SOC 297 Tentative course outline
Week 1: Course Introduction Wednesday, April 2
What is poverty?
What is global poverty?
Theories of Stratification
Film: Global Village, Global Pillage
Assignments due for Week 2:
Reading Assignment: Paul Harrison 1-8
World Development Report Chapters 1-2
Reaction Paper 1: Why is there so much poverty in developing countries?
Week 2: Exploring the Causes of Global Poverty Wednesday, April 9
The Roots of Poverty
Climate Issues
Industrialization
World Bank's Approach
Film: The Bank and Life Debt
Reading Assignment: Paul Harrison, Chapters 9-18
Reaction Paper 2: Why are there so many women and children in poverty in developing countries?
Week 3: Exploring the Causes Continued Wednesday, April 16
Economic Issues
Overpopulation
Uneducated
The Condition of Women and Children
Film: Sweatshops and Children
Finish Paul Harrison
Reaction Paper 3: What would be some of the consequences faced by a child growing up in absolute poverty?
Week 4: Causes and Consequences Explored Wednesday, April 23
Poverty Simulation Activities
Assignments due for Week 5:Read Chapters 1-10 in City of Joy and Read 5 of the Literature of Poverty readings and read Voices of the Poor on how they view well being. Choose 5 not from the United States.
Reaction Paper # 4: Write a short paragraph on each of the Literature of poverty readings and on the Voices of the Poor. What reaction do you have to each reading? What did you feel for the person? What consequences did poverty have for this person?
Week 5: Consequences of Poverty Wednesday, April 30
Discuss the Consequences of Poverty
Assignment for Week 6:
Finish City of Joy (or as much of it as you can, we will discuss this)
Reaction Paper #5: Despite all the consequences of living in poverty, how do the people of Calcutta India survive? Why is one of the poorest areas in the world called the City of Joy? Are all consequences of poverty negative? Why or Why not? What did you think of the book?
Week 6: Finish Discussion of Consequences of Poverty, Wednesday, May 7
We will be attending a function on campus. We have a visiting professor from Malaysia who will be speaking. If her schedule changes, we will be watching City of Joy.
Assignment for next week:
Chapters 4-6 in World Bank Book
Reaction Paper #6: What are some of the suggested solutions to global poverty by the World Bank?
Week 7: Cures, Wednesday, May 14
Discuss Cures
Theories about Social Justice
Explore Websites about Solving Global Poverty
Film
Assignment for Next week:
Read Chapters 7-11 World Bank Book
Reaction Paper #7: What do you think it will take to reduce global poverty? Is it possible? Why or Why not?
Week 8: Conclusion of Cures, Wednesday, May 21, 2002
Sociology Career Night in Building 12, First floor.
Everyone is expected to attend as part of class.
Turn your reaction papers in during this time.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about Sociology.
Week 9: Class Presentations, Wednesday, May 28, 2002
All country research papers are due Week 9
Week 10:Class Presentations, Wednesday, June 4, 2002
Week 11: Final Class Discussion, Wednesday, June 11, 2002
What did you learn?
What really can be done?
What should be done?
Country Papers will be returned
Global Poverty Research Paper
Country Choices:
You may choose any developing nation (sometimes referred to as third world). The majority of these countries are found in Africa, Asia, and South America. While there are some Eastern European countries that fit the description of a poor country, data on these countries may be limited. I would suggest you choose your country (countries early). I will not allow students to choose the same country. Please see me if you have any questions and you do need to have your country choice approved.
Outline of Paper
Introduction:Give a brief historical overview and a map. Explain the basics of the country. Example: Language, political structure, religion ,etc.
Causes of Poverty:
Political History
Climate
Overpopulation
Colonialism
Economic Issues? Debt? Market Economy
Consequences:
Life expectancy
Infant Mortality Rate
Health Issues
Education issues
Housing Issues
Conditions for Women and Children
Dollar Amount Per Year
Hunger
Refugee Issues
Other
Cures:
What types of things are being done in this country?
Find specific Examples
Sustainable development, etc.
Conclusion:
What do you think the future holds for this country? Why?
Other directions:
Paper must be typed
You can include maps, charts, and information in an appendix
You can use Internet resources (there are numerous ones to use), but be sure they are legitimate.
You must use at least 8 resources (books in this class can and should be used, but do not count as part of the 10) if taking this for non-honors credit.
You must use at least 16 resources if taking this for honors credit.
