Instructions For Extra Credit Sociology G Hayden Instructor
Instructions For Extra Credit Sociology G Hayden Instructorif You
If you attend an event on MMC campuses or CMU campus, or have an epiphany while watching a movie or TV show (or listening to a song or seeing artwork), you can use that experience for extra credit. You can also receive extra credit for registering to vote by showing your voter’s registration card, or if you are unable to vote, you can write a brief two to three page paper on voting itself. You must relate the event, movie, art, etc., to something discussed in class such as inequality, intersectionality, functionalism, Marxism, symbolic interactionism, etc.
The paper must be 2 to 4 pages in length, double spaced, using either Arial or Times New Roman 12-point font. Please use APA formatting, referencing the Purdue OWL guide available via Moodle or the syllabus.
The length of the paper does NOT include a cover sheet or sources cited page. Each submission for extra credit is worth 50 points. However, to receive extra credit at the end of the semester, all four papers must be submitted. Missing an assignment means missing out on the extra credit opportunity.
Do not email the papers directly to the instructor. Use the upload link available in Moodle under "Assignments" on the left side of your screen. If using Google Drive, upload the link in the “comments” section of the upload, or download the document as a Word file and upload it normally. For assistance, contact the helpdesk at extension 411 or email [email protected].
Paper For Above instruction
The value of extra credit activities in sociology courses lies in their ability to connect theoretical concepts with real-world observations, thereby enhancing students’ understanding of complex social phenomena. This assignment encourages students to identify personal experiences, media, or cultural events that exemplify sociological theories and concepts discussed in class, such as inequality, intersectionality, functionalism, Marxism, or symbolic interactionism.
For instance, attending a local community event can reveal insights into social stratification and inequality. If a student attends a neighborhood food bank, they might observe how economic hardship affects access to resources, aligning with Marxist perspectives on class struggle. Similarly, watching a movie like "The Breakfast Club" can illustrate symbolic interactionism by analyzing how characters’ identities are shaped through social interactions and labels, revealing how social roles influence individual behavior.
Relating a music concert to intersectionality might involve examining how race, gender, and socioeconomic status influence the experience of different audience members. An artwork or performance piece could further expose systemic inequalities or serve as a critique of social structures, exemplifying functionalist views on social stability or change.
The paper should synthesize these observations with sociological theory, providing analysis that underscores how everyday experiences reflect larger social patterns. Writing should adhere to APA style, with citations supporting theoretical claims. It is essential for students to clearly articulate connections between their experiences and the sociological concepts discussed in class, fostering a deeper comprehension of societal dynamics.
In conclusion, this assignment offers a practical way for students to apply sociological perspectives beyond textbooks, facilitating experiential learning. By analyzing personal or cultural encounters through a sociological lens, students develop critical thinking skills and a more nuanced understanding of societal issues, preparing them for active and informed citizenship.
References
- Giddens, A. (2013). Sociology. Polity Press.
- Matthews, J. (2019). Introducing sociology. Routledge.
- Ritzer, G. (2015). Sociological theory (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Henslin, J. M. (2018). Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. Pearson.
- Collins, P. H. (2019). Intersectionality as critical social theory. Duke University Press.
- Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
- Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism. University of California Press.
- Durkheim, E. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Free Press.
- Foucault, M. (1975). Discipline and Punish. Vintage Books.
- Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. Routledge & Kegan Paul.