Chapter 11 Projects

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

  • Sociologists' definition of race

    • Your race identity

  • Sociologists' definition of ethnicity

    • Your ethnic identity

    • How you experience your ethnic identity

  • Your place of birth

  • Time in the United States

  • Race and ethnic identity of your parents

Part 2

  • Names and countries of origin for your parents

  • Names and countries of origin for your grandparents

  • Names and countries of origin for your great grandparents

Part 3

  • How race/ethnicity contributes to your identity

  • How race/ethnicity shapes your send of self

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

  • Identifies whether racial identity is based on biological, legal, or social factors and explains

  • Identifies major racial and ethnic groups found in the U.S.

  • Discusses the racial and ethnic hierarchy found in the U.S.

  • Identifies dominant and minority groups in the U.S.

  • Assigns social significance ranking to each ethnic group

  • Identifies what has led to inequality among ethnic groups

  • Discusses how race and ethnicity affect social mobility

  • Discusses how multiracial people might experience life in the U.S.

  • Discusses the socio-historical events that might prevent knowledge of genealogy

  • Discusses how class, gender, or sexual orientation affect race/ethnicity

  • Identifies why race is such an important aspect of society