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Miami-Dade College Social Sciences Department Social Environment

ISS 1120

Fall 2014 Reference # 827347, M/F 12:00-1:45pm,

Kendall Campus Room R250 Course Description: The Social Environment (ISS1120) is an interdisciplinary course that emphasizes the cultural, economic, political, and global dimensions of societies. Its main objective is to promote knowledge of contemporary and historical forces, institutions and people that shape our social environment, and to engage students in a life-long process of inquiry and enlightened decision-making. Pre-Requisites: There are no pre requisites for this class. Course Competencies: Competency 1: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the origin of the scientific method, its connection with the social sciences, and the impact of culture in developing the unique characteristics of human behavior and societies by: 1. Analyzing the emergence of the scientific method and the influence of philosophy and religion in the development of science. 2. Differentiating between the natural and social sciences and the humanities. 3. Identifying the various disciplines labeled as social sciences and their common characteristics and unique objectives. 4. Defining the terms culture and society and finding the connection between them. 5. Describing the elements and complexity of culture. 6. Differentiating between culture and subculture. 7. Applying the concepts of universalism, ethnocentrism and cultural relativity in different contexts.

Professor: Michelle Munroe, Ph.D.

Office: Room 6206 Telephone: 305-237-2215; the best way to contact me however is via email E-Mail: munroemichelle@me.com Office Hours: By appointment. You can contact me via email to set up an appointment to meet

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Competency 2: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the basic economic concepts, the historical impact on economic theories, and the characteristics of different economic systems, especially the American system, by: 1. Defining scarcity, economic system, production, distribution, and consumption. 2. Contrasting the major characteristics of the traditional market, and command economic systems. 3. Discussing the concept of money and its role in the economy. 4. Describing major economic ideas and theories and their origins and supporters. 5. Analyzing the historical events that marked their evolution. 6. Recalling the most important economic indicators and their functions. 7. Discussing the problems of economic inequalities and poverty in the world and in the United States and their possible solutions, as well as the ecological consequences of economic growth. 8. Comparing and contrasting these contemporary economic systems: capitalism, democratic socialism, and communism, as practiced in countries such as the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the former Soviet Union, China, and others. Competency 3: The students will demonstrate knowledge of fundamental political concepts, the most important types of political systems, especially the American government and its functioning, and the role of political orientations and ideologies by: 1. Defining government, nation, state, nation-state, and politics. 2. Classifying and contrasting, different types of governments. 3. Identifying and contrasting the most important political ideologies, their origins and supporters. 4. Differentiating various political orientations. 5. Recalling the origin and evolution of the American political system. 6. Describing the unique characteristics of the Constitution and the most important functions of the three branches of government. 7. Discussing the American political process and the role played by pressure groups and political parties at every level of government. 8. Describing the processes to elect or choose the highest political leaders in the United States. 9. Analyzing the struggle of women, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and other groups to obtain their political rights. 10. Comparing and contrasting other major political systems such as those of Great Britain, the former Soviet Union, and China with that of the United States. Competency 4: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the global dimension of societies and their relations and interactions by: 1. Discussing the role of geography in global relations. 2. Identifying on a map the location of the states of the world. 3. Identifying fundamental concepts in international relations such as nation-state, sovereignty, balance of power, balance of terror, diplomacy, international law, collective security, international organization, and foreign policy. 4. Identifying the forces that contribute to peaceful versus violent relations between nations. 5. Analyzing the complexity of international economic relations, especially trade, and the role played by governments, currencies, tariffs, multinational corporations, and other organizations. 6. Describing the role of worldwide and regional international organizations in global affairs using as examples the origin and scope of the United Nations and other similar organizations.

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MDC Learning Outcomes: The 10 MDC Learning Outcomes * 1. Communication

Skills 2. Quantitative

Analysis

3. Critical Thinking

4. Information Literacy

5. Global Perspectives

6. Personal Responsibility

7. Ethical Thinking

8. Technology Use

9. Aesthetic Appreciation

10. The Environment

* See the College’s Learning Outcomes Web Site: http://www.mdc.edu/main/academics/learning outcomes.asp Required Textbook:

• Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society, by Elgin F. Hunt and David C. Colander, Fifteenth Edition

• A style-grammar guide [e.g. Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer, or a MLA Style Handbook]- optional

Course Policies Conduct in the Classroom: You must turn off cell phones. If you want to listen to music, surf the web, or text, then do so outside of the classroom. If you disrupt the teaching/learning process or act in a disrespectful, threatening, or intimidating way toward me or other students, you will be asked to leave the class. Academic Integrity: All students are expected to meet the College’s academic conduct standards. Acts of academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, and facilitating academic dishonesty will be referred to the Academic Dean. Students who break the College’s academic conduct standards will be charged with misconduct charges. For more information on these standards, refer to the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at: http://www.mdc.edu/policy/student_rights_and_responsibilities.pdf Access Disability Services: Students with documented disabilities should contact ACCESS Disability Services in advance for information and for obtaining assistance. No retroactive accommodations can be provided. The ACCESS department is located in Room 2121 at the Kendall Campus. They may be reached at (305) 237-2767. Hours of operation: M-R 8:00am-7:00pm & F 8:00am--4: 30pm. College Writing Center: If you need assistance with papers or other writing assignments, the writing center can assist in tutoring or general questions regarding written work. They are located in Building 2000, room 2207. They can be reached at (305)-237-0677. Hours of operation: M-R 8:00am-9:00pm & F 8:00am-3:00pm.

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Instructional Strategies: Class will primarily consist of lectures supplemented by film and discussion 1. Exams: There will be six exams at the end of each major concept in this class. The types of questions to expect on the exams will include a combination of multiple choice, true and false, and short answer questions. Most of the questions on the exams will require that you apply knowledge rather than repeat information memorized from the textbook. There will be no make-up exams in this course. 2. Attendance: Class Attendance is mandatory. Miami-Dade requires that faculty take attendance at the beginning of every class period. If you are late, it is your responsibility to ensure I know you were present. Do not interrupt a lecture to let me know you are present. A total of (4) excused absences are allowed for the semester. Excused absences include jury duty, military service, official college-related activities, documented medical emergencies, or religious observances or documented deaths in the family. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me in advance when missing class for any reason. If you exceed your four absences, you may be dropped from the course. If you are dropped from the class, either by me or by the College for non-payment, you will not be allowed to attend class. You will not receive a grade nor will I accept assignments, papers, or exams from you. Students are expected to arrive on time and remain in class until the completion of the class period. You are responsible for information provided in class, even if you are not in attendance. 3. Project: The group project will involve developing a presentation of a current political or social issue for your peers that aligns with one of the five major concepts covered in the class. The group presentation should offer: 1) a fair discussion of the various viewpoints concerning the issue; 2) the proposed solutions; 3) your analysis of the proposed solutions, and 4) your own solution/assessment based on the available information. The project will require some research, but time in class will be allotted for group meetings. At the end of each major concept a group will conduct their presentation. A brief report/transcript of your presentation and any visuals will also be due at that time.

4. Readings: Success in this course requires familiarity with the textbook. I will not cover all material in the text; however, you are responsible for all reading materials assigned. You will be responsible for extraneous materials I will cover in class. You should read all assigned chapters BEFORE the class period. 5. Homework Assignments: There will be five homework assignments in this class. Here student s will be required to complete short answer responses based on their readings. These must be turned in at the beginning of the class period. Late assignments will not be accepted. Grading Scale: Grading Criteria: A 90 – 100 B 80 - 89 C 70 – 79 D 60 – 69 F 59 and below Course Schedule and Outline:

Assignment Total Points Exams (6) 50 Homework (5) 20 Project (1) 20 Participation/Attendance 10 Total Points 100

Date Topic Reading Notes

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL

ENVIRONMENT

Week 1

Mon. Sept. 29 • Introduction to

Social Environment

• Social Science and Its Methods

Review Syllabus

Friday Oct. 3

• HCT Chap. 1, ALL

• Tilly- Why (and How) Things Happen [excerpt]

Review Group Presentation and

Project

Week 2

Mon. Oct. 6 • Human Origins

• Origins of Western Society

• HCT Chap. 2, ALL • HCT Chap 3, ALL

Last day to sign up to a group

Homework #1

DUE

Friday Oct. 10 • Review HCT Chaps. 1-3

Test #1 [Chapters 1-3]

CULTURE & THE INDIVIDUAL

Week

3

Mon. Oct. 13 • Society, culture and

cultural change • Geography,

Demography, Ecology, and Society

• Technology and Society

• Psychology, Society,

and Culture

• HCT Chap. 4

• Friedman-The world is Flat chapter 1: While I Was Sleeping [excerpt]

Meet with Group#1, Project

outline due

Friday Oct. 17 • HCT Chap. 5, ALL • HCT Chap. 6, ALL

Homework #2 DUE

Week 4

Mon. Oct. 20

• HCT Chap. 7, ALL

• Sen- What Class of Civilizations? [excerpt]

Friday Oct. 24 Group#1 Presentation-Culture

Test #2

[Chapters 4-7]

INSTITUTIONS & SOCIETY

Week 5

Mon. Oct. 27

• The Family

• Religion • Education

• HCT Chap. 8, ALL

• The Moynihan Report Revisited [excerpt]

Meet with Group#2, Project outline due

Friday Oct. 31 • HCT Chap. 9,ALL • HCT Chap, 10, ALL

Homework #3 DUE

Week 6

Mon. Nov. 3 • Social and Economic Stratification

• Stratification,

Minorities & Discrimination

• HCT Chap. 11, ALL • HCT Chap. 12, ALL

*Last day to withdraw

Friday Nov. 7

Group#2 Presentation-

Religion/Family/Education

Test #3 [Chapters 8-12]

POLITICS AND

SOCIETY

Week 7

Mon. Nov. 10 • The Functions &

Forms of Government

• Government of the World

• HCT Chap. 13, ALL

• Tocqueville- Democracy in America Chapter 1 [excerpt]

Meet with Group#3, Project

outline due

Friday Nov. 14 • HCT Chap. 14, ALL

Homework #4 DUE

Week 8

Mon. Nov. 17 • Democratic

Governments in the United States

• HCT Chap. 15, ALL

• Putnam-Bowling Alone [excerpt]

Friday Nov. 21

Group#3 Presentation-

Politics and Society

Test #4 [Chapters 13-15]

ECONOMICS & SOCIETY

Week 9

Mon. Nov. 24

• The Organization of Economic Activities

• The Economy, Government, & Economic Challenges Facing the US

• HCT Chap. 16, ALL • HCT Chap. 17, ALL

Meet with Group#4, Project

outline due

Homework #5 DUE

Friday Nov. 28 THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 10

Mon. Dec. 1 Group#4 Presentation-

Economics

Test #5 [Chapters 16-17]

GLOBAL ISSUES

Friday Dec. 5 • International Political Relations

• HCT Chap. 18, ALL

• Zakaria- The Post American World [excerpt]

Meet with Group#5, Project

outline due

Week 11

Mon. Dec. 8

• International Economic Relations

• The Political Economies of Developing Countries

• HCT Chap. 19-20, ALL

Homework #5 DUE

Friday Dec. 12

Group#5 Presentation-

Politics and Society

Test #6 [Chapters 18-20]

FINAL WEEK

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Week 12

Mon. Dec. 15

Friday Dec. 19