SOCIOLOGY 101 RESEARCH PAPER Choose one of the topics below. State your choice in the title of your paper. ALL EXAMPLES must be specific real-­‐life examples from history, news, or scientific studies. Choice A: Norms. Describe norms, mores, and folkways as defined in your text. Research and provide three examples of norms that were once mores in our society, but over time have become folkways (or the other way around). Provide an analysis of why you think this change occurred. Choose different examples than those in the class text.  Paragraph 1-­‐ Introduction. Describe norms, folkways, and mores. Thesis statement.  Paragraph 2-­‐Describe one folkway that has become a more (or the other way around) andanalyze why this change may have occurred. Include researched data.  Paragraph 3-­‐ Describe a second folkway that has become a more (or the other way around) and analyze why this change may have occurred. Include researched data.  Paragraph 4-­‐ Describe a third folkway that has become a more (or the other way around) and analyze why this change may have occurred. Include researched data.  Paragraph 5-­‐Conclusion. Reflection. Choice B: Subcultures. Describe sub-­‐cultures or counter cultures. Research and provide three examples of sub-­‐cultures or counter cultures in American society. Why do they fit the definition of a sub-­‐culture or counter-­‐culture? What are some of the norms and values of each? Choose different examples than those in the class text.  Paragraph 1-­‐ Introduction. Describe sub-­‐culture, counter-­‐culture, norms, and values. Thesis statement.  Paragraph 2-­‐Describe one subculture/counter culture and the norms and values it follows using specific details. Include researched data.  Paragraph 3-­‐ Describe a second subculture/counter culture and the norms and values it follows using specific details. Include researched data.  Paragraph 4-­‐ Describe a third subculture/counter culture and the norms and values it follows using specific details. Include researched data.  Paragraph 5-­‐Conclusion. Summary and reflection. Choice C Race: 100 years ago, sociologist W.E.B Du Bois said “The problem of the 20th century is the problem of the color line.” What is racism? Why is W.E.B Du Bois an important sociologist? Research two modern day (recent) events related to racism?  Paragraph 1-­‐ Introduction. Describe racism. Provide thesis statement previewing your paper  Paragraph 2-­‐Describe importance and accomplishments of W.E.B DuBois (AVOID PLAGIARISM)  Paragraph 3-­‐Describe one real life event in detail and how it exemplifies racism today  Paragraph 4-­‐ Describe your second real life event e in detail and how it exemplifies racism today  Paragraph 5-­‐Conclusion. Summary and reflection Choice D Prejudice: Describe three of the four sociological approaches to explaining prejudice (Cultural Transmission, Group Identification Theory, Personality Theories, Frustration-­‐aggression hypothesis) Research and provide a real-­‐life example of each (from history, news, or one from personal experience, be specific and detailed). Which of these theories do you feel best explains discriminatory behaviors, why?  Paragraph 1-­‐ Introduction. Provide thesis statement previewing your paper  Paragraph 2-­‐Describe cultural transmission theory and real life example in detail  Paragraph 3-­‐ Describe group identification theory and real life example in detail  Paragraph 4-­‐ Describe frustration-­‐aggression hypothesis (or personality theory) and real life example in detail  Paragraph 5-­‐Conclusion. Reflection on which theory best explains discrimination and why  and compare/contrast with your families experience  Paragraph 5-­‐Conclusion. Summary and reflection Choice E: Immigration debate. Research and analyze illegal immigration through each of the sociological perspectives.  Paragraph 1-­‐Introduction. Summarize the 3 sociological perspectives (conflict, structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism). Provide thesis statement previewing your paper  Paragraph 2-­‐How would a conflict theorist analyze illegal immigration? (who has the power and who is being exploited?) Include researched data.  Paragraph 3-­‐How would a structural functionalist analyze illegal immigration (in what ways is illegal immigration functional or dysfunctional for society, use researched statistics to back up claims)  Paragraph 4-­‐ symbolic interactionism analyze illegal immigration (what labels and stigma are associated with illegal immigration, OR how do illegal immigrants learn what they need to know about being in the U.S.?) Include researched data.  Paragraph 5-­‐ Which perspective do you agree withmost, why? • All assignments must be 2-­‐3 pages typed, double-­‐spaced, size 12 font.
• Proofread your work and ask someone else to read it as well
• No cover page needed
• Assignment must be turned in at the beginning of class to be considered on time
• Late assignments: Assignments that are turned in up to one day late will earn half possible points. Assignments will not be accepted any later.
• Use the text book and other sources for RESEARCH!
PAPER RUBRIC State which paper choice you are addressing in the title Paper grades are based on how well you address each of the 5 categories listed below in red. Each category is worth 3 points. To earn 15 points complete each category carefully. CATEGORY
1. Introduction,
Conclusion,
Organization
2. Inclusion of
Personal Analysis &
Sociological Concepts
3. Sentence Fluency,
Flow, Grammar, &
Spelling
4. Sources
5. Focus on Topic
Choice/ Question
(Content)
3 points
Title of paper states which option is being addressed. 5 para
introduction is inviting, states the main topic, and includes
previews the three examples that will be discussed in
placed in a logical order. Each body paragraph begins with a
the point of the paragraph clear. The conclusion is strong an
feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at.
The author has taken the ideas and made them "his/her own
personal experiences and/or knowledge of world events.
All examples are specific and detailed. Examples come fro
scientific studies, history). Examples are not general/
as those presented in class or in the text.
Many supportive facts about sociological concepts from the c
included. Strong understanding of sociological concepts dem
All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.
All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when r
clear.
Writer makes no errors in grammar, spelling, or punct
All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited c
format. Sources are cited within the paper as well on a
end. If class notes are used as a source this is indicated as f
Plagiarism results in failing the class.
The paper answers all aspects of the question/choice. Main i
supported by detailed information.
What is meant by specific details? Example without specific details
Frustration-­‐aggression hypothesis states that ethnic prejudice develop in response to people’s need to cope with the frustration in their daily lives (class notes). The Frustration-­‐aggression hypothesis is illustrated by the Japanese Americans being sent to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan during World War II.
Examples WITH specific deta
Frustration-­‐aggression hypot
prejudice develop in respons
cope with the frustration in t
notes). The Frustration-­‐aggre
illustrated by the Japanese A
internment camps after the by Japan during World War I
Pearl Harbor many people in
an instant prejudice against citizens living in United State
government assumed that th
were spies and none of them
they confined the Japanese-­‐A
camps under Executive Orde
Shmuel, 2011). The Japanese
prejudice and discrimination
The United States governme
Japanese-­‐Americans their co
necessary to protect America
Japanese Americans were fo
communities, families, home
properties (Roberts, 2008)
20 Common Errors to Avoid and General Tips For Writing Papers
1.
Write to a general audience. This means pretend you are writing the paper for a reader who has not taken a Sociology course. Explain sociological concepts clearly rather than assuming the reader understands the concept already.
2.
Follow the directions and make sure you answer every part of the question in detail (use the Paper Scoring Rubric on the course website).
3.
Write an outline beforehand to make sure the organization of your paper is clear.
4.
Include a clear introduction that outlines your paper. Include a clear conclusion that closes your paper.
5.
Write a very clear thesis statement and use the thesis statement to preview what's in the paper. A good thesis statement is like a road map. For example, a good thesis statement might read, "There are significant economic challenges facing three Canadian provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba." Your paper should then provide information about the economic challenges of these three provinces in the order you listed them in the thesis statement. Make your thesis statement as simple as possible, and don't deviate from it.
6.
Write in an academic manner. This means avoid casual phrasing that you would use when speaking to a friend and avoid abbreviations used in texting or e-­‐mails.
7.
Do not use contractions. This means write “do not” instead of “don’t.”
8.
Do not capitalize words that don’t need capitalization.
Example: “I went to the Doctor with mom in the Town of Hillberry and we experienced a lot of Racism.” In this example doctor, town, and racism did not need capitalization.
9.
Staple your papers. Staplers will not be available in class.
10. Check subject-­‐verb agreement. The subject and verb must agree in number: both must be singular, or both must be plural.
Example: The Supreme Court judge decide the appropriate penalty. INSTEAD the statement should state either “The Supreme Court judges decide the penalty.” OR “The Supreme Court judge decides the penalty.”
11. Explain acronyms.
Example: If you want to discuss the NAACP, the first time you use this term you must write it fully: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Later in the paper you can use the acronym.
12. Avoid common spelling errors:
• their (possessive-­‐They put their backpacks outside) vs. they’re (contraction of they are-­‐They’re not going to join us) vs. there (There are many reasons why he is not listening OR He is going to move his backpack over there).
• accept (meaning to receive or to admit-­‐I accept your apology) vs. except (meaning but or only-­‐Everyone is going except Jim)
• who’s (contraction of who is or who has-­‐Who’s coming to the party?) vs. whose (possessive form of who-­‐The man whose number you called just left)
• affect (meaning to influence) vs. effect (meaning result)
• than (used in comparison-­‐She is smarter than you) vs. then (refers to a time in the past-­‐Then I will study harder)
• were (past form of the verb to be-­‐They were listening) vs. we’re (contraction of we are-­‐We’re going to listen as well) vs. where (related to location or place-­‐Where are we going?)
• to (a prepositional phrase) vs. too (meaning also-­‐There are too many people. OR Are you leaving? Then I am leaving too.) vs. two (the number)
• “It's" is a conjunction for "it is." An example: "I know that it's late to be calling." In contrast, "its" is a possessive word for something of nonspecific gender, and is used like the words "his" or "her." An example: "The long winter wore out its welcome."
• The United States is abbreviated as U.S. not US.
13. You Must Cite Sources within Your Paper
Whenever you quote, paraphrase, summarize, or otherwise refer to the work of another, you are required to cite your source, either by way of parenthetical documentation or by means of a footnote.
Example: The tendency to come to terms with difficult experiences is referred to as a "purification process" whereby "threatening or painful dissonances are warded off to preserve intact a clear and articulated image of oneself and one’s place in the world" (Sennett, 1980, p. 11).
Then also include the full citation at the end of the paper in a bibliography using MLA or APA format.
Example: Kralj, M. M. (1994). Getting out of the box. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 46 (2), 27-­‐28.
Visit http://www.bibme.org/ or http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/ for free assistance.
14. Avoid Fallacies
Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on small amount of evidence weakens your paper. Stereotypes about people ("librarians are shy and smart," "wealthy people are snobs," etc.) also weaken your paper.
Example: "My roommate said her philosophy class was hard and the one I'm in is hard, too. All philosophy classes are hard!" Two people's experiences are, in this case, not enough on which to base a conclusion. INSTEAD Saying: “Some philosophy classes are hard for some students" would be a better.
How to avoid fallacies:
List your main points; under each one, list the evidence you have for it. Seeing your claims and evidence laid out this way may make you realize that you lack good evidence for a particular claim, or it may help you look more critically at the evidence you're using.
Be aware that broad claims need more proof than narrow ones. Claims that use sweeping words like "all," "no," "none," "every," "always," "never," "no one," and "everyone" are rarely appropriate and they require a lot more proof than less-­‐sweeping claims that use words like "some," "many," "few," "sometimes," "usually," and so forth.
15. Proofread your work (excessive errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation will result in detracted points) 16. No cover page needed
17. Papers must be turned in at the beginning of class. Late assignments: Assignments that are turned in one day late will earn half possible points. Assignments will not be accepted any later. 18. Use reliable sources. Good sources lead to good papers, so take the time to find them. Choose credible sources (i.e. written by people who know what they're talking about and who don't have a strong bias). Avoid outdated sources and avoid Wikipedia.
19. Never ever, ever, ever plagiarize. Plagiarism occurs when you knowingly submit someone else’s ideas or words as your own. Plagiarism is an act of intentional deception that will result in automatic failure of the course. Reference all materials using the American Psychological Association (APA) or Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Guide. Visit http://www.bibme.org/ or http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/ for free assistance.
20. Get help if you need it. Help is available on campus, but you need to seek it out. The El Camino College Writing Center offers free help. Call or visit the Writing Center/Computer Lab in Humanities 122 (310) 660-­‐3873. You can also e-­‐mail your instructor if you have any questions.
Read more at Suite101: College Essay Writing Help: Common mistakes to avoid when writing a term paper http://www.suite101.com/content/college-­‐essay-­‐writing-­‐help-­‐
a8605#ixzz16YK3fM1p
Avoid Plagiarism! Plagiarism results in an F in the course
Tip: Use quotations marks if you are directly quoting a source!
Tip: Visit http://www.bibme.org/ or http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/ for free assistance in APA and MLA formatting for references.
Tip: Many website sources have a link at the bottom that shows you how to correctly cite them as a source