Contemporary Sociological Theories Final Paper Guidelines For your final paper, you will use one or two theories covered in the class to class as a framework to understand an issue or phenomenon in contemporary society. You are free to choose the topic. I recommend selecting a theory from the interpretive or critical paradigm, as many of the positivist theories are less frequently used today, and postmodern theories can be difficult to understand. If you prefer a positivist or postmodern theory, let me know, and that may be possible as well. In general, however, you might use a theory or theories from the interpretive paradigm focused on understanding meaning, symbols, and/or interactions (for example, an analysis of a subculture, micro-level group dynamics, dramaturgy in everyday life, etc.) or you might use critical theories that focus on issues of inequality, race, gender, capitalism, globalization, media, etc. Here are the specific guidelines: 1) Select a topic and find an article online from an academic journal or a major news outlet (such as BBC, CNN, NBC, NPR, etc.) that summaries the issue. 2) Select a theory or theories that you feel provides the best framework to understand this issue/phenomenon. 3) Discuss the major issue in your paper citing your online source 4) Discuss the theory including several of the major concepts, providing some direct quotes and also summarizing in your own words. 2 Suggested Outline: 1) Introduction (1 Page): a) Introduce the topic b) Introduce the theory/theories c) Explain your choice in topic and how the theory/theories may be useful in understanding it 2) Summarize the Issue/Phenomenon you have selected. (1-2 Pages) a) Provide some context/history of this issue/phenomenon b) Discuss the major aspects, figures, issues, conflicts surrounding this issue/phenomenon c) Provide a more focused analysis of the aspect of the phenomenon/issue that most interests you. 3) Summarize the Theory (1-2 Pages) a) Discuss some of the major figures, history, and/or influences on this theory (1 Paragraph) b) Discuss the major thesis of this theory (1 Paragraph) c) Discuss the major concepts in this theory (2-4 Paragraphs) d) Discuss any limitations the theory may have 4) Discuss the connection between the theory and your topic (1-2 Pages) a) Use specific concepts or ideas from the theory to make sense of your topic. b) Summarize how this theory, overall, provides insights into your topic c) Discuss any limitation this theory might have as a framework for understanding your topic. 3 Format and Paper Length: Font: Times New Roman, 12, Double Spaced Length: 4-8 Pages Citation/Bibliography: ASA, APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. There is no specific style guide (use any of those just mentioned); however, you should include in-text citations and a bibliography at the end of your paper identifying the author, year, title, publisher, etc., based on the style guide you have selected. Here are two examples of in-text citation: 1) In her analysis of critical theory, Smith (1998:10), writes, “this theory is…” 2) There is some conflict regarding “the role of globalization in contemporary…” (Smith 1998:10). You may use any style (as I said above); however, here is one example from a bibliography citing a book (first) academic article (second), and newspaper article (third): References Baudrillard, Jean. (1994). Simulacra and simulation. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press. (Original work published 1981) Bertner, Matthew. 2005. “Ecoacoustic and Shamanic Technologies for Multimedia Composition and Performance.” Organized Sound 10 (1): 3-19. doi:10.1017/S1355771805000622. CBC News. 2017. “A Tribe Called Red pulls out of Mìwàte sound and light show.” CBC, October 13.
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