How does sociology help us understand

Instructions for Soc 152 last “Thinking Sociologically” paper

In the course, you have been introduced to key sociological arguments, concepts and theories that are important to analyzing the world sociologically. To think sociologically is to use these ideas as a frame of understanding to help make sense of a complicated social reality. The purpose of this paper is to practice thinking sociologically on a topic of your choice.

“How does sociology help us understand __________ (fill in the topic of your choice)?” is the question everyone’s paper is going to ask. Your answer to this question is your thesis. To answer the question, you will explain and use a reasonable number (I’d recommend 2-5) of sociological ideas to analyze your topic.

Imagine you are writing to an intelligent peer, but keep it formal. Explain your concepts to a) demonstrate you know what they are, and b) to help this imagined audience understand. Apply those concepts to the topic of your choice to analyze it.

Requirements:
800-1000 words
Minimum 3 resources outside of class content (at least 1 academic resource, remaining sources are journalistic)

Grading:
Quality of writing (relatively formal academic writing)
Logic in arguing your thesis.
Support for your thesis
Use of resources
Proper citation of resources

2 new grading expectations:
You are permitted only one quotation of no longer than one sentence in length.
Please be especially mindful of avoiding the passive voice.