SOCY 2523 Contemporary Social Problems Syllabus W01 Fall 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
45.1101
Course Meeting Time

Online

Course Description

The course will present concepts and methods of sociology and will require an analysis of current issues. The student will learn to select appropriate data from personal experience, journalistic sources, and sociological materials in order to critique and analyze issues.

Prerequisites

Course Alignment

IAI Number
S7-901
IAI Title
Social Problems
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking
  2. Responsibility
Explanation of Course Alignment

Social and behavioral science elective. IAI: S7 901 Social and behavioral science.

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Jessica Maureen Oladapo
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
815-802-8707
Faculty Office Number
L311
Faculty Information

Faculty

Jessica M. Oladapo

815-802-8707

joladapo@kcc.edu

Humanities/Social Science Division

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the "sociological imagination" and use it to analyze the life experiences of the self and others.
  2. Identify and explain the major sociological perspectives and theories within the field of sociology.
  3. Analyze social phenomena and social problems utilizing the major sociological perspectives and theories.
  4. Have a deeper understanding of diversity and diverse groups in the United States and explain the importance of social differences in individual life outcomes.
Topical Outline
  1. Sociology: Studying Social Problems
  2. Economic Inequality
  3. Racial and Ethnic Relations
  4. Gender Inequality
  5. Sexuality and Inequality
  6. Aging and Inequality
  7. Crime, Violence, and Criminal Justice
  8. Alcohol and Other Drugs
  9. Physical and Mental Health
  10. Economy and Politics
  11. Work and the Workplace
  12. Family Life
  13. Education
  14. Urban Life
  15. Population and Global Inequality
  16. War and Terrorism
Textbook/s and Course Materials

SOCIAL PROBLEMS Author: EITZEN

ISBN: 9780134631905

Methods of Evaluation

Grading

•Discussion Posts

• Online Quizzes

 

The grading breakdown is:

Quizzes– 50%

Discussion posts – 50%

Grading Scale

A --- (100 – 90%)

B --- (90 – 80%)

C --- (80 – 70%)

D --- (70 - 60%)

F --- less than 60% 
This scale is non-negotiable.

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

General Set up of the class

1. POSTING REQUIREMENTS: Each week there will be discussion sections. Please respond with an original post/answer.

2. You may respond to your classmates’ original posts. These responses should be thoughtful, challenging, and well organized. A response of “I agree” or “I disagree” is not thought provoking. You may, however, add to an idea, refute an idea, and give an argument as to why you agree or disagree, citing evidence from the text. Responses are not required but are encouraged. Additional points may be gained for thoughtful, thought-provoking responses that further the conversation.

3. Also in the folder for each week, there may be possible video clips and other reading materials. Please pay close attention to the discussion question as it may require you to watch or read the other materials prior to completion.

4. This is a completely online course. As such, you are required to be able to work independently and stay on task. Quizzes will be on material covered in the text, as well as the online discussions. You are responsible for reading and understanding the material. I am available and during office hours if clarification is needed.

5. As an online course, all course delivery will be in an online format. Online office hours will occur on Friday mornings and meetings will be held via zoom. Please email to schedule meetings if needed.

Course Calendar
Date

Chapter Assignments Due

 

August 17 – August 23Intro
August 24 – August 30Sociology: Studying Social Problems
August 31 – September 6Wealth and Power
September 7 – September 13World Population and Global Inequality
September 14 – September 20Demographic Changes
September 21 – September 27Problems of Place
September 28 – October 4Poverty
October 5 – October 11Race and Racial Inequality
October 12 – October 18Gender Inequality & Sexuality
October 19 – October 25Disability and Ablism
October 26 – November 1Crime and Justice
November 2 – November 8Drugs
November 9 – November 15The Economy and Work
November 16 – November 22Families
November 23 – November 29Thanksgiving
November 30 – December 6Education
December 6 – December 10Finals Week

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.