Skip to main content

New and Updated Course Descriptions

SOC 102 - Social Problems

3 Credits

This survey course studies major social problems in contemporary society, their nature, development, social causes, and possible solutions with an emphasis on the intersection of social identities including, but not limited to race, class, gender, and sexuality. Various topics include the impact of poverty, crime, drug addiction and prejudice on the individual and society.

Learning Attributes: WR

New SUNY General Education:
SUNY - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
SUNY - Social Sciences

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the origins of social problems in the structure of existing social institutions.
2. Explain the central role of race as a source of division and inequality in society.
3. Explain the central role of class as a source of division and inequality in society.
4. Explain the central role of gender as a source of division and inequality in society.
5. Explain the central role of sexuality as a source of division and inequality in society.
6. Evaluate competing social scientific theories regarding the origins of social problems.
7. Analyze the role of power in the definition and labeling of social problems.
8. Critically evaluate current political discourse regarding social problems' causes and potential remedies.
9. Critically evaluate current social movement activity regarding social problems' causes and potential remedies.
10. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis or evaluation of material covered in this course.

Course Offered Fall, Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024