INSTRUCTIONS: Write a 3 to 4- page essay analyzing important social experiences or events in your life. The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you to apply sociological concepts to current events and your everyday life by considering how systems of social inequality shape peoples lives. For this assignment: 1.) Describe one or more systems of social inequality that have had the biggest impact on your life course. For example, you might want to write about stratification-related life experiences that have shaped the course of your life, how particular social structures or institutions (i.e. the economy, politics, health care) have created or restricted your personal life chances, or, how broad cultural beliefs or attitudes (i.e. sexism, racism, homophobia) have influenced how you think and behave in everyday life. 2.) Develop an analysis that provides a detailed description of how you/ your life has been affected. You should try to be as detailed as possible and include critical details and background so the reader can understand how and why the social phenomena you identify have had such an impact on your life and sense of self. 3.) Consider how theories, concepts, and empirical research discussed in your textbook may be applied to help understand the sociological significance of your experiences. In other words, see if you can apply the sociological imagination to your life. 4.) Once you have reflected on these experiences and your readings, identify at least three concepts, theories, or empirical research discussed in your textbook, lecture, and class discussions that you will use in your analysis. Use the following questions to help guide your analysis: o What systems of inequality had the greatest impact on you and your life? o Has discrimination contributed to your social position or sense of self? How? Be specific. o Have social structures afforded you opportunities compared to other people and groups we have studied? What social privileges have you enjoyed? Submit your essay as either a Microsoft Word or PDF file in the iCollege Dropbox by Friday, April 23rd at 11:59pm. If you submit your paper in an alternative format, it will not be read and will receive an automatic 0 for the assignment. Papers not submitted on iCollege by the deadline will be considered late. A full letter grade will be deducted for each calendar date the assignment is late beginning April 24th. Late papers will not be accepted after Sunday, April 25th at 11:59pm. GUIDELINES: 1.) Your paper should be 3-4 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman, size 12 font 2.) Your margins should be 1 inch around the entire paper 3.) Be sure to include an introduction and underline your thesis statement 4.) Be sure to underline the 3 concepts, theories, or empirical research that are the focus of your analysis the first time you use the term in your paper 5.) Include a cover sheet with your name, date, course name. The first line of the first page of your paper must be at the top of the next page 6.) You may cite course readings and outside academic sources. Please format your paper in accordance with the Style Guides of the American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), or the American Sociological Association (ASA)
