Introduction to Sociology
Please answer the following questions with as much detail as possible. Well- written answers will demonstrate mastery of concepts presented in the textbook, assigned articles, discussed in class and display relevance to both sociological inquiry and the major themes of the course. Answers must be rendered in your own words and should demonstrate that you understand the concept. Please note that copying a definition from an article or text is not explaining the concept.
Ensure that you write in both a grammatically correct manner and alignment and spacing utilized are in accordance with standard academic custom. Note that you do not need to utilize information other than notes taken in class, assigned course film and readings and your textbook; however if you do choose to, cite information used. Please ensure that you cite in accordance to a standard academic format (e.g. Mills, 22 or Berger, 15). The final exam must be submitted via the Blackboard course website.
Your take home final exam has two components:
1) Eight short answer questions for a total of 80 points
2) An essay question (the essay question should be no less that 2 double-spaced pages)
Short Answer Questions:
1) What is the sociological imagination and how can it help you understand both your life and the world around you?
2) According to your text, what is Karl Marx's view of the relationship between capitalism and class conflict? Is it relevant today?
3) What is class inequality and what are trends in the United States and around the world?
4) Who are the poor in the United States of America and what is the relationship between social mobility, inequality and education?
5) What are the conceptual differences between race and ethnicity--from a sociological perspective?
6) Explain Weber's three types of legitimacy and discuss the relevance of these concepts in our modern world.
7) From a sociological perspective, race and ethnicities are social constructs? What does this mean and what is the evidence to justify such a position?
8) Explain the differences between prejudice and discrimination. What is institutional discrimination and how is it manifested in the U.S.A.?
Essay Question:
The films Miss Representation and The Mask You Live In delve into gender socialization and its consequences for young girls, boys, men and women. Both films include discussions concerning media representation, gender inequity, sexism, violence, rape culture, self-image, eating disorders,
race, body image, media centralization, sexualization of young girls, objectification of women's bodies, suicidal and homicidal violence to name a few concepts. Discuss the main points of both documentaries, paying keen attention to the issues of gender socialization and the social construction of femininity and masculinity; and. its effects on the social expectations and lives of young girls, boys, men and women. In addition personally reflect on what the film meant to you and how the media has contributed to your notions of sexuality and gender.