Each student will write a paper that consists of a summary and analysis of a current social issue that is reported in professional news publications; e.g., New York Times. (If you are concerned about the quality of a news source, please ask the professor. The paper must contain four parts:
1) summary of the topic and its coverage in the article;
2) the “sociology” of the topic, including
a) using the sociological imagination, describe the reason(s) why this an issue for sociologists to consider,
b) identify the scale(s) of the social world that are being/will be most impacted by the news and explain that impact,
c) discuss how sociologists could generate additional research on this topic;
3) a critical review of the article – NOT the topic; e.g., discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the article (see the guide for writing critical reviews on Canvas); and,
4) a reference list of at least three legitimate academic and professional sources (e.g., books and journal articles), in addition to any you reference from the course. The references must be in a professional citation style.
Your grade will be based upon the demonstration of relevant research, the level of analytical and critical thinking conveyed, and spelling/grammar/formatting. Reference related material from the course readings as you write your paper, and provide your own research on the issue from at least three legitimate academic and professional sources, in addition to any you reference from the course (e.g., books and journal articles). References must be cited within the text and a bibliography provided at the end of the paper. If you are not familiar with another professional citation style (e.g., MLA, Chicago), use the American Sociological Association (ASA) style guide, which is available at: http://www.calstatela.edu/library/guides/3asa.pdf. The papers must be submitted through Turnitin no later than due date listed in the syllabus. The paper must be at least 1400 words. Failure to meet the minimum word count results in a score of zero for the paper.
Sample Solution