SOC-221: Contemporary Social Problems and Public Policy

An analysis of current social problems in American society. This survey examines the relationship between selected American institutional structures and the development of popular beliefs and theories about social problems, from classical social pathology to "blaming the victim" myths. Special attention will be given to the processes involved in the development and management of public policy, regulatory or administrative law,and the significance of social research and planning. Topics, among others, may include the impact of technology on society, the social consequences of poverty and inequality, and the social construction of reality creating such challenges as mental illness, crime, substance abuse, and others. This course fulfills the Cultural and Global Place or the Personal Place requirement in the General Education Curriculum.