SOC 204 - Social Problems

How do societies deal with issues like protests and pandemics? What does it mean to get “canceled”? Is obesity an epidemic, and if so, how should it be addressed? In short, how does society decide that something is a social problem? This course will examine how situations become constructed as social problems in the public mind as well as the extent, causes, and possible solutions of selected current social problems such as climate change, insider trading, and child abuse. While some social problems courses attempt to address all the most pressing social problems of the day, this course takes a constructivist approach and focuses more on the process by which something gets turned into a social problem. Students will apply this conceptual framework to the issues about which they care most. The course will rely on readings and podcasts, and will culminate in a group presentation on a social problem of students’ choice. Course Codes: BR. Prerequisite: any social science PEQ or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites & Notes
Course Codes: BR. Prerequisite: any social science PEQ or permission of instructor. Term cycle: spring. Yearly cycle: all years.

Credits: 3