SYG 2000 UCF Social Problems and Private Troubles Questions

First, based on the assigned textbook readings, answer the following questions:

1. Define social problems. How can you distinguish social problems from private troubles? What are the origins/causes of social problems? How do they differ from the origins/causes of private troubles? In your response refer to specific social forces that cause social problems as discussed in the textbook. (Your answer should be 250-300 words long).

2. What makes some people vulnerable to social problems? Are you personally vulnerable to social problems (for example, unemployment and poverty)? Please explain why or why not? In your response refer to the concept of social location and explain how does social location influence peoples’ vulnerability to social problems. (Your answer should be 150-200 words long).

Second, after reading the Guardian article and watching the PBS film, please answer the following questions:

3. Based on the assigned article and film describe the key social forces that push people to emigrate and leave their native country. If you were subjected to these forces, would you leave the US? Why or why not? How did the film “Lost Boys” inform your understanding of these forces? What insights have you gained from this film about social forces that cause human migration? Support your answer with at least two examples from the film. (Your answer should be 300-350 words long).

4. What are the key challenges or problems that immigrants, like the boys portrayed in the film face, while starting a new life in the United States? Support your answer with at least two examples from the film. Were you aware of these challenges? In your opinion, should these challenges be viewed as “private troubles” or are they public issues/social problems? Please explain why? (Your answer should be 250-300 words long).

REQUIRED FORMAT: This essay assignment should be 1100 – 1200 words long, typed single-spaced with normal font size (11-12 points). Your answers to the posed questions should be numbered (1, 2, 3, & 4), structured in into paragraphs and based on the assigned Applied Learning Tasks only. Turnitin is enabled for this assignment. For your essay to be original, avoid using direct quotations (i.e., 10% or less). Submit your essay as a Microsoft Word file. Be sure to answer all questions and correct all spelling and grammatical errors.

This assignment is due on Friday September 11. The grades will be posted within 10 days after the module closing date.

Rubric

Module 1 Essay Rubric