Unit One Assessment
Sociology, Mrs. Hanson-Peters
Honor Code Level Three
Date: _________________
This is a two-part assessment which can be prepared, partially, ahead of time. Part 1 should be brought
to class, completed, on the due date. Part 2 will be done in class (50 minutes will be given).
Part 1- complete ahead of time and bring to class on due date
For this part, you can create a collage, webpage, series of poems, mind map/graphic organizer, or
combination of media.
A. Personalize your experience in Sociology class and with Unit One.
 Create a “working definition” of sociology that has personal meaning for you. Explain why you
selected the words you did to define it.
 Consider the three sociological paradigms. Evaluate how each one could be applied to a specific
situation in your own life (three situations total).
Part 2- complete in-class on due date (50 minutes will be given.)
For this part, you are required to address all the questions in a detailed manner, in writing, in class. You
may write an essay, create a mind map/graphic organizer, or create a detailed formal outline. Be sure to
use the vocabulary & concepts from the unit.
A. Select a current social issue or social problem.
 Find at least two current (2009 or 2010) articles about the topic. Print and read ahead of time.
B. Consider the social issue/problem in light of sociological thinking.
 Explain what the issue or problem is.
 Briefly describe why you think it is related to sociology.
 Compare and contrast how at least three early social scientists would approach the issue, using
evidence from class notes and readings to support your arguments.
 Explain how each of the three sociological paradigms can be applied to this issue/problem.
 Evaluate: In your opinion, which paradigm seems to be the best approach for this
issue/problem? Why? Overall, which paradigm resonates most with you? Why?
C. Look ahead: Social change
 Propose a solution: How might this social issue/problem be resolved? Defend your idea for a
solution using at least three pieces of evidence and/or making connections to at least three
concepts in this unit.
Unit One Assessment Rubric
Part 1
Part 2
Name & Class ____________________________
Advanced Proficient,
10-9
Personal definition of
sociology is clearly
defined. Components
of definition are broken
down and explained
with a sophisticated
degree of depth.
Proficient, 9-8
Partially Proficient, 7-6
Needs More Evidence
Personal definition of
sociology is clearly
defined. Components
of definition are
explained.
Personal definition of
sociology is somewhat
defined. Components
of definition are barely
explained.
No evidence that
student has developed
a personal definition of
sociology or its
components.
The three sociological
paradigms are applied
to a different personal
situation in a complex
manner. It is
completely evident that
student has a deep
understanding of each
paradigm and why and
how it applies to the
specific situation.
The three paradigms
are applied to personal
situations in a correct
manner. Student is
able to explain how and
why the paradigm
applies in a general
manner.
Student demonstrates
some basic
understanding of one
or more of the
paradigms.
Application to personal
situations is unclear.
No evidence that
student understands
paradigms or how to
apply them to personal
situations.
Social issue/problem is
explained in light of
sociology, as well as
with connections to
other social sciences.
Social issue/problem is
explained in light of
sociology.
Social issue/problem is
summarized.
No evidence that
student has selected a
social issue/problem.
Perspectives of three
social scientists are
explained in a detailed,
complex manner.
Perspectives of three
social scientists are
explained in a logical
manner.
Perspectives of social
scientists are explained
in a basic, and perhaps
incomplete, manner.
No evidence that
student can explain
three perspectives.
The three paradigms
are applied with a high
level of sophistication
and connections to
other ideas. Student
has a complexly
articulated series of
reasoning about which
paradigm is best.
The three paradigms
are applied to the social
issue/problem in a
correct manner.
Student is able to
explain how and why
the paradigm applies in
a general manner.
Student has a clear
rationale about which
paradigm is the best
approach.
Student is unclear
about application and
/or rationale for
personal opinion about
which paradigm is the
best approach.
No personal opinion
about paradigms.
Solution is explained indepth with abundant
connections to the unit
and beyond.
Solution is clearly
explained with at least
three connections to
the unit.
Solution is stated but
few connections to unit
are evident.
No solution is stated.
Comments:
Standards addressed:
Develop a working definition of sociology that has personal application (S.1.10).
Apply sociological paradigms and theories to current issues.
Choose a social pattern, social issue, or social problem and conduct research using the scientific method of inquiry, including developing a
hypothesis, conducting research, interpreting data and drawing conclusions about the pattern (S.1.11).