TOPIC:
Adam Smith as a theorist and his “division of labor” theory and “the invisible hand theory”
Central question:
While the “division of labor” theory translates to today’s economy, how can we
solve the socioeconomic discrepancies caused by this theory today?
-SOURCES:
“The Wealth of Nations” – Adam Smith and “The Invisible HAND” – Adam Smith
For the paper in this class, you will apply classical social theory to frame a
contmporary social
issue. This means that you should be confident that you can write an 8-10 page paper that will
mostly focus on theory and its application rather than mostly discuss the social
issue itself. You
may choose to look at two social theorists rather than just one. The only difference would be that
you would have a comparison section and citations from both, but the length of the paper and its
basic structure would stay the same. The two options are detailed below.
This paper will be developed sequentially, with each component submitted as a word document
To begin, consider this example:
TOPIC AND THEORY
“The phrase “feudal society” as defined by Marc Bloch includes the feudal structure not only the
warrior aristocracy bound by vassalage, but also the peasantry bound by manorialism, and the
estates of the Church” [Wikipedia, of course].
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
“Erich Bloch’s theories of feudalism explain the structure of various European pre-capitalist
social orders. However, Bloch’s theories are also useful for identifying feudalism outside of
Europe and the re-emerging features of feudalism in contemporary times.”
SOURCES AND CITATIONS
– Since this is a theory course, it is important that you provide several in-text citations that are
both direct quotes by classical social theorist readings and broader summaries and applications.
2
A. TOPIC & THEORIST
What social issue interests you and what social theory or theories from this course can be used to
understand it?
REQUIREMENTS: SIMPLY UPLOAD A WORD DOCUMENT WITH YOUR NAME,
THE SOCIAL THEORY OR THEORIES FROM THIS COURSE, AND THE SOCIAL
ISSUE YOU WILL EXAMINE.
B. OUTLINE (argument, thesis, sources)
ARGUMENT: A STATEMENT THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY TRUE OR FALSE (NOT
OPINION, NOT FACT), SUPPORTED BY EVIDENCE.
A THESIS CAPTURES YOUR ARGUMENT AND TELLS THE READER HOW YOU WILL
MAKE THAT ARGUMENT.
– WHAT MATERIAL FROM CLASSICAL THEORY AND OUTSIDE SOURCES WILL YOU
USE?
– ORGANIZE THE INFORMATION TO SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENT
REQUIREMENTS:
THESIS STATEMENT: This may change as you write. See the specific section on thesis
development below.
SECTIONS/SUBSECTIONS: To make your argument for clearly, you will provide at least three
or four sections aside from the introduction conclusion, and bibliography:
1) Theory or theories
2) Comparison of theories if you are looking at two theorists
3) Social issue
4) Application of theory
C. ROUGH DRAFT
The rough draft should be turned in as if it were final so that the Reader can quickly grade it and
provide you with feedback. You can then decide if you want to revise it for the final draft or if
you want this to be the final paper.
3
What does that mean? It meets the formatting requirements and has a clear introduction and
conclusion. Though the content may change a bit from the outline, it should be structured in a
similar, coherent manner, as if it were the final version.
SECTIONS/SUBSECTIONS: To make your argument for clearly, you will provide at least three
or four sections aside from the introduction conclusion, and bibliography:
1) Summary of theory, or at least as found in the readings and as it relates to your chosen social
issue
2) Comparison of theories if you are looking at two theorists
3) Brief description of social issue
4) Application of classical social theory to frame the understanding of the social issue
CITATIONS (ALL IN APA FORMAT)
In-text
– At least 10 direct quotes. If you are using two theorists, you need to include 5 from each.
– At least 4 in-text citations that provide information on the social issue you are examining.
These can be empirical descriptions, such as social statistics, or points that are made by other
writers or theorists that allow you to make connections to classical social theory. These can be
academic or non-academic sources.
Bibliography
1. A citation for each class reading/theorist
2. At least 2 outside sources (at least two in-text citations for each)
D. FINAL DRAFT
The final paper should incorporate any suggestions or feedback from the Reader. If you do this,
then you should receive a strong grade. If you decide that you were content with the grade on
your rough draft, it will carry over and you do not have to submit a revised final paper. Simply,
submit a word document that states that you will take the rough draft grade.
TO BEGIN, CONSIDER:
– READING/RE-READING – think about the subjects the theorists cover and, more importantly
for this class, what they specifically say.
– BRAINSTORMING – consider different ways of applying the theories, specific cases, how to
develop and organize your argument.
