Develop a 2–3-page paper discussing how a film, TV show, video game, or book (of your choosing) relates to a topic in sociology discussed in one of the following chapters:
Chapter 11: Race & Ethnicity
Chapter 12: Gender, Sex, & Sexuality
Chapter 14: Relationships, Marriage & Family
Chapter 15: Religion
Chapter 16: Education
Chapter 19: Health and Medicine
Chapter 21: Social Movements & Social Change
Content and Format Guidelines:
Summary:
Briefly summarize the film, TV show, or novel, that you are using for your paper. That is, do not assume that I have seen the movie, TV show, or have read the book that you will be talking about. Give me a little background; set the stage for what you will be discussing in greater detail in the rest of your paper.
Note the word “brief,” meaning approximately 1-2 paragraphs. The summary should not be longer than your analysis.
Key Terms/ Concepts:
Incorporate at least five (but feel free to use more) of the key terms from the chapter you chose.
Define each term/concept you mention in your own words. – In other words, do not simply “name-drop” and move on, and do not merely restate the glossary definition.
Tip: How would you explain the meaning of the term if you did not have the textbook in front of you (or access to the internet)?
Underline or bold each term/concept you use in your paper.
Overall Analysis: The idea here is to “dig deep,” “read between the lines,” “go beyond the surface” – Get what I’m saying? Put on your sociological lenses. Pick apart your reference and find what factors are at play. Your analysis should provide context clues that contribute to the meaning of the concepts, which demonstrates, to me, your understanding of the material.
Explain how the reference you chose is relevant to the topic discussed in the chapter. (You may focus on the chapter topic as a whole or on a particular section(s) within the chapter).
Identify and describe specific examples from your source that illustrate key terms.
If you are feeling stuck, ask yourself:
What is it about this film, TV show, video game or novel that made me think it would be good to write about for the assignment?
Remember to think about the concepts discussed in the chapter – which ones play a role in this film, etc.? – how so?
How might this be interpreted by different social groups?
What could be the underlying message(s)?
General Layout:
The paper should be typed, 2–3 pages in length, double-spaced (between lines not between words), with 1-inch margins on all sides, and in 12-point, Times New Roman font (including punctuation!).
Citing References:
Use either MLA or APA format.
All work (words/sentences/ideas that do not come directly from your brain) must be properly cited with in-text citations, AND the end of your paper/presentation must include a Works Cited/Reference page (or slide) that lists the full citation of all of your sources.
!!! Not citing sources will result in a zero on the assignment, regardless of how brilliant your work is!!!
Hint: You automatically have two sources that need to be listed: the course textbook and the media source where your character is from.
You are not required to use additional sources but if you do, they must be properly cited.
Please reach out to me or the writing center if you have any questions about citing sources.
