SYG 2010
Social Problems & Solutions
for UF Young Entrepreneurs for Leadership & Change
Summer B 2007: M, T, W 3rd period (11-12:15pm) & F 2-3rd period (9:30-12:15pm) in Matherly 119
Instructor: Kristin E. Joos, Ph. D.
Office: 3231 Turlington
Office Phone: 392-0265, ext. 286
Office Hours: Mon - Wed 4th per, available other times by appointment.
Email: kristin.joos@cba.ufl.edu
AIM: syg2010kristin (for "virtual office hours")
Class Web page: http://web.clas.ufl.edu/users/kjoos/sumb07/syg2010
Assistant: Hiranya Derasari, hiranya@ufl.edu
Required Texts:
Social Problems: A Critical Approach, 5th edition, McGraw Hill, by Neubeck, Neuback, and Glasberg. ISBN: 0072968044
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas
by David Bornstein, ISBN: 0195138058, copyright 2003
Other Readings will be posted online or made available in class.
Course Description
In this class we will discuss major local and global social issues-- like poverty, globalization, healthcare, environmental sustainability, education, and human rights—as these are typically defined as major social problems plaguing our society today. At various times and in different places, certain issues become labeled by different people as being serious social problems. We will learn descriptive information about each of these social issues and then think critically, applying different sociological perspectives to the problems. Throughout the course, an effort will be made to relate theory and research to practical concerns and current events. In doing so, we will explore not only the influence of academic research on the study of social problems, but also how the media, and other social forces, have influenced societal understanding of social problems.
While studying social problems may seem depressing, we will balance the necessary examination of social problems with an exploration and analysis of current efforts to address and solve these so-called "problems." We will think innovatively and creatively to generate new ideas. We will take our ideas beyond the walls of the classroom and work in the community to learn first-hand about social problems and to create positive social change on a local level through the Center for Leadership and Service. This class will involve interactive discussions about engaging readings, interesting films, and inspiring guest speakers. By the end of the six week term you will be familiar with numerous social issues and a plethora of possibilities to "be the change." This is a great course for students interested in Entrepreneurship & Social Entrepreneurship.Philosophy of Teaching & Learning
My philosophy of the teaching/learning experience is an interactive one. This is your class. I expect each of you to contribute to this experience through active discussion. I will NOT be feeding you facts that you will then regurgitate. Instead, ideas will be presented and we will all challenge ourselves to think critically about these ideas. The format of this class includes some lecture, a lot of discussion (class and small group), guest speakers, films, writing assignments, and projects. I expect everyone to contribute to the teaching/learning experience these next few weeks, so if you see or hear something outside of class that you think is relevant to what we have been discussing, please bring it to class and share with the rest of us or discuss it in your Assignments. You are strongly recommended to participate in campus & community events related to the issues we discuss in class; I challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone as you think critically and innovatively to solve problems locally and around the world.Class Requirements and Evaluation Criteria:
Important Dates
Assignment Possible Points
FINAL Grade Total Points In Class Assignments 60 A 273 and above Reading & Reflection Notebooks 100 B+ 255-272 Final Projects: Challenging Ignorance & Apathy
100 B 240-254 Participation
40 C+ 225-239
C 210-224
D+ 195-209 TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 300 D 180-194 In Class Assignments (60 points possible)
There will be 6-8 In Class Assignments (ICAs) over the six week term:
Only your 6 highest scores (worth 10 points each) will count toward your grade (meaning that you may get to drop a few if we have more than 6) Usually ICAs will not be announced and will occur during a class period (sometimes you may be required to turn it in the following day). If you arrive to class late and miss the ICA you will not be permitted to take it during or after class-- please don't ask. Make-ups are not permitted.
Some ICAs will be short quizzes on the basic information related to the social issues we're studying. Other ICAs will be in the format of exercises and activities. A few ICAs may be assigned to complete outside of class as a sort of "homework" assignment.
ICAs are scored on a scale of 0-10. 10s will be given rarely, for exceptionally outstanding work. If you thoroughly complete the readings and make an effort to engage in the material, you're likely to earn 8-9s. Average, satisfactory work will be given 7s. Students whose work does not reflect having read the assigned readings or paid attention in class, and are poor in quality will be given grades of 6s and below. ICAs are intended to give you credit for participation & preparation and monitor your progress in the materials covered (and are usually "grade boosters" for students). Please keep up with the assigned readings and pay attention in class in order to do well on ICAs.
ICA #1: On the first day of class you will sign up to present about a Social Entrepreneur.
Answer the following questions about your social entrepreneur (typed, single-spaced, 1” margins)
Briefly introduce the individual(s)
Describe the mission/purpose of the organization they founded
What social problem they are addressing
Explain what exactly this organization does and how
What makes this solution particularly effective & innovative?
Prepare to share this information with the class in a polished manner.
Reading & Reflection Notebooks (100 points possible)
Throughout the course you will write brief reviews of the assigned readings and class materials, organized by social issue. I recommend you type them and keep a running file on your computer (backing it up regularly). We will rely upon these notebooks in class discussions and they will inform your participation as well as your final project. Ideally, keeping this notebook will: provide you a place to respond to the readings, help you to identify the author’s main points and arguments, assist you in thinking about how the readings related to each other, and to help you take ownership of the class material. The Notebooks will be collected 3 times over the semester; the first two times they are collected grades will be assigned as "check-plus" (rarely, for exceptionally outstanding work), "check" (satisfactory work), and "check-minus" (for work that needs improvement); a numerical grade will be assigned to the whole of the Notebook when it is submitted the third and final time. Late Notebooks may not be accepted and will only be permitted in Emergency situations (such as illness requiring medical treatment or the death of a close family member); these will be handled on an individual basis, please contact me asap. Specific detailed guidelines regarding this assignment are available online here.
Final Projects: Challenging Ignorance & Apathy (100 points possible)
The Projects are not formal term papers with literature reviews, etc. Instead, they will be engaging activities that integrate the material from the entire semester with personal experience and activism. You can choose to work in a group of 2-3 students or on your own. All Projects will be due in class on Monday, August 6th. Presentations will be about 15 minutes long on Monday, August 6th & Tuesday, August 7th.
The purpose of this project is to select a social issue & create a presentation (including handouts, video, powerpoint, audio, or other media) for presentation to an audience of your peers-- specifically to provide both educational information (about the "facts") and to inspire and empower people about how to create change (solving or ameliorating the "problem" you've selected). Imagine that you are talking to a skeptical or cynical group of students about one of the issues you've learned about in this class - and they're asking questions like "What's the problem?" "So what?," "Why should I care?," or "Ok, I understand its a BIG problem, but what can I do to make a difference?" Your presentation should answer these questions and inspire, motivate, and inform them as to how they can "be part of the solution."
In addition to the presentation, you must submit (at the minimum) a one page handout (double-sided) with the "facts" (the "whats") and "what you can dos." You must also write a 4-6+ page paper (typed, double spaced, 1" margins, 10-12pt. arial or times new roman font, stapled) in which you develop a rational for your project, explain why you chose the issue you selected, and how you developed your "solution." References to course readings or other articles and resources are expected to give substance to your choices. You should use a consistent reference style, such as APA or MLA for any sources cited in your paper. In grading the projects, I will be looking for a convincing presentation as well as: 1. creativity & originality; 2. logic and development of arguments; 3. accurate use of concepts and ideas; 4. format (proper format, neatness, lack of typos & major grammatical errors).
Each group (or individual) must meet with me during office hours to discuss their project proposal by July 25th. At this time you will share with me an overview of the social issue you plan to focus on, why its of interest to you, your ideas for the presentation, and any questions that you might have about my expectations. It is your responsibility to get together as a group and share your project proposal with me. I will answer any questions you may have and give you information & resources.
Participation (40 points possible)
Note that as a group you may submit your presentation & handout together. Each individual needs to write their own paper.
It goes without saying that you're expected to attend and participate in class.
Wed, 7/4 - NO CLASS - 4th of July HolidaySchedule of Topics
Mon, 8/6 - Final Projects Due
Mon, 8/6 - Tues, 8/7 - Final Project Presentations Due
Wed, 8/8 - Reading Notebooks 3 Due
Fri, 8/10 - NO CLASS - Awards Banquet
Course Schedule & Reading Assignments are tentative-- changes will be announced in class. Detailed reading assignments including specific sections in your text to focus on, articles, web readings, videos, class exercises, and other helpful information are listed in the Detailed Readings section of the class website.Classroom Environment:
Please complete the readings before coming to class on the day they're assigned.
SP = Chapter in the Social Problems text, Readings from the HTCTW = How to Change the World book by Bornstien will be added to the Detailed Readings website, Articles listed as "E-Reserve" have been scanned by the UF library and may be viewed or printed online.
Spontaneity Clause: Due to the number of guest lecturers and activities, I reserve the ability revise the schedule as necessary. Advance notice will be given when possible.
Date Readings Mon. 7/2
Introduction & Course Overview
Online- Among Affluent Students, a Culture of Disengagement http://web.clas.ufl.edu/users/kjoos/fall06/syg2000/flacks.pdf
Online- From Sociological Illiteracy to Sociological Imagination http://www.barnard.columbia.edu/newnews/news42700a.htm
SP 1
Fri. 7/6
Inequality & Intersections
SP 7-10
E-Reserves Graff, Kleinman, McIntoshMon. 7/9 - Fri. 7/13 Poverty & Global Poverty
SP 6
E-Reserves Eglitis, Ehrenreich, Cox, Ehrenreich/Fox Piven, Krugman
Online- Shiva Two Myths that Keep the World Poor- http://www.organicconsumers.org/btc/shiva112305.cfm
HTCTW 1-2
Mon. 7/16 - Fri. 7/20 Education
SP 12
E-Reserves Manning
HTCTW 13
Health & Healthcare
SP 13
E-Reserves Silverstein, Mangan, Critser
HTCTW 8,19
Mon. 7/23 - Fri. 7/27 Media
E-Reserves Altheide, Mantsios, Pozner, Milkie
Mon. 7/30 - Fri. 8/3 Environment & Ecology
SP 4, 5
E-Reserves Ryan, Rossett/Collins/Moore Lappe, Brown/Gardner/Halweil
HTCTW 3
Politics of Globalized Capitalism
SP 2
E-Reserves Ritzer, Barber, Featherstone, Barlett/Steele
Mon, 8/6 - Tues, 8/7 Final Projects Presentations
Wed. 8/8
Creating Positive Social Change
Online - Drayton Everyone a Changemaker http://www.aacu.org/peerreview/pr-sp05/pr-sp05feature2.pdf
E-Reserves Loeb
HTCTW 10, 12, 16, 18
• When you are in this classroom, you should be focused on actively engaging in the material at hand. You should not read the Alligator (or any other newspaper, magazine, or textbook for another course). You should not write letters or complete assignments for other courses. You should not text message or check to see if you've received messages. If you're using a laptop, please do not surf the internet, write emails, play games, or anythinA Note about Technology:
g else other than take notes for class. Please turn off any functions that make noise on your cell phones, PDAs, and other devices. If for some reason (family emergency) you must accept a call during class, please let me know ahead of time and excuse yourself quietly to take your call outside of the classroom. You should not engage in any conversations when others are speaking. Your responsibility is to be mentally engaged in the material that is being presented without disturbing others.
• Class sessions will begin and end on time. All announcements will be made at the beginning of class each day, so if you're late, you may miss important information. If you arrive to class late and miss the ICA you will not be permitted to take it during or after class-- please don't ask. If you have personal questions or concerns about the class, please hold them until after class, see me during office hours, or email me. Do not start packing up your backpacks and books until class has been officially dismissed-- doing so will prevent you and your classmates from hearing important announcements about the course.
• During the first few classes, I'll pass around a sheet for you to indicate your seat. This is an effort to help me learn your names and identify you during class discussions. Please choose a seat you like and plan to sit there each class period.
• This is a course in which very interesting – and sometimes controversial – issues are considered. Ideally, every student in the course will be actively involved in classroom discussions. In order for everyone to feel comfortable voicing their opinions or asking their questions, a climate of tolerance and respect is essential. No racist, sexist, ageist, heterosexist, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate or personally insulting comments will be tolerated. In this classroom, everyone has the right to their own opinion and the right to a classroom free from hostility, ridicule, or embarrassment. It is likely that we will discuss volatile social issues and disagree regularly. In order to create an atmosphere conducive to learning, every student is expected to participate in a responsible and mature manner that enhances education. As the classroom facilitator, I reserve the right to end any discussion that I feel is damaging to any member of the class.
•I have created a class website and your detailed readings are posted there. It is important to check the site regularly. Please let me know asap if this is going to be a problem for you. Please do not ask me to post my lecture notes, I will not.Email Etiquette - 6 Tips
• I will post your grades online. Please be patient-- I can't instantly grade all of your assignments or exams. Due to University Policy, I can not post your grade by your student number. You will be asked to make-up a short (8 letters or less) code word and turn it in to me on your Information Sheet. Please choose something that you will remember and that does not identify you to other students (don't use a nickname).I'll post the grades using your "codeword" on the class website.
• I will be holding "virtual office hours." I think I made up the phrase... what it means is that I'll be online in an AIM chatroom (sy2010kristin) regularly throughout the semester. In the past students have really liked this- actually, a number of them recommended I make your participation required. If you want to go ahead and add "syg2010kristin" to your buddy list, feel free to IM me if you ever see me onligne. If you are shy or have difficulty stopping by my office, you may contact me by email or IM during my office hours.
1. We will have a cass email list based on your Gatorlink email address. Learn to check your Gatorlink often or you will miss-out on important news. Click here for more information on forwarding Gatorlink email,
2. Before emailing Dr. Joos, ask yourself if you can find the answer to your question from another resource-- if its advising related, perhaps www.registrar.ufl.edu or www.ufadvising.ufl.edu. If its class related, perhaps you can find the answer on the syllabus, the detailed readings online or other information on the course website, or by emailing the TA. Do not email Dr. Joos to ask for the class notes, as your syllabus says, she does not distribute them to students. Also, do not email Dr. Joos to inquire about the posting of grades (asking when they will be posted, if there appears to be a mistake, etc.) these questions should be addressed to the TA who will promptly reply or will ask Dr. Joos to email you if they are unable to answer your questions.
3. When emailing Dr. Joos or the TA, make sure to include the following information:
-in the subject line: “question from your name in your course number”
-example of a proper subject line: question from Jane Doe in SYG2010
...never leave the subject line blank (or my spamblocker will delete your message)
-in the signature of your email be sure to include your first and last name, your email address, and your UFID number
-avoid sending unduly large emails or attachments (>1MB)
-do not send messages with the words "help" or "urgent" in the subject line. If you are truly in an emergency, you should be calling 911 and not emailing your instructor.
4. Remember that faculty members do not work 24/7 (actually we sometimes do, but we have numerous other obligations on campus in addition to teaching your class). It is unreasonable to expect reply within a few hours. In general, I will reply to your emails during my office hours and in the afternoons, so if you're wondering when you'll hear from me, checkout my office hours listed on my syllabus. For example, if you email me on Thursday evening (after my office hours) I may not be able to reply until the following Monday (during Monday office hours), however, I will make a concerted effort to write back sooner, when able. Do not email the night before class and expect a reply before we see each other in class. Do NOT email the night before an exam, or before a project, or paper is due and expect a reply before class.
5. If you are in a difficult situation (extremely ill and needing to miss an exam, severely injured, engaged in a family emergency, etc.) and need to ask to be excused from something or need an extension, make sure to contact me as soon as possible by email. Our phone system is funny and it doesn't ring in my office, it goes straight to voicemail.
6. In general, when emailing faculty or administrators at UF, be sure to use complete sentences and write as if you are typing a business letter-- NOT as if you are instant messaging friends. Avoid using abbreviations and improperly spelled words. You should always communicate with faculty with the utmost respect (as you may be asking them to write a letter of recommendation for you to get into graduate school or other endeavors). If an instructor or advisor does something for you (like writes you a letter of recommendation, takes care to go out of their way to help you or give you advice) be sure to write them a personal thank you letter (preferably a card rather than an email). When addressing faculty members, if you do not know the proper pronoun (Dr., Mr., Ms., Mrs.), use Dr. or Professor and if it is incorrect, the person will correct you.
Having said all of that-- I do hope to hear from you... and moreover, I welcome you to stop by my office hours, that's what they are for.
Important Notes:
• If you have questions, please ASK-- either during class, in my office, or email me (kristin.joos@cba.ufl.edu)
• If you have any special needs or considerations, please let me know as soon as possible so I may make the necessary accommodations.
If you are experiencing an extenuating circumstance (personal/family emergency, health concern, or other serious problem) I strongly recommend you contact the Dean of Students Student Support Office, it is their job to help you.
• Information on this syllabus is tentative & subject to change. Adjustments & revisions will be announced in class.
• By enrolling in this course, you are indicating your consent to the following Honor Code:
We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity. On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied:
"On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment."
(from the Student Guide, http://www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/procedures/academicguide.html)
• Students who violate the Academic Honesty Guidelines will be penalized according to the procedures outlined in the guide above, which include failing the course. If you have any questions as to the integrity of your conduct, read the information in the link above. "I didn't know," is not an excuse.
© Please do not use or duplicate course materials without permission.