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Academic Year 2004/2005

Ethics, Policy and the Triage Society
SOC 311 FA

A basic sociological fact of life is that social policies today offer fewer real supports for the shelterless, hungry, poor, ill, and traditionally discriminated. Though this is largely a result of political process through which habitual prejudices express themselves, it is also partly a result of declining resources. Even the most wealthy societies, like the U.S., seem to lack the wealth to fund basic social justice and welfare programs. A triage society is one in which scarcity is so great and politics so harsh that social benefits are arbitrarily assigned to those in favor with those in power, while others are systematically excluded to the point of mortal danger. The course will deal specifically with problems of the environment, children, AIDS, and housing and homelessness. Lectures will be provided by visitors who are experts in the formation and/or implementation of public policy and are involved in understanding and solving today's most pressing social problems. Follow-up discussion will analyze the issues raised in the lectures and in related readings. The goal of the course is to develop basic skills in social, ethical and policy analysis as applied to urgent, practical issues in the society.

MAJOR READINGS

Alex Kotlowitz, THERE ARE NO CHILDREN HERE
Rob Rosenthal, HOMELESS IN PARADISE
Thich Nhat Hanh, CULTIVATING THE MIND OF LOVE Robert Bullard, CONFRONTING ENVIRONMENTAL RACISCM
Theodore Stein, SOCIAL WELFARE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN WITH HIV AND AIDS
U.S. Department of Health, A NATIVE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP RESPONSE TO HIV AND AIDS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly readings, attendance at all lectures and class sessions, take home mid-term, one social research project involving fieldwork with area social agencies.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

The course is designed as an introduction to the critical study of sociel ethics including the public values that shape social policies. It is intended to serve as an open forum for discussion of important issues in a triage society. As a result, attendance and willingness to discuss these issues are mandatory.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SOC    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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