Present-day social problems (21076)

Year: 2nd
Term: 2nd
Number of ECTS credits: 4
Student hours: 100

Syllabus

The aim of this course is to analyse present-day social problems from the theoretical and analytical perspective of sociology. In this way students develop the ability to analyse social problems through putting together arguments while becoming aware of the fact that there are no right or wrong answers but only weak or solid arguments, and that the latter must be based on empirical evidence.

The first part of the course deals with the social construction of problems and the tools to analyse them from a scientific point of view.

In the second part social problems which are relevant to criminology are discussed; these vary every academic year in function of current circumstances. Sessions may deal with topics such as poverty, racism and discrimination, religion and diversity, domestic violence, changes to the family, health and inequalities, youth, terrorism or prostitution.

• Contents section 1.

Social construction of problems: myths, stereotypes and prejudices

• Contents section 2.

Basic rules for the rigorous analysis of social problems

• Contents section 3.

Analysis of specific social problems