Gun control with Sociology

Paper Template-Soc 101 Term Paper.

Introduction

 The introduction sets up the tone for your paper. Explain why you are addressing the issue? It the topic of interest to sociologists and why? It answers the question, so what? Use the sociological imagination to set up your paper.

 Set your argument well in this section. State what you are going to talk about and how you are going to talk about it. It makes it easier for the reader to follow your story.

 Operationalize concepts. If you are talking about immigrants, which specific group are you referring to? It is always good to be specific.

 You can write in the first or second person, I am not too strict on that. E.g. In this paper, I argue that….or this paper argues that.

Theoretical Framework

 What theory informs your paper? In other words, how are you framing your paper theoretically? State the theory you are using. Is your level of analysis macro or micro? Your level of analysis should be relevant to your discussion.

Body

 This is the main body of the essay where you narrate your story. This is the most important part of your essay. What are the facts of your story? I need empirical evidence to back up your claims. For instance, it is not enough to say the United States has experienced an influx of immigrants without providing data to back that claim. Google is there to assist.

 Engage with your story and be free to state your personal (and scholarly) opinion. Remember it’s your paper and you are free to engage and debate the issues as you will.

 Remember your theoretical framework all the time in the main body of your essay. For instance, if you said you are providing a micro-level analysis, are you constantly adhering to that unit of analysis?

 I expect this part of your essay to be at least two (2) pages or more since your central argument will be here.

Conclusion

 Summary of the paper. Have you achieved what you set out to do in the introduction? Does your discussion in the body of the essay do justice to what you had intended to do in the paper?

 What can we learn from your paper? Summarize key points. It is important that as you summarize your argument keep in mind your theoretical orientation.

 Give your informed opinion about the topic? What are your (scholarly) views about your discussion? What about future studies in this area?

Useful advice:

 Start your paper as early as you can, it will save you from the last minute stress and anxiety.

 It is always easier to write about a personal experience and use the sociological imagination to make it scholarly. It is the best strategy.

 Make sure you cite information that you have obtained from journals or books. Your in text references must be the same as those in the reference list. I will accept APA format but ASA is preferable.

 Do not use Wikipedia, I will automatically deduct five (5) points from your paper if you use material from Wikipedia.

 Your paper should be legible, have less spelling mistakes and be coherent. In other words, the story you are telling should flow and be easy to comprehend.

 Your theoretical framework should be consistent throughout the paper. For instance, if your paper is framed using Goffman’s “Impression Management”, your paper must revolve around impression management.

 Lastly, remember it’s your paper, take control and narrate you story the best way you can.  