Taking a "Modern Social Problems" Class in College

[SnowAngels]

Hi everyone!

This is not an immediate problem, as I’m not taking the course this semester, but I want to prepare for the future.

My sister and I are both go to our local college part-time (as we are homeschooled and still in high school), and we are both currently studying music. To get an Associate’s Degree in music, you have to fill some basic requirements. One of the classes we have to take is “Modern Social Problems”. It is not a course you can clep out of. The problem is, our local college is very, very liberal and the majority of the professors are as well. They teach the material as if their opinion is right. My sister was talking with another Catholic who tutors the class, and he said that he has to teach to the material, even if it conflicts with his beliefs. I talked with a friend who has taken the class and he said that his professor pretty much sat back and let the class debate each other on present issues such as gay marriage and abortion; however, on the tests, there were very opinionated questions such as “Abortion is a right. True or false?”

Obviously, I don’t want to fail the class, but I can’t imagine answering “True.” for a question like that. My sister said she would just answer true because she wouldn’t want to fail. I’m not sure what I would do. What do you suggest?

Thank you! Have a blessed day!

 

[meltzerboy]

Hi everyone!

This is not an immediate problem, as I’m not taking the course this semester, but I want to prepare for the future.

My sister and I are both go to our local college part-time (as we are homeschooled and still in high school), and we are both currently studying music. To get an Associate’s Degree in music, you have to fill some basic requirements. One of the classes we have to take is “Modern Social Problems”. It is not a course you can clep out of. The problem is, our local college is very, very liberal and the majority of the professors are as well. They teach the material as if their opinion is right. My sister was talking with another Catholic who tutors the class, and he said that he has to teach to the material, even if it conflicts with his beliefs. I talked with a friend who has taken the class and he said that his professor pretty much sat back and let the class debate each other on present issues such as gay marriage and abortion; however, on the tests, there were very opinionated questions such as “Abortion is a right. True or false?”

Obviously, I don’t want to fail the class, but I can’t imagine answering “True.” for a question like that. My sister said she would just answer true because she wouldn’t want to fail. I’m not sure what I would do. What do you suggest?

Thank you! Have a blessed day!

If your professor for the course allows debate on these social issues, I don’t see a problem even if the school has a liberal bias. The question on the exam that you mention regarding abortion seems to call for personal opinion and is not in itself opinionated. How the professor grades your answer will probably depend on how you express yourself in writing, that is, whether you have a coherent, cogent argument, as well as your sentence structure and grammar. The question also does not differentiate between legal right and moral or ethical right, so it is left up to the student to raise these specific issues. Any fair-minded professor–and most are–is likely to encourage critical thinking and writing.

 

[SnowAngels]

If your professor for the course allows debate on these social issues, I don’t see a problem even if the school has a liberal bias. The question on the exam that you mention regarding abortion seems to call for personal opinion and is not in itself opinionated. How the professor grades your answer will probably depend on how you express yourself in writing, that is, whether you have a coherent, cogent argument, as well as your sentence structure and grammar. The question also does not differentiate between legal right and moral or ethical right, so it is left up to the student to raise these specific issues. Any fair-minded professor–and most are–is likely to encourage critical thinking and writing.

Thank you for your response! I see what you mean. I know that the majority of the professors do encourage debate. I don’t know if the tests allow you to explain your answer or not, but if they do, I will certainly be able to explain my position!

 

[dmar198]

The question also does not differentiate between legal right and moral or ethical right, so it is left up to the student to raise these specific issues.

I think he is trying to indicate that the only option the student has is to circle true or false, without elaboration. The biggest problem with this is that abortion is neither a moral nor a legal right. I know abortion has the appearance of being a legal right, but but the truth is that the government doesn’t have the authority to make a moral wrong a legal right. Because of that, whatever law they’ve passed to make abortion legal has no real authority behind it, only brute force. And brute force doesn’t make something a legal right.

 

[SnowAngels]

I think he is trying to indicate that the only option the student has is to circle true or false, without elaboration. The biggest problem with this is that abortion is neither a moral nor a legal right. I know abortion has the appearance of being a legal right, but but the truth is that the government doesn’t have the authority to make a moral wrong a legal right. Because of that, whatever law they’ve passed to make abortion legal has no real authority behind it, only brute force. And brute force doesn’t make something a legal right.

I don’t actually know how the test’s are laid out, as I haven’t taken the course, but yes, that is what I was implying. That is my point exactly! How I am supposed to circle true if it isn’t what I believe?

I have good news though! I just found out that I can in fact clep out this course! Still, I am curious as to what you would do in this situation.

 

[oremosjuntos]

Oh my word! I took a class like that last semester, and overall it was a Sociology class. The whole issues on homosexuality and gender made me feel a bit uncomfortable, but the professor I would say was fair and allowed discussion. I thought, initially, (before I really knew what the class was about), that this could be applied to Catholic Social Teaching, but I’ve realized that the closest that has come up to that is “Liberation Theology”, which is not a good approach to many issues and injustices in our society. Anyways, it was particularly hard for me, even for being in a previously “Catholic” college, to bring up these issues and have a more compassionate and moral perspective to the issue. It couldn’t happen since the instructor is only dealing with more of a secular understanding of Sociology. Not everything in a Catholic institution, sadly, reflects the values it was intended to have. I would tell people to inform themselves well before choosing a class because not everything is what it seems.

P.S. It wasn’t the most exciting of classes, but I did learn a little more about the food industry and their methods in producing our food. Social facts were good to learn, but be careful because some things can be blown out of proportion since our world is constantly changing.

 

[Cricket2]

Hi everyone!

This is not an immediate problem, as I’m not taking the course this semester, but I want to prepare for the future.

My sister and I are both go to our local college part-time (as we are homeschooled and still in high school), and we are both currently studying music. To get an Associate’s Degree in music, you have to fill some basic requirements. One of the classes we have to take is “Modern Social Problems”. It is not a course you can clep out of. The problem is, our local college is very, very liberal and the majority of the professors are as well. They teach the material as if their opinion is right. My sister was talking with another Catholic who tutors the class, and he said that he has to teach to the material, even if it conflicts with his beliefs. I talked with a friend who has taken the class and he said that his professor pretty much sat back and let the class debate each other on present issues such as gay marriage and abortion; however, on the tests, there were very opinionated questions such as “Abortion is a right. True or false?”

Obviously, I don’t want to fail the class, but I can’t imagine answering “True.” for a question like that. My sister said she would just answer true because she wouldn’t want to fail. I’m not sure what I would do. What do you suggest?

Thank you! Have a blessed day!

Have you checked with an academic adviser for alternative classes that may count the same as this one? Is it possible to do an independent study of “Modern Social Problems”? I ask about this as sometimes you can work with a professor in designing what you will cover and how. So as an idea, you can discuss abortion in the context of a “secular right” but also as something opposed by the majority of Christians or even other religions. It could mean writing an extensive research paper, but at least you could express your views while at the same time showing that you know others believe in a different way.

I guess you have to take the question in the context it is written. And it seems to me you would answer True since it is a “secular right” at this time. It certainly is not a right according to our Faith. Frankly, if the instructor is being “fair” he/she should ask the question in a manner that acknowledges the fact that those of faith don’t view it as a right, but as immoral. For example: “Within the secular context of our lives, is abortion viewed as a right”? Or: “Do all people believe abortion is a right?”

This may be over simplified, but when professors start asking questions in such a way as to block people into only a given way to answer I don’t think they are doing a good or fair job,especially in a class like this which is by its very nature full of potential debate and disagreement. Religion and practice of that religion is a basic principal of our society and thus can’t be side lined in a class that is about “modern social problems”

If you find any of this useful feel free to use it. If you ever feel like sending a PM go ahead. Having been through many classes like this I would be glad to suggest things. But I will say, they make it harder every day to actually get through College and Universities without one having to walk a tight wire to get a good grade. I have “junked” a couple of “A’s” for this reason, and accepted a “C” out of moral principals. It blows the GPA, but my conscience is clear.

 

[oldcatholicguy]

Obviously, I don’t want to fail the class, but I can’t imagine answering “True.” for a question like that. My sister said she would just answer true because she wouldn’t want to fail. I’m not sure what I would do. What do you suggest?

Thank you! Have a blessed day!

My answer would be- False with an attached comment of- While some view abortion as a right, the cases concerning the issue that have gone before the Supreme Court have not resulted in it being declared a right, nor has there been an amendment passed declaring abortion to be a right.

The attached comment forces the instructor to either accept your response as valid or be prepared to defend the question itself when you appeal to the head of the department or his boss if the instructor is the head of the department. Most importantly, you don’t have to lie or even bring up the issue of morality (which I believe is what the instructor is really after).

 

[oldcatholicguy]

Have you checked with an academic adviser for alternative classes that may count the same as this one? Is it possible to do an independent study of “Modern Social Problems”? I ask about this as sometimes you can work with a professor in designing what you will cover and how. So as an idea, you can discuss abortion in the context of a “secular right” but also as something opposed by the majority of Christians or even other religions. It could mean writing an extensive research paper, but at least you could express your views while at the same time showing that you know others believe in a different way.

I guess you have to take the question in the context it is written. And it seems to me you would answer True since it is a “secular right” at this time. It certainly is not a right according to our Faith. Frankly, if the instructor is being “fair” he/she should ask the question in a manner that acknowledges the fact that those of faith don’t view it as a right, but as immoral. For example: “Within the secular context of our lives, is abortion viewed as a right”? Or: “Do all people believe abortion is a right?”

This may be over simplified, but when professors start asking questions in such a way as to block people into only a given way to answer I don’t think they are doing a good or fair job,especially in a class like this which is by its very nature full of potential debate and disagreement. Religion and practice of that religion is a basic principal of our society and thus can’t be side lined in a class that is about “modern social problems”

If you find any of this useful feel free to use it. If you ever feel like sending a PM go ahead. Having been through many classes like this I would be glad to suggest things. But I will say, they make it harder every day to actually get through College and Universities without one having to walk a tight wire to get a good grade. I have “junked” a couple of “A’s” for this reason, and accepted a “C” out of moral principals. It blows the GPA, but my conscience is clear.

Abortion isn’t a secular right. If it was a right, laws that forbid an abortion after X number of days of pregnancy would be unconstitutional.

 

[seakelp]

I strongly recommend you take the class.

The fact of that matter is, the world is full of people whose opinions and philosophies contradict the natural law. But it isn’t your job only to hear from people you agree with, especially as a young student. It is your job to expose yourself to the world, to wrestle with it, to be challenged and to challenge in return.

Yes, the class will likely be full of uncomfortable moments for you. That’s unfortunate. But think of this as your cross to bear with humility and patience.

Additionally, I believe that the class will teach you to begin thinking in certain kinds of categories: moral, social, legal. An issue has shades of each of these areas of life, and your understanding of an issue will grow to understand how these facets of a given problem may render different conclusions. You may surprise yourself.

Finally, and contrary to what you might expect, I imagine that at the end of the course your faith will be strengthened. God gave us reason to use, not to neglect. And one of the best ways to sharpen our ability to reason is to engage in respectful, thoughtful, patient discourse with others.

After all, that’s why we’re all on this board, right?

I’m a student, as well, who is about to graduate. I struggled with these same issues. I’m happy to talk with you more about them, or about the issues in your class as they come up next semester!

 

[seakelp]

Abortion isn’t a secular right. If it was a right, laws that forbid an abortion after X number of days of pregnancy would be unconstitutional.

Not to deviate from the OP, but it is a constitutional right after a certain period of time. Or I should say more accurately, the state may not interfere with the procurement of an abortion by a woman after certain stage in the pregnancy.

But I think we should stick to the topic at hand before going down a rabbit hole.

 

[runningdude]

Hi everyone!

This is not an immediate problem, as I’m not taking the course this semester, but I want to prepare for the future.

…I talked with a friend who has taken the class and he said that his professor pretty much sat back and let the class debate each other on present issues such as gay marriage and abortion; however, on the tests, there were very opinionated questions such as “Abortion is a right. True or false?”

Obviously, I don’t want to fail the class, but I can’t imagine answering “True.” for a question like that. My sister said she would just answer true because she wouldn’t want to fail. I’m not sure what I would do. What do you suggest?

Thank you! Have a blessed day!

Answer false, and be prepared to fail the course, and then appeal. Or refuse to answer “True/False”, and write in a factually correct but neutral answer, such as “The Supreme Court guarantees access after the 22 week”…

 

[oremosjuntos]

I strongly recommend you take the class.

The fact of that matter is, the world is full of people whose opinions and philosophies contradict the natural law. But it isn’t your job only to hear from people you agree with, especially as a young student. It is your job to expose yourself to the world, to wrestle with it, to be challenged and to challenge in return.

Yes, the class will likely be full of uncomfortable moments for you. That’s unfortunate. But think of this as your cross to bear with humility and patience.

Additionally, I believe that the class will teach you to begin thinking in certain kinds of categories: moral, social, legal. An issue has shades of each of these areas of life, and your understanding of an issue will grow to understand how these facets of a given problem may render different conclusions. You may surprise yourself.

Finally, and contrary to what you might expect, I imagine that at the end of the course your faith will be strengthened. God gave us reason to use, not to neglect. And one of the best ways to sharpen our ability to reason is to engage in respectful, thoughtful, patient discourse with others.

After all, that’s why we’re all on this board, right?

I’m a student, as well, who is about to graduate. I struggled with these same issues. I’m happy to talk with you more about them, or about the issues in your class as they come up next semester!

I agree w/ you seakelp I stand corrected. Honestly, it was beneficial to be exposed to different issues in our society and I do strongly believed that right-minded people like us here on CAF can set the world back in motion again.

I do struggle in what I really wanna do in life, and I feel like if I take courses like this, people can really benefit from a unique (name removed by moderator)ut, since I am very much into integrating aspects of my faith in my work. My apologies for sounding so negative.

Trust me, a course like that will be hard, but with good spirit and attitude, it’ll be worth it and make you a better, well-rounded informed individual.

Be ready for combat, my friend. Be not afraid, because I need to be too! :knight2:

 

[Jared2914]

Stick to your beliefs. Even if the professor has a true or false question about abortion, that is just one wrong answer. A test is probably going to have a lot more questions than that. If the test was just one question like that, it probably would involve a long essay explaining why. A false answer with a good argument might still get a passing grade.

 

[dmar198]

I don’t actually know how the test’s are laid out, as I haven’t taken the course, but yes, that is what I was implying. That is my point exactly! How I am supposed to circle true if it isn’t what I believe?

I wouldn’t circle true. I would take the hit every time I stood up for my beliefs and try to pass the class anyway.

I have good news though! I just found out that I can in fact clep out this course! Still, I am curious as to what you would do in this situation.

In my English class last semester we had to write a paper about a social issue. Mine was about practicing homosexuality. I argued that it is contrary to natural law. I was told that I was allowed to write about practicing homosexuality, but not to argue that it is contrary to natural law. They said that writing against this action from a moral perspective is forbidden, even though other students were writing about other topics from a moral perspective. Because I thought this constituted viewpoint discrimination, I appealed to the dean, then to the vice-president. Finally they said that I could write the paper the way I wanted, but I would get an F. I did write it, and I did get an F. I got an A on the other papers in the class and ended up getting a B+ in the overall class even though I got an F on that one paper. But at least I didn’t compromise my beliefs.

 

[Graubo3]

Hi everyone!

This is not an immediate problem, as I’m not taking the course this semester, but I want to prepare for the future.

My sister and I are both go to our local college part-time (as we are homeschooled and still in high school), and we are both currently studying music. To get an Associate’s Degree in music, you have to fill some basic requirements. One of the classes we have to take is “Modern Social Problems”. It is not a course you can clep out of. The problem is, our local college is very, very liberal and the majority of the professors are as well. They teach the material as if their opinion is right. My sister was talking with another Catholic who tutors the class, and he said that he has to teach to the material, even if it conflicts with his beliefs. I talked with a friend who has taken the class and he said that his professor pretty much sat back and let the class debate each other on present issues such as gay marriage and abortion; however, on the tests, there were very opinionated questions such as “Abortion is a right. True or false?”

Obviously, I don’t want to fail the class, but I can’t imagine answering “True.” for a question like that. My sister said she would just answer true because she wouldn’t want to fail. I’m not sure what I would do. What do you suggest?

Thank you! Have a blessed day!

I wonder if the class studies “Academia” as a “Modern Social Problem”?