SYB 115
STUDIES IN SOCIAL PROBLEMS
SPRING 2009
W. DOANE
PROJECT OVERVIEW
As noted in the syllabus for this course, the
project for this course involves an intensive study of a current social problem
related to the theme of the course (inequality, poverty, and wealth).
This requirement may be completed through one of the following methods:
1. Service Learning.
This involves two components: (a) a service
learning activity where you spend 2 hours per week as a volunteer in the
Hartford Public Schools with the University's Educational Main Street Program
or at another approved service learning site (e.g., soup kitchen, labor union,
food bank); and (b) the completion of a journal and other written work in which
you reflect upon your volunteer experience and apply course concepts to analyze
the social problem being addressed by your volunteer work. In order to
complete this project successfully you need to (1) conscientiously keep your service/volunteer
commitment (i.e., participate every week unless there are extreme
circumstances) and (2) complete all written/journal assignments.
2. Research.
This project involves an in-depth study of a
current social problem chosen by the student. Data will be gathered via
library research and the Internet. Written presentation will involve
three five page reports: (Stage I) background information on the nature of the
problem (Stage I is organized differently than a traditional paper); (Stage II)
sociological analysis of the causes of the problem; and (Stage III) a
discussion of possible solutions to the problem. Successful completion of
this project involves meeting all deadlines for submitting a topic statement
and report stages and carefully following all guidelines for the research
report.
3. Field Research--Social Problems.
This project option involves more active data
gathering. You will identify and
study a social problem related to issues of poverty, inequality, and wealth.
Once a problem has been identified, research will involve data gathering via
field research (observation and interviews with one or more organizations
working to address a social problem), supplemented by library and Internet
sources. Presentation of results will follow a format negotiated with the
instructor. With permission, research and presentation may be undertaken
as a group project.
GETTING STARTED
Your first task is to decide which of the
above project options you wish to pursue. Which format best suits your learning
style--and your educational goals? If you are considering the service
learning option, you need to determine whether you can keep a commitment of 2-3
hours per week throughout the semester (this is particularly important for
those with work, family, or organizational responsibilities).
Once you have made your decision you either
need to (1) arrange for a service learning opportunity or (2) select and
plan a topic for research. You will need to do this quickly: a completed “project
information” form must be submitted by Thursday, February 5.
For those selecting the
service learning option:
You should immediately begin making
arrangements for your volunteer work (this often takes a little time). If
you are interested in Educational Main Street (EMS), then you will need to
attend a training session for tutors (a schedule and other information will be
distributed in class).
If you want to explore other service learning
options, you are responsible for making all arrangements. The Center for
Community Service (Gengras 209) may have information
on organizations seeking student volunteers; they also often sponsor a Volunteer
Fair early in the semester where you can meet with representatives from
community organizations. Check out their web site at uhaweb.hartford.edu/ccs
You may also contact agencies on your own (I
can provide you with some suggestions). This requires an early start and
some persistence--non-profit organizations often have limited time and
resources to devote to returning telephone calls. In any event, it is
essential that your volunteer activity (1) last for the duration of the
semester and (2) address a significant social problem. Please see me if
you have any questions about this. One useful resource is the
Note:
In order for your volunteer project to be successful, you need to begin in a
timely manner. Past experience has
demonstrated that students who miss the initial deadlines tend to do poorly on
the project.
For those selecting the
research option:
Begin by selecting a general problem, then
think carefully about narrowing your topic. Begin developing a list of “core”
questions; that is, what are the most important things that you want to
discover about your topic? The more detail that you provide to me in your
project description on February 5, the more I can assist you and help you avoid
future problems. Please feel free to meet with me to discuss potential
topics.