Sociology response paper

RESPONSE PAPER

Instrcutoins:

Choose one of the theorists:

George Mead

Goffman

Simmel

First, choose one topic to focus on in your response paper. This topic must have been introduced within the respective theme. DO NOT try and cover too many subjects, or too many readings. Instead, you may choose one or two concepts to focus on, so you can go into greater detail. You MUST show your understanding of the concepts by discussing them in your own words, synthesizing class concepts to make your own argument/point.

1) In the first half of your assignment (approximately 1 ½ pages), discuss the concept(s) you are focusing on in the paper, including the definitions and a comprehensive explanation, or a “critical summary.”  This explanation can include the importance, usefulness, or strengths of the concept(s). This should be in your own words.  You will not receive full credit if you simply change a few words from the textbook. You will receive no credit if you copy the text, especially if you do not cite it (page numbers in parentheses at the end of sentences that include information from the text).  Even when in your own words, include the source.  This helps me to grade your work and to help you get in the practice of citing your work.

You should only use the textbook as your source for information on the class concepts, and include page numbers whenever you are including information you learned from the text. Here, you should introduce all (and only) concepts that you will then apply in the second half of the paper.

2) In the second half (approximately 1 ½ pages), you will need to apply your topic of choice (what you covered in the first half) to a current event. In this application, you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses (a critique) of the topic of choice.

The purpose of this section is to show that you not only understand the definitions, but can apply the concepts and use them in different contexts (i.e. how alienation can apply to a current organizational setting). Because of this, you cannot only rely on personal opinions and/or experiences here - you will not receive full credit. 

You must cite at least one outside source - generally, this should be news article (online is accepted, of course). In this, always keep in mind if there may be a bias to the source (an article from "World Class Travelers" may have a different perspective than "Parents in Support of Staying at Home"). Feel free to discuss this perspective in your paper and/or draw from multiple sources.