Current Events Essay Prompt
In 800-1,200 words, you will provide a sociological analysis of an event cited in a reputable news article. The article can be about anything so long as it relates to course content. In the essay, you are expected to frame your analysis using three concepts presented during the course. Concepts can be found in your textbook, usually highlighted in blue. For example, you might use the concepts of “environmental racism,” “environmental justice,” and “social movements,” to provide a sociological discussion of the response to climate change. To craft your argument, you would be expected to cite our textbook, Social Problems and the a news article (like this one) that provides the context for your argument (No, you may not use this example for your paper).
You are free to choose any recent new article that relates to the course from the following online news sites: NBC News, The Guardian, Vox, Time, the New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC News, NPR, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic. If you come across an article from another source, you might be able to use it, but you should clear it with Dr. Schneider before you begin writing. If you plan to base your essay on an op-ed, you should clear it with Dr. Schneider before proceeding.
The main goal of this project is for you to take a sociological approach to understanding current events. How can we make sense of the social world and, in this case, social problems? While scholars from many disciplines consider related questions, we are budding sociologists and want to answer this question by paying special attention to the importance of social structure, interaction, culture, and power relationships.
Assignment Questions
If you have a question that you feel is specific to your project, you can email Dr. Schneider at matthew.******************. You are also invited to pose questions during class time, especially if you feel others may have the same question.
Objectives
Students are encouraged to pursue a topic that is of interest to them while exercising their sociological imaginations.
Students will think critically in order to successfully complete this project.
Students will need to use the course material to make sense of the world they live in to successfully complete this project.
Evaluation
To successfully complete this assignment, you will need to:
identify a news story on an appropriate topic from a credible source to analyze.
summarize the chosen article in a way that sets up your argument/analysis.
define and apply at least three concepts from the course to you articulate your argument.
demonstrate that you have a strong grasp of your chosen concepts.
Provide a clear thesis/argument.
write an essay of approximately 800-1,200 words.
write a college level essay.
Cite as appropriate. I suggest using the Chicago Manual of Style, Author-Date system: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html.
Submission and Formatting
Assignment is submitted on time through the course canvas page.
Assignment is double spaced and in a legible font.
File is submitted in one of the following formats: .doc, .docx, .pdf.
