SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Essay 1
Assignment Instructions
SOCI305: Contemporary Sociological Theory
Essay 1 (worth 25 points; due at the close of Week 3)
Choose one of the two questions to write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in our online library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Questions (choose one):
1. After completing the reading for week one concerning Durkheim and Merton, please address the following in a brief essay: 1) analyze in detail the basic tenets of the functionalist perspective, and compare this to at least one other perspective in sociology; 2) although Durkheim and Merton did not write during the same era in sociology, explain where their ideas are similar, and both contribute to a functionalist understanding of society; and 3) utilizing and citing one recent case in the media through television or radio broadcast, newspaper, and so forth, provide one key example of a social issue that shows how the functionalist perspective can be used to make society better.
2. Based upon your reading content from Week 2, concerning the work of Jurgen Habermas, please address the following in a brief essay: 1) explain and give a key example of at least three components of his theory of communicative action; 2) explain why or why not you think that applying his theory of communicative action would be for the benefit of society; 3) provide a concise definition of the “life world,” and give at least one example of how the life world has been compromised, or damaged, in modern society.
Disclaimer
Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.
Course Objectives: This course assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory.
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Note:
This course has “Resubmission” status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your Assignment. Resubmission of an Assignment after it is graded, to attempt a better grade, is not permitted.
Grading Rubric
View the grading rubric so you understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid icon at the top of this instruction page, or the grid icon under “View iRubric” on the main Assignments page.
SOCI305 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Essay 2
Assignment Instructions
SOCI305: Contemporary Sociological Theory
Week 5 Essay 2
Choose one of the two questions to write on. Essays must be at least 5 pages (not including title page and abstract – abstract not necessary), and double-spaced. Essays must be in APA format and sources must be properly cited. APA resources are available in our online library and here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Questions (choose one):
1. After reading the content concerning symbolic interaction and dramaturgy (Mead and Goffman), please address the following: 1) analyze the basic tenets of the symbolic interaction perspective, according to the work of GH Mead, paying special attention to the concept of “the self”; 2) Next, explain how the work of Erving Goffman demonstrates key components of the symbolic interaction perspective; and 3) given Goffman’s perspective, do you think it is reasonable to state that an individual person does not have an immutable, unchanging self? Why or why not? Please use specific concepts in your response.
2. Based upon your reading for week number four concerning ethnomethodology, please address the following: 1) summarize in a concise paragraph the basic tenets that underpin the ethnomethodology viewpoint; 2) explain and give an example of how “documentary interpretation” explains every day social life; and 3) explain in detail why “conversation analysis” is considered to be a part of ethnomethodology.
Disclaimer
Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.
Course Objectives: This course assessment will evaluate your ability to do the following:
Define sociological theory.
Identify and discuss the major social issues that influenced the development of sociological theory.
Identify major bodies of theoretical work in contemporary sociology and the theorists associated with them.
Analyze important developments in sociological theory, including developments in European sociological theory that influenced the growth of theory in the United States.
Summarize historical theories and the manner in which their work continues to hold relevance.
Note:
This course has “Resubmission” status enabled to help you if you realize you submitted an incorrect or blank file, or if you need to submit multiple documents as part of your Assignment. Resubmission of an Assignment after it is graded, to attempt a better grade, is not permitted.
Grading Rubric
View the grading rubric so you understand how you will be assessed on this Assignment. Click the grid icon at the top of this instruction page, or the grid icon under “View iRubric” on the main Assignments page.
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