Six-page Sociology essay

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Social Problems Course paper guidelines

An important component of learning about the sociological perspective, and social problems specifically, is the ability to apply your understanding to topics beyond course materials. The course paper provides this opportunity for additional exploration and application. For the course paper (submitted at the end of the quarter), you will choose one social problem of interest and integrate scholarly publications into a formal discussion about various aspects of the issue from a sociological perspective (i.e., a structural analysis). The social problem that you choose can be—and usually will be—contested (i.e., it will be considered a social problem by some groups of people but not others, and/or perspectives for why the issue is a social problem or how it should be addressed will vary). Choose a topic that you personally find interesting and about which you would like to learn more. Additionally, be careful to be specific about the scope of your chosen topic. For example, “racial inequality” is too large in scope, but a specific focus on “contemporary discrimination in workplaces by race” is manageable. Make sure that you have sufficiently narrowed your topic so that your literature search and discussion is directed. Course paper components Your paper should thoroughly address each of the following sections.

1. Describe the topic that you have chosen to discuss as a social problem. a. Why is the topic regarded as a social problem? b. When did the issue become regarded as a social problem, historically? c. Address the objective and subjective nature of the social problem.

i. Concerning the objective reality 1. What are the human and economic costs of the social problem? 2. Who suffers, and how (materially, financially, physically,

emotionally, mentally)? ii. Concerning the subjective reality

1. Whose standards are used to define the social problem (i.e., which groups are exercising power to define the problem)?

2. Whose voice and concerns may be silenced in the conversation? 3. What points / evidence are used to justify the framing of the issue

as a social problem? a. What is the stated source of the social problem (e.g.,

specific individuals / groups, institutions, practices, etc.)? b. Are any specific strategies used to try to convince others of

the perspective? 4. Discuss any disagreements that exist concerning whether the issue

is indeed a social problem.

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a. Specify any groups / institutional leaders who claim that the issue is not a social problem, and discuss their arguments and evidence.

5. Discuss any debate about how the problem should be addressed / solved.

a. Specify any groups / institutional leaders who claim that the social problem needs to be addressed in a different way, and discuss their proposed strategies / plans for action.

2. Discuss whether the social problem tends to be discussed using a person-blame or

system-blame approach, especially in representations by political, media, or organizational groups.

3. Discuss the structural roots of the problem.

a. Which social institutions / forces, or powerful groups / organizations that are connected to specific social institutions, have shaped the creation or perpetuation of the social problem?

b. How has each influencing institution / social force / group / organization shaped the creation or perpetuation of the social problem?

i. Examples: policies, popular or political rhetoric / persuasion, laws, practices, etc.

4. Discuss any structural solutions that have been raised as possibilities for reducing or

eliminating the social problem. a. Who has suggested the structural solutions? b. Do these solutions seem feasible / viable? Why or why not? c. Are these solutions currently being enacted?

i. Why or why not? ii. What barriers exist that prevent effectively enacting any structural

solutions? iii. Are non-structural strategies being suggested (e.g., those that blame/target

individuals)? Course paper requirements Your paper should meet each of the following requirements for sources and formatting.

1. Formal discussion of the topic a. Title page, including your name, instructor’s name, course name b. Introduction and conclusion paragraphs c. Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation d. Logical organization of the information / discussion e. Transitions between paragraphs / ideas

2. Criteria a. 6 academic references, minimum (no limit)

i. Academic / scholarly sources only

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ii. You may include popular news articles or organizational websites if they are used as supplements that illustrate a particular point you make

1. These do not count toward the required number of academic references, but are welcome additions

iii. Proper citations for quotes and paraphrases b. ASA style (or consistent use of another style) c. Works cited page

i. List all academic and other sources cited in your paper ii. Properly format the references according to your selected style

d. Typed e. 6 double-spaced pages (or 3 single-spaced pages), minimum

i. Write the amount needed to thoroughly address the topic (i.e., may exceed the minimum)

f. 1 inch margins in the document g. Times New Roman font, 12-point h. Page numbers i. Stapled

Before submitting your final paper Double-check that you have fulfilled all of the components listed in each of the above sections:

1. Course paper components 2. Course paper requirements

Failure to meet any of the listed requirements in either section will result in a deduction of points from your final score. All papers are checked for plagiarism. Detection of plagiarism will result in failing the assignment and being referred to the appropriate academic authorities.