As Dolbere and Edelman put it, To be critical is to be self-conscious about one's own values, as sumptions, and way of thinking. It clarifies concepts, rigorously examines evidence, and looks beyond the way that institutions and events present themselves, to search for underlying causes and relationships. The fundamental premise of the course is that education is a two-way street. In a successful teaching environment, the instructor should learn at least as much from students as students learn from the instructor. By the end of the course the student will have achieved a better understanding of sociological work in the area of social problems and a deeper appreciation of why people in society think and behave as they do.
Exams are non-comprehensive and equally weighted.
Active participation during class discussions is encouraged and rewarded. Sample Essay Question Compare and contrast poverty rates and unemployment in the U.S. and other industrialized countries. Grading Criteria 1. Scholastic Dishonesty Students should carefully peruse the student handbook concerning scholastic dishonesty. The instructor reserves the right to fail students who plagiarize or otherwise cheat on exams.