Skip to main contentSkip to footer

SOCI-207 - Social Problems - Robert Wonser

Course:Social Problems
Professor:Robert Wonser
Email:robert.wonser@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 5 Week
  • 8 Week
  • 16 Week

Introduction

profile photo of Robert Wonser

You are interested in a sociology course. That right there is pretty awesome in my book (that book by the way, The Awesomeness of Sociology!*). This particular course is Sociology 207: Social Problems.

In this course we'll examine gender from a sociological perspective (what we'll call the sociological imagination and the only way to study anything to do with society!). We will look at some fascinating topics in this class including (but not limited to) the big three: race, class and most importantly, gender. 

So much of our world is taken for granted. Sociology actively changes that, forces interrogation and a critical awareness. Nevertheless, there is so much more. Using your newly discovered sociological imagination, everything you knew is open for scrutiny and the mundane becomes extraordinary. We'll explore this idea and many more as we progress through the course.

Hi all! My name is Robert Wonser and I earned my BS in Business Administration with an option in Marketing and my MA in Sociology from CSUN. My research interests include culture, mass media, subcultures, popular culture, youth culture, consumerism, social stratification, criminology, and social psychology. I have written about the intersections of popular culture and deviance and the representations in zombie cinema as depicting of global pandemic and its implications for selfhood. Currently my spare time is spent with my daughters who I’m training to be sociologists.

This class will serve as your introduction to sociology; you are in for a treat! Sociology is the best subject! Literally, it is the best. I am not kidding; the best. Everything you are interested in, sociology has something to offer. We'll look at some fascinating topics in this class including (but not limited to) the big three: race, class, gender. What does sociology have to offer about ourselves, don’t you already know this? Absolutely not! So much of our world is taken for granted. Sociology actively changes that, forces interrogation and a critical awareness. But there is so much more. Using your newly discovered sociological imagination everything you knew is open for scrutiny and the mundane becomes extraordinary. Enjoy!

Course Description

Applies sociological principles and the research process to identify and analyze contemporary social problems, both nationally and globally, while considering:

  1. The role of power and ideology in the definition of social problems
  2. Their causes and consequences
  3. Solutions and interventions.

Units: 3.00

What to Expect in this Course

This course will be fun. We'll explore the world you know from a sociological vantage point and I promise, you'll see things that will be intriguing, maybe even upsetting, but always interesting! 

After reading the message below, please feel free to email me with questions at this email address: robert.wonser@canyons.edu.

I will strive to answer emails I receive prior to the first day of class within a day or two. Please be sure to include your full name, the class, and the section number in your emails. Please don't email me to say, “May I add your class?” if there is a waitlist. Read this letter in its entirety first. This course is completely online class and will meet through Canvas through the COC website. We will not meet in person. 

Please ensure you have logged into Canvas (https://coc.instructure.com/) and have completed the syllabus quiz no later than day two of the term; if you do not you will be dropped from this course.

***Remember that for each three-unit sociology class you should expect to spend nine hours per week on the class in a full semester. *** 

This includes reading, taking exams, etc. I want you to be successful so it's good to know what the expectations are. Online courses require a high level of self-initiative, and they are well suited to students who possess this quality. Just because it is online does not mean we do less work, we do the same amount of work online. The fun contents largely the same though. Still super interesting. And, regardless of the format, I will be with you along the way if you need any assistance. 

To do well in this class you will need access to a dependable computer as well as reliable access to the internet. The school has many, many computers available for your use—check out the library, TLC, and ASG computer lab. Your public library also probably has computers for use, but the time allowed may be limited.

Be sure to check out CANVAS for updates and course materials.

Part of being successful in an online class is learning the material and the other part is being comfortable with the format so that you can access the material. If you are new to online courses I strongly suggest you investigate some of the online tutorials. They're easy enough! 

Types of Assessments

This class will use quizzes, discussion boards, exams and assignments.

Textbook Information

Social Problems: Continuity and Change

Available inside of Canvas or here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/121gNWfeSpKe91yqvve11iP3zSrM9m3Js

Other Relevant Course Information

This course is awesome. It is a sociology course. They are all awesome.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 09/14/2021 Sub#: 618