| This course will acquaint students with the sociological study of social problems. Criteria for defining, perspectives for viewing, methods for researching, frameworks for analyzing and strategies for solving social problems will be presented. A variety of social problems will be examined in terms of prevalence, cause, effect, and prevention. Social problems will be explored 1) in Western and non-Western cultures, 2) among historically marginalized cultures within the U.S., and 3) on a global, national, regional scale. Topics may include, but are not limited to poverty, gender stratification, racism, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and health care access. |