All Chapter Projects

Project Assignment

Purpose

Understanding the key theorists and theories in sociology is vital. Having a thorough understanding of functionalist theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionist theory is important for exploring and analyzing multiple social issues. After completing this project, you will be better equipped to use your sociological imagination (awareness of the relationship between a person's behavior and experience and the wider culture that shaped the person's choices and perceptions) to analyze and better understand current social events and issues. The purpose of this project is to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the three theoretical perspectives, as well as your knowledge of the major theoretical thinkers and what they contributed to the field of sociology.

Directions

You will be divided into groups and randomly assigned one of the following social thinkers or theoretical perspectives from this chapter:

Social Thinkers

• Auguste Comte

• Harriet Martineau

• Karl Marx

• Herbert Spencer

• Georg Simmel

• Émile Durkheim

• George Herbert Mead

• Max Weber

• W. E. B. Du Bois

Theoretical Perspectives

• Functionalist theory

• Conflict theory

• Symbolic interactionist theory

Once your group is assigned a person or theory, you should use time outside of class to discuss this person or theoretical perspective. Make sure you understand what they contributed to sociology or the basics of your assigned theoretical perspective. As a group, you should then decide on a current social event or issue and think about how the individual you were assigned might analyze the event or how the social theory you were assigned might be used to analyze/understand the event. Prepare a brief presentation (four to six slides) that summarizes your analysis. Use images, videos, and/or outside sources to make it engaging. Be prepared to present your theorist or theory and your analysis to the class.

Materials

PowerPoint or other presentation application

Internet access

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Sociological theorists and theories are better understood through application and analysis. The purpose of this writing assignment is to give you the opportunity to apply the basic sociological concepts, theories, and ideas presented in this chapter.

Directions

Your assignment should be two to three pages in length and use APA style and citations. You will be addressing the following prompts.

• How does sociology define society and culture?

• How does sociology define figuration?

• What is the sociological imagination, and why is it important?

• What are three personal beliefs or values that you accepted growing up?

• Compare and contrast these beliefs or values with someone you know.

• What are two practices you accepted growing up?

• Explain how your upbringing and experiences led you to adopt these beliefs, values, and practices.

As you think about these prompts, keep in mind how sociologists might study the different groups we belong to, as well as the beliefs, values, and practices we engage in. Remember that sociologists are interested in how individual experiences are shaped by interactions with smaller groups and society as a whole. This may mean that you have to take a step back from your own experiences and think about how they are connected to others and influenced by society.

Materials

A word processing application

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Social research requires understanding and making connections to various aspects and components of sociological theories and frameworks. The purpose of this project is to understand and apply research strategies within a sociological context.

Directions

Part 1

You will be conducting a mock study to obtain empirical evidence on the impact of social class on educational attainment. Think about how you can apply scientific research methods to answer questions about the social world. (You will not be conducting these studies, only setting them up.)

1. Write a hypothesis about the impact of social class on educational attainment. Treat your hypothesis like a question with an independent and dependent variable. The hypothesis should be an assumption that you plan to either prove or disprove with your research.

2. Write five close-ended survey questions. Ask yourself, "Will this give me data that relate to my hypothesis?" Remember to ask only one question at a time!

3. Decide how, where, and when you would gather the responses to your survey.

4. Which sociological framework will inform your study?

5. Which sampling technique will you use?

Part 2

You will next answer some questions to evaluate your understanding of research methods and terms.

• What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?

• List three major distinctions between quantitative and qualitative data.

• What are the strengths of quantitative data?

• What are the strengths of qualitative data?

• Give an example of quantitative data.

• Give an example of qualitative data.

Materials

None required.

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

An important aspect of sociological research is the implementation of research ethics. Understanding and applying research ethics and methodology is an integral part of understanding the scientific method within a sociological framework. The purpose of this assignment is to examine and apply the code of research ethics used by sociologists.

Directions

In an essay of two to three pages, answer the following questions about research ethics through a sociological lens. Include an introduction and conclusion, and make sure to use correct grammar and spelling. Include citations as appropriate.

• What is the code of ethics for sociological research?

• How are ethics important in sociological research?

• Why is it vital for sociologists to protect the people they study?

• How can biases be avoided when conducting and collecting research?

• Do you think it is ever acceptable for sociologists to not identify themselves when conducting research? Why or why not?

• Do you think it is ever acceptable for sociologists to misrepresent themselves when conducting research? Why or why not?

• What is an example of sociological research when the ethics were questionable?

Materials

None required.

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

The values, shared beliefs, and practices of a group of people define its culture. Understanding these aspects within the context of different cultures will help you use your sociological imagination to empathize with people whose culture might be different from yours. The purpose of this assignment is to help you connect the various aspects of culture and better understand how media reflects U.S. culture and society.

Directions

You will be selecting two different media sources and examining how those sources define and represent the culture they adhere to.

1. Select two sources (televisions shows or movies) depicting various aspects of a culture (e.g., norms, values, races, and ethnic groups).

2. Define each of the major components of culture.

3. Write an analysis of each media's impact on the culture by:

   1. Analyzing the sources based on the aspects of culture given in the chapter

   2. Considering how these elements relate to aspects of the culture

   3. Considering examples of types of culture (material and nonmaterial) that are present in your sources (e.g., media, cars, values)

Answer the following questions:

1. How do the components of the culture identified in your sources combine to create a group that is different from or similar to other groups you would expect to see in mainstream American culture?

2. How might these sources impact their audience?

3. How do these sources impact you as an individual?

4. How do these sources impact or influence society?

5. What aspects of culture overlap in the two sources?

Here are some helpful suggestions to consider while you complete this project:

• Take notes while you are watching your sources and note your observations.

• Write for the uninformed reader. Assume your reader has not seen your sources and did not assign the project.

• Begin by describing the sources you are analyzing. Write a brief summary of each source and its plot.

  • Describe the setting (the time period and place).

  • Describe the relationships in detail (e.g., single person, married, children).

  • Describe the racial/ethnic composition of the source. Analyze its impact. Does it add to or take away from the message/goal? Why or why not?

  • Describe the gender composition of the source. Is it predominately male, female, or nonbinary? Analyze the impact that gender has on the source.

• Your concluding paragraph should sum up your argument clearly and concisely.

Please adhere to the following requirements:

• Your analysis should be three to five pages.

• You should cite your sources using APA citation formatting.

• You should use APA style to format your analysis.

  • You should use 11-point Calibri, Arial, or Georgia or 12-point Times New Roman.

  • Margins should be 1 inch on all sides.

  • All text should be left aligned.

  • You should use double spacing between lines and single spacing between sentences.

Materials

Access to a television/computer and cable or streaming service

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

You can learn much about a person by asking about their beliefs, values, and practices. They can inform why the person thinks a certain way and give you more empathy for that point of view. The purpose of this assignment is to help you better understand how culture directly relates to your personal life through conducting a cultural interview.

Directions

Part 1

First, you will examine the various aspects of culture by answering the following questions:

• Define culture and subculture.

• Describe aspects of material culture. (Define necessary terms used to describe material culture.)

• Describe aspects of nonmaterial culture. (Define necessary terms used to describe nonmaterial culture.)

Part 2

Second, you will conduct a cultural interview with a friend, classmate, or coworker. Have the interviewee answer the following questions:

• What is your race? Ethnicity?

• What is your religion?

• Where were you born?

• How long have you lived in America?

• Is English your first language?

• Are you multilingual? What language do you speak with your family?

• What are your parents' races/ethnicities?

• Are your parents married? Divorced? Did you grow up in a single-parent family?

• What are three of your family values?

• Give three examples of your family's customs, traditions, and holidays.

• What are your parents' occupations?

• What are your parents' highest levels of education?

Part 3

Next, analyze the answers you received and compare and contrast the interviewee's cultural values with your own. How are you similar? How are you different? How do you feel about those differences and similarities?

Part 4

Finally, answer the following questions as you reflect on the impact and effect of culture on your life:

• Why is culture important to you?

• Why is culture important in America?

• How does culture impact everyday life for you?

• How does culture impact daily American life?

• How does culture impact friendships and relationships when the cultures are similar?

• How does culture impact friendships and relationships when the cultures are different?

Record your interview and the answers, and write an essay to address Parts 1, 3, and 4. Your essay should meet the following requirements:

• Your analysis should be three to four pages.

• You should use APA style to format your analysis.

  • You should use 11-point Calibri, Arial, or Georgia or 12-point Times New Roman.

  • Margins should be 1 inch on all sides.

  • All text should be left aligned.

  • You should use double spacing between lines and single spacing between sentences.

Materials

None required

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Essay Requirements:

Project Assignment

Purpose

In this chapter, you studied the differences between statuses and roles and the issues that can be associated with them. You also learned about Erving Goffman's concept of dramaturgy. In this project, we will be combining statuses, roles, and dramaturgy in some role-play. The purpose of this project is to increase your ability to recognize different roles and statuses that you encounter every day.

Directions

Part 1

All students will separate into groups of four. Each group will be given a relationship (a type of interdependent interaction) from the instructor. Once the relationship is given, your group will write a five- to seven-minute script that highlights the given relationship.

Do not mention what the relationship is in the script. For example, if the relationship was child/parent, at no time could the child say "Mom" or "Dad."

Part 2

Once your group has a working script, you will choose two group members to act out the script in front of the class. The other members of the group may participate in minor roles; however, the focus should always remain on the relationship between the two main characters. Props may be used, but the props should be items that can be found in the classroom or are personal items.

Part 3

The group members should practice their lines and get ready to perform.

Part 4

The group members will act out the relationship that was given to them. (Remember, at no time should the relationship be directly stated.) During the performances, the rest of the class will closely observe the interactions and take notes using the following table:

As you watch each performance, keep in mind the following questions:

• What are the main roles that are being acted out by everyone in the relationship?

• Are the roles associated with achieved or ascribed statuses?

• Did you observe any role strain or conflict?

Part 5

Individually or in your original groups, write a paragraph for each performance that discusses what you observed. Refer to your notes when completing this portion. If you are writing as a group, a consensus must be reached by the group on the roles and statuses of each character before the writing portion can begin. If you are writing individually, follow the same guidelines, but use your own opinions and thoughts to write the paragraphs. After everyone has completed the written portion, the class should divide into its original groups to discuss the findings of each member. Supporting evidence must be given as to why you reached the conclusion you came to.

Finally, each group will present its findings to the class and the conclusion the group reached about each character.

Materials

PowerPoint or other presentation application

Internet access

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Writing Assignment

Purpose

In this chapter, you have studied different types of societies that exist in the world. The purpose of this writing assignment is to gain further understanding of the differences and similarities of two different types of societies that exist today and how each society affects its individuals.

Directions

You will examine a modern industrial society and a modern agricultural society. You may choose any society and country that you wish for the assignment. Before you begin writing your paper, you must submit your choices to your instructor for approval. You will write a paper that compares the two societies while focusing on their similarities and differences.

1. Choose two different modern-day societies, one industrial and one agricultural.

2. Submit your choices to your instructor for approval.

3. Take notes on each society, making note of similarities and differences between the two societies.

4. Write three- to four-pages in APA style and with citations.

Helpful Hints

• In your introduction, summarize why you have chosen the two societies. Include background information on each society, such as location, population, main religious beliefs, and any other information you might find important.

• In your body paragraphs, use your notes to explain the similarities and differences between the societies. Demonstrate how one society has more organic solidarity than the other society that has more mechanical solidarity.

• In your conclusion, summarize your thoughts about each society and why they might be equal or unequal in advantages and disadvantages.

• Use terms and concepts that you learned in the chapter.

• Question yourself about areas for further research.

• Proofread your paper for clarity, spelling, and grammar.

Requirements

• APA style and format

  • 11-point Calibri, Arial, or Georgia or 12-point Times New Roman

  • 1-inch margins

  • All text is left aligned.

  • Double-spacing between lines

  • Single-spacing between sentences

• Citations when necessary using APA style

Materials

Word processing program, internet access

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Socialization is important to both individuals and societies. If individuals are not socialized, they will not be able to understand the norms, language, and behaviors expected in certain social situations. A critical part of what holds society together is that individuals are socialized into their given society and, therefore, know how to act (or behave). This kind of social control allows a society to exist; without it, a society would disintegrate or drastically change. The purpose of this project is to help you understand how the norms and customs of American culture are important in our everyday interactions by actively questioning others about them in a social situation.

Directions

Part 1

For this project, you will be interacting with people you may or may not know. After the project is complete, you may let them know it was for a sociology assignment, but at the outset of the project, no one should know your intentions. Choose a social situation that you regularly find yourself in. This could be waiting in line at the coffee shop, going grocery shopping, or studying at the library. Any scenario is acceptable as long as it involves interacting with other people, does not put you or others in danger, and is legal/ethical.

Although socialization has taught you how to act properly according to certain customs, choose one of those customs and deliberately violate it. Try to observe the reactions of those around you. It may help to have a partner observe the other people and take notes while you interact with them.

For example, if you talk with your mouth full or play music loudly in the library, how do those around you react? Do others try to correct your behavior by telling you to swallow before you speak or to be quiet?

Do not attempt anything illegal or dangerous that could cause harm to yourself or others.

Part 2

Write one to two pages reflecting on your experience. Use the following questions as a guide.

• What did you do that violated a social norm?

• How did others around you react?

• What did it feel like to violate the norm?

• Did people try to correct your behavior and say or do anything that would indicate they want you to follow the norms?

• Were there any other norms or values operating in the situation that affected the response (or lack thereof)?

• Think back to when you first learned this specific norm or custom. Who did you initially learn it from? (Family, friends, school, etc.)

Materials

Note-taking materials

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

As you grew up, you were taught certain customs and norms through the process of socialization. In this chapter, you learned more about that process and how it affects the way we think and behave. The purpose of this writing assignment is to apply the knowledge you have learned about the concept and process of socialization and how it affects your own life. You will also consider the idea of anticipatory socialization: the ability of individuals to take their own socialization upon themselves.

Directions

You will write a three- to four-page essay, using APA style, to answer the following prompts:

• How do sociologists define socialization?

• In your own words, explain what socialization means.

• Why is socialization important for society?

• In what ways could someone participate in anticipatory socialization?

• In what ways do we often not notice that socialization is taking place? Can you think of any examples from your own life when you were being socialized but did not realize it at the time?

• Select two different agents of socialization. In what ways did they help socialize you as a child, as a teenager, or now?

As you write, think about the importance of socialization in helping individuals become members of society and how this also pertains to you. We often take for granted that aspects of human interaction and behaviors are not natural but learned through interactions with others, starting at a young age. What you write should show that you understand the concept of socialization and the two different agents of socialization that you select.

Materials

None required

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Our lives are defined by the groups that surround us and the groups we are a part of. They provide a way for us to better understand and define ourselves and others. The purpose of this project is to allow you to better define, understand, and examine the purpose and function of groups in American society.

Directions

Find a group of individuals gathering in a public place and conduct a sociological observation of the group for at least twenty minutes. Take notes and answer the following questions:

1. Where did you find the group?

2. What were the characteristics of the people in the group?

3. What were the characteristics of the collective group (not the individual people in the group)? For instance, the group may be a club, a regular gathering of friends, or coworkers.

4. What is happening in this space? Describe the ambience, atmosphere, environment, and physical characteristics of the setting.

5. How were the people arranged in the physical environment? (You may include a diagram or illustration.)

6. How were the members interacting with each other?

7. How did the group use body language and/or symbols to interact?

8. Could you discern any of the group's norms, roles, status hierarchy, or communication patterns?

9. Did the group seem unified? How could you tell?

10. Do you think the members shared a sense of identity with one another? Explain your answer.

11. What was the group's purpose? How could you tell?

12. Was the aggregate you observed a group in the sociological sense of the word? How could you tell?

13. Did anything about the group puzzle or surprise you? Were there any group interactions or characteristics that you expected to observe but didn't? Did your observation raise questions that could be answered through research?

14. Critique your own study of the group. How could you have increased the scientific value of your observations?

Your answers to these questions should fill two to three pages. Your reflection should include well-organized, cohesive paragraphs, and there should be no spelling or grammatical errors.

Materials

Note-taking materials

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Studying groups and the ways we organize ourselves can help us define and identify aspects of life. The purpose of this writing assignment is to examine the impact, influence, and importance of groups in society, in the social environment, and in our personal lives.

Directions

Consider the influence of groups on your life by analyzing the groups to which you belong and the groups that influence you.

First, make a list of all the groups you belong to. List as many groups as possible, considering family, clubs, sports teams, classes, social groups, friends, work groups, and social categories that are meaningful to you.

Then, answer the following questions in a two- to three-page reflection. Make sure your reflection is well-organized, well-developed, and does not include any errors in spelling or grammar.

• Do any of the groups you belong to transform members into a unit that is greater than the sum of its parts? How so? If it does, what additional group qualities developed because of that organization?

• Which of the groups you belong to has changed the most over time? Describe this change.

• What are the norms, hierarchies, rituals, and/or communication patterns of your groups?

• In what ways does your group membership make you feel a sense of inclusion?

• In what ways do the groups you belong to serve your emotional needs?

• Which group has influenced you, as an individual, the most? Explain this influence.

• Identify five groups that you do not belong to but that have influenced you in some way. Of these groups, which one influenced you the most in regard to your behaviors, emotions, and/or actions?

• Have you ever felt excluded from a group? If so, describe that experience.

Materials

None required

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Society's views on what is considered deviant or the norm change over time. Some behavior that might have been taboo in the 1800s could be normal practice now, and what was considered normal a few years ago could be considered deviant today. The purpose of this project is to give you the opportunity to explore deviance in society and how it can change over time.

Directions

Part 1

Select a practice or behavior that was either once considered deviant and is now normalized or something that is still viewed as deviant. Some examples are marijuana use, alcohol use, women's roles in the workplace and at home, and family structures. Research this practice or behavior using reliable sources. Try to find answers to the following questions:

• How was this practice or behavior originally viewed by society? For instance, was it seen as a medical problem, a mental health problem, or an issue of immorality ("bad" behavior)?

• Have societal views of this practice or behavior changed over time? Has the practice or behavior you chose ever been illegal? Has that changed? If so, how?

• Was a social movement, such as #MeToo or Black Lives Matter, involved in changing society's view of this practice or behavior? If so, explain the movement and how it influenced societal views on the practice or behavior.

Part 2

Write a brief summary of your research that includes the history of the practice or behavior you chose as well as key moments in history that influenced societal views. Use your summary to create a brief presentation. Use a presentation program/app, physical materials, a skit, etc.; feel free to get creative with how you present your research to the class.

Part 3

Present your research to the class. When your classmates are presenting, make note of any practices or behaviors that are/were considered deviant that surprised you.

Part 4

Gather in groups of three or four and share the practices or behaviors that surprised you. Discuss how society's changing views on what is deviant affects how you view deviance. Is there anything that you think is considered deviant today that could change over time?

Materials

Sources related to the student's chosen practice/behavior, pen and paper for writing a summary, materials for creating a presentation

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Individual and societal views on what is deviant can differ, and they can change over time. Consider something you thought was deviant but you now believe is not so. Sociologists study this kind of change in deviance and deviant behavior on the societal level. The purpose of this writing assignment is to help you understand deviance and societal views on deviance.

Directions

Write an essay (in APA style) three to four pages in length. Consider how sociologists define deviance. (Remember, it is not always criminal and not always necessarily "bad.") With that definition in mind, choose something that is considered deviant today. Within your essay, make sure to answer the following prompts:

• What is deviance from the sociological perspective?

• What is crime from the sociological perspective?

• What is the difference between deviance and crime?

• What is social control?

• How does deviance relate to social control?

• How is the practice or behavior you chose considered deviant, and what group or groups define this as deviance?

• Select one of the theories described in Lesson 7.2 and use it to explain the deviance of the practice or behavior you chose.

All sources should be cited properly, and your essay should be free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Materials

Sources related to the practice/behavior you chose, word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Technology is a huge part of our daily lives and has changed how we interact with and think about those around us. The purpose of this project is to examine how technology impacts and affects individuals in our society by reading, analyzing, and critiquing an article.

Directions

Part 1

Closely read and analyze the following article: hawkes.biz/technologynarcissism. Then, in a discussion board post of one to two paragraphs, answer the following questions:

• Do you agree with the author's points? Why or why not?

• In what ways do you think technology makes people more narcissistic?

• In what ways does technology have positive effects on people?

• In what ways does technology have negative effects on people?

• Do you think technology is ultimately positive or negative?

Respond to posts from at least two other students, respectfully and thoughtfully addressing their thoughts on the article.

Part 2

Closely read and analyze the following article: hawkes.biz/socialmediaaddiction. In a discussion board post of two to three paragraphs, answer the following questions:

• What are three negative effects of media on society?

• What are three positive affects of media on society?

• What role do you think social media has in shaping how we see ourselves and our self-esteem?

• How do other people's perceptions of us impact how we see ourselves? Why do you think people care about how others see them?

• How much does media influence how we present ourselves?

Respond to posts from at least two other students. As always, your response should be respectful and thoughtful.

Materials

Discussion board, internet access

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Technology is the foundation of much of our communication. The purpose of this writing assignment is to analyze the importance of technology for the individual as well as the impact technology has on American culture and society.

Directions

First, list three traditional forms of technology and three modern forms of technology. Next, write about the sociological significance and importance of technology in American society and in your own life. Finally, analyze how technology has impacted and transformed society, especially how it has impacted inequality and stratification. As you are writing, think about the following prompts:

• How has technology changed norms and cultural values?

• How has it changed human relationships?

• How has it changed social institutions, including work, education, business, media, family, government, and politics?

• How has it changed social class inequality and educational inequality?

• How has it changed racial, ethnic, and cultural inequality?

• How has it changed gender inequality?

• How have modern, contemporary forms of technology affected society?

• What influence do you think media will have on society in the future?

To help you answer these questions, interview a friend or family member. Incorporate their responses as citations in your essay.

Your essay should be three to four pages, use APA style, and be free of any spelling or grammatical errors.

Materials

None required

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Stratification is an important part of society for many different reasons. It helps explain how and why various forms of inequality exist, making it easier for us to also think of ways to reduce such inequality. The purpose of this project is to think about stratification as it relates to social class and what can be done at the national or state level to reduce that inequality.

Directions

Part 1

Think about how wealth and income are distributed in the United States and how we discuss the different social classes. Using two sources, further explore social classes in the U.S. and what policies at the federal level have benefited the lower class, middle class, or upper class. For instance, can you find anything related to unemployment benefits? How might that help the lower class? Are there any recent federal or state laws or policies that have changed regarding this issue?

Part 2

Write a brief summary of your two sources and then use your sociological imagination to think of your own plan for what can be done at the federal level to reduce financial inequality in the U.S. Your summary should also answer the following questions:

• How do these policies contribute to social stratification, and how has that affected your own life?

• Would you make any changes to current federal policies?

• What would these changes include, and how would they affect your life?

• Why do you feel these changes would be beneficial and help to reduce wealth and income stratification?

• If you would not make any changes to current federal policies, why not?

Finally, you should be prepared to share your ideas with your classmates. Each student will have the opportunity to explain what changes they would make and why, or if they would not make changes, why not. Once every student has had the opportunity to speak, you should be prepared to write a paragraph explaining if your own views have changed. Did another student present an idea that you had not thought of yet? Did someone make a better argument for a policy change than you originally had?

Materials

Access to two outside sources regarding inequality at the state and/or federal level

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Stratification exists to explain how and why inequality is present in our societies. It often gives privileges to some classes more than others. The purpose of this writing assignment is to apply what you have learned about stratification and think critically about the problem of inequality and how it can be solved.

Directions

This assignment will be three to four pages and use APA style. In your assignment, you will need to fully address the following prompts. Some questions have objective, correct answers. Others will ask you to think more critically and consider the strengths and weaknesses of a certain theoretical approach as it relates to stratification. In other words, how does the certain theoretical approach do a good job of explaining inequality, or how does it not explain inequality well or overlook it entirely?

• Define social stratification and explain the difference between income and wealth.

• Explain how social class is related to social stratification.

• Explain the key differences between upper class, middle class, and lower class.

• Share how social stratification has affected your own life (e.g., opportunities for meaningful employment, education, and income level).

• How does the functionalist perspective examine social stratification? What are some strengths and weaknesses of using this perspective to explain social stratification?

• How does conflict theory explain social stratification? What are some strengths and weaknesses of using this perspective to explain social stratification?

• How does symbolic interactionism explain social stratification? What are some strengths and weakness of using this perspective to explain social stratification?

Materials

None required

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

In this chapter, we studied global inequality and different types of poverty, including relative poverty and extreme poverty. The purpose of this project is to explore each type of poverty to gain a better understanding of its characteristics and effects on people.

Directions

Part 1

Divide into groups of three or four. Each group will be assigned a type of poverty to study.

For twenty minutes, research your group's assigned type of poverty and the lived experiences this type of poverty produces. The group should collectively choose one location in which the type of poverty exists. Research your location and the demographics of the people living in this region, and then present your findings to the class. You must address each of the following questions during your presentation:

• What is your assigned type of poverty, and what location did your group choose?

• Why did you choose this location?

• How much income (on average) do people in this location earn?

• What percentage of the population lives in this type of poverty?

• How might gender affect people's experiences with poverty?

• What is a typical day like for a person who lives in this type of poverty in this location?

• How might a person's life choices be affected based on their experiences with your assigned type of poverty?

• What types of aid are available for people in this location? How can they be empowered?

• Is this type of poverty being alleviated or helped? Are people given the tools to improve their own lives? How or how not?

• What ideas does your group have to alleviate this type of poverty in this location? Remember to make the people experiencing poverty the focus center of your presentation.

Part 2

After each group presents, discuss the presentations. Consider what you learned about each type of poverty and the lived experiences poverty produces that you didn't know before. For each type of poverty, what are the most negative aspects? Which aspects do you think could be overcome? Centering people who experience these types of poverty, can you think of any ideas for new policies or strategies that could alleviate the different types of poverty?

Materials

Access to sources on poverty, presentation software

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

In this chapter, we studied different types of socioeconomic groups around the world. The purpose of this writing assignment is to gain further understanding of two groups of people that exist in the lower economic segment of two different societies.

Directions

For this writing assignment, you will study the differences between people living in America's lower class and those living in India's lowest class (known as the Dalits, or Untouchables). You will write a three- to four-page paper comparing and contrasting the two societies and the lived experiences of each. You will conclude by discussing how the historical and socioeconomic factors of each location differently affect the people living in these two societies.

During your research, make sure to examine the following items:

• Income

• Status

• Discrimination (e.g., class, ethnicity/race, gender, sexuality, ability)

• Possible movement between classes (social mobility)

• Disadvantages and/or advantages

Your final paper should be free of any errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization and should use APA style.

Materials

Access to sources on these two groups, word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Race and ethnicity have a profound impact on society. They can influence many different aspects of your life and the lives of those around you. The purpose of this project is to personally connect to the various sociological components related to race and ethnicity as well as create a connection and understanding about the various elements of race and ethnicity found in American society.

Directions

Part 1

First, consider the impact and importance of race and ethnicity in your life. In a brief essay of one page, answer the following questions:

• How do sociologists define race?

  • How do you identify in terms of race?

• How do sociologists define ethnicity?

  • How do you identify in terms of ethnicity?

  • How do you experience your ethnicity through culture, shared beliefs, values, and practices?

• Where were you born?

• How long have you lived in the United States?

• What is the race and ethnic identities of your parents?

Part 2

Next, create a family tree. You can do this using poster board or digitally. You will include your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents (if possible).

Hint: If you choose to create your family tree digitally, search for a genealogy maker online.

Make sure to include the following information:

• The names of your parents

• Your parents' countries of origin

• The names of your grandparents

• Your grandparents' countries of origin

• The names of your great grandparents

• Your great grandparents' countries of origin

Part 3

Finally, write a reflection of one to two pages that answers the following questions:

• How does your race/ethnicity contribute to your individual identity?

• How does your race/ethnicity shape your sense of self?

Materials

Poster board, photos, and markers or a digital genealogy maker and photos

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Writing Assignment

Purpose

American society has shown to place great emphasis on race and ethnicity. The purpose of this writing assignment is to help you understand the role and significance of race in the United States.

Directions

In an essay of two to three full pages (using APA style), answer the following prompts:

• Do you believe that racial identity is based on biological, legal, or social factors? Explain.

• Identify the major racial and ethnic groups found in the United States.

• Discuss the racial and ethnic hierarchies found in American society.

• In terms of race and ethnicity, what are the dominant groups and minority groups in the United States?

• What social significance can you attach to the ranking of each racial and ethnic group?

• What has led to and continues to contribute to inequality among the various racial and ethnic groups in American society?

• How does a person's race and ethnicity affect their social mobility in the United States?

• How might a person who identifies with two or more racial or ethnic groups experience life in the United States?

• What socio-historical experiences or events might prevent a person from identifying their ethnicity?

• How can a person's class, gender, or sexual orientation influence their experiences with ethnicity?

• Why do you think race is such an important aspect of American culture and society?

Be sure to use credible sources and cite them correctly.

Materials

Access to sources on race and ethnicity in America

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Gender and gender norms are socially constructed concepts that are often taken for granted. This project will involve examining those gender norms, creating a collage, and presenting it in front of the class. The purpose of this project is to help you develop critical thinking skills in regards to gender norms and further explore how they are socially constructed.

Directions

Find pictures from various magazines, newspapers, and advertisements to make a collage that shows gender norms and traits that people often stereotypically think of as masculine, feminine, or androgynous.

For each image, you should be able to identify what gender stereotypes it portrays (or magnifies). Feel free to use images from multiple sources, but make sure you can discuss them and critically analyze what they subtly teach us about gender. For instance, what do these image convey about the person's identity, presentation of self, behavior, and expected interactions with others? What symbols do the images use to convey gender? How do these images perpetuate a gender binary? How do these images create norms that impact our lives? You should include at least seven to ten different pictures.

Materials

Poster board, glue, scissors, magazines and newspapers or the ability to print from online sources or a presentation program (such as PowerPoint)

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

In this chapter, you learned about the concepts of sex and gender and how sociologists think about them. The purpose of this writing assignment is to apply the knowledge you have learned about these concepts.

Directions

In an essay of three to four pages, answer the following prompts:

• What are the differences among sex, gender, and sexual orientation?

• What is a gender norm? Give an example.

• In what ways do gender norms reflect the culture, values, and beliefs of a society? Give examples.

• Can you think of a time when you experienced gender norm socialization? Describe the experience.

• In what ways were you socialized to gender norms? Who/what were your agents of socialization?

• How might the gender norms you learned differ from those of your parents or grandparents?

As you write, think about your own experiences growing up and what you have seen in the society around you.

Use APA style and cite any sources you use. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

Materials

Word processing program

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

As we age, our place in society changes, as well as how others view us. Some of the perceptions are positive, while others can be negative and damaging. The purpose of this project is to allow you to further explore ageism, or discrimination based on age, and ageist attitudes and biases in contemporary American society.

Directions

Create a collage by collecting and arranging at least seven images, articles, and/or advertisements that relate to age and the elderly.

Once you have completed your collage, gather in groups of four and five, and allow each group member to explain their collage and how the images, articles, and advertisements convey ageism in society. Additionally, make sure to address the following:

• How easy or difficult was it to find sources about the elderly? How does this convey ageism bias?

• What kind of stereotypes do you see portrayed in the images, articles, and advertisements you collected?

• How do you think these portrayals of ageism affect how the elderly are thought of and treated in society?

Materials

Print and/or online sources (that can be printed) that convey age and ageism; physical materials or software for making a collage

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Different societies and cultures view aging differently. The purpose of this writing assignment is to evaluate your own attitudes towards aging and how they align, or don't, with the society in which you live.

Directions

For this short, in-class writing assignment, spend fifteen minutes thinking about and answering the following questions:

• How do you think the elderly are viewed in your society?

• Do you look forward to aging and being elderly? Why or why not?

Think of this as a free-writing session. There are no right or wrong answers, and don't be too concerned about spelling and grammar. Just focus on getting your thoughts down on paper.

Materials

Pen and paper or a word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

In this chapter, we learned about different types of marriages and families. The purpose of this project is to help you gain a better understanding of the different types of families that exist in the United States today.

Directions

Part 1

Separate into groups of three or four. Once in your groups, discuss how each of you define family. During this time, your instructor will assign your group a specific type of family to research. Some types of families that can be assigned are family of procreation, family of orientation, single-family household, nuclear family, same-sex household, polygamous family, and blended family.

After you have been assigned a family to research, each person in your group will start researching the details. Here are some questions to consider while you research:

• Who are the members of the family?

• Is the cultural sanctioning of this type of family relatively new or has it been publicly acknowledged for a long time? Discuss.

• How do economic status, race/ethnicity, and/or gender intersect in this type of family?

• How is this type of family generally received by the surrounding community? Discuss.

Compile all the group members' research into a single presentation. Use images, videos, music, or other types of media to create a more engaging presentation.

Part 2

After the groups have completed their research and created their presentations, each group member will choose a family member that is part of the group's assigned type of family to research on their own. During the group presentation, be prepared to share how norms and status influence how this person experiences family.

Part 3

Each group will present their research, and each group member will share about their chosen family member.

Part 4

Individually or in your original groups, write a few paragraphs about what you learned from the presentations. As you write, think about the following questions:

• How does each type of family align with your original thoughts about what a family is?

• Did anything about the different types of families surprise you?

• How is your family different from or similar to each type of family?

• What is an advantage of each type of family?

• What is a disadvantage of each type of family?

• Are there unique norms related to each type of family? Discuss.

• How does each type of family relate to and interact with American culture and norms?

Materials

Access to sources on different types of families and family norms; presentation software

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Writing Assignment

Purpose

In this chapter, we learned about marriages and the different types of marriages that exist today. The purpose of this writing assignment is to gain a deeper understanding of the differences between modern arranged marriages and love marriages.

Directions

You will examine arranged marriages and love marriages in the modern world. First, you will choose a society where arranged marriages are the norm and a society where love marriages are the norm. Before you begin writing, the societies you choose must be approved by your instructor.

Next, research the differences in how the two societies view and practice marriage and how these practices are experienced by the people living there.

Finally, write a three- to four-page paper (using APA style) that addresses the following prompts:

• Summarize the two different types of marriage.

• How long have the two types been practiced?

• What are the unique historical and socioeconomic factors that influence each society's culture?

• Discuss the main types of marriages that exist in each society and how they came to be.

• What are the rituals and customs surrounding each type of marriage?

• What are the benefits of each type of marriage? Discuss.

• What are the disadvantages of each type of marriage? Discuss.

• How is each society's view of marriage different from or similar to the view of marriage that you hold?

Remember to proofread your paper and cite all sources.

Materials

Access to sources of the two types of marriage; a word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Religion serves a function in society just like the economy and the government. It's important to understand the different religions practiced all over the world, to examine how these religions affect society, and to explore how people find meaning through religion. The purpose of this project is to explore the world's major religions to better understand their basic tenets and use the sociological imagination to consider how these religions affect the lives of the people who practice them and the societies in which they are most prevalent.

Directions

Gather in groups of three or four. Your instructor will assign each group one of the seven major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity). As a group, research your assigned religion and create a presentation to share with the class.

In your presentation, address the following prompts:

• Define your assigned religion.

• What were the sociohistorical conditions that brought about the prevalence of these beliefs and practices?

• How has the religion changed over time?

• How do members practice this religion? What are their key beliefs, tenets, and rituals?

• Where is this religion most commonly practiced?

• What are the major symbols associated with this religion? What do they mean?

• Based on their varying locations across the globe, how do the members of this religion integrate their own cultural norms and values with their beliefs and practices?

• Generally speaking, are there any prejudices associated with this religion? If so, what are they?

• Do the people who practice this religion experience any discrimination? If so, in what way?

• How might race, gender, class, or sexual orientation affect how the members of this religion experience discrimination?

Make your presentation more engaging by including images, videos, and/or music.

Materials

Sources on the major world religions, presentation software

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

The major sociological theories (functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism) help us examine components of society, how religion can affect the function and evolution of a society, and how people find meaning through religion. The purpose of this writing assignment is to allow you to explore religion through a sociological lens and examine how religion has affected your life and socialization.

Directions

In an essay of two to three pages, summarize how each sociological theory analyzes religion. Then, select the theory (or theories) that fits best with your experience. Explain how religion has affected your life and socialization through the lens of your chosen theory (or theories). For instance, are you nonreligious because you experienced religion as something that perpetuated inequality (conflict theory), are you religious and enjoy practicing your religion because of the sense of community and social attachments (functionalist theory), or have you adapted the basic tenets of a specific religion to fit your own spiritual needs (symbolic interactionism)? Remember that your experience with religion does not have to fit neatly into any preconceived notions.

Make sure your essay is in APA style and is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Materials

Word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Education and its emphasis in daily life can vary from society to society. The purpose of this project is to familiarize yourself with the different sociological perspectives and how they pertain to education.

Directions

Part 1

Choose one of the following sociological perspectives as a lens through which you will study the topic of education.

• Functionalism

• Conflict theory

• Feminist theory

• Symbolic interactionism

Research your chosen perspective and locate sources that discuss education in view of your perspective. These sources could be newspaper articles, papers published by sociologists in academic journals, or news clips. Choose one of these sources, and analyze what the source is saying using your sociological imagination and applying your chosen sociological perspective.

Some examples of issues related to education that you could research include the following:

• Busing

• Equal education

• No Child Left Behind

• Private vs. public schooling

• Quality of education

• Remote learning

• School choice

• Standardized tests

• Students with disabilities

Part 2

Using the information you gathered from your source, create a brief presentation. Make sure your presentation discusses your source through the lens of the sociological perspective you chose and identifies any weaknesses you found with your chosen sociological perspective while you were analyzing your source.

Materials

Sources on education, presentation software

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

The different sociological perspectives view and evaluate the issues in society through specific lenses. For instance, conflict theory might evaluate social class and cultural capital as it relates to education. The purpose of this writing assignment is to use sociological perspectives to evaluate aspects of education and how they affect the larger culture.

Directions

In an essay of three to four pages (using APA style), summarize these sociological perspectives' views on education.

• Functionalism

• Conflict theory

• Feminist theory

• Symbolic interactionism

Make sure to identify how each perspective explains or examines education using key terms from the chapter, such as cultural capital and hidden curriculum. You should include and analyze at least two key terms per sociological perspective. Be sure to proofread your essay for errors in grammar and spelling.

Materials

Word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Government gives society structure and order. It can empower people with a sense of community and citizenship or perpetuate prejudice and discrimination. The purpose of this project is to help you understand the different forms of government, how they exist in the world today, and how people make sense of governmental values and norms.

Directions

Part 1

Choose a country other than the United States and research that country's form of government. Look for up-to-date information about what this government has recently accomplished. Also, consider any current events that relate to the type of government or have caused changes within the government. Make sure to answer the following questions:

• What type of government is it? An oligarchy, a monarchy, a dictatorship, a democracy, etc.?

• What were the sociohistorical conditions that brought about this type of government?

• How does this type of government integrate and bolster the nation's cultural norms and values?

• Did this country recently have an election? If so, what was the outcome? Were there any important events that surrounded this election? Describe them.

  • What were the citizens' reactions to the election's outcomes?

• Has the government passed any important laws recently? If so, what were they?

  • What were the citizens' reactions to these laws?

• Has the government been criticized or praised in the news lately? If so, what for?

  • From whose perspective does the critique or praise stem? How might this affect the way people see this government?

• Have there been any current events that shaped the form of government or caused major changes within it?

  • How have government officials differently responded to citizens based on their race, gender, class, sexual orientation, or religion?

Part 2

Once you have completed your research, write a summary of the information you have collected. This summary should be short, about one to two pages in length.

Part 3

Finally, use your sociological imagination to think about what it would be like to be a citizen of the country you researched. Pretend you are a citizen of the country writing a letter to a friend in another country. Share with your friend a day in the life of a person living in your country under its form of government. Try to incorporate the things you learned in your research, like current events, elections, or laws passed that might affect a citizen living in that country and how they make sense of their role in that country.

Materials

Sources on the country and government chosen, word processing software

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Society is based on authority and power. Individuals and organizations with great power and authority have the potential to permanently alter the makeup of any given society. The purpose of this writing assignment is to explore power and types of authority and consider how they affect society and people.

Directions

In an essay of three to four pages (APA style), examine the sociological definitions of power and authority. Be sure to answer all the following prompts:

• What is the sociological definition of power?

• What is the sociological definition of authority?

• What are the different types of authority? Describe them and provide examples of well-known people for each, explaining why each person fits that type of authority.

  • How did each of these people exercise their authority? How did everyday people experience and understand their authority?

  • How do these types of authority differently affect people based on their race, gender, class, sexual orientation, or religion?

  • How do those in positions of authority use cultural values, norms, symbols, and rituals to gain and assert power?

• How did Max Weber classify authority, the different types of authority, sources of power, and leadership styles?

Your essay should be free of any spelling and grammatical errors and cite any outside sources appropriately.

Materials

Sources of sociological definitions of authority and power, word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

The economy is shaped by many different factors, including social structures, government, politics, and sociological factors, like hierarchy and class. The purpose of this project is to explore how sociologists study the economy and the effect it has on society and people.

Directions

Part 1

Choose a section from this chapter about a topic that relates to the economy. For instance, you could choose to explore the wage gap in the United States, recent economic conditions, the economies of agricultural, industrial, and postindustrial societies, or any theoretical perspectives on the economy.

Explore articles or other reliable sources to find photos or images related to your topic. For example, if you are exploring the different economies of agricultural societies, you could include pictures of the kinds of tools people use to farm. If you explore the gender wage gap, you could include pictures of different genders working white-collar and blue-collar jobs. Be creative and think outside the box to use images to represent the topic you have chosen accurately and thoughtfully.

Create a poster with at least seven images and be prepared to explain each of them and how they relate to your chosen topic.

Part 2

Present your poster to the class. After everyone has presented, gather in groups of three or four to discuss the presentations. Consider the following questions as you discuss:

• What's something you didn't know that you learned in the presentations?

• What's something that surprised you from the presentations?

• Which images resonated the most with you?

Materials

Physical or electronic resources to create a poster

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Writing Assignment

Purpose

We hear the words capitalism and socialism all the time, but what do they actually mean? How do sociologists view these two forms of economy? The purpose of this writing assignment is to explore the differences between capitalism and socialism, how each affects the societies in which they are practiced, and how people differently understand them.

Directions

This assignment will be completed in class. There is no minimum length for this assignment; however, make sure you are thoughtfully addressing each of the following questions:

• What is the sociological definition of capitalism?

  • How does capitalism integrate national and cultural values, norms, and symbols to socialize people?

• What is the sociological definition of socialism?

  • How does socialism integrate national and cultural values, norms, and symbols to socialize people?

• How is capitalism different from socialism?

• How is capitalism similar to socialism?

• What are some common myths related to capitalism? How did these myths come to be?

• What are some common myths related to socialism? How did these myths come to be?

• How does each economic system create or inhibit hierarchies, stratification, solidarity, and social mobility?

• How does capitalism affect day-to-day life?

  • How might people differently experience life under capitalism based on their race, gender, or class?

• How does socialism affect day-to-day life?

  • How might people differently experience life under socialism based on their race, gender, or class?

Materials

None required

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Medical sociologists study the effects of health and medicine on societies. The purpose of this project is to give you a better understanding of pandemics and how they change societies and their health systems.

Directions

Part 1

Separate into groups of four or five. Each group will be assigned a pandemic or epidemic that has occurred in the last two hundred years to research. Some pandemics or epidemics that might be assigned are smallpox, cholera, the Spanish flu, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.

Once the groups have their assigned pandemics, all group members will research in order to answer the following questions:

• When, where, and how did the pandemic begin?

• When did it end, if it ended?

• What were the symptoms?

• Which countries or parts of countries were affected? Why?

• What segments of the population were hit the hardest? Think about gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, etc.

• How many lives were lost?

• How was the pandemic researched and approached medically?

• How was the pandemic researched and approached socially?

• How did the type of health care system in place affect treatment strategies?

• How was the pandemic discussed politically?

• How was the pandemic discussed by the media?

• How did nationality, politics, and media coverage affect treatment strategies?

• For those who survived after contracting the disease, what were the lingering health issues, if any?

• How did the medical field change due to the pandemic?

• How did society as a whole change due to the pandemic?

• How did society's view of people hit the hardest by the pandemic change, if it did?

Once the group members have gathered all their research, the group will incorporate all research into one presentation. Consider using videos, images, and graphics to create a more engaging presentation.

Part 2

All groups will present their information to the class. When your group is not presenting, pay attention to the other presentations, and make note of anything that you didn't know before or that you found interesting.

Part 3

After all the groups have presented, gather back into your original groups and discuss what you have learned from the other presentations. Brainstorm ways to stop another pandemic from occurring along with any social, political, and health care practices that you believe need to be changed.

Materials

Access to sources on pandemics; presentation software

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Society and culture can dictate how illnesses are classified and how those affected are treated. The purpose of this writing assignment is to gain insight into how societies view and treat people with mental health issues.

Directions

First, choose one of the following groups of conditions:

• Anxiety and agoraphobia

• Depression and bipolar disorder

• ADHD and schizophrenia

Next, conduct research on the pair of conditions you have chosen. Make sure to address each of the following questions:

• How has society and the medical profession historically approached treatment for people living with these disorders?

• How does society today view people living with each disorder, and how are medical professionals currently treating their patients? Why?

• How does popular culture present people living with these disorders?

• Were people living with these disorders stereotyped or stigmatized, and are they still today?

• How might popular culture affect treatment strategies?

• Does a person's gender, race, socioeconomic status, and/or sexual orientation affect how a society views and treats individuals living with these disorders? How so?

• What do you know about people living with these disorders, and what have you assumed about the people that have them?

• How has your views about people living with these disorders changed after researching?

Finally, write a three- to four-page paper in APA style that includes what you found during your research as well as a personal reflection about the people living with the disorders you have chosen (i.e., what you previously thought and what you have learned). Make sure your work is free from spelling or grammatical errors, and all sources are cited correctly.

Materials

Access to sources on mental health disorders; word processing software

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Demography, or the study of population; population growth; and urbanization, or the process of large populations moving to cities, can help you understand how population influences the development of a society. The purpose of this project is to help you better define, understand, and examine the purpose and function of defining population, population growth, and urbanization and the impact and influence of population on a society and its environment.

Directions

First, review Malthusian theory. Then, create a short timeline that traces the growth of the world's population over the last one hundred years (1920–2020). Your timeline should demonstrate how demographic populations changed over time. Be sure to use credible sources during your research.

You can create this timeline digitally or on paper.

Last, include a one- to two-page summary of the population changes that have occurred. Your summary should answer the following questions:

• What was the population of the earth in 1920?

• What was the population of the earth in 2020?

• What factors that have led to the expansion of the population over the past one hundred years?

• Where is most of the world's population currently located? Explain.

• What is Malthusian theory?

• Do you believe that the world is threatened by continued population growth? Explain.

• Identify three sociological issues related to population expansion and growth.

• Explain some of the root sociological causes that have led to starvation.

• Propose two or three solutions that will address problems related to the expansion of the earth's population.

Materials

Access to sources that record population numbers, paper and writing tools (if applicable), digital timeline creator (if applicable)

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Population patterns can differ depending on the size of the group and location. The purpose of this writing assignment is to examine the impact, influence, and importance of demographics and population migration, including immigration and emigration, on a national and global scale.

Directions

In an essay of two to three pages (APA style), consider the impact, influence, and significance of migration in the United States from both a historical and contemporary perspective.

First, write a brief history of migration in the United States. Then, examine three important policies implemented to address immigration in the United States. Finally, answer the following prompts:

• Why do you think immigration is a major issue in American society today?

• What roles do race and ethnicity play in how people perceive of immigrants and immigration policies?

• What, in your opinion, are some of the major misconceptions about immigrants in American society?

• Why do you think undocumented immigrants are viewed negatively in American society?

• How are asylum seekers and refugees perceived in American society?

• Do you think we can achieve zero growth population? Explain.

Materials

Access to sources on immigration

Checklist

Project Assignment

Purpose

Social movements drive social change and propel societies forward. The purpose of this project is to analyze the importance of social movements and social change in your life and to examine the impact and influence of social movements on American culture and society.

Directions

Part 1

First, write an essay of one to two pages that defines social movements and identifies and examines one important social change that has occurred in the U.S. in the twentieth century. Some examples include the civil rights movement, the women's rights movement, the environmental movement, and the anti-apartheid movement. You should include a brief history as it relates to the social movement you have selected.

Part 2

Next, create a picture collage that represents the social movement you selected. Include any leaders and defining symbols. You can create this collage digitally or with physical materials. You must include at least ten images, symbols, phrases, and/or music titles and lyrics.

Part 3

Finally, reflect on what you have learned in a brief one- to two-page essay by answering the following prompts:

• What is the social movement you selected?

• Why did you select that movement?

• What did you know about this movement before the assignment?

• What socio-historical events led up to this social movement?

• What kind of social movement is it: reform, revolutionary, religious/redemptive, alternative, or resistance?

• How did the participants in the movement use images, symbols, phrases, and/or music to make social change?

• Why was this movement important?

• Identify two major benefits from this movement. These can be cultural and/or individual benefits.

• How did this movement produce social change in American culture and society?

Materials

Access to resources on social change movements; a digital collage software or physical collage materials

Checklist

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Collective behavior and groups impact the way we behave in society. What we do, how we do it, and when is largely influenced by norms and values but also by the way we see others act. The purpose of this writing assignment is to examine how groups and collective behavior affect individuals in our society.

Directions

In an essay of two to three pages (APA style), address each of the following prompts:

• Define collective behavior.

• Provide three examples of collective behavior.

• Examine the implications of collective behavior.

• What are three major benefits of collective behavior?

• What are three major drawbacks of collective behavior?

• Can you think of a way collective behavior can be prevented? If so, how?

• Have you ever experienced collective behavior? How has it operated in your life?

• List three ways in which collective behavior can be a powerful tool for social change.

• List three ways American society promotes and encourages collective behavior.

Materials

None required.

Checklist