Using Sociological Theory to Explain Local Phenomena Homework Help

Using Sociological Theory to Explain Local Phenomena

Goal    1
Structure    1
Sections    1
Title    2
Abstract (100-200 words)    2
Key Words    2
Paper (1,000-2,000)    2
Word Count    3
Sources and Citations    3
Reference List    3
Grading Rubric    3
Submission via Email    3
Replacement Papers    4
Grading of Analytical Essays    4
Grading Rubric (paste this to the end of your paper)    4

Goal
The purpose of this paper is to improve your skills at summarizing sociological theories and connecting abstract ideas to the world around you.  You will explain something in the community using one or more of the sociological theories covered in the course.  This can include things such as an event, an example of inequality, a relationship among different groups, a social institution, and so on.
Structure
Each student or group will submit an essay that explains a local issue or phenomenon (e.g. tourism, police practices, homelessness, impact of the college, and so on) using a sociological theory covered in class.
Sections
1.    Title
2.    Abstract and key words
3.    Paper (with ASA-style in-text citation)
4.    Word count
5.    Bibliography, or reference citations (ASA style)
6.    Rubric
Title
The title should inform the reader of the primary subject matter and if possible the analytical position.  It can be catchy, but don’t sacrifice clarity for catchy gimmicks.  It should also include the name of the author(s), course name, and date of submission.
Abstract (100-200 words)
The abstract is a summary and road map to the paper.  It should inform the reader of the essential components of the paper, including:
•    the topic
•    your theoretical framework
•    your main conclusion

In an abstract you must make every sentence count:  you have to boil your whole paper down to one very dense paragraph.

Key Words
Below the abstract, include a list of three to five words that identify main themes in the paper (and would help someone find your paper if they were doing an online search).
Paper (1,000-2,000)
Your paper should:
•    identify the phenomenon you are analyzing
•    explain and define clearly and in detail all theories and concepts that you include (either as a stand alone section or in the process of applying the theory)
•    explain the phenomenon using a sociological theory or theories
•    incorporate at least two peer-reviewed articles

There are two general ways to approach this analysis.  You can start with an extensive summary of a theory and then use something in St. Augustine as a case study for the demonstration of the theory.  Or you can start with a phenomenon, and then select a theory to explain that.

Your audience is a general audience of educated readers.  Don’t refer to the class assignment, and don’t assume the reader knows the definitions of concepts you are using.

Keep in mind that this is an analysis paper, not a persuasion paper per se.  It is not a debate where you take one partisan position and tear down the opposing position; you do not need to use emotional rhetoric or duplicitous logic to convey your point.  Keep partisanship and advocacy separate from analysis.  Your analysis may convince a skeptical reader of the accuracy of your position, but your principle goal is to explain the subject at hand.

Making a sociological argument involves selecting and prioritizing key variables and relationships from a multitude of options.  Your task is to simplify a complex reality by telling the reader which elements are most important for understanding the phenomenon, and then organizing those elements within a theoretical framework.

Although you are not required to cover all aspects of a phenomenon, you may want to refute competing explanations.
Word Count
At the end of the BODY OF THE ESSAY (EXCLUDING the title, abstract, reference list, and rubric) type “Word Count: XXX.
Sources and Citations
For sources, it is expected that you will use the course readings, lectures, and at least two outside peer-reviewed sources.  All of these need to be cited in the text and entered into the bibliography using the ASA style.  You are encouraged to use aIDitional sources as well, e.g. aIDitional articles from the theorists themselves, summaries and applications of the theories by reputable scholars, or government data.

See LMS for tips on identifying reputable sources.

All sources, including the class readings and lectures, need to be cited using the ASA style.  When quoting, paraphrasing, or citing the assigned readings, lecture, or resources from outside of class, cite with the author’s name, publication date, and page number.

For ASA citations format, see instructions on LMS.
Reference List
All sources that are cited in the paper need to be entered into the reference list at the end of the paper using the American Sociological Association (ASA) style.

Note: if you get information from an online source, include the entire url such that when I copy and paste that url it takes me directly to the page you are citing.

For ASA reference list format, see instructions on LMS.
Grading Rubric
Paste the grading rubric to the end of your observation (copy and paste from below).
Submission via Email
Due on the date specified in the Syllabus.

You must submit the paper by emailing it to me prior to class on the due date.
•    Do not submit this as an attachment.  Paste it in the text of the message.  If I don’t have the right software, I will not be able to open an attachment.  Plus, I cannot include comments within an attachment when I reply to it.  If you do send it as an attachment, I will not grade it and will consider it a late submission.
•    In the subject line of the email, please type:
•    Course #, Application of Theory, Your Last Name
•    Email yourself and everyone in your group a carbon copy (CC) so that you have a record of your submission. Also, keep my response, which will include comments and your grade.
•    Submit only a single electronic copy.
•    When I respond to email submissions, my comments will be in ALL UPPER CASE and [IN BRACKETS].
•    Mistyped aIDresses or computer problems are not an excuse for late submissions.
•    Paste the rubric at the end of your paper.
Replacement Papers
To encourage high-quality writing and to allow people to improve their grades, I will accept an extra, or aIDitional, submissions to replace a less-than-100% grade on your first one.  How it works:
•    If you receive less than 100% on a paper/presentation (excluding a zero), you may submit an extra one.  If your grade for the extra submission is higher than your earlier grade, it will replace your previous grade.
•    Be sure to indicate on your replacement paper that it is intended to replace a previous one.
•    This is NOT extra credit.
•    Keep two things in mind.  First, you cannot submit the same paper for me to re-grade.  If you want to strive for a higher grade, you must submit a new paper.  Second, this replacement-paper option is only for people who complete the original assignment.  The option is NOT for people who fail to meet their original obligations.  This allows people to improve upon a grade already earned, but does not allow one to replace a zero.
Grading of Analytical Essays
I recommend you use the rubric (below) as a checklist when preparing and proofreading your paper.  Keep in mind two things students often discount:
•    Grammar:  A significant portion of your grade will be based on the quality of your writing.  Do NOT submit a first draft.  If you submit a paper with bad grammar, you will receive a zero.  Please refer to the Appendix for suggestions on writing clearly.  Also, please have other people and/or the Writing Center proofread your paper.

•    Instructions:  If you do not follow the instructions, e.g. specified header and subject line or submit more than one, 5 points will be deducted.

Grading Rubric (paste this to the end of your paper)

Informative abstract
A  B  C  D  E

Clear thesis and opening paragraph(s)
A  B  C  D  E

Phenomenon explained
A  B  C  D  E

Theory and concepts explained in detail
A  B  C  D  E

Organized, coherent, and compelling analysis of the phenomenon using the theory
A  B  C  D  E

Proper citation and bibliography
Yes  No (-2-10)

Grammar, syntax, and organization (cohesion of ideas and paragraphs)
A  B  C  Poor (-5-20)  Unacceptable: Zero for assignment

Followed Instructions (email subject line, header, etc.)
Yes  No (-2-5)

Late?: (-5-20)

Written by Casey Welch, ? 2014