Professional blog

Social Problems

Analysis Project

From the Syllabus :

Students will complete a project that analyzes a current event from a sociological lens regarding a social problem in the U.S. or globally. Papers should be approximately ten to twelve pages in length, and students should demonstrate an ability to explain, analyze, and provide potential solutions to their chosen problem. Students should also explain and assess how their problem fits into the larger historical context.

Approximately one-third of the way through the semester, students should contact the instructor to set up a meeting to discuss their project. The project will be due one week before finals. More information will be provided on Canvas in the link to the description of the project.

Late Projects : the case study project is a significant part of the student grade. As such, students will be able to turn in the case study late for partial credit up to one week after the project is due.

Instructions :

The case study project gives you an opportunity to explore in more depth any one social problem in the U.S. or globally of your choosing. In the paper, you will analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the material on your topic.

You should find eight to twelve (8-12) academic articles that discuss the social problem you would like to explore. You can find academic literature in the DSU libraries or on the library website online. In addition, you should cite the course material, and readings using the concepts, terms, and/or theories discussed to support your analysis.

Analysis Paper Outline: Choose eight to twelve articles discussing one social problem that you think is of critical importance to American or Global society.

· First, introduce your issue with a statement of topic.

· Second, discuss three reasons you think the topic is important (explain and analyze), drawing on information from the articles you chose and the course material.

· Third, discuss how your chosen problem fits into the larger historical context

· Finally, conclude your paper with two proposed solutions that consider the issues and context you addressed in your paper (analysis). Your paper should support your conclusions.

Formatting: Papers should be Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double spaced with one-inch margins. Papers should be about 10-12 pages in length.

Citing: You must cite all sources (articles and course materials) within the body of your paper using in-text citations when paraphrasing and using quotes. Be sure to include a bibliography at the end of your paper. I do not require that you use any particular citation style but ask that you use the style you feel most comfortable with and use it consistently throughout the paper. If you have any questions, see the Perdue Website listed in the module with this assignment. If you still have any questions, please ask.

Case Study Rubric (100 points total):· 5 points – statement of the topic· 30 points – three reasons why the topic is important· 25 points – how your chosen problem fit into the larger historical context· 25 points – conclusions and two proposed social changes

· 10 points – citations and use of course material and academic articles

· 5 points – grammar, spelling, formatting, and organization