Assignment: Introduction to Sociology Journal Issue Paper
Remember that your issue paper (approximately 1,250-1,500 words) is based on the particular social issue you selected in Journal. The paper should have sociological relevance and be connected to relevant theories and concepts covered in the readings and other course material and should be divided into three sections:
1) The history
2) The current situation of where we stand today concerning the issue
3) Projections for the future and the ability to resolve the issue
Begin your literature search and identify some initial sources for your paper.
For relevant topic areas and questions, refer to Ferris and Stein, The Real World, Collins, The Wealth Hoarders, Mooney's Normal Sucks, and Van Gelder's Sustainable Happiness, as the readings offer an array of social problems to address. Let me know if you have any further questions or trouble deciding on a topic/issue to handle.
A. What is the primary question you would like to address?
B. What are the related questions triggered by your central question?
C. What is your provisional answer to your question; in other words, your thesis? This quick answer may be a hunch or an "educated guess" based on the course, other related material, and your experiences. You will refine it as you learn more about your topic; in the process, you may even alter your initial impressions.
D. Why are you particularly interested in the topic?
E. Why might others be interested in this topic? What do you have to offer concerning the overall public dialogue regarding this topic?
F. What sources are you finding at this point? Start your literature search and begin to identify some specific sources. Of course, Ferris and Stein, Collins, Mooney, and Van Gelder will be an excellent place to start.