This module covers basic concepts and theoretical perspectives on social problems. The major themes include the importance of developing a sociological imagination to the analysis of social problems and the complexity of social problems from a global perspective.

Objectives

After completing this module, you should be able to accomplish the following:

Distinguish between personal problems and social problems.
Understand how the political, economic, and cultural factors influence vulnerability to social problems.
Document global goals for improving people’s life chances and progress made toward those goals.
Apply theoretical frameworks to the analysis of global social problems.
Outline the major features of the global economy, global governance, and global culture.

Required Textbook Readings

Chirico, 2019: Chapter 1: Private Troubles and Social Problems, pages: 1-29.
Module 1 Slides

Assignments & Assessment

You have two weeks to complete the Module 1 assignments.

During the first week, please:

Read/study Chapter 1: Private Troubles and Social Problems, pages: 1-29.
Take Module 1 Quiz (Due September 4)

During the second week, please:

Complete Applied Learning Tasks
Write and submit Module 1 Essay Assignment (Due September 11).