sosialogy assighnment

Course Assignments for Introduction to Sociology

The following out of class assignments require the student to define/utilize/and apply many relevant sociological concepts presented in the course. These activities are intended to be interesting, fun, and enlightening. Your written response for each assignment below should be between 1.5 and 2 pages in length (typed, double spaced, 12 point font). Assignments can be completed in any order, are due by the end of the semester, and must be submitted to the week 15 PILOT drop boxes which are accessible throughout the term. Late assignments will NOT be accepted after the drop boxes close at the end of week 15. Each assignment is worth 3 percentage points toward your course grade. These assignments may be subject to change. #1: Conduct a brief survey of at least 10 people regarding an issue or topic of your choice related to sociology. Look at the chapter titles in the book for ideas. In a brief summary paper include the survey, summarize your findings, and draw conclusions regarding your research. #2: Conduct a brief participant observation or ethnographic study wherein you study and/or participate in a particular group event or social organization. Samples of events could include an Indian powwow, a visit to a religious group other than the one you usually attend, hang out at a greasy spoon café or coffee shop, attend a sporting event, or any volunteer organization. To complete the assignment simply write down your observations, note any patterns you observe, or point out any observations or patterns that particularly surprise you. #3: Conduct a non-intrusive “breaching experiment”, wherein you attempt to validate the existence of a particular norm. This may include singing on the bus, singing in an elevator, not talking to anyone for a day, or any other unusual activity. In writing describe your experiment, and report people’s reactions to your behavior. #4: Evaluate a book, movie or television show episode. In writing the brief paper, do not simply summarize, but rather interpret the book/movie/episode in terms of sociological concepts, phenomena, and research addressed in the text and/or in class. #5: Write a short biography wherein you highlight the sociological factors that have influenced your life. Those could include social class, religion, race/ethnicity, position in the global social structure, or any other topics covered in the class.