SOC-PowerPoint

Photo Essay – Final Assessment for Introduction to Sociology

Instead of a traditional final exam, students are asked to demonstrate their newly discovered

“sociological imagination” by creating a photo essay.

Assignment Objectives:

• To engage students with their own communities

• To create practice in sociological observation

• To demonstrate an understanding of sociological concepts, theories and ideas through

original photos and self-written annotated notes and reflective journaling

• To experience field work and have fun!

Directions:

1. Students will spend some time visually exploring the social world and finding pictures

that capture a sociological image. (See example Power Point).

2. Students will create and submit a Power Point with 8 photos that have annotated captions.

3. Students will provide a coversheet on the first slide that includes their name, date and title

for their assignment.

4. On the additional 8 slides (one for each picture) students will include a picture taken

during their field work in their community. Under each photo students will describe the

sociological idea that they have captured by writing a short paragraph explaining the

sociological image. The student’s text should include the following information: 1) Note

when and where your original photo was taken 2) Compose several sentences (4-5 minimum) describing the sociological concept portrayed in the picture. Refer to your course modules and any relevant reading to clarify your explanation. 3) Conclude by

stating (1-2 sentences minimum) why this photo/concept connects with you personally

and why it should be part of sociological study.

5. If you need assistance with developing a Power Point, please make an appointment with

our academic assistance center.

Materials:

• Digital Camera

• Computer access with Power Point capability

Grading Policy:

This assignment is worth 100 points. This final assessment is 20% of your overall grade for this

course.

This assignment was adapted from Kenneth H. Laundra, Ph.D., professor of Sociology at

Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois.