Overview Of Your Third Longer-Term Assignment In This Course
Overviewyour Third Longer Term Assignment In This Course Is A Short Pa
Overview your third longer-term assignment in this course is a short paper (3 page) APA format in which you will share your question derived at the end of your observation reading and discuss why it is important and how developments in the social sciences contribute to our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the world around us. This final reflection will assess the following course outcomes, – Investigate major developments in the progression of social scientific thought for informing critical questions that drive social scientific inquiry – Articulate the value of the social sciences for their impact on contemporary issues
Prompt Your third project is a short paper that explores the question you posed at the end of your reading of Introduction to Sociology. For example, how did the development of Walter Freeman performing the first frontal lobe lobotomy in the United States affect individuals, groups, society, and people outside of the social sciences? With that question as your topic, you will explain why the answer to it is important to understanding yourself, other people, and the world around you and how the social sciences have developed to help us answer these important questions. The critical elements of this assessment will be evaluated by the information in your presentation or paper. Be sure your actual question is apparent on the presentation or paper. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed in your submission: I. Explain why your question is important to you as a member of society. II. Detail the major developments in social science thinking that drive questions regarding studying the individual. Use course resources to back up your discussion. III. Explain how finding the answer to your question might impact others around you. For instance, who might be most invested in the answer? IV. Detail the major developments in social science thinking that drive questions regarding studying others. Use course resources to back up your discussion. V. Explain why studying human behavior and identity is a valuable human endeavor. VI. Detail the major developments in social science thinking Supporting Work and Resources 1. Please Read SCS 100 Project 3: Final Reflection Guidelines and Rubric 2. Please Read Discovering Psychology /Introduction to Sociology (This will help you complete this essay assignment) While reading think about these questions What event or perspective presented in these timelines is most interesting to you and why? How does this event or perspective change how we study individuals, groups, or cultures? 3. Example of some information gather from (Discussion Intro to Sociology)
Paper For Above instruction
The third long-term assignment in this sociology course requires the creation of a three-page APA-formatted paper that investigates a specific question derived from observation and reading. The focus is to discuss the significance of the question, explore the development of social sciences in understanding individuals and society, and demonstrate how these developments inform contemporary thinking. This reflective essay aims to highlight the importance of social scientific inquiry in comprehending human behavior, identities, and societal structures.
Introduction
The importance of understanding social phenomena lies in its capacity to inform us about ourselves and others. For this assignment, I have selected a question rooted in the historical and social developments within psychology and sociology—specifically, the impact of Walter Freeman’s lobotomy procedure. My question is: “How did the development of Walter Freeman performing the first frontal lobe lobotomy in the United States affect individuals, groups, society, and those outside of the social sciences?” This question is significant to me because it touches on ethical, social, and scientific dimensions, reflecting broader themes about understanding mental health treatments and their societal implications.
Importance of the Question to Society
As a member of society, understanding the effects of medical and psychological interventions such as lobotomies is crucial because these practices influence societal norms, ethical standards, and mental health policies. The lobotomy era marked a significant shift in psychiatric practices and societal perceptions of mental illness. It raises questions about the boundaries of medical intervention, the rights of patients, and the societal response to mental health disorders. The question’s importance also extends to understanding the stigmatization of mental health issues and how medical practices have evolved to promote more humane treatment.
Development of Social Science Thinking on the Individual
Major developments in social science thinking regarding the individual include the rise of clinical psychology, psychiatry, and the ethical considerations surrounding mental health interventions. The early 20th century saw a shift from purely biological models to incorporating social and psychological perspectives. The discovery and development of psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and later, humanistic psychology provided diverse frameworks for understanding individual behaviors and mental health. These developments influenced how social scientists and medical practitioners approached mental health treatment, emphasizing that individual behavior cannot be fully understood without considering social and environmental factors (Giddens, 2013; Szasz, 2014).
Impact on Others
The findings from studying the impact of lobotomies extend beyond individuals to influence families, communities, and societal perceptions of mental illness. For example, patients subjected to lobotomies often faced stigma, social isolation, or dependency, which affected their families and societal integration. Understanding these effects highlights who might be most invested—in particular, mental health practitioners, policymakers, patients, and advocacy groups—who seek to understand and improve treatment outcomes and ethical standards. The societal debate surrounding lobotomies catalyzed changes in mental health policies, emphasizing informed consent and humane treatment.
Developments in Thinking About Others
In terms of studying others, the social sciences have advanced through the development of ethnography, social psychology, and sociology, providing tools to analyze societal reactions and cultural perceptions of mental health practices. These developments have revealed how societal attitudes shape individual experiences and how public opinion influences psychiatric innovations or condemnations. Understanding collective attitudes has also emphasized the importance of social context in shaping individual behavior and societal responses to mental health issues (Durkheim, 1897; Mead, 1934).
The Value of Studying Human Behavior and Identity
Studying human behavior and identity is a vital human endeavor because it allows us to foster empathy, improve mental health treatments, and develop more inclusive and ethical societal standards. It also helps us understand the complexity of human nature, social influences, and cultural variations, which are essential for promoting social cohesion and addressing global challenges. The development of social sciences has continually enhanced our capacity to understand these phenomena in a structured, scientific manner, leading to more effective and ethical interventions (Seligman & Putnam, 2009).
Major Developments in Social Science Thinking
From the early days of sociology and psychology, key developments include the emergence of structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and critical theory. These paradigms have provided diverse lenses to examine social phenomena, focusing on how societal structures influence individual actions, how meaning is constructed through interaction, and how power dynamics shape social policies. Each development has contributed to understanding the interplay between individual agency and societal structures, refining our approach to studying human behavior and societal change (Parsons, 1951; Mead, 1934; Habermas, 1984).
Conclusion
In sum, exploring the impact of Walter Freeman’s lobotomy practice illuminates the profound influence of social scientific developments on understanding individual and societal behavior. Recognizing how these advances inform contemporary issues, such as mental health treatment ethics and societal perceptions, demonstrates the ongoing importance of social sciences. By examining the historical trajectory and theoretical frameworks, we gain insight into human behavior, identity, and societal change, reaffirming the value of social scientific inquiry as a vital human endeavor.
References
- Durkheim, É. (1897). Suicide. Free Press.
- Giddens, A. (2013). Sociology. Polity Press.
- Habermas, J. (1984). The Theory of Communicative Action. Beacon Press.
- Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society. University of Chicago Press.
- Seligman, M. E., & Putnam, R. D. (2009). Authentic Happiness. Free Press.
- Szasz, T. (2014). The Myth of Mental Illness. HarperOne.
- Discovering Psychology / Introduction to Sociology. (n.d.).
- SCS 100 Project 3: Final Reflection Guidelines and Rubric.
- Additional scholarly articles on social science development and mental health history.