Sociology

Sociological Imagination – Paper Draft Due by 11:59 pm CST on 4/15

Purpose: You will articulate your own sociological imagination, an essential first step in applying a

sociological perspective, to better understand your interest in a contemporary social problem and

movement.

Skills: On completing this assignment, you will further develop your critical thinking skills by

applying course content to the real world and formal, written communication skills. These marketable skills will serve you well in any occupation.

Knowledge: In completing this assignment will increase your awareness of societal forces that

intersect with individual lived experiences and inform their perspectives. This knowledge will

better equip you to engage in constructive conversations regarding current social problems in a

diverse society.

Task: After reading Chapter 1 in our text, students must:

• Define the sociological imagination – using your own words

• State historical/geographic, demographic, and lived experiences that inform your own sociological imagination

• Apply your sociological imagination to translate a personal problem into a broader public issue

• Demonstrate how your sociological imagination informs your stance on a current social

movement1 related to your public issue

Criteria for Success Demonstrates basic understanding of the sociological imagination (10 of 100 points)

Successfully articulates own sociological imagination (30 of 100 points)

o You might consider organizing this in at least three paragraphs (1) historical/geographic

context, (2) demographic characteristics, and (3) lived experiences.

Successfully translates a personal problem to a public issue (20 of 100 points)

o You might consider organizing this in two paragraphs (1) stating the personal problem

and (2) translating that problem int a public issue.

Articulates how sociological imagination informs stance on social movement (30 of 100 points)

o Although this is a significant portion of your grade, it can be effectively conveyed in one

full paragraph (i.e., 5-7 complete sentences with a clear thesis statement). The reason this is heavily weighted is it demonstrates your global mastery and application of the

sociological imagination in our current context.

Formal Writing Expectations (10 of 100 points)

o Paper ranges from 4 – 6 pages double-spaced (using Times New Roman, 12 pt font, and

standard one-inch margins) o Paper is well-organized given the task at hand

1 I strongly encourage students to consult with me on their selection of a contemporary social movement.