Course Information: Sociological Perspectives: Structure,
Diversity, and Interaction (Sociology 101) – Cornell College
Professor Erin Davis, Consulting Librarian Greg Cotton,
Writing Consultant Shawn Doyle, Quantitative Reasoning
Consultant Jessica Johanningmeier
Type:
Paper
Oral Presentation
Field Experience
Group Project
Level: 100
This course examines the social context in which we live and
Block Plan Context:
examines the norms, structures, and patterns of interactions
that exist in society. It explores the ways that social structures
S M T W R F S
and forces influence our individual ideas, behaviors,
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relationships, and place within the social world as well as the
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ways that we, in turn, impact the world around us. It is
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sometimes taught as a Writing Course.
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Important Features of the Assignment:
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Generating ideas, formulating questions, researching and evaluating sources contribute
to critical thinking and critical reading.
Sequencing of writing assignments provides experience of adding new layers of
complexity to previous assignments.
Discipline specific research is modeled through analyzing and presenting sociological
data.
Abiding by principles of academic honesty discourages plagiarism.
Drafting, revising, and editing emphasize writing as a process.
Description of Assignment:
This course consists of several assignments, including:
1. Analytic Reflections:
To prepare for class discussion, a short analytic journal entry on the day’s reading is due
via Moodle by 8am on the day of class. Analytic journal entries are composed of a 1paragraph analysis, 1 discussion question, and a 1-paragraph response to your
discussion question. Your 1-paragraph analysis should present the overarching
arguments of the readings and how these articles relate to the day’s thematic focus.
This is not simply a summary of the articles; rather these reflections should examine how
specific readings address key issues and questions of the day.
You should also include at least 1 separate discussion question. These questions should
be “true” discussion questions: questions which require serious reflection on the material
and encourage analytical, engaged discussion. Your questions should not solicit either
simple summaries of the reading, simple pronouncements of opinion, or require
significant factual knowledge outside of the reading material. Developing these
questions should push you to reflect on the personal, social, or intellectual
context/grounding and on the social and political implications of the arguments and
issues. We will use some of the questions generated in our class discussion. You
should be prepared to discuss the questions that you pose.
Finally, your journal entries should include a short 1-paragraph response to your
discussion questions. Your response is not expected to “answer” your question, but
rather should reflect your thinking about this issue and prepare you to address this
question in class.
In reviewing these journals, I will look for evidence that you have done the reading
carefully and that you have put some thought into these reflections. Analytic journals
are pass/fail. If reflections are incomplete, do not reflect a thoughtful reading of course
material, or your questions do not require thoughtful reflection on the material, and
therefore receive a “failing” evaluation, I will let you know.
2. Demographic Change and Social Policy Analysis: Based on course readings as well as
outside research and readings, this project involves both the analysis of demographic
changes in Japan and the development and analysis of social policies to address such
changes.
3. “Life Happens” Budget Project and Presentation: In collaboration with other students,
you will research and design a family budget. You will then manage this budget in the
face of unanticipated life events. This project consists of a group portfolio and class
presentation as well as individual group evaluations and analytic reflections.
4. Group Research Project and Presentations: The final week of the block will entail a
group field trip and data collection project and group-led class presentations and
discussion. Attendance at group presentations is a required component of this
assignment. A project proposal is due December 13. Specific instructions and additional
guidelines for this project will be discussed further in class
Timeline:
Wk
Monday
1
2 Evaluating
Writing.
Doing
sociological
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Writing
Writing
Consultant:
Consultant:
Reading,
Ethical use of
Writing &
information
communicating
Sociological
Arguments
Quantitative
Quantitative
Reasoning
Reasoning
Consultant:
Consultant:
Analyzing and
Analyzing and
Friday
Writing
Workshops.
Essay due
Weekend
Revised essay
due
Writing
Workshops.
Essay due
Revised essay
due
research
Presenting
Data
3
4 Individual
Writing
Research
Project
Writing
Portfolio Due
Meetings with Presentations
Professor
Presenting
Data
Research
Revised essay
proposal due- due
AM
Writing
Workshop