Introduction to Sociology Term Paper
The paper must be 5-6 pages in length double-spaced and must be submitted in class on the deadline listed on first page of our syllabus. The main object of this assignment is to utilize the concepts and critical thinking skills in developing a sociological analysis of a social problem. You may choose to write on any sociological topic you are passionate about including but not limited to misogyny, homophobia, police brutality, racial profiling, poverty, residential segregation, gentrification, cultural stereotypes, environmental issues, violence, educational inequality, mass incarceration, workplace discrimination or health disparities. Using two course readings (one of which can be an idea from any one of the movies screened in class) and one primary source to build your analysis. Pay attention to the mechanisms by which social problems are reproduced alongside the processes that reflect the potential for transformation. Discuss the impact of such social problems in your own life or on someone that you know.
General Instructions
Make sure to begin the paper with a clear thesis statement. To support your argument, you are required to analyze the data you gathered using the course concepts. You are required to focus your analysis by choosing concepts from at least two readings. One of these sources can be a movie assigned in class. Use the library to find one academic primary source (news articles, blogs DO NOT count) that provides deeper insight into the topic you have chosen. Bring in at least one real life example (personal anecdote/news story) to illustrate the impact of the social problem.
A well organized and sophisticated analysis will attempt to connect different topics to provide new insights. However, avoid making connections for the sake of making connections as this often results in a kitchen-sink approach that might cover various concepts but offers no depth of analysis.
Structure and Organization An excellent paper is logically organized with a clear introduction, body and conclusion. Using different paragraphs for sub-topics is always a good idea. Edit your paper carefully since you will be penalized for grammatical errors and typos. Remember that the conclusion ties back the different strands of your argument together and does not introduce any new information. The paper must be 5-6 pages long, double-spaced.
THE VIDEOS WE USED IN CLASS ARE BELOW (LINKS) !!!
The Danger of a Single Story
http://www.npr.org/2013/09/20/186303292/what-are-the-dangers-of-a-single-story
Stanford Prison Experiment

Alienation