SOCI 1301: Introduction to Sociology Signature Assignment
You are free to choose a sociology topic of interest. I will not assign or choose a topic for you.
For example, some students have discussed issues regarding police brutality, high incarceration rates,
immigration, sex/gender issues, domestic violence, etc.
Please understand that some of these topics (ex: race, crime, immigration, human trafficking, etc.) are a
bit broad so you may have to break it down.
These topics are merely examples, but you can feel free to review the textbook to get a feel of what
sparks your interest.
Basically, this is not a definition assignment but attempting to think critically about a social issue and
addressing it. Be sure to review the next page for additional guidelines!
Signature Writing Assignment (100 points total) – Students will be required to complete a writing project designed to measure skill in each of the core objectives above.
The assignment details are in Canvas under the Signature Assignment module.
• The paper will be a minimum of 5 full pages, double spaced, and typed format.
• The font is Times New Roman, 12 with 1” margins.
• Include a cover page and references page. This is not included in the 5-page minimum.
• Do not include an abstract.
• Write in 3rd person. Do not include “I” statements, opinions, or personal experiences.
• Upload as a Word (or equivalent) or PDF file. Do not submit compressed or zip files.
• The paper requires research citations as appropriate in APA format. See APA Purdue OWL
website.
• Completion of this assignment is required, and no student will receive a passing grade without
completing it.
Assignment is available for submission in Canvas from August 23, 2021 to December 5, 2021 by 11:59 pm.
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR THE PAPER FORMAT
The paper MUST have the following basic outline:
This is how you will format your paper into 5 sections.
Introduction to the theory and statement of the problem.
In this section of the paper, you will explain the problem identified and identify a theory that aims to explain the causes and/or effects of the problem. This section should contain reference citations as needed to authors whose theories or statements of the problem have informed your understanding.
Choose ONE of the basic sociological theories to incorporate into the paper: 1) Conflict theory
2) Functionalist theory
3) Interactionist theory
Current Trends in the Data
In this section of the paper, you must gather a minimum of three current (no more than 10 years old) empirical sources of information that inform your understanding of the link between the theory and problem discussed above. DO NOT use wiki websites, blogs, news/media outlet sources, or unprofessional sources.
Thinking Critically
In this section of the data, reexamine the sociological theory considering the newly acquired data. Is it still a rational explanation or does it lack ability to explain some aspect of the problem? Are there alternative explanations or alterations in the theory that would better fit the data?
Social Responsibility
In this final section of the paper, relate the theory and the data to individual responsibility within our society. Is this just a personal choice or does it have consequences for the society at large? What interest does society have and what boundary should there be on its influence? Support your argument rationally with what you have learned.
References
A complete listing of references cited within the paper must be included in APA format at the end of the paper.
