Debating Social Problems

Debating Social Problems emphasizes the process of debate as a means of addressing social problems and helps students engage in active learning. The debate format covers sensitive material in a way that encourages students to talk about this material openly in class. This succinct text includes activities that promote critical thinking and includes examples from current events.

Leonard A. Steverson, Ph.D., is associate professor emeritus of sociology at South Georgia State College and currently an adjunct professor of sociology at Flagler College, where he teaches contemporary social problems, sociological theory, social movements, and public sociology. He is the author of Policing in America: A Reference Handbook (2008), co-author of Giants of Sociology: A Little Guide to the Big Names in Sociological Theory (2006/2010), an upcoming work on the sociology of mental health, and several chapters in edited works.

Jennifer E. Melvin, Ph.D., is currently an assistant professor of sociology at Flagler College. She teaches contemporary social problems, social stratification, and the sociology of health inequalities. She co-authored the textbook Introductory Sociology (2009) and is the co-author of several journal articles and book chapters that look broadly at intersections of disadvantage for the physical health of Latino Americans (2014/2016). Her newest project takes an unconventional approach to the study of mental health.