SOCY 350 at the University of Maryland Global Campus is an advanced examination of local, national and global problems that affect societies.
UMGC says the aim is to apply sociological perspectives and research to analyze the process by which social conditions become recognized as social problems and are resolved by various actors.
The twist is that the course studies how problems are defined, not just what they are. A paper about poverty, for example, also asks who calls it a problem, on what evidence and with what proposed solution.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus |
| Course code | SOCY 350 |
| Credits | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Prerequisite | SOCY 100 |
| Credit note | Students may receive credit for only one of SOCY 105, SOCY 210 or SOCY 350 |
| Subject area | Sociology, social problems |
| Typical work | Discussion, problem analyses, a research paper (check your class) |
What SOCY 350 Covers
UMGC lists the following topics and discussion areas.
| Theme | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Subjective and objective aspects | The measurable conditions and the way people perceive them |
| Claims about problems in the media | Who makes claims, with what evidence, and how they are reported |
| Sociologists and solutions | How research can inform responses |
| Human rights and violence | Problems that cross borders and settings |
| Social isolation and loneliness | A growing area of research |
| Social inequality | Differences in resources and opportunities |
Key Concepts Explained
Objective and Subjective Dimensions
A condition can be measurable (objective) and also seen as a problem by some people (subjective). Studying both explains why some conditions get attention while others are ignored.
Illustration: Two cities may have similar levels of a condition, but only one treats it as a public problem because advocates, media and officials define it that way.
Claims-Making
Groups make claims that a condition is harmful and needs action. Sociologists examine the claim, the evidence and the audience.
Evaluating Solutions
A response can be assessed on evidence, reach, fairness and unintended effects. A strong paper compares at least two options.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
Your class defines the tasks; typical forms appear below.
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion posts | Applying claims-making to a current issue | Identify who is making the claim, what evidence they use and what is missing |
| Problem analysis | Using theory and data on an issue | Define the problem, show the data, apply a perspective |
| Media analysis | Reading news critically | Compare how two outlets frame the same problem |
| Solutions paper | Weighing responses | Compare options on evidence, cost and fairness |
Analyzing a Problem Step by Step
Good problem analyses follow a pattern: define the condition, show evidence of its size and effects, explain its causes using a perspective, describe the actors who define and respond to it, and evaluate solutions.
Avoid slogans. Replace "society must act" with a specific response, an actor and a measure of success. This helps you meet rubric criteria about application and evidence.
Planning a Social Problem Paper
This sequence fits most problem-analysis prompts.
| Step | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Define | Condition, place and time | Avoids vagueness |
| 2. Measure | Official data and research | Shows size and trend |
| 3. Explain | Apply a perspective to causes | Adds sociology |
| 4. Actors and claims | Who calls it a problem and how | Matches the course focus |
| 5. Solutions | Compare two with evidence | Shows judgment |
Evaluating a Proposed Solution
A solutions section earns marks when it is evaluated, not just described. Use the same four questions for each option you discuss.
1. Evidence: Is there research showing it works? 2. Reach: Who benefits and who is left out? 3. Fairness: Does it shift costs onto a particular group? 4. Side effects: What could it change that nobody intended?
Answering these for two options lets you compare them in a short table and reach a reasoned conclusion rather than a slogan.
Before an assignment, also practice reading a media claim. Ask who is making it, what evidence is offered, whether that evidence is measured or anecdotal, what solution is implied and who would carry it out, and what is missing. Five short answers are the core of a claims-making analysis.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Writing opinion pieces. Support each point with research or data.
- Ignoring how problems are defined. Add a section on claims and framing.
- Choosing too broad a topic. Narrow to a group, place and question.
- One-sided solutions. Discuss trade-offs and unintended effects.
Study Tips for SOCY 350
- Learn the objective/subjective distinction thoroughly.
- Collect examples of media claims and note their evidence.
- Use official data for size and academic studies for causes.
- Check the rubric for the balance of description and analysis.
How We Help with SOCY 350
Send the prompt, rubric, readings and any feedback. A sociology writer can prepare a custom analysis, explain frameworks with examples or review your draft. For broader support across your sociology modules, see our sociology assignment help guide.
GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with University of Maryland Global Campus. Our work is a study and reference aid: use it to understand the material, then complete and submit your own work under University of Maryland Global Campus's academic integrity policy.
Every order is written from scratch, comes with free revisions within the scope of your original request, and is refunded in full if it is late.
Get Your SOCY 350 Analysis in Shape
Share the assignment and draft. A social science writer prepares a custom paper or reviews your writing.
Start My SOCY 350 HelpFree revisions · Full refund if late · Written from scratch for your order
Frequently Asked Questions
SOCY 100, per UMGC.
UMGC says credit can be received for only one of SOCY 105, SOCY 210 or SOCY 350.
Media claims, human rights, violence, social isolation and loneliness, and inequality.
Partly. It also studies how problems become recognized and who acts.
Often yes within limits; check your assignment instructions.
Yes. We check argument, evidence and referencing and explain our changes.