Sociology (SOCI) 290

Overview

Sociology 290: Social Problems is designed to introduce students to the study of social problems: their definition, their dimensions and interconnections, their effects and strategies for alleviating them.

Course Objectives

The course author has the following three overarching objectives:

1. to provide an overview of theoretical, methodological and substantive issues surrounding the investigation of social problems.
2. to present selected sociological theories and consider them critically in the context of social problems.
3. to consider the ways sociology can contribute to the solution of social problems.

Outline

Sociology 290 consists of the five units listed below:

• Unit 1: Defining Social Problems
• Unit 2: Inequality as a Social Problem
• Unit 3: Individual Social Problems and Common Sense
• Unit 4: Social Problems and Social Institutions: Sociological Theory
• Unit 5: Global Population and Global Social Problems

Evaluation

To receive credit for SOCI 290, you must achieve a minimum grade of D (50 percent) on the final examinations, and an overall grade of D (50 percent), for the entire course. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Kendall, D., Nygaard, V. & Thompson, E. (2011). Social problems in a diverse society (3d Cdn. Ed.). Toronto: Pearson Canada.

Sharp, M. (2009). The rocket scientists' guide to money and the economy: Accumulation and debt. St. Albert, AB: Avatar Publications.

Other Materials

The course materials also include an online study guide and course manual.

Challenge for Credit Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.

Full information about Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Challenge Evaluation

For more information please contact the course coordinator.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form