Sociology paper

SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY : Paper Instructions

This assignment is not a long paper, but it is not one that can be put together at the last minute. Begin your paper right away! The term paper will consist of an essay about six-ten pages long based on one topic related to the Class. I expect the paper to be 6-10 double–spaced pages in length (1” margins and size 12 fonts) including a short introduction, the literature review section. You will examine a particular social or cultural issue of your choice. Whatever topic you choose, make sure that your project is manageable, so that it can be carried out in a relatively short period of time. Your paper should focus on three or four important “points” that show how underlying cultural values or themes are expressed in the group, site, or issue you are exploring.

The paper should include the following sections:

• An Introduction that lays out where the paper is going and what the main points will be

• An explanation of the problem, why the topic was selected.

• A review of existing sources on the problem, including the review of 1-5 scholarly sources (available on WPU Library sociological databases). In addition, you should make two explicit connections to something from the class--from movies, lectures, or readings – somewhere within the paper.

• Depending on your topic, you may include data and maps in order to support and develop your argument (you could see: www.socialexplorer.com and also www.census.gov)

• Three to four sections, each separated by a heading, that elucidate your main points--how cultural values or themes are expressed in this site. Each section should include specific material from your observations and thoughts, and sum up the material to make a point. Do not make general statements without backing them up with specific data.

• A conclusion that ties the various points or themes together

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Please, note: The term paper MUST have proper citation and reference list according to ASA (American Sociological Association) style. Please, visit the WPU’s Library website dealing with ASA (American Sociological Association) style guide. Failure to cite properly will result in a failing grade. Please, note: if you click on the following link http://www.wpunj.edu/dotAsset/382597.pdf you can download two pages document containing the basic instructions. 11

Like every other assignment in this Class, the paper should be well-written, grammatically correct, without misspellings or other writing errors. The paper must, of course, be typed and stapled. If you have difficulties with writing, please make an appointment to see the excellent tutors at the Writing Center. Anyway, I will be happy to go over rough drafts if they are given to me at least ten days before the paper is due. Please, note: do not hesitate to write me, I will be glad to give you a hand!

Summary of the Paper’s Structure:

1. Introduction

2. The topic

3. Review of the existing sources and connection to the material from the Class

4. Census data and maps (possibly)

5. Main points (how sociological themes are expressed in the object studied)

6. Conclusions

7. Bibliographical references

Possible Topics: Please, note that these are only my suggestion, therefore, be free to choose one of the following subjects, only if you wish!

- The role of women in the family

- Family and the other agents of socialization (school, peer groups)

- Which future for family?

- The divorce

-The meeting and clash of generations in family

-Family and tradition

- Family and the media

- Cinematic representation of the family

- The role of grandparents in the family

-Etc.