Social Problems - American Sociological Association

Syllabus—Forster Elmhurst College
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2. Social Problems Article Analysis
During the first several weeks of the course, you should collect newspaper or news magazine accounts of social
problems. One problem will be selected for an 8-10 page analysis. The selected article should be explicitly
analyzed using the Analytic Framework (p. 5). Attach a copy of your article. See examples on Reserve. The
analysis counts 25% of the final grade.
3. Written Debate With Oral Presentation
You will select one social problem issue for Unit V to present in a written debate format on the dates assigned.
The written debate will have a summary of arguments page and a short prose description (see pp. 23-24 and
example on Reserve). Multiple drafts for improvement will be done. In addition, you will present a 5-minute
oral presentation in class on the assigned date. The debate counts 25% toward the final grade.
4. Applied Final Project
You will select one topic, issue, or problem to investigate utilizing the course materials, relevant external
research, and the Analytic Framework (p. 5). You are encouraged to gather data first-hand, as well as to utilize
library sources. Some possible approaches are the following:
A. Library Research: Investigate one major world problem (population, hunger, development, energy,
environment, terrorism, war/peace). See Applied Final Topic Resources (p. 38) for a list of basic resources
to get you started. Use the Analytic Framework (p. 5) to organize your information. The paper should
identify the Social Problem (1, 2a,b), then for each ideology analyze Causes (2c,d,e,f,g,h,i) and Solutions
(2c,d,k,l,m). Try to link solutions to causes. The discussion should integrate (“hide”) the Analytic
Framework components. About half of the paper should focus on solutions. See Reserve examples.
B. Service-Learning: Participate in a relevant service-learning experience coordinated by Dr. Lynda
Slimmer, Coordinator of Service-Learning. Analyze the underlying social problem for which the service is
addressed. Be sure to investigate alternative and controversial views about the problem and its solution. Use
the Analytic Framework (p. 5) to organize your information. The paper should identify the Social Problem
(1, 2a,b), Causes (2c,d,e,f,g,h,i), and Solutions (2c,d,j,k,l,m). Be sure to identify alternative views and
solutions to the ones used by the agency you select. (Try to link solutions to causes.) The discussion should
integrate the Analytic Framework (p. 5) components. About half of the paper should focus on solutions.
Utilize your own service-learning experience as a major source of information. See Reserve examples.
C. Agency Interview: Interview at least two different agencies which are handling the same social problem
(see Social Problems Interview Guide Questions, p. 39). You should determine their history and
organization, client profiles, services provided, staff characteristics, successes, current concerns, and
controversies. Analyze the information using the Analytic Framework (p. 5) with a focus on solutions.
Compare and contrast the agencies.
D. Survey Research: Design or replicate and execute a survey to test attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of
people toward a social problem. Incorporate the Analytic Framework (p. 5).
Students choosing option B, C, or D must have a personal conference with the instructor for approval of the
project before undertaking it. Approval should be gained no later than 10/14. Each student will share an
informal, oral summary of his/her final project with the class 12/9. The final write-up is due not later than the
scheduled final exam time for the class. The write-up should not exceed 10 pages excluding tables, appendices,
and bibliography. Incompletes must be negotiated in writing before the final due date. The project counts 50%
of the final grade.
Pass/No Pass Option: Students taking the course P/NP may delete the Applied Final Project if their other work is at
a passing level (275 points or more).
Cheating: See policy on Academic Honesty (pp. 11 and 41) and 1998-99 E-Book pp. 66-72.
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