Sociology writing assignment

FINAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT (STEP 2)

INSTRUCTIONS: • WRITE sentences and create well-organized paragraphs to DISCUSS the Racism and Research Article using

the information that was presented in SOCI 1301 – use the course textbook, lecture summaries • USE the responses and definitions collected from the Data Collection Assignment (DCA) to write your paper • The result: a well-organized paper where the reader sees that you understand sociological terms/theories

and can use them to discuss a real-life event • Definitions must be in direct quotes using APA format. Quotes from Brandt article/textbook must follow APA

format • Terms in Bold Font are the suggested terms to be defined and integrated into your paper, but not required

(you pick) • Review the grading rubric to determine paper requirements and evaluation • Minimum length: 3 pages. This does not include the cover sheet or reference page. There is no maximum

requirement SOURCES:

• “Racism and Research: The Case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study” written by Michael Brandt found in Readings for Sociology, edited by Massey and O’Brien

• The Real World, 6th edition by K Ferris and J Stein. Refer to Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 8, Ch 16 =============================================================== BEST APPROACH: 1. Start by writing a short paper where you are explaining the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to someone

who knows nothing about it. Use your data collection to do this, the Brandt article and video will be helpful too!

2. Then go back and add SOCIOLOGICAL discussion – USE terms and theories from the course. The instructions below are meant to help you do this:

a. Write an introductory paragraph that introduces the topic of the paper and the importance of understanding and purpose of seeing the world using sociological imagination and sociological theory.

i. Refer to Ch 1 for definition, the Brandt article, and/or items 1-11 from DCS to write this paragraph

b. Write paragraph(s) that i. Describes all groups involved in the study

1. Refer to Ch 5 for definition, the Brandt article, and/or items 8-15 from DCS to write response

ii. Describes the cultural beliefs, values, norms that led to the creation and continued support of the study

1. Refer to Ch 3 for definitions, the Brandt article, and/or items 12-28 from DCS to write response

iii. Explains how socialization was key in creating and maintaining the study. Feel free to discuss the various agents of socialization that were key in this study

1. Refer to Ch 4 for the definitions, Brandt article, and/or items 12-28 from DCS to write response

INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE

FINAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT (STEP 2)

Write paragraph(s) that

iv. Explains how those in power viewed minorities (minority group) and how ethnocentrism, prejudice, discrimination, institutional discrimination, racism played a role in White scientists/doctors thoughts and actions - as they thought that it was okay to “let Black men die” for the sake of science

1. Refer to Chs 3 and 8 for definitions, the Brandt article, and/or items 12-28 from DCS to write response

v. Explains if the study was ethical; would it be acceptable to repeat the study in the 21st century

1. Refer to Chs 2 and 3 for the definitions, the Brandt article, and/or items 12-28 from DCS to write response

3. Write a paragraph(s) that:

a. defines sociological perspective (aka theoretical perspective) AND discusses the events presented in the article using ONE (1) sociological theory

i. if use the functional theory/perspective, discuss the function, purpose, benefit of this study to society

ii. if use the conflict theory/perspective, discuss (a) the valued resource at the heart of the events described in the article; (b) who controlled access to healthcare/cure; (c) the dominant group and their beliefs about minorities, subjects of the study; (d) who was exploited and oppressed for the benefit of the dominant group and dominant culture; (e) how did the dominant group used its power, prestige, and status to control minorities within society

iii. if using the symbolic interaction theory/perspective – identify symbols – at least two symbols, and their meanings, and how these symbols shaped the social interaction of the researchers, the subjects, and the community

4. Write a paragraph(s) that: a. Explains social change and describe the responsibility members of society have in

creating/promoting beliefs and attitudes that encourage harmony in our communities/society i. Provide examples of what you can do to promote social change – specifically around the issue

of race that can lead to a better society/global community DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE a Reference Page. The information you need to include is listed under the FWA link – look at the APA Format link Review the instructions in Bb for STEP 2 to determine if you included all requirements.