigate one major problem using the resources from more than one social science discipline. 

Course Prerequisites: Junior Standing.

Purpose: The goal of this course is to expose the student to a systematic- critical view of hyper-industrial societies.  It is intended that this exposure will stimulate the student in developing and refining her own unique (but empirically based) world view.

Course Objectives:

1. Understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches for examining social problems and issues.
2. Acquisition of informed knowledge about selected problems and issues.
3. Generalization of reasoning abilities from specific problems to general perspectives.
4. Application of reasoning and knowledge to controversial issues.
   

Grading: Students will be evaluated according to the following:

1. Four examinations of equal weight.  Each exam will be worth 100 points and consist of multiple choice, fill-ins, and essays.
2. Reading Log (see "Guidelines") worth 100 points.
   

Grading of Written Work:  This link explains the grading criteria I use in the evaluation of your written work.

Attendance: Both physical and mental attendance should be regular. Traditional lecture material is presented off of this web site. Class time will be spent in discussion, occasional presentations, and viewing films.  To take full advantage of this class (and to get a passing grade) you should attend all scheduled class meetings. Inappropriate classroom behavior (sleeping, talking, and other disruptive behavior) will be cause for dismissal from the classroom.

Academic Integrity: By signing your name to a paper, test, quiz, or other assignment, you are indicating that the work is yours and yours alone. One of the social problems that appears to be on the rise in American society is academic dishonesty.  Don't do it!

Classroom Organization: Much of the class will be given over to informed discussion.  You should begin reading from Crossroads immediately, in the order stated below.  In addition, you should go through the "Introduction" and the "World Problems" class presentations by the second meeting.  I will keep you informed in class (or more likely through e-mail) of the specific due dates of your reading assignments.  While the "Web Readings" and the occasional articles I will send through e-mail are usually optional, reading them will help you master class material.  Class discussion will often center on the required readings and the instructor presentations.  It is therefore imperative that all assigned reading be done in a timely fashion.  

ADA Statement:  If you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities please let me know immediately so that your learning needs may be appropriately met.  You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Office of Student Affairs, Meyer Hall.

A Final Point: You are encouraged to ask questions on the readings either in class or through e-mail.  Further, it is not expected that you will always agree with the perspectives of the instructor or the authors of other texts.  As have all human beings we have been influenced by the values of our society as well as our roles in various social structures.  However, it is the duty of the social scientist to acknowledge these influences and attempt to minimize their effects upon social analysis. Should the resulting analyses be counter to your perceptions, challenge them on the basis of empirical fact, logic, and reason--not ideology, prejudice, wishful thinking, or "politically correct" assertions.  The goal of this course is for you to develop your own critical thought processes and world view, not for you to blindly accept any one perspective. 

 Course Outline

*All royalties from the sale of this book at the RSU Bookstore will be donated to a Liberal Arts Scholarship fund.