Theoretical Application Assignments
Students will be required to submit three short, but specific, theoretical application assignments, based on current event web site links, selected by the instructor and provided to students. Students will have a selection of which to choose one web site to fulfill each of the three assignments.
In the Current Event Module, students will observe three drop boxes for three current event assignments. Accessing each drop box, students will then observe a copy of the instructions and links to specific web sites.
Students will read the news article supplied for each assignment. Within the news article, students should be able to observe and identify specific wording or “written passages” to apply for each key term assigned. This is an exercise very much like when one cites an outside source in order to support one’s perspective in a research endeavor. Students will include in these written assignments, the three specific terms assigned and three specific passages from the articles, which supports each of the key terms. Students should be aware of the definitions of the key terms assigned, and by reading the article provided/selected, will find a short passage in the article, and support the definition of the term. These assignments can be completed in 100 words or less. Students may go beyond the 100 word minimum, but not more than 200. This is an exercise in identification and application, rather than an assignment based on analysis.[unique_solution]
Students will submit these short, written exercises, using drop boxes, located in the Current Event Module. Students will construct the response using MS Word (.doc), PDF, or Word Pad (.rtf) making sure to highlight and identify the theory, level of analysis, and research orientation/methodology, and to double space.
Students are required to respond accordingly and these short, minute papers will have a total value of 150 points. Each will have a value of 50 points per submission. The instructor will be evaluating proper use of theory, level of analysis, and research orientation/method and the specific passage cited from the news article. Each key term should have an “exact passage” from the article, which allows this identification. Please review the example provided.
The overall structure, which includes spelling and grammar, will be an area of evaluation. Students are only required to identify the theory, level of analysis, and research orientation/methodology assigned for these three written requirements. Additional terms may also be included, which are associated with the mandatory, assigned terms. Students should review the Theoretical Paradigm and Key Terms document throughout the semester. This document may be found in the Current Event Module. Students, who choose to include additional terminology associated with each theory, will earn additional three points for approved application, as long as the three key terms have been fulfilled. The purpose of this assignment is to measure student understanding of the three Sociological theories and the differences therein.
Do not simply include the key terms without providing clear examples from the news article, supporting each term, and provide either the definition for the key terms or explain clearly how the student understands the key terms.
Students will use as a research tool, the Microsoft Word document, entitled “Theoretical Paradigm Key Terms”, identifying the sociological theory, level of analysis, and research orientation/methodology in the submission. Additional key terms are included which are associated with each specific theory. Make sure to highlight the theory, level of analysis, and orientation/methodology, and any additional terms/concepts if applicable. (Use of specific terms, other than theory, level of analysis and research orientation/ methodology will be evaluated accordingly). Again, place these terms in bold, italics, underline, and different color or in CAPITAL letters.
Within each web article, students will discover and observe examples which will explain why the specific theory, level of analysis, and research orientation/methodology assigned, would be applied. Very little analysis is required; simply identifying (as if citing a passage from an outside source) an example that represents the theory, level of analysis, and research orientation/methodology assigned. Cite specific information in the articles which supports the use of theory, level of analysis, and research orientation/methodology.
- Students must use each of the three sociological theories; one per assignment (“Theoretical Paradigm Key Terms” reference document; Home page, Web Site Review folder); the theories are:
- Structural – functional paradigm – Macro level of analysis – Scientific/Positivistic orientation/method – CE#1
- Symbolic interaction paradigm – Micro level of analysis – Interpretive orientation/method – CE#2
- Conflict paradigm – Macro level of analysis – Critical orientation/method- CE#3
Review the Theoretical Paradigm Key Terms document when constructing these assignments.
The Current Event assignment is, in part, gauging the level of student involvement and understanding of sociological theory. Examples from the articles should be short and apply directly to support the use of the three key theoretical terms assigned. Cite the passage and apply to a key term.