Course Syllabus
Course Description
This course is designed to acquaint the student with current social problems and suggests possible means of prevention and/or solution. Examples of
possible study areas are population, poverty, crime, family breakup, suicide, war, extremism, racial problems, mental illness, etc.
Course Learning Outcomes
In this course, we will:
- Define the concept of sociological imagination.
2. Use your sociological imagination to analyze sociological problems.
3. Identify a variety of social problems that exist in American society.
4. Identify the interpersonal and institutional sources of problems in American society.
5. Identify possible solutions that are used to try to control problems in American society.
Course Schedule
The course has been designed to follow a weekly schedule in which students complete one lesson per week. You are expected to complete all of the learning activities for each lesson in the order they are listed for each lesson. The instructor may shift the order of completion for some assignments, and may even extend the deadlines on a few assignments if circumstances warrant it for the whole class. However, for most assignments and quizzes, you are expected to have them all completed by Friday at 11:59 PM (MT) each week.
You will be given access to the learning activities for the next week’s lesson on Thursday at 12:00 PM (MT). This is done so that you will be able to work on that lesson over the weekend if you choose to do so.
On average, it takes approximately 9 hours to complete all the learning activities for each lesson. This is the average amount of time it will take for a student to earn an average (C) grade. If you wish to earn a higher grade, you may need to put in more study time. Consequently, you should arrange your daily schedule so you can put in at least 1 to 2 hours of study each day, Monday through Saturday.
With these online classes, there is no “time off” for those holidays like you might get in face-to-face classes. Consequently, you should make sure to arrange your study schedule so that holiday activities do not keep you from completing learning activities.
Required Materials
Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site . They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best prices.
The following materials are required for this course.
Social Problems: A Down to Earth Approach , 9th Edition by Henslin and Fowler
You may purchase this text through the bookstore or any online text retailer.
You are required to have a microphone and set of earphones for your computer. You may use both of these to participate in a variety of learning activities in this course.
Grading
In assigning grades for this course, the instructor will use the BYU-Idaho Standard Grade Definition criteria listed below.
A
The grade of “A” represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of
original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model
principles, including initiative in serving other students.
B
The grade of “B” presents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material, which would prepare a
student to be successful in next level courses, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the
course.
C
The grade of “C” represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for
class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates marginally in the
Learning Model.
D
The grade of “D” represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or
remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.
F
The grade of “F” represents failure in the course.
Grades will be based on a weighted scale by category.
Reading Quizzes are 15% of the total grade
Essays and Exams 50%
Surveys 5%
Class Meeting Reports 5%
Lesson Reports 20%
Other 5%
Students will earn points from assignments and quizzes, participation in online class meetings, and completion of any other learning activities assigned by the instructor. Then those points will be weighted according to the category they fall under.
Letter grades will be determined as follows:
A = 94-100%
A- = 90-93%
B+ = 87-89%
B = 84-86%
B- = 80-83%
C+ = 77-79%
C = 74-76%
C- = 70-73%
D+ = 67-69%
D = 64-66%
D- = 60-63%
F = 0-59%
Students may check their grades and the number of points they receive for all assignments and quizzes at any time using the My Grades link on the course menu.
Course Policies
You should read the following Course Policies and make sure that you understand what these policies mean to you regarding your interactions with
the instructor and other students in this course. If you have questions about any of these policies, you should contact your instructor
immediately.
Personal Honor
In this class, our interactions with each other should be guided at all times by the following principles of personal honor.
Principles of Personal Honor — “True at all Times”
- Personal honor is integrity in fulfilling commitments, responsibilities, and covenants.
- Personal honor begins with willing obedience and is fully developed when we consistently govern ourselves by true principles.
- Personal honor increases spiritual strength through the ministry of the Holy Ghost.
- Personal honor is central to every aspect of our lives, including the BYU-Idaho experience.
- Personal honor brings us joy and happiness; deepens our desire to love, serve, and lift others; and ultimately helps us to become more like the Savior.
You should make sure that you understand the above principles of Personal Honor. It is important for all class members to strive to follow the
above principles in our associations with one another.
If you have any questions about how Personal Honor is related to academic honesty or the university’s dress and grooming standards, please
use the links below to get more information.
Honor Code | Academic Honesty | Dress and Grooming Standards
Students with Disabilities
BYU-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office at 208–496–1158. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or feel you have been unlawfully discriminated on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established policy and procedures. Contact the Personnel Office at 208–496–1130.
Sexual Harassment
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program which receives federal funds, including federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please contact the Personnel Office at 208–496–1130.