Sociology 102
Term Project Assignment
Pick a social problem you are interested in (the one you did your library work on or any other social
problem) and ANALYZE it following the sociological paradigm format. Then SOLVE the problem
working from your analysis and using the three analytic levels.
Apply appropriate concepts from our theoretical and solution chapter(s) most related to your topic. Be
sure to address all three perspectives and then you can address which perspective (conflict, functional or
interactionist) was the most important in understanding the causes and manifestations of your social
problem.
Your solutions must draw on your three perspective analysis. So, then develop and describe possible
solutions to the problem you chose to analyze. Note and explain which of your solutions solve the
problem (through the causes) and which minimize the symptoms. Locate your proposed solutions in our
three by three grid of which perspective you draw on and what level your solutions operate at.
As on exam questions, be sure to discuss relevant barriers and possibilities that would likely contribute to
the success or failure of each of your solutions.
Grading Rubric: (Please note that for the grading rubric, intermediate scores between the categories
described may be assigned.)
Paper Area
Social
Conflict
Structural
Functional
Symbolic
Interaction
% of
Total
Score
10%
10%
10%
Solution 50%
Causal? Or
Band-Aid?
Level of
operation?
Barriers and
Possiblities?
Presentation** 20%
Overall
Level
Earned
Demonstrates
strong
understanding of
how theory
applies to social
problem with
clear examples =
3
Shows powerful
usage of theory in
addressing causes
and solutions
based in theory
and the
appropriate
analytic level = 15
Demonstrates
adequate
understanding of
theory with
baseline examples
=2
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
theory with weak
examples = 1
Demonstrates no
understanding of
theory = 0
Shows moderate
usage of theory in
addressing social
issues = 10
Shows minimal
usage of theory in
addressing social
issues = 5
Does not
incorporate theory
(descriptive rather
than analytical or
missing) = 0
Uses APA format;
clear grammar;
minimal proofing
errors = 6
Adequate use of
APA conventions
and Standard
American English
for academic
writing = 4
Formatting,
grammar and
spelling errors
begin to impede
understanding = 2
Formatting,
grammar and
spelling errors are
a significant
impediment to
understanding = 0
100%
/30