1. How do sociologists study the impact of society on individual thoughts, feelings, and behavior? That is, what tools and concepts do they employ to explain how society affects individuals and how individuals affect society? 2. Discuss how symbolic interactionists define the concept of society. What role do symbols and language play in the development of society? 3. What is a literature review? What role does a literature review play in the development of a research project? ESSAY 2: pick ONE of the following: 1. Discuss the three ways that interactionists view the development and maintenance of stratification in society. 2. Examine the basic tenants of identity theory. Where does society play a part in our identity formation and change? 3. Discuss how childrens culture relates to adult culture. First, discuss the three ways that children adapt adult culture into their own routines. Second, apply this knowledge to explain the maintenance of racism or sexism in the world today. ESSAY 3: pick ONE of the following. 1. Pick any major crime committed today. Compare and contrast two theories of deviance to explain why people may commit those crimes. First, review the basic tenants of each theory, then apply one or more components of each theory to explain the deviant behavior. Which theory do you think best explains the deviance? Why? 2. Discuss how community conditions can have an impact on individuals mental health. Be specific about the role of stressors and resources available under different community conditions (., urban versus rural; poor versus middle class). 3. . Describe Blumers theory of group position. Apply the theory to explain the existence of prejudice against one or more groups in society today. ESSAY 4: pick ONE of the following: 1. Review the theory of interaction ritual chains. How do our emotions contribute to the maintenance of society, according to this theory? 2. Review the role of emotions in exchange processes. What conditions are most likely to produce positive emotions? Negative emotions? What role do power and status play in the development of emotions in exchange relationships? 3. A number of theories about collective behavior have been reviewed in this unit. Pick one of the theories from the list that follows. Describe the basic tenants of that theory and compare the role that larger, social-structural conditions play in each of them, if at all. Mass hysteria theory, Emergent norm theory, Political process theory, Value-added theory, Resource mobilization theoryShow more
