Charles

DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY SPRING 2023

ASSIGNMENT #1: Due Date: FEB. 17 ON OR BEFORE MIDNIGHT

* UPLOAD YOUR ASSIGNMENT UNDER MESSAGES ON BLACKBOARD.

This assignment carries 10 points.

PART I.

POWERPOINT DOCUMENTS:

1. “HARD TIMES” BY CHARLES DICKENS.

2. “CHILD LABOR IN AMERICA”

3. “WHAT IS POVERTY” by Parker

4. After reading the article “What is Poverty: by Parker and reviewing the sides, map out (identify) key developments and issues you observed.

5. What do you see as the core causes and drivers of these developments and issues:

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

j.

6. State clearly some of their major impacts on individuals, groups and society at large

7. The issues depicted in the slides, and in the article how relevant are they today?

8. How do they relate to our lives and global society today, the U.S. in particular?

9. Which explanation can you provide for these developments and issues?

10. Now that you have identified the issues and their causes, drivers and impacts on individuals, groups and society at large, which alternatives or solutions would you provide toward reducing if not eliminating these issues? And, what makes you believe that your solutions would work?

· Limit your work to 1-2 pages

PART II SELECTED ARTICLE:

1. THE CASE FOR REPARATIONS

TO READ THIS ARTICLES FROM THE ATLANTIC MAGAZINE

· JUST CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP, AND THE INTERACTIVE MAP.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/06/the-case-for-reparations/361631/

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/06/the-case-for-reparations/361631/

· YOU CAN SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE ON THE ARTICLE TO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE

1. First summarize the article (1- 2 pages)

2. Identify the key issues discussed in the article

3. Which insights do they provide on inequality, class, wealth, power, race, racism and human rights in America (The United States)?

4. What are your key takeaways from the article? Do you agree with the author’s contentions?

5. Which sustainable solutions or alternatives would you propose towards reducing or eliminating inequalities, discrimination and prejudice in cultures, the U.S. in particular?

6. How do you see the future of the U.S. and the 21st century world with regard to the position of African Americans and other issues raised in the article?

For questions 2 to 6 do not exceed 3-4 paragraphs.

PART III.

MOVING FORWARD:

1. TO WHAT EXTENT HAVE THESE POLICIES IMPACTED STRUCTURES AND ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILES IN THE U.S. THEN AND TODAY?

2. CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION OR ALTERNATIVE TO REDUCING IF NOT ELIMINATING THESE ISSUES?

3. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT ON AMERICAN SOCIAL SYSTEMS?

(Limit your answer to 2 paragraphs)

The information contained in the article is very informative and thought provoking.