Chapter 1 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