Introduction to Sociology

SOCS100 Introduction to Sociology 2014 Essay Assessment Task (40%) The essay applies sociological perspectives to a topic chosen from a list of contemporary society topics. This task encourages you to creatively present your ideas in a written essay form using the conventions of academic presentation and referencing. The assessment includes the annotated bibliography task undertaken in the week 6 compulsory library task. Due date: Week 9, Monday 28/04/2014, 3pm Weighting: 40% Length and/or format: 1,500 words Purpose: To develop and demonstrate students’ research, reading and writing skills and their ability to apply sociological analysis to contemporary social life. How to submit: Essay will be submitted to tutorial group using Turnitin. Students must submit a LEO declaration of originality with the assignment. Return of assignment: Detailed feedback and grades will be provided to students through email or Turnitin no later than three weeks after submission. Annotated Bibliography You are expected to reference a minimum of four high-quality academic sources including books, reports, textbooks, journal articles and credible web-based sources. A reference list should be placed at the end of each essay in APA format, this contains the annotated bibliography for FOUR academic sources.The task is worth 5% of the overall grade for the subject. The aim of this task is to encourage you to develop skills in academic writing, to assess your choice of academic references and what constitutes a credible source. In week 6 library tutorial, students will access SOCIndex data base and Sociology subject guides to locate source material for the essay. Annotated bibliography for FOUR academic sources must be submitted as part of the reference list for the essay. Word length is part of the 1500 words for the essay. Academic writing skills You are expected to apply the academic writing skills which are developed through Leap into Learning and units such as Arts Advantage and Critical inquiry. You are to use correct American Psychological Association (APA) in-text referencing style. The essay should be properly structured, have double spacing, pages numbered, topic stated at beginning of essay, declaration of originality through Turnitin, student identification on essay. Essay Topics Choose ONE of the following essay topics: 1. What are the sociological explanations for racism? Discuss with reference to one ethnic group (past or present) in Australia. 2. There are some concerns among education professional for the increased number of Australian secondary school students enrolled in private schools. Discuss the association between education and social class. Does education provide equal opportunities for all Australians, or does it reproduce social class divisions? 3. In 2012 some members of the medical profession proposed that obese children should be removed from their families. Discuss the differing perspectives from the medical profession, media, politicians and social interest groups for the obesity epidemic among children. Who is to ‘blame’ for childhood obesity in Australia? Discuss the topic with reference to health and wealth inequalities. 4. How does religion influence society? Should religion have more or less influence on society? Examine in depth a social issue such as same-sex marriage in which religious ideas have been influential. Assessment criteria (5% per criteria) 1. Focus: addressed the question; identified main issue 2. Research: demonstrated understanding and engagement with key ideas from readings 3. Analysis: Topic analysed using sociological perspectives (e.g. conflict theory; functionalism; feminism, symbolic interactionism) 4. Justification: point of view, argument based on evidence 5. Originality and creativity 6. Referencing: consistent in-text referencing and use of APA referencing style 7. Academic expression including clear and correct writing, spelling and grammar, sentence structure and essay structure 8. Annotated Bibliography: annotation justifying choice of four academic sources.[Note if you use more than four sources, annotation is expected for four of these].