In the box below please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, including how you expect to receive your user name and password for this class:

I trust this will be an enjoyable course. The main goal from my point of view is to encourage you to think about how you define various issues/problems in our society.

You will need to obtain the textbook for this course: Social Problems and the Quality of Life Robert H. Lauer and Jeanette C. Lauer, 11^th edition; McGraw-Hill Publishers.

Textbook is available at the Viking Book Store and there is a copy on reserve at the BCC Library.

In the box below type: I have my book/I will have it by ______________ OR type: I will use the book on reserve in the library.

Email Updates

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

Analysis of the major social problems confronting Americans in the 20^th century. Emphasis on future trends. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU (CAN SOC 4)

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the dynamics of American social problems through a sociological perspective.
2. Understand the dynamics of social class, social stratification, social interaction, and group dynamics of American culture.
3. Relate theoretical concepts and link them with the realities of American social problems which focus on the uniqueness of the political and economic system.
4. Relate their own perspective through an awareness of gender, racial, ethnic make-up, education and religious beliefs all which impact a self-awareness and understanding of what makes American society unique.

In the box below type the one objective that interests you the most from the list above and a personal objective of your own relating to this class.

No work should be completed until AFTER you have reviewed the orientation area.  The orientation area will answer many frequently asked questions about online instruction and also provides tutorials on common problems students encounter while doing online courses. 

If your question pertains to class materials you should email your instructor. The webmaster cannot answer course related questions, and your instructor does not answer technical questions. Remember that you must state your full name, problem, question or concern and your class name in the subject line when asking a question.

Once you have completed the syllabus I will send out a welcome letter to you with information regarding the supplemental website log in information. Failure to submit the syllabus will cause you to be dropped from the course.

Academic honesty is expected from all students at Barstow College. Dishonesty in the classroom or the laboratory, cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the College are all grounds for discipline.

In the box below type, I understand I must follow all timelines, that I must complete the syllabus. I understand the policy on academic honesty. Further I understand the attendance guidelines.

Syllabus Disclaimer: 

This schedule is tentative and is subject to modification. A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and students, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, objectives, class topics and reading schedules. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when circumstances dictate or unusual opportunities for students learning arises. Students will be notified.

Midterm will be multiple choice questions covering the first half of class only.

Midterm will be taken online and is due as specified in syllabus

Total points possible 100.

A position paper gives you the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned to a specific question.  The Position Paper should be 2-3 pages.  A Position Paper should present an opinion about an issue.  In your Position Paper, you will summarize the article by providing at least two alternative positions the author gives to the posed question.  You will evaluate the alternative positions and choose the alternative that you agree with the most.  You may also cite sources that we have not discussed in this class to support your argument.  Your paper should also include a conclusion.  Due no later than 3/20/10

Total points possible 100.

Student Activities

Please make sure you have made arrangements with proctor or the Learning Resource Center at BCC prior to that date.

If you have a disability which may impact your success in this course, you may contact the Disability Student Programs and Services (DSPS) office to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The DSPS department can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7225 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing dsps@bcconline.com.