Urban Social Issues: People, Problems, and Policy

URBMIN201/SOC205 • 3 Units

urban-social-issues

Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, a small town or in the country, you can not escape today’s social problems.

Substance abuse, race and gender inequality, domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness, lack of educational opportunities, unemployment—these problems plague all corners of our society. We often feel unequipped to provide help, and in some cases, to even fully understand the scope of the problems around us.

The purpose of this course is to provide an overall framework for understanding and examining pertinent social issues in the urban setting. The course will expand the student’s knowledge, skills, and understanding of social issues that impact individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.

Particular attention will be given to the analysis and evaluation of what society can do to further impact these problems. Social issues to be explored include but are not limited to the changing nature of the family, education, health and illness, drug use, sexual behavior, inequality, and the economy.