Pick one social issue in Canadian society and explore it through the use of sociological concepts and theories
Research Essay – Social Issues in Canadian Society
What is the essay about? Student’s will pick one social issue in Canadian society and explore it through the use of sociological concepts and theories. Your paper should illustrate your knowledge of texts, concepts, and theories, and your ability to utilize them in critical thinking.
Essay requirements:
The social issue must be described.
*Who or what is being impacted? Is there a historical basis? Are there power imbalances occurring?
The majority of your paper will focus on analyzing the social issue using one of the three primary sociological theories (functionalism, symbolic interactionism, or critical theory) and appropriate sociological concepts.
Thesis statement.
Must use a minimum of 2 academic sources (textbook chapters, articles from library or google scholar).
Essay Length: 4 – 5 pages of text, double spaced. There is no word count requirement.
Essays should follow a standard essay format (introduction with thesis statement, body paragraphs, conclusion). *Section headings are allowed if needed.
Essays should have a title page, correct spelling, punctuation/grammar, and APA citations with a works cited page. You do not need to provide an abstract.
How to get started? Three easy steps:
I suggest you start with your interests. Think about topics/modules/discussions that stood out to you. If you need inspiration, review modules and textbook chapters.Then, begin a Google search for current news articles, interviews, or podcasts. Make notes on the different perspectives and ideologies being put forth.
When you have settled on an issue, you should begin to think about what sociological concepts and theories you have learned that can help to explain the issue you are researching. Sociological concepts are found in your textbook and my lectures. Concepts help us to organize our thinking about abstract topics, and they allow us to think in terms of explanation. In this final step, thesis statements begin to emerge.
Ideas:
Economic inequalities Gender inequalities Indigenous issues Racism & discrimination Immigration issues & policies Impact of the Coronavirus (gender/class)
Crime rates in Canada Environmental Issues
(Optional) Essay Outline Worksheet due:TuesdayJune 22nd by 4:00 PM
* Upload to Canvas assignment, ResearchEssay Outline Worksheet.
Final Essay due:TuesdayJune 29th by 4:00 PM
* Upload to Canvas assignment, Research Essay: Social Issues in Canadian Society.
Assignment weight: 20% of final Grade.
Late Policy: Late essays will be docked one full letter grade per day. Essay must be submitted to pass the course.
Research Paper Grading Rubric
A Range
Thesis: Thesis is clear, concise, and well-structured. Thesis demonstrates high level of sociological thinking. Thesis is specific and not too broad. Contains a well-crafted argument, and how the argument will be executed. Thesis runs through the entire paper.
Concepts and Analysis: Concepts are clearly mastered, appropriately applicable to their object, and are used convincingly to support the thesis. Evidence from multiple news sources is drawn upon to support thesis and use of concepts. Use of evidence is excellent and comports with the point being made. Use of sociological imagination is vibrantly evident.
Writing: Writing is structurally sound, clear, concise, and well-organized. No grammatical and mechanical errors.
Format: All instructions are followed.
B Range
Thesis: Thesis is clear and structured appropriately. Thesis is specific and not too broad. Contains a defensible argument, and how the argument will be executed.
Concepts and Analysis: Concepts are clearly understood, applicable to their object, and used convincingly to support the thesis. Evidence from news sources is drawn upon to support thesis and use of concepts. Analysis is indicative of sociological thinking.
Writing: Writing is mostly structurally sound, clear, concise, and well-organized. Few grammatical and mechanical errors.
Format: All instructions are followed.
C Range
Thesis: Thesis is present. Thesis suffers from lack of structure, and clarity about what is being argued. Contains an argument and attempts to discuss how the argument will be executed.
Concepts and Analysis: Concepts are mostly understood, and mostly applicable to their object.Mostly relevant evidence from news sources is drawn upon. Evidence could connect with thesis and concepts more clearly. Sociological thinking is present but weak.
Writing: Writing is fragmentary, at times lacks clarity of purpose, and is wordy. Organization and sentence structure could be improved. Grammatical and mechanical errors.
Format: All instructions are followed.
D
Thesis: Thesis is confusing or poorly worded. Thesis lacks structure and clarity about what is being argued. Doesn’t contain defensible argument, and no plan for execution of thesis.
Concepts and Analysis: Concepts are sometimes misunderstood or misapplied.Evidence from unreliable news sources is drawn upon but does not clearly connect with thesis and concepts. Sociological thinking must be more present.
Writing: Writing is confusing, and difficult-to-follow. Organization and sentence structure must be improved. Grammatical and mechanical errors. Lacks academic diction.
Format: Some instructions are not followed.
F
Serious problems with the research paper. Lacks thesis, clear argumentation, and sociological thinking. Does not follow the instructions and shows a lack of comprehension of course concepts.
Answer preview to pick one social issue in Canadian society and explore it through the use of sociological concepts and theories
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