Considerations:
You are encouraged to talk about this topic with your classmates outside of class or on the study hall forum. You can even read each other’s papers. However, simply copying and editing another person’s paper is considered plagiarism and you will, at a minimum, get a zero on this assignment. Canvas is very good at catching plagiarizers. Please do not attempt.
Due date: The day of the first exam
How to turn in: Turn in a copy to Canvas on the day we take exam 1. The instructions for logging on to Canvas can be found here. YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR ASSIGNMENT THROUGH CANVAS, NOT TURNITIN.COM.
Percent value: This activity is worth 3 percent of your grade (20 points).
Resubmission policy: Any paper that receives a score of 18 or less (out of 20) can be revised and resubmitted. However, the resubmit option can only be used once. And the maximum score possible for a paper that is resubmitted is 19. There is a section on Canvas where you can turn in a resubmission. You will have until the next exam to resubmit. No late resubmissions will be accepted.
Assignment:
Think of a social problem that you would like to write a research paper on, or any other social problem. Discuss this social problem with respect to the material covered in the course so far. Refer to the textbook and PowerPoint lecture notes. You are not required to formally cite the textbook and lecture notes. You do not have use outside sources, but you can if you want. You do not have to cover all the points discussed in class. Just choose ten or so that you think you can discuss well.
Grading rubric
20 -- Excellent analysis of social problem. Clearly explains each point. Applies each point to the specific social problem in a way that demonstrates understanding of the point. Is at least two pages double-spaced (at least 600 words, usually substantially more). Is unusually insightful.
19 -- Excellent analysis of social problem. Clearly explains each point. Applies each point to the specific social problem in a way that demonstrates understanding of the point. Is at least two pages double-spaced (at least 600 words, usually substantially more).
18 -- Very good analysis of social problem. Clearly explains each point. Applies each point to the specific social problem in a way that demonstrates understanding of the point. Is at least two pages double-spaced (at least 600 words).
17 -- Good analysis of social problem. Clearly explains each point. Applies each point to the specific social problem in a way that demonstrates understanding of the point. Is at least two pages double-spaced (at least 600 words).
16 and below -- Average or inadequate analysis of social problem. Explanation of a point is sometimes unclear. Average or inadequate application of each point to the specific social problem in a way that demonstrates understanding of the point. Is two pages double-spaced or less.
How to read my comments after your paper has been graded
Here are instructions on how to see my comments provided by a student:
The best way to view it is to return to the page where the assignment was submitted through TurnItIn (in Canvas), NOT through the Grades link.
So from the main left sidebar I clicked: Assignments -> [name of assignment] -> at bottom of page click box that says 'Load [name of assignment] in new window' , which then opens the TurnItIn submission page. From TurnItIn you can click on the document submitted and the blue boxes will appear. Once you click on the blue box it expands and shows all of the professor's comments.
My comments: If you do not see the blue boxes, click on the blue quickmarks checkbox on the right side at the top. The blue box or boxes embedded in your paper are usually right at the top.
Here is a list of possible points that you can discuss (taken from the lecture PowerPoints):
There is no clear difference between phenomena that is considered a social problem and others that are not.
The definition of a social problem is often open to interpretation and debate.
Social problems are defined by the powerful
What is and is not considered a social problem can vary over time
Values are important in defining social problems
Social problems are defined as social problems as they offend our values.
The public must become aware of the problem
Legitimate social problems are those where there is agreement that it is a social problem and that something can be done about it
Negatively affects a person’s state of being
Significant numbers of people are affected
Not inevitable
Social problems can be latent results of efforts to deal with certain social situations
Social problems can have social consequences for all
Has an objective condition
Has a subjective element
How societies deal with social problems can vary
Awareness can lead to people starting social movements
Can be understood from the functionalist perspective
Can be understood from the conflict perspective
Can be understood from the symbolic interaction this perspective