Assignment Content
Critical Thinking Sociological Social Problems Research Exercise
Project Instructions: Please select one research topic. You can select from the list below or select one of your own. Once the research topic is selected, you must critically analyze the topic. Your final paper will need to have 4 working parts: Introduction, Body, Conclusion and References/Work Cited Page.
•(Introduction): Define/introduce the social problem. Provide historical facts and background information. Great place to add statistics.
• (Body): Focus on one or two main points relating to your topic. Make sure those points are complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or to support your thesis statement.
• (Body): What are or have been the consequences of the social problem on society? Please explain your rationale. Provide specific examples, by using the conflict, feminist, functionalist, and symbolic interactionist perspectives to support your answers. You can use others that were presented throughout the term.
•(Conclusion): Restate your thesis; summarize your major point(s) and, make the context of your argument clear. Remember this is the only section where your voice can be heard.
• References): Please cite all your sources using MLA or APA format.
The final paper should be in word format, 8 full pages in length, double-spaced (no extra spaces between paragraphs), with 12-point Times New Roman or Georgia font, 1” margins, and proper citations. (NOTE: Those pages do not include the title or references pages). Spelling and grammar are a part of this assignment, as incorrect usage can inhibit your ability to communicate your ideas. Make use of the rubric as this gives specific guidance about the factors that go into grading the paper. This exercise is worth 250 points towards your final grade. Please remember to cite your sources, using MLA or APA format. You must use at least 3 scholarly sources, other than the course textbook. No Wikipedia.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you write and research your paper.
1. Formulate a strong thesis. If you fail to write a good thesis statement, the rest of your college essay is likely to be vague. Your thesis must be debatable and tightly focused so that it can be clearly supported by the evidence you gather for your paper.
2. Make a detailed outline for the rest of your essay paper. Make sure that each part of your sociology essay supports the thesis you have formulated. Indicate the topic for each paragraph or section. Include references to your sources.
3. Write your essay introduction and conclusion. Your introductory paragraph should be concise and focused. To make it more interesting, use a specific example in your introduction.
4. Write your body paragraphs. Use relevant data to support the main points in each one. Make sure you include clear transitions between the paragraphs in your academic essay.
5. Finally, please remember that the final paper must be read as one well written and argued document. You must write the final draft in a matter that each question joins together as one solid and sound thought. That means that you will have to use transitional words and phrases, which will help carry your thoughts forward from one sentence and/or paragraph to another without gaps or breaks.
